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Yesterday β€” 12 November 2025WXYZ-TV Detroit

Detroit Historical Museum hosting new exhibition in honor of Red Wings' centennial

12 November 2025 at 13:42

The Detroit Historical Museum is hosting a new exhibition in honor of the Detroit Red Wings' centennial season.

It's called "Detroit Red Wings at 100: Becoming Hockeytown" and will be in three galleries at the Detroit Historical Museum.

Inside the City of Champions Gallery, the new Motor City Showcase and the Detroit Artists Showcase, fans will find rare artifacts from the Historical Society, the team's archives and the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Some of the artifacts include:

Uniforms from Detroit Red Wings greats, including the Grind Line and Russian Five Rarely-seen artifacts on loan from the Hockey Hall of Fame and Windsor Community Museum Vintage audio and video clips of some of the greatest Red Wings moments in history A spotlight on the players who have had their numbers retired

There are also lockers like the ones in Olympia Stadium, a chance to flash the original goal lights from Joe Louis Arena and hear the organ from Olympia.

Its an honor to see a century of Red Wings history brought to life at the Detroit Historical Museum, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment Senior Vice President of Brand Marketing Asia Gholston said in a statement Every decade has its own defining moments, and this exhibit gives our fans a special opportunity to celebrate the passion, pride, and legacy that have defined 100 years of Red Wings hockey.

Β The exhibition will be on display all season long, and fans can also shop vintage Red Wings merchandise at the museum store.

This $5 ticket could make you richer than most celebrities

12 November 2025 at 13:05

The Mega Millions jackpot will reach its highest level since the multistate lottery increased ticket prices to $5 in April. The jackpot for Fridays drawing is an estimated $965 million, lottery officials said.

The jackpot has grown steadily since a player in Virginia won $348 million on June 27. No ticket has matched all six winning numbers 10, 13, 40, 42, 46 and Mega Ball 1 since then. This year there have been four winning Mega Millions jackpots.

The last time the jackpot was larger was when a California woman won $1.269 billion. Fridays $965 million prize ranks as the eighth-largest in the games history.

The winner may choose to receive $965 million in 29 annual payments through an annuity or take a one-time cash payout of $445.3 million. Most winners opt for the lump sum.

The odds of matching all six numbers are about 1 in 290 million. Matching only the five white balls without the Mega Ball wins at least $1 million. The odds of winning that prize are 1 in 12.6 million.

Mega Millions is played in 45 states, plus the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The only states that do not participate are Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada and Utah.

Crews investigating cause of fire at Rochester Hills storage facility, no injuries reported

12 November 2025 at 12:20

Crews are assessing the damage after a fire broke out at a storage facility in Rochester Hills on Tuesday night. The fire has been put out, and no one was injured in the incident, according to fire officials.

We're told that crews responded to the fire at John R and Avon around 8:43 p.m. last night. Ann Nichols, Fire Marshal and Assistant Chief for the Rochester Hills fire department, tells us that eight departments responded to the scene.

Watch Ryan Marshall's live report from the 7 a.m. show, and our interview with Nichols Fire at storage facility in Rochester Hills under control INTERVIEW: Assistant Fire Chief Ann Nichols speaks on Rochester Hills fire

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Oakland County Sheriff's Office. Crews are assessing the damage and investigating the fire, which Nichols said could take a few days. We're told the amount of damage to items inside the storage units is unclear at this time.

This government shutdown might outlast its paycheck hangover

12 November 2025 at 12:06

The House of Representatives is expected to vote Wednesday on legislation to reopen the federal government, putting an end to the longest shutdown in American history.

However, it won't just be the length of this shutdown that is remembered. It will also be the cost.

ADDING UP THE COSTS

It isn't necessarily easy to put a price tag on the federal government being shuttered since October 1. After all, families have struggled following the loss of food benefits and missed flights to family gatherings.

Wendy Edelberg knows something about the cost of shutdowns. For years, she served as the chief economist at the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. Edelberg calculated the loss of the last shutdown in 2018 and 2019.

RELATED STORY | Supreme Court allows Trump administration to continue limiting SNAP payments

"It will be the most expensive shutdown in history," Edelberg said.

Estimates vary from group to group, but the estimated cost to the economy of this shutdown is anywhere between $10 billion and $15 billion.

"The part that we never get back is the work that these federal workers should have been doing if they had been on the job," Edelberg said.

Edelberg says when federal workers receive back pay, SNAP food assistance benefits are paid, airports return to normal, and the federal government begins buying again, the economy should rebound from the recent loss.

Edelberg fears the impacts of this shutdown may linger because of a demoralized federal workforce.

"If you have basically knee-capped the federal workforce, you can see a less productive federal government going forward," Ederlberg warns.

There has also been a political cost to this shutdown.

RELATED STORY | Travel delays mount as FAA continues to reduce operations at major airports

On October 1, the approval rating for Congress was 28%, according to Real Clear Politics' polling average. As of November 10, it has dropped to 18%

That could affect politics in next year's midterms.

The health care impacts of this shutdown are relevant as well. After all, the deal to reopen the government did not produce any health insurance policy changes that Democrats fought for during the shutdown.

Expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies at the end of this year are projected to result in 4.2 million Americans dropping coverage because premium costs are too high, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.

KFF, a health care policy group, estimates that Obamacare insurers are raising premiums on the insurance marketplace by 26% on average.

Drivers frustrated over new stop signs installed on Grange Hall over I-75

By: Ali Hoxie
12 November 2025 at 11:05

No one likes getting stuck in traffic, but that's exactly what's happening to drivers in Holly. Drivers there are having a hard time getting onto I-75 at Grange Hall because of the installation of new stop signs.

Watch Ali's report in the video player below 6am version: Drivers frustrated over new stop signs installed on Grange Hall over I-75

Jason Bradshaw reached out to me on Facebook and sent me photos (below). One of those photos shows the stop-and-go traffic, and the other is a map showing the slow-moving traffic.

It seemed liked they just showed up out of nowhere, and there were no answers to you know, what happened here," he told me.

Jason said these stop signs on Grange Hall over I-75 are adding extra time and frustration to his drive.

Now in order for me to travel across that to get to Dixie Highway, or any other points that are to the east, I have to wait on average 5-10 minutes for traffic to get through the two stop signs that are there," Bradshaw said.

Once Jason reached out to me, I got to work to figure out why the stop signs were installed.

Diane Cross with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) tells me the stop signs were requested by the surrounding municipalities to help first responders.

I believe we have maybe 7 or 8 different points there where traffic comes together, so working with the local emergency responders in those local communities, it was decided that having the stop signs would then allow the emergency vehicles to get around," Cross said. "If we can stop traffic at some point, then you can get an ambulance through, a fire engine, police, that kind of thing.

While drivers might be frustrated now, there are plans in the works to help alleviate some of the congestion.

We are going to come back in 27 2027 which is not that far away in the construction world, and make these areas that have stop signs roundabouts," Cross said.

While Bradshaw likes the idea of roundabouts, he's hoping for a better solution until they can be constructed.

It does make me feel better that there is a solution in mind, however, the short term inconvenience definitely is going to spill over to a lot of frustration," Bradshaw said. Can we get stop temporary stop lights? Or something that can not cause a problem when you have heavy traffic volumes?"

If you have something that's driving you crazy, you can email me at Ali.Hoxie@WXYZ.com or reach out to me on any one of my social media pages.

Where Your Voice Matters

Government shutdown deal heads to House as flight cancellations mount

12 November 2025 at 04:42

A proposal to end the record-long federal government shutdown narrowly passed the Senate Monday night and now heads to the House, where a vote is expected as soon as Wednesday afternoon.

The shutdown continues to disrupt air travel nationwide, with Detroit Metro Airport among 40 U.S. airports affected by flight reductions. Fifty flights were canceled Tuesday at Detroit Metro as delays and cancellations mount across the country.

Watch Brett Kast's video report below: Government shutdown deal heads to House as flight cancellations mount Watch Brittany Toolis' video report below Government shutdown deal heads to House as flight cancellations mount

"Big disruption so far, massively more disruption as we come into the weekend if the government does not open. It is going to radically slow down," Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Tuesday at O'Hare Airport in Chicago.

Duffy warned that cancellations rose to 6% Tuesday but could increase to 10% by Friday as staffing issues mount for air traffic controllers, with federal workers still unpaid.

More than 1,200 flights were canceled Tuesday, with over 7,000 flights canceled nationwide since Friday.

Related video: One-way car rentals surge due to flight cancellations caused by government shutdown One-way car rentals surge due to flight cancellations caused by government shutdown

Darryl Adams, who traveled to Washington D.C. for the Lions game, experienced delays both there and back, finally making it home to Detroit more than nine hours behind schedule.

"I was supposed to get in today around 10 a.m. and now it's about 7 p.m.," Adams said. "I really felt bad for a lot of the workers. You could definitely see it, the affect."

The Senate-approved agreement would fund SNAP benefits through next year and fund the government through January but does not extend Affordable Care Act credits, only promising a future vote.

Michigan Congressman Bill Huizenga said he's "very likely to be a yes on this whole thing with a primary focus on getting this government back open."

However, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell plans to vote no, saying she's "hoping that I can work with my colleagues and that they've been hearing from people the way that I have about how people need help with a very broken health care system."

Meanwhile, the U.S. Supreme Court extended its order to block full SNAP benefits while the government shutdown continues. This decision does not change what Michigan families will receive this month, as Michigan announced they will resume full SNAP payments.

Traveler Michael Brown hopes for a resolution soon.

"If they're closing the loop on this and coming to some resolution, I hope particularly before the holidays. A lot of my friends are like come, on let's figure this out," Brown said.

Detroit Metro Airport is urging passengers to check their flight status before arriving at the airport.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Michigan World War II veteran becomes organ donor at 101, helping up to 75 people

12 November 2025 at 03:58

A World War II veteran and former prisoner of war has become a hero once again this time through organ donation at the remarkable age of 101.

Chuck Leman died from a heart condition on Oct. 6, 2025, but his final act of generosity will help up to 75 people through tissue donation, according to Gift of Life Michigan.

Watch Carli Petrus' video report below: Michigan World War II veteran becomes organ donor at 101, helping up to 75 people

"It means a lot to know that dad gave so much in life and in passing," said Chris Leman, Chuck's son.

Chuck Leman had marked on his driver's license that he wanted to be an organ donor, a decision that surprised even his family given his advanced age.

A lifetime of service

Chuck Leman's service to others began more than 80 years ago when he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1943 at just 18 years old.

"I understand it was the first induction of 18-year-olds and he and a number of people from that part of Illinois were inducted into the Army," Chris Leman said.

After extensive training in the U.S., Chuck Leman's division joined the front lines in Belgium during the Battle of the Bulge, where he was captured and became a prisoner of war.

"He came across a German machine gun emplacement and they were shot at and my dad was wounded in the neck and the head," Chris Leman said.

Chuck Leman endured extreme hunger, forced labor and freezing temperatures during his captivity.

"Dad lost some toes to frostbite," Chris Leman said.

Chuck Leman was eventually freed on April 14, 1945 by Allied forces.

Building a new life

Returning home, Chuck Leman began a new chapter, marrying his high school sweetheart, Dorothy, in 1948. The couple raised three children Jude, Tom and Chris while moving from Nashville to New York City before settling in Detroit around 1955.

"And after a couple of years of working for the city of Detroit, they formed their owned architecture, landscaping and urban planning firm," Chris Leman said.

Chuck Leman lived a long and full life before reaching 101 years old.

Age is just a number

Just an hour after Chuck Leman's passing, Chris received a surprising call from Gift of Life Michigan.

"I was happy to receive the call, interested to received the call, but rather surprised to think that dad could be a donor at his age," Chris Leman said.

Hear more about the donation from Chris Leman below: Web extra: Son talks about 101-year-old father's impact after serving in Army and organ donation

Patrick Wells O'Brien with the state's organ and tissue donation organization says in this case, age really is just a number.

"It's one of those things that people don't think is true, but there's really no upper age limit to be a tissue donor," O'Brien said.

Chuck Leman's final act of generosity, donating his skin, will help up to 75 people.

"Chuck is truly a hero in giving really this. He's sacrificed so much for this country. He's a hero and now he's a hero again," O'Brien said.

Chris Leman says his father's quiet kindness left an unforgettable legacy.

"He was somebody who I think a lot of people respected for his quiet wisdom. This is just another example of dad giving quietly. He was a great example for us," Chris Leman said.

How to become a donor

With 58% of Michiganders registered as organ donors, O'Brien says it's easy to register if you aren't already. Next time you renew your license, all you have to do is check the box and get the iconic heart symbol on your driver's license a small act that could save dozens of lives.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

The potential jump in prices has many Americans nervous about affording health care

12 November 2025 at 01:52

A Senate-passed bill to end the government shutdown will not guarantee any extension of expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies. That could mean higher health care bills for millions of Americans across the country.

Many have recently told the Scripps News Group what their insurance would look like next year without those subsidies.

"If I did not have that it would be over $600 a month which is prohibitively expensive for me," one enrollee said.

"I was expecting my costs to maybe double, maybe go up to $500, maybe at the most $600. But to see it over $1,000 was beyond shocking," said another.

"Going up to paying almost $1200 is going to be very, very difficult," said another.

A vast majority of the 24 million Americans enrolled in the Affordable Care Act marketplace receive subsidies that make their health care cheaper.

Without those, out-of-pocket premiums are projected to increase by 114% next year an average of more than $1,000, according to a KFF analysis.

The fact that the bill to reopen government wouldn't extend these subsidies is infuriating many Democrats who voted or plan to vote against it.

"I'm frustrated for the people of America," said Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ). "The 24 million Americans that are potentially going to see their premiums increase."

RELATED STORY | Scripps News/Talker Research poll: Most Americans fear they cant afford health care

A Scripps News/Talker Research poll found nearly 70% of Americans are concerned about affording their own health insurance.

Congressional Republicans say they want to come up with their own health care plan, but it remains unclear what that would look like.

"I think the Democrats have a lot to answer for. Obamacare has been a disaster," said Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO).

Scripps News' Nathaniel Reed: Are you concerned that they will just voters will just blame the party in power? They won't know the nuance of how their healthcare prices got more expensive.

Sen. Schmitt: That's what elections are for.

Detroit high school teacher charged in child sex sting in Ohio

12 November 2025 at 01:24

A Detroit Public Schools Community District teacher is on administrative leave after he was arrested hundreds of miles away in a child sex sting last week, officials said.

Jacob Suder, a 31-year-old teacher at Mumford High School, is accused of contacting an undercover officer he believed was a minor. Court documents say he offered $60 in exchange for oral sex.

Suder was directed to a parking lot in Ohio, where he was taken into custody on Thursday. He's been charged with compel prostitution pay or agree to pay a minor to engage in sexual activity.

DPSCD says it's unaware of any other alleged victims but will conduct and investigation to make sure that's the case.

Read the school district's statement below:

The District was recently informed that a Mumford teacher was taken into police custody in Ohio related to an alleged sexual solicitation of a minor. The teacher has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation and any criminal proceedings and is not permitted to be on DPSCD property. We are unaware of any other alleged victims associated with the school but will conduct an investigation to ensure that is the case. School families and staff have been informed.

Adelita Grijalva is about to tip the scales on the Epstein files in the US House

12 November 2025 at 00:35

Arizona Congresswoman-elect Adelita Grijalva is expected to be sworn into the House of Representatives as early as Wednesday, more than 7 weeks after recall vote won that special election to replace her late father.

House Speaker Mike Johnson has refused to swear in Grijalva until the government shutdown is over. With a bipartisan deal to fund the government now in the works, the House will be reconvening and a first order of business will be to bring Grijalva into the chamber.

Grijalva's vote as early as Wednesday could be a deciding factor on whether the Justice Department releases files relating to the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein.

RELATED STORY | House to resume legislative business for first time since September amid shutdown

Typically the Speaker of the House is the one who brings votes to the floor, but in this case Johnson elected not to hold a vote on the Epstein files.

Instead, the House of Representatives needs to gather at least 218 signatures to enforce what's known as a discharge petition, which would force the bill into consideration.

Until this special election, Democrats in the chamber only had 217 members willing to sign on to the petition, including the four Republicans supporting the release of the Epstein files.

The last time the House was fully in session was Sept. 19. Since then, the chamber has only been open for so-called pro forma sessions, when no roll call votes are taken.

Vietnam War veterans honor decades-long friendship that began in middle school

12 November 2025 at 00:00

Two Jewish Vietnam War veterans are being honored this Veterans Day not only for their military service, but for an extraordinary friendship that has lasted 75 years and counting.

Watch Jolie Sherman's video report: 75-Year Friendship: Vietnam Veteran Doctors Share Incredible Bond

Dr. Paul Gold and Dr. Joel Leib have shared nearly every chapter of their lives together from middle school through medical school, military service in Vietnam, and a 50-year medical practice partnership.

"We were like brothers in sense," Gold said.

The lifelong friends met in middle school, went to high school together, and continued their education at Wayne State University. Both were also accepted into the osteopathic medicine program in Des Moines, Iowa.

"We had the same experiences over a lifetime, and that tends to make you close," Leib said.

In their mid-20s, both newly married and fresh out of medical school with Leib a first-time father they were drafted to serve in Vietnam.

"I got a notice in the mail, halfway through my internship, that said San Francisco on the outside, so I knew immediately what it was," Leib said.

While their shared experiences continued in Vietnam, their military assignments differed.

Gold, a Purple Heart and Silver Star recipient, served as a combat physician, stationed two miles behind every mission, while Leib worked as a radiologist, oversaw a hospital of six beds, and often treated patients with malaria and shrapnel wounds.

The friends saw each other every couple of months during their deployment. When they did reunite, it was as if no time had passed.

Leib recalled one memorable encounter: "One day I was reading a comic book a Superman comic book and I hear this noise outside, grinding."

Gold had arrived in a military vehicle. "We pulled the track up to Joel's door, and we beeped the horn real loud," he said.

"I said, Are we being raided? So, I go out, and I see this tank with the point aiming at me, and I see this guy full of dirt and mud and bullets across his chest and an M16, and I looked at him and said, 'Paul, is that you?' He said, Yeah, it's me, don't you know there's war on?" Leib said.

Their bond remained unshakeable after the war. They say the experience enhanced their medical skills when they returned to civilian practice.

"It was like spending a whole year in the emergency room, so it added to my great knowledge when Joel and I went back into practice a year and a half later," Gold said.

The two opened a family medicine practice in Waterford and worked together for 50 years. Their Vietnam service not only made them better doctors, but they say better people and friends.

"I look at it as an experience that made me appreciate life more, and appreciate the things that I have and that my family has more," Leib said.

Gold called his Vietnam service "the most fulfilling year of my life." Their friendship continues to flourish decades later.

"He was a good friend then and a good friend nowand he'll be my friend for the rest of my life," Leib said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

At Arlington National Cemetery, Trump thanks veterans in wreath-laying ceremony

11 November 2025 at 23:53

U.S. President Donald Trump was at Arlington National Cemetery on Tuesday for a wreath-laying event to honor those who have served as the nation celebrated Veterans Day.

He was introduced to the audience in the amphitheater by Vice President JD Vance, a former Marine. President Trump and Vice President Vance both wore gloves and overcoats against the cold in Washington, and the president also had a red scarf.

Today, to every veteran we love our veterans we say the words too often left unsaid: Thank you for your service. Thank you," President Trump said.

"We love you. We salute you. And we will never forget what youve done to keep America safe, sovereign and free," he added.

ADDITIONAL REPORTING | Trump marks Veterans Day from Arlington National Cemetery

Trump lays wreath at Arlington Cemetery to mark Veterans Day

President Trump also acknowledged a long list of administration officials present at the ceremony, including House Speaker Mike Johnson. He saluted Johnson for the big victory of the government being on the verge of reopening after a lengthy shutdown.

President Trump said hed like to personally acknowledge more people attending, but that low temperatures made him rethink that: Its a little cold.

President Trump then laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, then reached out and touched the wreath before taps was played. He, Vance and other top administration officials saluted throughout the song.

Hamtramck city clerk placed on leave amid election dispute allegations

11 November 2025 at 23:41

The Hamtramck city clerk has been placed on administrative leave following accusations of election interference, just days after a mayoral race was decided by only 11 votes.

A source within the city confirmed Monday that City Clerk Rana Faraj was put on administrative leave after being accused of meddling with last week's election. Faraj previously voiced concerns about alleged voter fraud in past city elections and wrote a letter to the attorney general's office pushing for an investigation.

Watch Faraz Javed's video report below: Hamtramck city clerk under fire amid uncounted ballots Watch Kiara Hay's report from Wednesday morning Hamtramck city clerk placed on leave amid election dispute allegations

The controversy centers around 37 absentee ballots that were allegedly found in the city clerk's office after the election.

"There's 37 other ballots that needs to be counted that came out of nowhere," mayoral candidate Adam Alharbi said.

Alharbi and his attorney Nabih Ayad also claim at least one unauthorized person accessed the office during voting, raising questions about uncounted ballots.

"That is a concern because we don't know where they came from and I don't think they should be counted," Alharbi said.

According to unofficial results, voters in Hamtramck elected the political newcomer over his opponent, City Councilman Muhith Mahmood, by just 11 votes.

"The entire election is a concern," Alharbi said.

Related video: Hamtramck mayoral race razor thin; rejected absentee ballots could determine outcome Hamtramck mayor race comes down to absentee ballots that need to be corrected

The Yemeni American candidate and his attorney have filed a lawsuit against the city of Hamtramck, its clerk, Wayne County and Mahmood.

"His opponent signed an affidavit saying he lives in the city of Hamtramck. And come to find out, the investigator's report revealed that he does not live in Hamtramck. He's been living in Troy for seven years," Ayad said.

However, Mahmood disputes the residency allegations. The Bengali American says he's owned the Hamtramck property for about five years.

"I'm in a housing business. I have a house in Hamtramck, a house in Troy, a house in Center Line and one in Detroit," Mahmood said.

Mahmood said one reason for also living in Troy was so his daughter could attend school there. He denies any residency violation and insists that according to the clerk's office, the race still has hundreds of ballots left to certify.

"Next day when he finds out there's some ballots need to be counted or there's some issues, he sent me an email. Then if you don't challenge my winning, then I won't sue you. Otherwise, I'll find a lawsuit against him," Mahmood said.

When asked about concerns regarding the city clerk, Mahmood said it was concerning but declined to comment further while an investigation is ongoing.

Attorney Amir Makled, who recently settled a lawsuit with the city involving Hamtramck's former police chief, defended the clerk's character.

"The city clerk is someone I always found to be deeply ethical and hard working, and was very transparent and accountable throughout the entire time I've dealt with her," Makled said.

Makled said he is well aware of the city's politics.

"I've always found the council the one not always working in the best interest of the city," Makled said.

Ayad shared similar feelings and indicated the matter may escalate to federal authorities.

"We're making a complaint with the FBI to go ahead and the public corruption unit to investigate the city of Hamtramck and all the public corruption that's going on," Ayad said.

Calls to Faraj went unanswered. A source close to the matter says her leave is part of "due diligence" and only a full investigation will determine if any crime occurred.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Volunteers honor veterans at Great Lakes National Cemetery after government shutdown cancels ceremony

11 November 2025 at 23:35

Volunteers stepped up to help honor service members at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly after the official Veterans Day ceremony was canceled due to a government shutdown.

Watch Demetrios Sanders' video report: Volunteers honor fallen veterans at Great Lakes National Cemetery

Cindi Foster was among the volunteers placing flags next to headstones on Tuesday, reflecting on her father's years of service.

"He was an aviation mechanic during the Vietnam era, so he really enjoyed it," Foster said.

Foster emphasized the importance of remembering those who served.

"If we don't learn from our history or appreciate what people have done for us to get us to this point, you're losing a lot," Foster said.

The volunteer effort was organized by non-profit The Heroes Operation after learning that normal ceremonies at the cemetery wouldn't proceed because of the government shutdown.

"When we heard it wasn't going to happen, we had to jump into action and do something," said Eric Hannan, board member with The Heroes Operation.

In just a few days, the organization ordered around 17,000 American flags. The community showed overwhelming support, with upwards of 250 people arriving on Veterans Day to place them.

"We had some people drive as far as Tennessee that heard about the story over the weekend and just wanted to travel up here and be a part of it," Hannan said.

Charlotte O'Malley, who has relatives and friends buried at Great Lakes National Cemetery, said it meant a lot to help recognize them.

"As you're growing up, you don't realize what they went through, but when you get older, my age, you realize," O'Malley said.

The flag placement also served as a way for volunteers to express gratitude for veterans' service.

"Sacrifices that they made are just really evident when you're out here," said volunteer Allen Porter.

Hannan encouraged others to show appreciation for veterans in both big and small ways.

"You can do as much as supporting or shaking someone's hand; it means a lot to them," Hannan said.

The community is also encouraged to visit Great Lakes National Cemetery if they haven't done so.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Supreme Court extends order limiting SNAP payments through November

11 November 2025 at 23:21

The Supreme Court on Tuesday allowed the Trump administration to continue limiting SNAP benefits paid in November, extending a temporary stay that it had placed on payments last week.

The court's order is set to expire at Midnight on Thursday, as a potential deal to reopen government and fund SNAP draws closer. Congress is widely expected to finalize a bipartisan funding deal to reopen the government, which is now awaiting a House vote, later this week. As part of the deal, SNAP is expected to be fully funded through the fiscal year.

The Trump administration has signaled it will support that bipartisan deal.

"We have support from enough Democrats and we're going to be opening up our country," President Donald Trump told reporters on Monday afternoon. "I'll abide by the deal. The deal is very good."

Still, the more than month-long shutdown has put significant strain on the SNAP system and the millions of Americans who depend on it to pay for food. The Trump administration has told states like New Jersey and Hawaii that they are not going to be reimbursed for money already spent on SNAP and EBT cards while the legal fight plays out.

RELATED STORY | Trump admin tells states to 'immediately undo any steps taken' to provide full SNAP benefits

In the last weeks, SNAP funding became the critical focus of a back-and-forth legal fight during the shutdown. The administration initially said it could not use contingency funds to cover full November SNAP benefits. After several states and nonprofit groups sued, a federal judge in Rhode Island ordered the government to use all available funding to fully cover the benefits, rather than only a partial amount.

The administration appealed that ruling, eventually bringing the issue to the Supreme Court. On Friday, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson issued a temporary stay to allow the appeals process to play out. On Sunday, the appeals court declined to extend that stay, leaving the lower courts order requiring full benefits in place.

Oakland County launches Safe Tonight Shelter Fund to help homeless during winter months

11 November 2025 at 23:03

When the doors close and the night sets in, help isn't always easy to find for people experiencing homelessness in Oakland County. But a new program is changing that with the Safe Tonight Shelter Fund.

Watch Meghan Daniels' video report: New initiative in Pontiac is helping people experiencing homelessness

The idea for the program was born from a serious need in the community a safe and warm place for people to sleep during the coldest months of the year.

"Called me one Sunday to ask me if we could open up our facilities to help out in this emergency. And of course, how can we turn people down like that?" Bishop Theresa Lee said.

Launched by Oakland County's Task Force on Poverty and Homelessness and several community partners, the program connects people in crisis to after-hours shelter spaces, like New Birth International Church in Pontiac.

Lee is the senior pastor at New Birth International Church. She says when the call came, the church answered because messy action is better than no action at all.

"When God gave us this church, it's a church without walls. We are unlimited. We go beyond these walls and we have done plenty of community work, this is just part of what we've done," Lee said.

That action could be life-saving. Steve Norris of the Recovery Collective says community partners are determined to prevent tragedies from last winter.

"We were really concerned with the frigid temps from last year that people were going to freeze to death, and unfortunately, 4 people did," Norris said. "When there's a need, you quickly and intuitively understand what needs to be done to accomplish it."

Khadija Walker-Fobbs, an Oakland County housing officer, says they're partnering with local churches and community groups, like New Birth International, to make sure everyone has a warm place to sleep at night.

"It's just a way the community comes together, the village comes together to make sure we're providing some support for families who are in need this winter season," Walker-Fobbs said.

Inside the warming center, the mission is simple: a safe place, a warm meal, and a chance to start over.

"We'll have a nice warm bed for them, nice warm food, make sure they eat!" Charlotte Jones said.

Jones is the Director of the warming center at New Birth International Church. She says beyond providing immediate shelter, the program offers a path forward.

"Once they get settled, then we will go into the office and I will speak with them to find out 'what is it that you want?'" Jones said.

The after-hours shelter at New Birth International Church will be opening on December 1.

If you or someone you know is in need of emergency shelter in Oakland County, click here.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Grosse Pointe Farms residents say sewage pumping station odor is 'unbearable'

11 November 2025 at 22:50

Some residents in Grosse Pointe Farms say an odor coming from a sewage pumping station has become so unbearable that they're considering moving away from the area.

Watch Peter Maxwell's video report: Grosse Pointe Farms residents say sewage pumping station odor is 'unbearable' Watch Ryan Marshall's video report Grosse Pointe Farms residents say sewage pumping station odor is 'unbearable'

The sewage pumping station is located on Chalfonte Road near Hillcrest Avenue and is operated by the Southeast Macomb Sanitary District.

You can faintly smell the odor on cooler days, but residents who live near the pumping station say this is nothing compared to what they've dealt with when it's warm outside.

"It smells like sewage, of course. But it's very foul," said Mark Montante, a Grosse Pointe Farms resident.

"You can smell it now, and this is just a light smell," said David Pitts, another Grosse Pointe Farms resident.

Pitts lives right across the street from the pump house. He's lived in the Farms for 24 years, but for the last 15 years, he says the smell is unbearable and has complained to the city of Grosse Pointe Farms about the issue.

"You can't sit out here in the summertime, the smell is all in my house. You can flush the toilet, you can run the water, you can smell it," Pitts said. "I can't have a barbecue here anymore because of the stink. I wish they would shut it down."

Montante moved to Grosse Pointe Farms two years ago and says the smell is nauseating when they're outside, and they've even considered moving.

"It's very frustrating for me. I put a lot of money into this home, and for me to deal with that, it's totally unfair," Montante said. "The last episode realistically was the day after Halloween, and it was bad."

The city and the Southeast Macomb Sanitary District say the odor is caused by stretches of little rainfall and is more noticeable in warmer and more humid weather, and is less noticeable in colder weather.

Montante has drafted letters and plans on sending them to the city, sanitary district, Wayne County, and the state.

"There needs to be regular scheduled maintenance with this pumping station over here. There are carbon filters that probably need to be changed on a regular basis, opposed to two to three years ago," Montante said.

City Manager Shane Reeside confirms that multiple complaints have been filed and says the city is working with the Southeast Macomb Sanitary District on a solution.

The director of the sanitary district says they have increased the odor control settings and provided a statement:

The SEMSD Kerby Pump Station has a carbon odor control system that is in continuous use to help mitigate odors at the station. Staff at the SEMSD performs inspections and maintenance daily to ensure that the system is operating as designed. We are always evaluating new technology in order to improve the Kerby Pump Station.

For residents like Montante and Pitts, they just want the smell to go away.

"I wish they would just shut it down," Pitts said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy. Where Your Voice Matters

'Completely ruined our wedding.' Local caterer sued for allegedly not delivering on promises

11 November 2025 at 22:36

A local caterer and chef is now being sued and has a complaint filed against him with the Michigan Attorney General's Office after local brides claim that what he's promising to deliver on their wedding days is not what they receive.

Watch Ruta Ulcinaite's video report: Local caterer sued for allegedly not delivering on wedding promises

Your wedding day is supposed to be one of the most special days of your life. The hours of planning and thousands of dollars spent, all adding up to celebrating the love you share.

David Parker runs James Parker, or JP, Hospitality. He's also associated with the name Curated Hospitality online. He advertises as an event planner specializing and parties, celebrations and weddings.

I feel taken advantage ofand its not how we treat people," Stacey Rackham, a new bride, said.

Rackham says what was supposed to be one of the best days of her life turned into a stressful, negative experience with her caterer, Parker.

She says she paid Parker in full for his services, like catered food and help with set-up and coordination, all before her reception in metro-Detroit on Aug. 31.

Rackham provided 7 News Detroit with a contract from August that referred to even staffing as "a private chef, service and bar team."

However, she and her wedding planner attest that despite getting some help with prep work early in the evening from one additional person who then left, it was just Parker there. She claims she didn't receive agreed-upon and paid-for late-night foods and received the wrong wedding cake, making it hard to focus on what mattered most to her on that special night.

Its people I havent seen in a long time and just so happy to see them, so it really kind of pulled us back into that moment where I was like, this is what I have to focus on," Rackham said as she choked up. "These people chose to make time for us on a holiday weekend to celebrate, so lets focus on that."

Rackham filed an official complaint with the Michigan Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division just days after her wedding on Sept. 2. You can read the complaint below

In the complaint, she discusses the lack of staffing and that food was not prepared as contracted, resulting in "significant disruption to my event and financial loss."

Because of this, she requested a partial refund, a refund that she said never came.

She also provided us with an email conversation where Parker allegedly says that "there were no significant issues."

Parker also stated Rackham had extra guests at the time of the service, that at "no point throughout the night was anything communicated negatively," and that the cake provided was "exactly what we discussed."

Feeling helpless, Rackham says she took to social media to warn other brides.

Parker allegedly notified her that "for each day social media posts are up and visible, we will be seeking $10,000 per day in damages," and that he hopes "this karma should never impact you personally or your business."

"He responded back just really dismissively and defensively, challenging my character," Rackham said.

Rackham says she's heartbroken, and new bride Taylor Caradonna says she feels the same.

"I spent months and months planning what was supposed to be one of the happiest days of our lives, and it was just taken from us," Caradonna said.

Caradonna filed a lawsuit in Sixth Circuit Court, suing Parker for breach of contract, emotional distress and more. The complaint states in part that David, "Utterly failed to deliver - both in substance and in basic professional decency"

The allegations in the lawsuit state Parker was to provide catering for 80 guests, which included a grazing table, sliders and fries and more.

It also states that Parker "materially breached this agreement through nonperformance and substandard service."

Caradonna said her most special day turned into the most stressful. You can read the lawsuit below.

"We were just kind of in shock. I think it was, we were more so just embarrassed. Like, it's just an embarrassing thing," she said.

The lawsuit also alleges the happy couple ended up having to buy pizzas out of pocket to feed their hungry guests that night. It states that when confronted at the wedding, Parker acknowledged the deficiencies and said a refund or reimbursement would be provided. A refund that the lawsuit alleges never came.

We reached out to Parker to see if he had a response to the lawsuit. He said in part,

Over the past 15 years, I have managed more than 2,000 successful events without a single client dispute. The only time my professionalism has been questioned has been within the last year specifically by a small, interconnected group of individuals associated with lower-budget events."

Over the course of three months, through phone conversations, texts and emails, Parker denies all wrongdoing. According to the court docket, he has not yet filed a response to Taylors lawsuit in court.

Back in September, over the course of two weeks, we offered him the opportunity to discuss Caradonna's and Rackham's allegations against him in a sit-down interview. It was his opportunity to clear the air.

As we were reviewing our questions, two minutes after our scheduled meeting time, Parker canceled.

In his text for the canceled interview, he said in part, "There are two sides to every story and while its easy to hop on social media and bash someone when they are down the reality of much of this is much more complex. I appreciate the opportunity but at this moment its best to let this play out."

We also found out that on Sept. 4, the Oakland County Health Division sent Parker a cease and desist order for "conducting an unlicensed food service" at a real estate agency in Rochester that, according to Department Public Information Officer Bill Mullan, Parker advertised "as an event space with food."

As of Nov. 5, Mullan said Parker has not obtained the proper license needed to continue operations.

The health department told us back in September that "There are exemptions to licensure for private chefs that prepare meals within a private home kitchen and their guests. Mr. Parker has gone beyond that with his current business model and will require licensure."

These brides want their refunds, yes, but more than anything, they say they just want Parker to do better.

"I don't wish ill towards him. We're all human, we make mistakes, but I just hope that he learns from this," said Caradonna.

Suspect in Shelby Township double homicide faces 13 felony charges over $3,000 car dispute

11 November 2025 at 22:30

Police say the double homicide at a Shelby Township auto dealership stemmed from buyer's remorse over a $3,000 Hummer.

Terrance Sandles was arraigned Monday on 15 felony charges, including first-degree murder and armed robbery, in connection with a the killings. Two charges were later withdrawn.

Watch Randy Wimbley's video report below: Suspect in Shelby Township double homicide faces 13 felony charges over $3,000 car dispute

The fatal shootings happened Friday at Star Auto Sales on Ryan Road near Auburn Road, where Sandles allegedly killed dealership owner Marvan Batoo and customer Ghaith Baban.

Police tracked Sandles to a hotel in Romulus, where he had been living. They say he returned to the hotel just one hour after the murders.

"He bought a vehicle from Star Auto Sales and they had a dispute. He thought it was a lemon. They went back and forth arguing about it and at a certain point, he just dropped the vehicle off and just left it there," Shelby Township Police Chief Robert Shelide said.

Video: Investigators discuss double murder case Investigators discuss double murder case in Shelby Township

Police say tensions reached a boiling point three weeks ago when Sandles confronted Batoo at the used auto shop. Those tensions boiled over Friday when Batoo was in his office with customer Baban.

"Surveillance video from the side of the business shows the suspect entering the business and shooting both Baban and Batoo at point-blank range," Shelide said. "He didn't go there to rob and this wasn't a hit. He went in to kill that man, to kill the owner and Mr. Baban just happened to be there."

Baban's brother Sameer Najeeb expressed his heartbreak over losing his sibling.

"It's just too much, just somebody you were with all your life and now he's just like randomly picked and gone," Najeeb said.

Extended interview: Family of victim in Shelby Township shooting speaks out Extended interview: Family of victim in Shelby Township shooting speaks out

Police say Sandles fled the scene, but investigators identified his getaway vehicle, which initially confused them.

"Our FLOCK cameras and surveillance video picked up the license plate. It comes back registered to a guy, so we thought this was the guy. Well, it turns out his name has a hundred vehicles registered to him," Shelide said.

Police contacted the registered owner who explained the vehicle was a Turo rental car that Sandles was using. Investigators tracked Sandles' location through his cellphone to the Magnuson Hotel near Detroit Metro Airport in Romulus, staking out his room and car before making their move.

"We executed a no-knock warrant that was signed by the magistrate and immediately went into the room and arrested Sandles," Shelide said.

Previous coverage: Man charged in double homicide at Shelby Township auto dealership Man charged in double homicide at Shelby Township auto dealership

Inside the hotel room, police say they found the gun used in the murder, cash stolen from Star Auto Sales and other evidence.

Macomb County Prosecutor Pete Lucido says Sandles is wanted in Houston, Texas, his hometown, on an outstanding warrant.

"He's going to be sitting in the Macomb County Jail until we get this case resolved. After this case has been concluded, then and only then will they have rights to this prisoner," Lucido said.

Previous coverage: Police searching for suspect after double fatal shooting at Shelby Township auto sales shop Police searching for suspect after double fatal shooting at Shelby Township auto sales shop

Investigators say Sandles came to Southeast Michigan to escape police in Texas. It's not entirely clear how long he had been in the area. He's currently being held without bond at the Macomb County Jail.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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