With Tropical Storm Melissa expected to strengthen into a hurricane this weekend, officials are warning that Jamaica and Haiti could face catastrophic flooding.

According to the National Hurricane Center, Melissa is expected to meander off Jamaicas southern coast, lashing the mountainous island with heavy rain and gusty winds. The storms outer rainbands are also forecast to continue impacting Haiti.

The National Hurricane Center said much of Jamaica and Haiti could see 15 to 25 inches of rainfall, with some localized areas receiving up to 35 inches.

Hurricane-force winds are expected to begin pounding Jamaica on Sunday and may not let up until late Tuesday. By then, Melissa is expected to become a major hurricane.

Melissas slow movement will bring a multi-day period of damaging winds and heavy rainfall beginning tonight, likely causing catastrophic flash flooding and numerous landslides. There is an increasing risk of life-threatening storm surge early next week. All preparations should be completed today, the National Hurricane Center said as the storm approaches Jamaica.

The storm is forecast to eventually drift north, striking Cuba or Haiti directly before moving through the Bahamas.

Catastrophic flash flooding and landslides are expected across southwestern Haiti into early next week, likely causing extensive infrastructural damage and potentially prolonged isolation of communities, the National Hurricane Center said. Immediate preparations to protect life and property are urged. Strong winds could also potentially last for a day or more over the Tiburon Peninsula.

Some of your favorite streaming services just got more expensive, and it's prompting customers to rethink which services stay and which get cut.

Hulu, Disney Plus, and HBO Max all raised prices this week, adding to a growing list of subscription services that have increased costs throughout the year. We broke down the changes you can expect to see.

Hulu

Most ad-supported plans and bundles increased by $2-$3 per month. The largest jump affects live TV subscribers, whose plan increased by $7 per month.

Here's what plans cost now:

Hulu with ads increased to $11.99 Hulu without ads stayed the same at $18.99 Disney+ and Hulu bundle with ads increased to $12.99 Disney+ Premium and Hulu bundle without ads stayed the same at $19.99 Disney+ Premium, Hulu and ESPN Select bundle without ads increased to $25 Hulu and Live TV plan increased to $89.99HBO Max

HBO Max rolled out price increases across all subscription tiers for new subscribers, effective immediately. Current monthly subscribers will see increases starting Nov. 20.

Here's what plans cost now:

Basic plan with ads increased to $10.99 per month and $109.99 per year Standard ad-free plan increased to $18.49 per month and $184.99 per year Premium plan increased to $22.99 per month and $229.99 per year

Hear more about the price changes and how subscribers feel in the video below:

Hulu, Disney+ and HBO Max raised prices again. Here's what it means for youWhy are prices going up?

Dashia Milden with CNET said Americans spend an average of $90 a month on subscriptions.

"People are spending money on subscriptions that they're also not using," Milden said.

Experts say the higher prices are due to rising content production costs. Competitors like Netflix, Peacock and Apple TV Plus have all increased their prices this year as well.

How to manage your subscription costs

The best way to manage your subscription costs is to audit your spending. Check your bank account to see what you're spending on, and ask yourself which services you really need. You can also rotate services by picking one or two platforms for the month and then cancel and switch to different services next month.

Paying by the year can also save you money in some cases. For Hulu and Disney+, paying annually instead of monthly can save you 15% to 20%.

This article was written by Taylor Nimmo for the Scripps News Group in Cincinnati.

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.

President Donald Trump headed for Asia Friday night for the first time this term, a trip where hes expected to work on investment deals and peace efforts before meeting face-to-face with Chinese President Xi Jinping to try to deescalate a trade war.

We have a lot to talk about with President Xi, and he has a lot to talk about with us," Trump told reporters as he left the White House. "I think well have a good meeting.

The president will have a long-haul flight that has him arriving in Malaysia on Sunday morning, the first stop of a three-country sprint.

His trip comes as the U.S. government shutdown drags on. Many federal workers are set to miss their first full paycheck this week, there are flight disruptions as already-squeezed air traffic controllers work without pay, and states are confronting the possibility that federal food aid could dry up. As Republicans reject Democratic demands for health care funds, theres no sign of a break in the impasse, but Trump seems to be continuing on with business as usual, including his foreign trip.

RELATED STORY | First woman to lead Japan poised to steer country sharply to the right

"America is shut down and the President is skipping town, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement Friday night.

Trumps first stop is at a regional summit in Kuala Lumpur. Trump attended the annual Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit only once during his first term, but this year it comes as Malaysia and the U.S. have been working to address a skirmish between Thailand and Cambodia.

On Sunday, hes scheduled to have a meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, followed by a joint signing ceremony with the prime ministers of Thailand and Cambodia.

Trump threatened earlier this year to withhold trade deals with the countries if they didnt stop fighting, and his administration has since been working with Malaysia to nail down an expanded ceasefire.

The president credited Ibrahim with working to resolve the conflict.

I told the leader of Malaysia, who is a very good man, I think I owe you a trip," he told reporters aboard Air Force One.

The U.S. leader on Sunday may also have a significant meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Incio Lula da Silva, who wants to see the U.S. cut a 40% tariff on Brazilian imports. The U.S. administration has justified the tariffs by citing Brazils criminal prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro a Trump ally.

Beyond trade, Lula on Friday also criticized the U.S. campaign of military strikes off the South American coast in the name of fighting drug trafficking. He said he planned to raise concerns with Trump at a meeting on Sunday in Malaysia. The White House has not yet publicly confirmed the meeting is set to take place.

After Malaysia, Trump has stops in Japan and South Korea

From there, Trump heads to Japan and South Korea, where hes expected to make progress on talks for at least $900 billion in investments for U.S. factories and other projects that those countries committed to in return for easing Trumps planned tariff rates down to 15% from 25%.

The trip to Tokyo comes a week after Japan elected its first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi. Trump is set to meet with Takaichi, who is a protg of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Trump was close to Abe, who was assassinated after leaving office.

Trump said Takaichi's relationship with Abe was a good sign and I look forward to meeting her.

While there, Trump is expected to be hosted by Japanese Emperor Naruhito, and meet with U.S. troops who are stationed in Japan, according to a senior U.S. official who was not authorized to speak publicly and spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity about the planned trip.

In South Korea, Trump is expected to hold a highly anticipated meeting with China's Xi on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.

While the APEC summit is set to be held in Gyeongju, the Trump-Xi meeting is expected to take place in the city of Busan, according to the U.S. official.

The meeting follows months of volatile moves in a trade war between China and the U.S. that have rattled the global economy.

RELATED STORY | Trump plans aid package for US soybean farmers while seeking China trade deal

Trump was infuriated earlier this month after Beijing imposed new export controls on rare earths used in technology and threatened to hike retaliatory tariffs to sky-high levels. He has said he wants China to buy U.S. soybeans. However, earlier this week, Trump was optimistic, predicting he would reach a fantastic deal with Xi.

Trump also said he might ask Xi about freeing Jimmy Lai, a pro-democracy newspaper founder, saying "itll be on my list."

The only meeting that could possibly eclipse the Xi summit would be an impromptu reunion with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Speculation has been rife since South Koreas Unification Minister Chung Dong-young told lawmakers this month it was possible that Trump could again meet with Kim in the Demilitarized Zone, as he did in 2019.

But such a meeting is not on the president's schedule for this trip, according to the U.S. official.

Trump suggested it was hard to reach the North Korean leader.

They have a lot of nuclear weapons, but not a lot of telephone service," he said.

Firefighters battled a massive fire at an apartment complex for seniors in Southgate Friday night.

It happened at American House Southgate on Allen Road near Pennsylvania Road.

Watch our report from the scene below: Crews battling fire at Southgate senior living facility

According to Public Safety Director Joseph Marsh, first responders worked to get people out. Southgate police said Saturday that everyone has been accounted for and that several tenants were transported to the hospital for evaluation and treatment.

Watch video from Chopper 7 below: Video: Chopper 7 over massive fire at Southgate senior assisted living facility

Police say displaced residents were taken to the Southgate Senior Center at 14700 Reaume Parkway.

The cause of the fire has yet to be determined and an investigation is underway.

This is a breaking news story. Stay with 7 News Detroit as we learn more.

The second longest federal shutdown continues to play out, casting more doubt over when lawmakers will come to an agreement.

In metro Detroit, frustration and uncertainty remain for countless federal workers paying for bills, groceries and other costs. The federal shutdown is not the first time many workers have had to cut back on expenses, and some now say this situation poses many new challenges.

Watch Simon Shaykhet's video report below: As federal government shutdown 'getting longer and longer,' workers are feeling the impact

Its getting longer and longer. Its also more challenging for me because I was trying to plan for retirement in the next five years, federal worker Rebecca Clair-Darden said. Shes an employee of tank and automotive command for combat ground systems, a part of the U.S. Army in Warren.

Im having to juggle between saving for furlough, retirement and potential health care costs. I am a single mother of two sons, who I put through college through Parent Plus Loans.

Her story is one of many for those either working without pay or on furlough. Clair-Darden says her last check was less than normal and her next one wont come at all. Shes already cut back on expenses too.

I have a 90-year-old mother in Iowa. This is the time of year when I make a couple trips back to help her get set up, ready for Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. I had to cancel those trips, she said.

Another voice emerging is that of Zedrick Brown, president of AFGE Local 658.

We have 4,300 to 4,500 bargaining unit employees. Im basically trying to offer resources that our union has and letting them know about unemployment, Brown said.

More than 23 days since the start of the shutdown, there is no resolution in sight. The U.S. House is out of session next week. A level of uncertainty being felt by many in metro Detroit is growing.

This is what is so tragic. A lot of people feeling this pain... and all of our members, they want to come back to work, said Greg Polcyn, vice president of AFGE Local 658.

On the topic of back pay, there is even more concern.

It is a law. I hope that they respect the law. Im trying to stay very positive and motivated that the rules will be followed and we will receive our back pay, Clair-Darden said.

The union says theyre taking steps to pause collection of union dues in the meantime until the shutdown ends.

Chicago residents say ICE and Customs and Border Protection agents carried out multiple operations across the city on Friday.

In one incident, neighbors in the Lakeview neighborhood told Scripps News that agents detained a man who was working on construction outside of a home. Neighbors say that four men were part of a construction crew that was working on the home and that one man was detained.

Witnesses say CBP agents deployed tear gas in a Chicago neighborhood following arrest operation

Dozens of people nearby gathered at the scene some drawn by others who blew whistles to draw attention to what was happening.

"I think it's important that everybody stay vigilant." said Bennett Lawson, the Alderman of Chicago's 44th Ward, which includes the neighborhood in which the incident happened. "The more noise you make, the more likely that others are going to join you, so you're not going to be alone, and certainly I think in every neighborhood around this city no one is alone when it comes to what ICE is doing."

RELATED STORY | Over 100 people detained in federal raid at Idaho horse track, ICE says

Abbey Nystedt lives across the street from where the operation took place and came outside when she heard the commotion.

She and other neighbors say that agents deployed tear gas about a block away from the site of the arrest.

"We were yelling. We were protesting, but there wasn't any physical altercations happening," Nystedt said. "It was really frustrating to see people who were close to the tear gas were in front yards using hoses to get it out of their faces and eyes."

The scene of the operation on Friday was several blocks from an elementary school.

Earlier this month, a court order limited the use of tear gas by federal agents in Chicago.

CBP and ICE have not returned Scripps News' request for comment regarding the details of the operation and the use of tear gas.

It has now been close to two weeks since Hamas turned over all the living hostages and four that were deceased from Gaza. But 13 deceased hostages, including two Americans and a Thai national, are still being held.

Scripps News spoke with Ruby Chen, the father of Itay Chen, an American who died after being taken hostage by Hamas. The 19-year-old was at the time the youngest U.S. citizen taken into Hamas captivity.

His family says Itays body has not yet been returned. And Ruby says as deceased hostages are returned, waiting for news is a difficulty like nothing else.

"It's a feeling that's difficult to articulate. It's a phone call that is the worst phone call you'll ever get in your lifetime. And when you do not get that phone call, you feel disappointed. That is a very difficult set of emotions to have in one day."

RELATED STORY | Israel identifies the remains of one more hostage while 9 Palestinians are killed in Gaza City

This week Vice President JD Vance, U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio were all in Israel, seeking to shore up the tenuous peace deal between Israel and Gaza.

"Mr. Kushner, Mr. Witkoff, Vice President Vance I think them being here is not an accident," Ruby Chen said. "I think that's part of the pressure that the United States as well as the other mediators are putting on Hamas to bring back all the other hostages."

Watch the full interview with Ruby Chen in the video above.

The hot dog vendor at the center of a viral video has been ordered to stand trial for an incident involving a Detroit police officer.

A judge made that decision Friday at Nayeli Ruiz' preliminary examination in 36th District Court.

Watch Darren Cunningham's video report below: Hot dog vendor bound over for trial

An officer arrested Ruiz on Sept. 14 after he said she assaulted, resisted and obstructed his investigation into whether she had a right to sell food to the public.

Her arrest also triggered a deportation case.

Previous coverage: Popular Detroit hot dog vendor who went viral after arrest by police now facing deportation Popular Detroit hot dog vendor who went viral after arrest by police now facing deportation

During her hearing, Ruiz wiped away tears as her attorney played the officer-worn body camera footage of her arrest. Sgt. David Rios, the arresting officer, testified about the events that led to Ruiz's arrest.

Ruiz, 26, co-owns a hot dog stand in southwest Detroit. Rios said when he asked her if she had a permit to operate, she said no.

The officer then told her, her cooks and customers that he was shutting things down.

"What happened next when you told the workers to stop working and the line to shut down?" the prosecutor asked Rios.

Rios replied, "At that point, the defendant told the line, 'No, I'm calling my lawyer.' And then I stated to her, 'This is closed. There's no more service.'"

The sergeant said Ruiz started to argue, the crowd got "a bit aggressive" and he decided to detain Ruiz.

"As she was interfering with the closure of the line, I told her she was detained. I told her we'll do this a different way, and I opted to detain her in handcuffs for the rest of the investigation, so I could dismiss the line properly and come back to the conversation," Rios explained.

He said she resisted and that led to her being charged with assaulting, resisting and obstructing an officer.

However, Ruiz's attorney, Ryan Hill, said the sergeant had no right to detain his client in the first place.

Hill told 7 News Detroit, "All I can go by is the issuing citations from Sgt. Rios, and if you look at those citations, the definition section talks about it having to be on a public street or a sidewalk or some type of easement, right? That's all I'm going off of. He's the one that issued a citation saying it was on a public street. He clearly said in his testimony today it wasn't it. So, the underlying charge, if it's not a charge, how do you resist something if it is unlawful? You don't."

His client, who's been in the U.S. for 20 years, now also faces deportation.

"She's not doing very well, and the first thing she said to me is I just want to see my children," he said.

Ruiz next court date is Oct. 31.

Roughly one million federal employees are estimated to be going without pay. About half have been furloughed, while the other half are considered essential workers, so theyre still showing up to work, even as their paychecks are frozen.

Earlier this week, lawmakers voted down a measure that would have allowed essential workers to continue receiving pay during the shutdown.

I would have never thought in a million years that I wouldve been in this position, that I would have to go to a food bank, Denise Blake, a Department of Defense employee, told Scripps News.

Blake joined hundreds of other federal employees at a food bank in the Washington, D.C. area this week, a growing trend as workers go weeks without income.

It's like reality is really hitting now because [this shutdown] has gone past like the ten days or the two weeks, Blake said.

At one D.C. food bank, organizers say theyre seeing record demand.

I think were going to see 310 clients -- federal workers -- today. The demand is incredibly, incredibly high.

RELATED STORY | USDA wont use emergency funds to cover SNAP benefits, agency says

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will not use any of the more than $5 billion in emergency funding it maintains to provide food assistance to needy families during the government shutdown, nor will it reimburse states that try to provide such benefits themselves, according to an agency memo obtained by Scripps News on Friday.

According to a Bipartisan Policy Center analysis, more than 700,000 civilian employees at the Department of Defense, in addition to tens of thousands more at the Departments of Health and Human Services, Veterans Affairs, Homeland Security, and Justice, have now missed at least one paycheck.

Missing a paycheck is a difficult thing for anyone, said Jonathan Burks, the Executive Vice President for Economic and Health Policy at the Bipartisan Policy Center. And there's a variety of income levels that federal workers are at; some will have some savings and be able to weather a missed paycheck or two, but others are living paycheck to paycheck.

Burks said the longer the shutdown drags on, the greater the financial strain will be.

To help bridge the gap, federal credit unions are stepping in. Some of them, like Veridian Credit Union in Iowa and Westerra Credit Union in Denver, are approving short-term, interest-free loans for members struggling to cover bills and groceries until pay resumes.

Meanwhile, though air traffic controllers are still working deemed essential roles if the shutdown continues, theyll miss their first full paycheck on Tuesday.

I don't want my air traffic controllers to take a second job. I want them to do one job, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said. I want them coming to their facilities and controlling the airspace.

The Federal Aviation Administration has already warned that travel disruptions could worsen. More than half of a recent weeks flight delays were linked to staffing shortages, according to the agency.

A nearly 200-year-old schoolhouse in Washington Township is getting a second chance at life after sitting abandoned for 70 years.

The Thorington Schoolhouse, one of the community's oldest buildings, was carefully moved Friday to what officials hope will eventually become Thorington Park. The historic structure was relocated about a quarter of a mile from its original spot, where it had sat for almost two centuries.

"Since becoming Supervisor, I've been passionate about preserving the Thorington Schoolhouse. It's a local landmark that so many of us have come accustomed to seeing as we drive up Mound Road," said Sam Previti, Washington Township supervisor.

The township purchased the building in March, where teachers once engaged the minds of children in kindergarten through eighth grade. The school closed in June 1955.

Moving the massive structure proved challenging for the crew.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by WXYZ Detroit Channel 7 (@wxyzdetroit)

"It's very difficult. This morning took us an hour to hook the truck up," said Fred Christian, owner of C & A Building Movers.

With the township's permission, Romeo High School construction teacher Craig Bryant challenged his students to help save and restore the building. The work started in September.

"I've been watching the building fall apart for the last 20 years, probably," Bryant said.

During their initial assessment, Bryant's class made some remarkable discoveries.

"When we first walked into the building, just to see where we stood with the building, what condition it was in, kind of looking around, and found a test," Bryant said.

The teacher says this fourth-grade test from the 1930s is one of several cool items his class found, with some in good shape and others a little rough.

MaryAnn Mueller was among those who witnessed Friday's move. She attended Thorington from 1952 through 1955 and lived just down the street on Mound Road.

"I remember running around that schoolhouse so many times," Mueller said.

She recalls the intimate learning environment of the one-room schoolhouse.

"Some years, I was the only student in my grade. There were three rows of desks, I think. There was a cloak room on either side. It was a lot of just reading, writing, and arithmetic, but also, it was interactions; they had parties," Mueller said.

Mueller says she's grateful for the township's community-wide effort to restore and preserve the building.

Over the next couple of years, Bryant's students will work on the house at its new location on 31 Mile Road between Mound and Campground.

"Restoring all the windows, we're gonna put the wavy glass in so something from that era, 1840s, 1850s," Bryant said.

When the public park is complete, Washington Township says the schoolhouse will sit in the center, fully restored and ready for perhaps another couple hundred years.

For Mueller, the restoration brings back cherished memories.

"I can't wait to walk back in again, my memories of walking in the door, and hanging up my coat, and being so excited to see my teacher. It's exciting," Mueller 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.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will not use any of the more than $5 billion in emergency funding it maintains to provide food assistance to needy families during the government shutdown, nor will it reimburse states that try to provide such benefits themselves, according to an agency memo obtained by Scripps News on Friday.

Trump administration officials argue theyre unable to use the funds for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) during a lapse in appropriations, and instead are holding onto them for true emergencies like hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods, that can come on quickly and without notice.

SNAP contingency funds are only available to supplement regular monthly benefits when amounts have been appropriated for, but are insufficient to cover, benefits, the unsigned memo states. The contingency fund is not available to support FY 2026 regular benefits, because the appropriation for regular benefits no longer exists.

Moreover, there is no provision or allowance under current law for States to cover the cost of benefits and be reimbursed, the memo stated, so states and local jurisdictions that try to use their own funds to provide SNAP assistance shouldnt expect any reimbursement from the federal government.

News of the memos existence was first reported by Axios.

The agencys announcement means the nearly 42 million low-income Americans who rely on that assistance, often referred to as food stamps, are likely to go without them starting next month, absent a long-shot deal to reopen the government. Earlier in October, the Acting Associate Administrator of SNAP Ronald Ward penned a letter to states warning that there will be insufficient funds to pay full November SNAP benefits should the shutdown drag on.

Democrats in Congress and at the state level, meanwhile, have argued the Trump administration has a legal obligation to use the emergency funds to help pay out SNAP benefits. In a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins earlier Friday, 214 House Democrats said they were deeply concerned that the agency might not use the contingency funds, which Congress provides precisely for this reason.

Indeed, the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities (CBBP), a left-leaning think tank, argued as much in a recent analysis.

While the emergency funds likely wouldnt cover the entirety of SNAP beneficiaries November benefits, estimated to cost more than $8 billion in total, the agency should at a minimum use the contingency funding to provide partial benefits to eligible households for November, the CBBP authors wrote.

Their analysis pointed to a since-deleted USDA contingency plan for a government shutdown in which officials indicated the emergency funds could be used for SNAP benefits.

Congressional intent is evident that SNAPs operations should continue since the program has been provided with multi-year contingency funds, the document stated.

RELATED STORY | Federal workers miss first full paychecks as shutdown becomes second-longest in US history

Asked about the USDAs new memo arguing the contrary, CBBP officials pointed Scripps News to a post by the think tank arguing the USDA was choosing not to use them in an effort to gain political advantage, leaving millions of families across the country to suffer as a result.

Shortly after the news of the USDA memo was public, all 45 Senate Democrats sent a letter to Rollins demanding she use the emergency funds to help pay for SNAP benefits and utilize all available legal authorities so that American families can get benefits without interruption.

Since the shutdown began, the Trump administration has in other cases moved money around within government accounts in order to fulfill obligations during the shutdown including within the USDA. Earlier in October, Rollins utilized legal authorities to transfer $300 million from the Child Nutrition budget account to the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program, which provides food and nutrition assistance to low-income pregnant and postpartum women as well as children up to age five.

The USDA memo, conversely, argued doing so for SNAP would amount to pull[ing] away funding for school meals and infant formula.

This Administration will not allow Democrats to jeopardize funding for school meals and infant formula in order to prolong their shutdown, the memo stated.

Representatives for the USDA did not immediately respond to inquiries about the Democrats letters, or why the agency was no longer following the guidance of their previous shutdown contingency plan.

The Henry Ford Museum is opening "DaVinci The Exhibition," showcasing 65 full-scale reproductions of Leonardo da Vinci's inventions and designs alongside museum-quality reproductions of his famous paintings.

Watch Demetrios Sanders' video report: THe Henry Ford brings Leonardo da Vinci to life

The exhibition, which opens to the public Sunday and runs through May 3, offers visitors an immersive look into the mind of the Renaissance polymath who created masterpieces like The Last Supper, the Mona Lisa, and the Vitruvian Man.

"Leonardo da Vinci, we all know him. But maybe we don't really know him, right?" said Cynthia Jones, Director of Museum Experiences, Exhibition, and Engagement at The Henry Ford.

While da Vinci is widely recognized for his paintings, Jones explains he contributed much more.

"He was someone who was interested in all sorts of things and then constantly learning across this lifetime," Jones said.

This curiosity led da Vinci to create numerous inventions throughout his lifetime. His process involved careful observation and experimentation.

"He would look at birds and study birds and then think about, could I fly? And what took him further is the next step of that. Actually designing an experiment to figure out could he fly?" Jones said.

The exhibition features reproductions of da Vinci's creations and designs from his notebooks, ranging from pulley systems to diving suits to self-propelling carts. Some exhibits offer hands-on experiences for visitors.

"This was someone who was designing ahead of his time, and all around you, inside The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, you can actually see 200, 300, 400 years later, you can see what those ideas became," Jones said.

The exhibition also includes museum-quality reproductions of da Vinci's paintings, offering visitors a unique viewing experience.

"At the Louvre, you're standing many, many feet back from the Mona Lisa. Here, you're able to get inches from the Mona Lisa and also understand his artwork in the sense of how did he make that? What did he do with that? How does that include the golden ratio?" Jones said.

Jones hopes the exhibition sparks the same curiosity that drove da Vinci.

"Am I an artist? Are you an artist? Maybe not, but can we try it? Can we learn from it?" Jones said.

Visitors who have experienced the exhibition say it was eye-opening.

"I was very surprised and informed about things I didn't realize he had done," said Micki Patterson, who visited The Henry Ford Museum.

"It was very cool, it highlights the brilliance of Leonardo da Vinci," said Joshua Cummins, another visitor.

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.

An ambulance that responded to a crash in Novi was stolen with a paramedic and patient inside Friday afternoon, officials said.

Watch 7 News Detroit's report on the incident: Man steals ambulance in Novi with paramedic and patient inside before fiery crash: police

It happened around 3:30 p.m. near 10 Mile and Novi roads.

According to police and Medstar, which owns the ambulance, paramedics were treating multiple people after a crash in Novi. As they were treating patients, a 33-year-old man who was involved in the crash got into the ambulance and drove off while a paramedic and patient were in the back.

Officers at the scene pursued the ambulance. Medstar tracked the ambulance and provided details to law enforcement.

The ambulance drove several miles before crashing into another vehicle in Northville Township at 8 Mile and Beck roads. Police said the 33-year-old man ran a red light before crashing the ambulance.

Watch Chopper 7 above the ambulance crash: Video: Chopper 7 over stolen ambulance crash

The man then got out and took off on foot. Police arrested him shortly after.

The ambulance caught fire and is a total loss, Medstar said.

Everyone inside the ambulance and a person involved in the second crash were taken to the hospital with injuries that are not life threatening.

We are grateful for the safety of our crew, the response of our partner agencies, and the bystanders who helped, Medstar CEO Kolby Miller in a statement. We are working with Novi and Northville Police Departments in the investigation.

While other retailers are closing doors, Burlington is cutting ribbonsadding six new stores across Michigan.

Watch Meghan Daniels' video report: Burlington opens 6 new Michigan stores while other retailers close doors

The discount retailer's secret? The thrill of the deal hunt that keeps customers coming back for more.

"We get a tremendous value on our stuff and there's, it's limited quantities, so when you come in as a customer, you don't know exactly what we're going to have and it creates this treasure hunt where sometimes we'll see customers come in 2 times, 3 times, 4, 5 times a week just looking for what just came in the truck," said Marty Frent, Michigan regional vice president for Burlington.

As other retailers retreat from brick-and-mortar locations, Burlington is betting big that Michigan shoppers still love the huntand the thrill of finding that perfect deal.

On Friday, the store held a grand opening in Livonia, marking its third store opening in Michigan just this month.

"I like their quality and the prices, and they have a variety of things," said Natalie Malone, a shopper.

Malone said the in-person shopping experience offers something online retailers can't match.

"You get out, be social, you see people, you might meet someone at the store. Who knows? I like it better than online, getting out, for sure," Malone said.

That's exactly what Burlington is banking oncustomers who still want to shop in-person, touch the fabric, and see the deals for themselves.

This comes in a year when Forever 21 closed down and some Kohl's and Macy's stores shut down across the country.

"It's nice to come in so you can put stuff on and see how it looks, and man, we got teen grandkids," said Kim Harris, a shopper.

Harris said the treasure hunt aspect keeps her coming back.

"You always get good surprises, you know, things you wouldn't think would be in the store, like, oh, bear paws, UGG, you know, that you have to get online when you can come in here and try them on," Harris said.

For many shoppers, it's about the experience and instant gratification.

"You can try it on and you don't have to ship it, put it in a box and ship it, wait another 14 days, and you can get it the same day," said Monique Rahaman, another shopper.

Burlington leaders are betting on that connectionthat human element of shoppingis what online retailers can't replicate. The company expects to open more stores in 2026.

"It creates that treasure hunt experience. We're bringing people instead of just sitting there shopping, you know, in front of your computer," Frent 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.

East Lansing is buzzing with excitement as fans from across the state and country descend on Michigan State University for Saturday's highly anticipated Michigan vs. Michigan State rivalry game.

Watch Ruta Ulcinaite's video report: Michigan vs. Michigan State rivalry game brings fans from across country to East Lansing

Last-minute preparations are underway across campus as the MSU Police Department prepares for an all-hands-on-deck operation to ensure a safe event for the tens of thousands of expected visitors.

The rivalry atmosphere is already electric, with fans making their presence known throughout the city.

"Let's go Aiden Childs," one fan was heard saying.

"Go blue. Bryce Underwood, you're the truth," another fan said on campus.

For many, this game represents something special that draws people from far and wide. Dan Kelly flew in from Montana specifically for the matchup.

"This is the game, and I absolutely love just being here," Kelly said.

MSU students are equally excited and planning to arrive hours before kickoff.

"We'll be outside of the stadium at least five hours before game time, guaranteed," MSU student Anthony Shaheen said.

The game's significance extends well beyond the state borders, attracting alumni and fans from across the country. Bjon Charlery traveled from San Francisco to witness the rivalry firsthand.

"I don't know if there's anything like this in other parts of the country, where people who just live in the state or have interacted with MSU come back specifically for this game, because they know how much it means to the state," Charlery said.

MSU police are preparing for the massive influx of visitors with additional staffing across multiple departments while utilizing technology to keep an eye on the large crowds.

"We'll have additional parking personnel, security personnel, police personnel working. We are well prepared to provide a safe environment for all fans attending Spartan football," said Deputy Chief Chris Rozman of the MSU Police Department.

Police are advising fans to arrive early in the morning and to have a solid parking plan, as spaces will be extremely limited.

"We anticipate large crowds, both during the game and post game as well," Rozman said.

The match up promises to deliver the excitement and intensity that has made this one of college football's most storied rivalries, with fans hoping for new plays, viral moments and that same old competitive spirit.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. Saturday.

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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.

For Italian Heritage Month, there's no better place to celebrate than Andiamo in Warren, a restaurant that has been proudly serving the community since 1990. Owner Joe Vicari says he's watched kids grow up eating his Italian cuisine and later get married under his roof.

Watch the full story in the video below

92-year-old pasta maker keeps Italian traditions alive at Andiamo Warren

Andiamo in Warren is the birthplace for what has become a more than 30-year career for Vicari, who says he's standing on the shoulders of a giant. That giant is Chef Aldo, who Vicari describes as an encyclopedia of Italian cuisine and a man who unfortunately, passed away in 2011.

"99% of the recipes are Chef Aldo's," Vicari said.

The restaurant has been serving Aldo's homemade recipes for 36 years and counting. For Vicari, this location holds special meaning.

"This is where his home was, too," Vicari said. "He ended up being like a grandfather to us."

Vicari's Sicilian heritage makes him the proud owner of Andiamo, and this Warren location remains dear to him.

"This is the original one, so it's closest to my heart," Vicari said.

This restaurant is the origin of what has become a 25-restaurant group under Vicari's belt. He credits much of his success to his old friend Aldo, whom he brought out of retirement to lead the charge in the kitchen.

"It was the best thing that ever happened to me and Chef Aldo, because it gave him life again," Vicari said.

Now, it's up to the crew to make sure the legacy continues. 92-year-old Angelina is one of two ladies who've been at the restaurant since the beginning.

"Yeah, I make pasta every day," Angelina said.

Working alongside her is Tanya, who has been learning from Angelina for years.

"She keeps me young," Tanya said about Angelina. "I worked from the beginning with her. She teaches me everything."

Anna, another pasta maker, has been with the restaurant for 36 years.

"36 years," Anna said.

The ladies are tasked with making pasta from scratch daily.

"Lasagna, ravioli, tortellini, everything," Tanya said.

Vicari appreciates their dedication to the craft.

"The moment they come in, they start working and they stay working until the moment that they're done," Vicari said.

For Angelina and Anna, the work is more than just a job.

"You have to teach the younger people to make stuff," Angelina said.

"I love this place and I come every morning and make my pasta and go home," Anna said.

When asked if she plans on retiring anytime soon, Angelina answered plainly: "What else would I do?"

Recipe below for Osso Buco

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.

Watch our other coverage from Italian Heritage Month in the videos below

Aurora on the Lake brings authentic Italian cuisine to Commerce Township waterfront

Aurora on the Lake brings authentic Italian cuisine to Commerce Township waterfront

How SheWolf is bringing a taste of old Rome to Detroit's Cass Corridor

How SheWolf is bringing a taste of old Rome to Detroit's Cass Corridor

Watch below: Local Rochester restaurant brings authentic Italian flavors to Michigan

Local Rochester restaurant brings authentic Italian flavors to Michigan

Watch below: Italian Heritage Month celebrates Detroit's rich cultural legacy

Italian Heritage Month celebrates Detroit's rich cultural legacy

The Pentagon confirmed Friday that it has accepted an anonymous $130 million gift to help pay members of the military during the government shutdown, raising ethical questions after President Donald Trump had announced that a friend had offered the gift to defray any shortfalls.

While large and unusual, the gift amounts to a small contribution toward the billions needed to cover service member paychecks. The Trump administration told Congress last week that it used $6.5 billion to make payroll. The next payday is coming within the week, and it is unclear if the administration will again move money around to ensure the military does not go without compensation.

Thats what I call a patriot, Trump said during a White House event Thursday when he disclosed the payment from the donor.

The president declined to name the person, whom he called a friend of mine, saying the man didn't want the recognition.

The Pentagon confirmed it had accepted the donation on Thursday under its general gift acceptance authority.

RELATED STORY | Trump orders Pentagon to pay troops despite ongoing government shutdown

The donation was made on the condition that it be used to offset the cost of Service members salaries and benefits, said Sean Parnell, chief spokesman for the Pentagon. We are grateful for this donors assistance after Democrats opted to withhold pay from troops.

Congress is at a stalemate over the government shutdown, now on track to become one of the longest federal closures ever, in its 24th day. Neither Republicans, who have control of the House and Senate, nor Democrats, in the minority, are willing to budge in their broader standoff over health care funding.

Payment for service members is a key concern among lawmakers of both parties as well as a point of political leverage. The Trump administration shifted $8 billion from military research and development funds to make payroll last week, ensuring that military compensation did not lapse.

But it is unclear if the Trump administration will be willing or able to shift money again next week as tensions rise over the protracted shutdown.

While the $130 million is a hefty sum, it would cover just a fraction of the billions needed for military paychecks. Trump said the donation was to cover any shortfall.

What's unclear, however, is the regulations around such a donation.

Thats crazy, said Max Stier, president and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service, a nonpartisan organization focused on the federal government.

It's treating the payment of our uniformed services as if someone's picking up your bar tab.

He questioned the legality of the donation and called for more transparency around it.

Pentagon policy says authorities must consult with their appropriate Ethics Official before accepting such a gift valued in excess of $10,000 to determine whether the donor is involved in any claims, procurement actions, litigation, or other particular matters involving the Department that must be considered prior to gift acceptance.

Workers at family-owned plumbing company Shelby Mechanical say thieves have targeted their work trucks three times in just two months, with the latest theft caught on security cameras.

Watch Christiana Ford's video report: Plumbing company workers say thieves have targeted their trucks multiple times

The surveillance footage shows a thief quickly approaching a work van parked on Detroit's east side on Mack Ave Wednesday around 4 p.m., backing up to obscure their license plate from view before making off with expensive power tools.

"Gone in the blink of an eye," said Chris Becker, a worker with Shelby Mechanical.

Becker was finishing up work inside when thieves stole a large bin of tools from his van.

I opened it, see the missing pack out, which had a bunch of power tools in it, and I knew it was downhill from there, said Becker.

The thief then moved to his coworker's van, parked nearby, spending mere minutes stealing saws, drills and batteries while the worker was still inside the vehicle.

Watch the surveillance video below: SURVEILLANCE VIDEO: Thieves target local plumbing contractor

"For three minutes straight, he was in the vehicle prior. Opens up the back door," Becker said.

The stolen tools were expensive, with one item alone worth thousands.

The company has been hit three times in two months, once on Jefferson and twice while working on Mack Avenue on Detroit's east side. The company says the thefts have cost them almost $30,000.

"It's violating and we really need to get a stop to it," said Ryan Mitter, commercial field manager at Shelby Mechanical.

The repeated thefts have made parking work trucks feel like a risky gamble for the mechanical contractors. Mitter believes thieves are specifically targeting contractor vehicles.

"I feel like they know the tools that are on the trucks and they're looking for specific items that sell at higher value, so yeah, I believe they're targeting plumbing trucks, electrical trucks, HVAC vehicles," Mitter said.

Suppliers he's talked also say others have been impacted in metro Detroit.

Detroit police say they're still working on leads and are unable to connect the thefts or identify a trend at this time.

The crews are now looking at additional security measures to protect their equipment.

"We're actually looking at doing something else on the interior of the truck as far as locking up the tools with chain rope, lock boxes inside," Mitter said.

Mitter hopes sharing their experience can help warn other contractors in the area.

"I just want to make sure that everyone is getting out to their employees to keep your trucks locked, they just keep everyone safe. Be on the lookout for vehicles you don't know in the areas you're working in," Mitter said.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact them.

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.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries on Friday endorsed New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, delivering a potentially critical boost to his campaign ahead of November's election.

The move is significant for Mamdani: Jeffries is a Black Democrat from Brooklyn and has historically criticized the Democratic Socialists of America, which Mamdani is affiliated with.

But Jeffries said in a statement Friday that he respected the will of New York's primary voters and that Republican policies must be opposed.

"As with any Mayor, there will be areas of agreement and areas of principled disagreement. Yet, the stakes are existential. Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress have unleashed an unprecedented assault on the economy, ripped healthcare away from my constituents, weaponized the Department of Justice against our states Attorney General and ordered masked agents to callously target law-abiding immigrant families," his statement reads. "The communities I represent in Brooklyn are being devastated by this extreme version of the Republican Party. In this environment, we have a clear obligation to push back against the national nightmare being visited on the American people by Republican extremism."

RELATED STORY | Mamdani and Cuomo spar over experience, integrity in NYC mayoral debate

Mamdani became the Democratic nominee in the mayoral race on June 24. He has also received endorsements from progressive politicians including U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT).

He appeared in a mayoral debate with independent candidate Andrew Cuomo and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa earlier in October.

New York City's general election will take place November 4, 2025.