Per unofficial results, Voters in Hamtramck have elected a new mayor, with engineer Adam Alharbi, a political newcomer, receiving 2,009 votes, beating city councilman Muhith Mahmood by just 11 votes.

This was a mayoral race so many people were watching after one of the most controversial years in the city's history, which has included recent residency fraud allegations and absentee ballot fraud charges on the city council, as well as departures of the Police Chief and City Manager.

Watch our coverage from Ryan Marshall & Demetrios Sanders Adam Alharbi elected mayor of Hamtramck after winning by just 11 votes Hamtramck voters electing a new mayor

Alharbi declared victory on his official Facebook page last night. However, because these are the unofficial results, we can't say for sure what the city clerk will do next with such a tight margin.

Both candidates are vying for the open mayor's seat, vacated by outgoing mayor Amer Ghalib, who was recently nominated by President Donald Trump to be the U.S. Ambassador to Kuwait.

Alharbi is a political newcomer who was previously Ghalib's campaign manager. We talked to voters about the issues most important to them, regardless of who the next mayor is.

I think we need some qualified people, who have the qualifications, who deserves those qualifications," one voter said.

There are many problems in Hamtramck," another voter said. "If it rains too much, it floods in houses. And too much high taxes on houses."

I just want it to be a fair election. If its fair, you cant go wrong," another voter said.

Whoever officially becomes the next mayor will have a lot of things to clean up in a city that's seen several controversies over the last few years. You have to believe that restoring credibility and moving forward in a positive direction will be the new mayor's top priority.

Where Your Voice Matters

History has been made in the Motor City, with Detroiters chosing City Council President Mary Sheffield as their next mayor, making her the first woman to serve in the position.

We wanted to see what the average Detroit voter thought about the city's first female mayor and the landslide win. We also ran into people who did not cast a ballot at all.

Watch Brittany's report in the video player below 'Uplift the city': Detroiters react to Mary Sheffield's historic win to become city's next mayor

"Detroit you showed up, you showed out. You stood strong and raised your voices to a future we could all believe in," Sheffield said after her victory last night.

Sheffield supporters filled a watch party at the MGM Grand Casino, a couple of hours after she addressed them. We hit the city streets to hear what Detroiters think of the outcome.

"She hit every point I needed her to hit and Im glad that she won," said Detroiter Kieya Lileton.

"I hope that she would do good for the city. Uplift the city. Just do all the things that she said she would do," said Detroiter Michael Lloyd.

"I feel that things are looking up," said Detroiter Luis Carcamon.

All Detroit precincts have reported, but absentee ballots haven't reported. Unofficial election results show Sheffield won nearly 80 percent of the vote, but like City Clerk Janice Winfrey predicted, only about 20 percent of voters came out to cast a ballot. We talked with over 10 Detroiters throughout the night, with only thre confirming they voted.

"Unfortunately I never got out to it. It kind of hit me a bit when the election was going on. I was like 'I should have gone out there,' but I didnt," Carcamon said.

Residents all said they hope to see Mary keep downtown developments going, and show that tender, love and care to the neighborhoods.

"The Citys been going great," Carcamon said. "The past 15 years so hopefully we can keep that trend. The communities. Where we live. Get the communities back right. Get the houses back right, that's what I'm hoping."

Sheffield will be sworn into office on Jan. 1.

The more we develop technology, the more improvements can be made to our roads.

Watch Ali's report in the video player below

How Oakland County & U-M are using GPS data to recalibrate traffic lights, reduce crashes & wait times

The University of Michigan is using GPS technology from inside your car that will not only mean less time waiting in traffic, it will also make roads safer.

The system only needs GPS data from 5% of cars to recalibrate traffic signals, and so far, updates have been made to 13 intersections in Oakland County, specifically in Farmington Hills and Royal Oak.

There are also plans to expand the program.

For James Dorsey of Detroit, the thought of his GPS data being used makes him feel a little uneasy.

Just off hearing it you would think its weird, you know GPS data from your car being used, you dont know where its being used, so yeah, it sounds a little iffy. If I hear the backstory, I wouldnt mind," Dorsey said.

Here's the backstory. The University of Michigan teamed up with the Road Commission of Oakland County to update traffic lights, taking GPS data from cars to make those updates.

Once we know the performance, we can identify where it can be potentially improved, and we can diagnose in terms of the problem," Henry Liu, from U-M Civil and Environmental Engineering, said.

Liu points to two big benefits  cost savings and safety.

Oakland County spends about $5,000 to recalibrate traffic lights. That includes the cost of having people count the cars, the labor in calculating the timing and the time to physically reprogram the lights.

Pulling GPA data is half the cost at $2,500.

Second, improved traffic flow means improved safety.

Does this make our roads safer? I asked Liu

Oh yeah, definitely. They will help with safety as well because when you have smoother traffic flow. It also reduces in terms of the rear-end collisions too," he said.

So far, four signals have been updated on 8 Mile between Orchard Lake and Brentwood St. in Farmington Hills. It's led to a 30% reduction in delays and a 40% reduction in stops.

Nine signals have been updated on 12 Mile in Royal Oak between Vinsetta and North Connecticut Ave. It's led to a 20% reduction in both delays and stops.

A $1.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation is helping expand the program and helping recalibrate an additional 40 intersections in Oakland County.

Democrat Jay Jones was elected Tuesday as Virginia attorney general, riding a wave of voter dissatisfaction with the White House to overcome the revelation that in 2022 he sent widely condemned texts embracing violence against a fellow state lawmaker.

The former Virginia delegate defeated Republican incumbent Attorney General Jason Miyares weeks after it emerged that Jones had texted a fellow delegate suggesting the then-House speaker should get two bullets to the head. Jones apologized for the private messages both in statements and at a debate in October.

At the end of the day, this election has never been about me or my opponent, Jones said at a campaign party. It has always been about every single one of us and the future of Virginia.

RELATED STORY | California votes to redraw its congressional districts, countering GOP moves in Texas

Jones victory amid the controversy could signal trouble for Republicans heading into next years midterm elections. He weathered the storm in part by working to shift the debate away from his character and toward President Donald Trumps administration.

Jones campaigned against the impact of federal encroachment on Virginia since Trump took office in January shrinking the civil service, levying tariffs and a Republican federal tax cut bill that Democrats argued imperiled the states health care system.

The win could soon add Virginia to the roster of Democratic-led states legally challenging actions taken by Trump.

A descendant of slaves, Jones is set to become the first Black attorney general in the former capital of the Confederacy. His victory is a landmark moment for Black Virginians in a statewide contest that was already poised to make history, with voters choosing between two women to elect the states first female governor.

RELATED STORY | Zohran Mamdani projected to win New York City mayoral race

Miyares faced a difficult political climate in his bid for reelection. Ever since Democrat Jimmy Carter won the White House in 1976, every time a new president has been elected, Virginia has voted in a governor the following year from the opposite party.

And while the state has had split tickets before meaning voters backed candidates for statewide offices from a party that differs from the elected governor they havent picked an attorney general from the opposite party in 20 years.

Listen, Virginians, politics is like a pendulum. The publics sentiments sway one way and then the next, Miyares said Tuesday. Tonight, it swung a bit too far in the wrong direction, in my opinion. And folks, it will swing back.

Republicans had hoped to persuade swing voters to reelect Miyares but faced challenging headwinds in a state with tens of thousands of federal employees.

RELATED STORY | Democrat Mikie Sherrill projected to win New Jersey gubernatorial race

Outrage over Jones text messages is unlikely to fade once Jones is sworn into office. Republicans, including Trump and Miyares, described his conduct from three years ago as disqualifying him from the attorney generals position in 2025.

Even Democrats Abigail Spanberger and Ghazala Hashmi, the partys candidates for governor and lieutenant governor Tuesday, had stayed silent about whether Jones still had their endorsements. Jones did, however, speak at a Spanberger campaign rally on Saturday.

Jones comes from a family of Hampton Roads politicians and civil rights pioneers. His father was also a Virginia delegate, and his grandfather was the first Black member of the Norfolk School Board. Jones previously ran for attorney general in 2021 but lost the primary to then-incumbent Mark Herring.

My father, my mother, my uncles, my aunts endured segregation, all so that I could stand here before you today, Jones said.

Voters in California on Tuesday are projected to approve a ballot measure to redraw the state's congressional maps, which could give Democrats a new five-seat edge in the House of Representatives.

The redrawing is a response to similar GOP efforts in Texas, where Republicans recently redrew boundaries to strengthen their hold on key seats.

Under the new rules, California will move forward with a redrawing of electoral districts only after GOP-led states do so first. Its changes would remain in force until elections in 2030.

In August, Lawmakers in California approved a bill that stipulated if voters approved the new maps, they would be used for the 2026 midterms.

RELATED STORY | California is moving forward with a partisan redistricting effort to counter Texas' move

Redrawing congressional districts typically happens once a decade, based on data from the U.S. Census. California typically relies on an independent commission to outline its maps.

But California Governor Gavin Newsom has said the change is a necessary counter to Republican efforts nationwide.

We cant stand back and watch this democracy disappear district by district all across the country," Newsom said in August.

"Donald Trump, you have poked the bear and we will punch back."

GOP election monitors draw concern from Democrats

In October, the Department of Justice announced it would send federal election monitors to five counties in California, in response to a specific request from the California Republican Party.

Because the election in California focused solely on state and local matters and not federal issues, its unusual for federal monitors to participate, experts say.

This is not a federal election. The US DOJ has no business or basis to interfere with this election. This is solely about whether California amends our state constitution, echoed Brandon Richards, a spokesman for California Governor Gavin Newsom. This administration has made no secret of its goal to undermine free and fair elections. Deploying these federal forces appears to be an intimidation tactic meant for one thing: suppress the vote."

All three of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court justices who sought reelection Tuesday will get another term, ensuring Democratic jurists keep their majority on the presidential battleground states highest court one at the center of pivotal fights over voting rights, redistricting and elections.

The result shapes the makeup of the seven-member court through the next presidential election in 2028. The three justices had been elected as Democrats, and voters were deciding whether to extend the courts Democratic majority. Rejecting all three could have plunged the court into a partisan deadlock if the states politically divided government could not agree on temporary appointees to fill in.

Justices Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty and David Wecht won new terms, with support from the Democratic Party and allies including Planned Parenthood, labor unions, trial lawyers and a constellation of progressive groups.

RELATED STORY | Zohran Mamdani projected to win New York City mayoral race

In particular, Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro considered a potential White House contender in 2028 who is up for reelection next year appeared in ads for the justices and lobbied for their retention.

Pennsylvania sent a resounding message by voting to retain all three Supreme Court Justices who will continue to defend the rule of law, safeguard our elections, and protect our constitutional rights, Shapiro said in a statement.

In addition to voting rights, Democrats leaned heavily on the protection of abortion rights in a state where abortion remains legal.

RELATED STORY | Democrat Mikie Sherrill projected to win New Jersey gubernatorial race

All three were running in what is called a retention election, in which voters are asked to vote yes or no on whether to give current justices another term. They were not identified by party on the ballot. Terms are 10 years, though age limits can shorten that time on the bench.

Reelecting them extends the Democratic majority, currently 5-2.

The court could again be called on to settle partisan battles over election laws ahead of next years midterm contests to decide the governors office and the U.S. House majority. Democrats need to gain just three seats in the 2026 elections to take control of the House.

Traditionally, a retention campaign is an under-the-radar election. But in an era of increasingly polarized judicial elections, spending in the race was on track to exceed $15 million, far surpassing previous spending in a retention election.

While not all spending or financial sources have been disclosed publicly, Democrats easily outspent a Republican campaign by as much as four-to-one. President Donald Trump didn't campaign against the justices and only weighed in on social media on Sunday night, urging Republicans to vote no.

Defeating all three justices could have left the bench in a partisan 2-2 stalemate for two years, including through next years elections.

In recent years, the court has made major decisions around voting and elections, necessitated in part by the politically divided and often stalemated state government.

RELATED STORY | Abigail Spanberger projected to win Virginia gubernatorial race, will be state's first female governor

The justices in 2018 threw out a GOP-drawn map of Pennsylvanias congressional districts as unconstitutionally gerrymandered and, four years later, again picked new boundaries after a stalemate in government.

The court turned away GOP challenges to Pennsylvanias expansive vote-by-mail law, which became a focal point of Republican efforts to overturn Trumps loss to Democrat Joe Biden in the 2020 election. Republican justices dissented.

The justices also rendered verdicts in cases involving abortion rights and public school funding.

History has been made in Detroit as City Council President Mary Sheffield has won the Detroit mayoral race, becoming the first-ever woman elected as the citys mayor.

Sheffield beat her opponent, political newcomer Solomon Kinloch, Jr., the head of Triumph Church.

Its a groundbreaking moment in Detroit politics, and I talked with some longtime Detroiters and community leaders for their perspective on Sheffields victory.

Hear the full speech from Mary Sheffield in the video below

Mary Sheffield speaks after projected win as Detroit's next mayor

Born and raised in the Motor City, Sheffield was the youngest person ever elected to Detroit City Council at the age of 26, and is now the first female mayor.

How significant is this victory? I asked former Detroit City Councilwoman Sheila Cockrel.

Its an inflection point, and its a huge opportunity, Cockrel said. Not only is she the first woman, first Black woman to be mayor of the city, she also represents a generational shift in political leadership.

Cockrel said this is an opportunity for women to control many of the levers of local government.

We have a mayor, a city clerk, and a city council that has - may not have a majority of women this time, but has many women on it and has in the past had a majority women. And you have a, an opportunity now to really shape and frame the next four years in the city's history, she said.

Sheffields maternal grandmother, Mary Coty, said even as a child, Sheffield was very sure of herself. Her late mother, Yvonne Lovett, was a nursing professor.

Her dad, the Rev. Horace Sheffield III, instilled the importance of serving others. Her grandfather, Horace Sheffield Jr., was a civil rights titan and labor advocate.

In the past 12 years at city hall, Sheffield has blazed her own path, focusing on revitalizing neighborhoods, inclusionary housing, property tax reform and more.

I believe shes qualified. I believe that she will make a fine first woman as mayor, Coty said.

Adolph Mongo, a prominent political voice in Detroit, did not support Sheffield, but does want her to succeed.

I hope that she surrounds herself with some smart people. Not people that she likes or people that gave her money -- [but rather] people that know city government, Mongo said.

What do you think will be the biggest challenges she will face once in office? I asked.

This new administration is going to have to monitor very, very carefully what this destabilized American economy overall means to our regional economy and to the city's economy, Cockrel said.

Yes, she's making history, but she's going to do, she's going to have to make some tough decisions, Mongo said.

Sheffield was endorsed by current Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, who helped lead the city out of bankruptcy and into the future.

She garnered many other endorsements and raised more money than Kinloch.

When she comes into office, shell be dealing with concerns over potential cuts in social services and healthcare, the much-talked-about food desert in Detroit, the tariff war already impacting the city and the threat of President Donald Trump sending in the National Guard.

Shell be sworn into office on Jan. 1.

Related: Watch our interviews with political analyst Mario Morrow on Sheffield's win Live interview: Political analyst Mario Morrow on significance of Mary Sheffield's win

Two years after the deadliest mass shooting in state history, Maine residents voted Tuesday to make it easier for family members to petition a court to restrict a potentially dangerous persons access to guns.

A ballot question asked residents if they wanted to build on the states yellow flag law, which allows police officers to initiate a process to keep someone away from firearms. Approval adds Maine to more than 20 states that have a red flag law, which empowers family members to take the same step.

Gun safety advocates began pushing for that after 18 people were killed when an Army reservist opened fire at a bowling alley and a bar and grill in Lewiston in October 2023. An independent commission appointed by Maines governor later concluded that there were numerous opportunities for intervention by both Army officials and civilian law enforcement.

RELATED STORY | Scripps News investigates missed warnings before 18 died in Maine mass shooting

Gun control proponents characterized that law as too weak and difficult to implement. The yellow flag law requires police to take the potentially dangerous person into protective custody and hold them for a mental health evaluation.

Maine voters have taken the safety of our communities into our own hands by passing common-sense, responsible gun legislation that will save lives and help keep our kids and families safe, not just from the horrors of a tragedy like Lewiston, but from the devastating impacts of everyday gun violence, said Nacole Palmer, executive director of the Maine Gun Safety Coalition, which sponsored Tuesday's proposal.

Opponents of the red flag law said Tuesday that it's significant the yellow flag law is still state law.

"We are glad that Maines yellow flag law remains intact, and we look forward to continuing to work to improve our states safety. Were going to be reviewing all options to keep Mainers safe as we move into the future of the state, the No on 2 Coalition said in a statement.

In the aftermath of the shooting, law enforcement officers testified before the independent commission that they had difficulty implementing the states existing yellow flag law, which they described as cumbersome and time-consuming.

The campaign in favor of the red flag law released an ad this fall in which Arthur Barnard, father of Lewiston shooting victim Artie Strout, said the stronger law could have saved his sons life.

People who are having a mental health crisis need help, not easy access to guns, Barnard said in the ad. Maines laws were too weak to save my sons life. Vote Yes on 2 to change that.

The red flag proposal has encountered resistance from Republicans, hunting groups, gun rights organizations and some Democrats. Maine is a state with relatively low crime where gun ownership is common, and the states laws should reflect that, opponents have said.

Maine Gov. Janet Mills, a Democrat, opposed the ballot question. She said in October that the yellow flag law was carefully crafted with Maine in mind, and it remains the right law for the state.

We found common ground on one of the most controversial issues of our time, Mills wrote in an opinion piece in the Portland Press Herald. Question 2 would create a new, separate and confusing process that will undermine the effectiveness of the law and endanger public safety along with it.

RELATED STORY | Military releases investigative findings 9 months after reservist killed 18 people in Maine

The ballot question campaign came as the legal aftermath of the Lewiston shooting is still unfolding.

The survivors and family members of victims of the deadly shooting have sued the U.S. Army and the Department of Defense, seeking unspecified damages and arguing the U.S. Army could have stopped Robert Card, the reservist, from carrying out the shootings. They also point to a Department of Defense watchdog report issued in September that faults the U.S. Army for a high rate of failure to report violent threats by service members.

The report specifically mentions Card, who died by suicide two days after the shootings. It says failure to consistently report violent threats could increase the risk of additional violent incidents by service members, such as what occurred with SFC (Sgt. 1st Class) Card.

Card was in the midst of a mental health spiral that was known to many, and that led to his hospitalization and left him paranoid, delusional and expressing homicidal ideations, attorneys for the victims have said.

Cards family members and fellow reservists said he had exhibited delusional and paranoid behavior months before the shootings. One fellow reservist said in a text: I believe hes going to snap and do a mass shooting.

Democrat Zohran Mamdani has won the race for New York City mayor, the Associated Press projects.

When sworn in on January 1, 2026, he will become New York Citys first Muslim mayor.

Mamdani defeated former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who ran as an independent after losing to him in the Democratic primary. Cuomo, who received a last-minute endorsement from President Donald Trump despite their once-contentious relationship, failed to draw enough Republican support to mount a serious challenge.

In his victory speech, Mamdani referenced Cuomo, saying he doesn't plan to mention his name in the future.

"Friends, we have toppled a political dynasty," he said. "I wish Andrew Cuomo the best in private life."

RELATED STORY | Democrat Mikie Sherrill projected to win New Jersey gubernatorial race

Mamdani, a 34-year-old assemblyman, built his campaign around making New York City more affordable, riding a wave of enthusiasm from progressive and younger voters.

"This will be an age where New Yorkers expect from their leaders a bold vision of what we will achieve, rather than a list of excuses for what we are too timid to attempt," Mamdani said. "Central to that vision will be the most ambitious agenda to tackle the cost of living crisis that this city has seen since the days of Fiorello La Guardia."

RELATED STORY | Abigail Spanberger projected to win Virginia gubernatorial race, will be state's first female governor

Mamdani's victory is expected to have ripple effects well beyond New York City. Democrats will have to decide whether to embrace his democratic socialist blueprint for success or distance themselves from his more liberal views, which may be harder to sell in less progressive parts of the country.

Republicans told Scripps News ahead of the election that they planned to tie Democrats to Mamdani ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

For his part, Mamdani said he is prepared for the political attacks including those from President Donald Trump, who has threatened to withhold federal funding from the city.

"If anyone can show a nation betrayed by Donald Trump how to defeat him, it is the city that gave rise to him," Mamdani said.

The Associated Press projects Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill will win a close race to become the next governor of New Jersey.

Sherrill defeated Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli, a former state lawmaker who was running in his third consecutive race for governor.

The victory marks the first time since 1961 that Democrats have won three consecutive terms in the New Jersey governors office.

The outcome is seen in part as a rejection of President Donald Trumps policies, signaling that voters chose to continue supporting Democratic leadership and priorities.

Bomb threats cause disruption

New Jersey Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way said bomb threats were emailed to polling places across the state on Tuesday.

The threats caused temporary closures of polling places in Bergen, Essex, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, and Passaic Counties. In some cases, voters were sent to different polling places nearby.

Law enforcement said the threats were ultimately unfounded.

Poll watchers in question

Republicans nationally warned that they were concerned about election integrity in this year's contests. New Jersey's Republican Party requested monitors from the U.S. Department of Justice.

"We're going to have election integrity efforts all over this state," KC Crosbie, Republican National Committee co-chair, told Scripps News. "Whatever we have to do to protect the vote, we're going to protect the vote, because we found in 2024 that when we do that, we win elections."

RELATED STORY | What Tuesdays elections could mean for Trump, the GOP and Democrats future

Experts told Scripps News Democrats were expected to perform well across the board on Tuesday.

Trump is failing politically," said Simon Rosenberg, a prominent Democratic strategist and media commentator. "He's unpopular. His agenda is even more unpopular than he is, Rosenberg told Scripps News. Between 60 and 70% of the country is not on board most of [Republicans'] agenda. And the Republican candidates in 2026 have to run on that agenda, not on Trump. And that agenda is much more unpopular than he is.

Analysts from both parties pointed to Democrats focused messaging on the economy and affordability as a key factor in their success.

The high cost of living in New Jersey, where property taxes rank among the nations highest, was a central issue in the race. President Donald Trump, who endorsed Ciattarelli, said in a campaign phone call that he would work to lower energy and living costs.

Still, strategists noted that Trump has been less visible on the campaign trail this cycle than in previous elections. The president never appeared in person to campaign for Ciattarelli.

Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield will be the next mayor of Detroit, beating Triumph Church Pastor Solomon Kinloch Jr., according to a projection by the Associated Press.

Sheffield, 37, will be the first female mayor in the city of Detroit. With 100% of precincts reporting, Sheffield has more than 76.79% of the vote compared to Kinloch's 22.69%.

Watch our video report below: Mary Sheffield projected to win Detroit mayoral race

The 2025 Detroit mayoral election originally had nine candidates before Sheffield and Kinloch won the August primary. Shell take over for current Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, who has served as mayor since 2014. He decided not to run for reelection and instead run as an independent for Michigan governor.

"Detroit, this is the great spirit of our city. A spirit that is alive and well tonight, which is why I know that we will rise higher," Sheffield said. "So tonight, our city adds another chapter to its great history. Throughout Detroit's 324-year history, 75 mayors have led this city. Not one has been a woman."

Watch Mary Sheffield's speech after her projected win in the video below: Mary Sheffield speaks after projected win as Detroit's next mayor

Kinloch spoke around 9:45 p.m. and said, "I got in this race and when I got in this race, I didn't get in for the privilege and the power. I didn't get in because I needed a job. I didn't get in to satisfy greed. I got in to meet the needs of the people. I got in because I wanted to make sure that at this crossroads, we built a city that was inclusive of us all. I stand here tonight with no regrets."

Solomon Kinloch reacts to the Detroit mayoral race below: Solomon Kinloch reacts to Detroit mayoral race results

Related: Detroit City Council election results

What will be the biggest difference Detroiters will see compared to Duggans administration?

"I think the last 10 years has been about how do we get basic city services up and running," she said. "I think my administration is about how do we rebuild?"

Watch Kinloch's full speech on Tuesday evening in the video player below: Solomon Kinloch delivers speech after Mary Sheffield projected to win Detroit mayoral race

We also asked Sheffield in the interview what's the one thing she would do in the first year that would define her legacy. She named three: raising the income, activating the commercial corridor and "significant structural property tax reform which means businesses and residents would have a reduction in taxes."

Voters react to first woman being elected mayor of Detroit below: Voters react to first woman being elected mayor of Detroit

During a debate with Kinloch at WXYZ, we also asked her what she would do on day one to show Detroiters shes ready to lead.

Sheffield responded, saying, "First and foremost, we have to have the best and the brightest around me, so I would assume within the first 100 days or more, were going to make sure we have effective and efficient leadership around me.

Watch below: Mary Sheffield speaks after voting in Tuesday's election Mary Sheffield speaks after voting in Detroit mayoral race

She also said they would look at ways to enhance and improve city services, figure out ways to bring neighborhood city halls back and continue city-wide engagement.

Watch our one-on-one interview with Mary Sheffield before the primary in the video below: One-on-one with Detroit mayoral candidate Mary Sheffield

Officials have released statements after Sheffield's projected win. You can read them below:

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan

"Congratulations to Mayor-Elect Mary Sheffield. She ran an outstanding campaign and will do a great job running the City of Detroit. Our city's progress is in very good hands and I know she and her team will make sure it not only continues, but expands."

Detroit Regional Chamber

Mayor-elect Mary Sheffield has been a pillar of Detroits progress over the past 12 years, and the Chamber congratulates her on this historic election win. Shes played an essential role in the positive working relationship between the city council and the mayors office, and is uniquely positioned to carry that momentum forward. Michigan and the Detroit Region cannot be successful without a successful Detroit, and the Chamber looks forward to partnering with Mayor-elect Sheffield as she shepherds the city into a new era. Sandy K. Baruah, President and Chief Executive Officer, Detroit Regional Chamber

Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel

Congratulations to the new Detroit mayor, Mary Sheffield, on her historic win tonight as the citys first female mayor. With her win, thousands of children in Detroit can now see themselves reflected in the citys leadership in a way they never might have imagined before. With Mayor Sheffield, Detroiters have a passionate public servant fighting for them and their families, especially in the face of Republicans from Lansing to D.C. attacking them at every turn. Mary Sheffield is a fighter, and I know she will stand up for working families and their children every single day as mayor; the city is lucky to have her.

Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter

Congratulations to the next Mayor of Detroit, Mary Sheffield, who made history and broke a big glass ceiling on Tuesday night. Im excited to work with her on issues of regional importance that can lead to even greater things for all of us who call Southeast Michigan home.

Democratic Mayors Association

We are proud to congratulate Mayor-elect Sheffield on her historic victory, as she becomes the first woman and first Black woman to serve in this role. Mayor-elect Sheffield has run a campaign focused on moving Detroit forward by strengthening public transit, growing good-paying jobs, and building a city where every resident can feel safe. We look forward to working with her as she brings results-driven leadership to City Hall.

7 News Detroit visited several Detroit polling locations to speak with voters casting their ballots for the city's next mayor.

Watch Darren Cunningham's video reports: Detroit chooses new mayor for first time in 12 years Detroit chooses new mayor for first time in 12 years

City Council President Mary Sheffield and pastor Solomon Kinloch are vying to replace Mayor Mike Duggan, who served three terms. Sheffield is trying to make history by becoming Detroit's first female mayor.

Watch 7 News Detroit Editorial and Public Affairs Director Chuck Stokes break down the race: Analyzing Detroit's mayoral election on election night Analyzing Detroit's mayoral election on election night

City clerk Janice Winfrey said the department of elections estimates 18 to 23 percent of registered voters will show up to the polls. Close to 17 percent voted during the primary election, according to the department.

Watch 7 News Detroit reporters on election night: Michigan voters head to the polls on election day

"That's pretty pathetic," Carl Hankins said.

Hankins, who voted at the Northwest Activities Center, explained, "My dad always told me that if you don't vote, you have no voice. Therefore, you have no reason to complain when things aren't going good. This is your voice."

Debbie McKenzie said, "I think it's sad that voting rights were so hard for us to get, and we're sitting at home, ya know, just sitting it out and trusting other people to be our voice, but they may not have the vision you have. So, everybody needs to get out and vote for themselves and vote for the person that they think will take the city in the direction they want to see it go."

Geraldine Stevenson said, "So, many people think that your vote don't count. So, I try to teach my family that your vote counts."

She said she teaches by example and that she's been heading to the polls since she was 18 years old.

Stevenson said, "And I ain't gone tell you how old I am today."

Donald Hatcher said, Its been a while since we had somebody whos a homegrown Detroit resident whos really invested. Thats the people Im looking to cast my vote for."

McKenzie said, I think the city has come a long way, and I want to see that continue. So, I want a mayor that is up to the task of continuing that -- some of the protections that weve had following the bankruptcy expiring, and our new mayors going to face some challenges. So, I want someone thats experienced in handling challenges.

Hankins said, I still want action in the neighborhoods. Our downtown is immaculate. I think its world-class. Ive been to various other cities.

We need to have that same energy for our neighborhoods for redevelopment," he ended.

Hatcher explained, I know both of the candidates personally, and uh, I wouldnt say who I voted for cause they might see this, but whoever wins, I think its a better step in the right direction for the city. Ill put it like that."

"I like both the candidates," Hatcher added.

The Associated Press projects former Democratic Rep. Abigail Spanberger will win the Virginia gubernatorial election, setting her up to become the state's first female governor after defeating current Republican Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears.

At a celebration of her election win, Governor-elect Spanberger called it the honor of her lifetime to be elected the 75th and first female governor of Virginia, while also congratulating Earle-Sears for a "hard fought race."

"My fellow Virginians, tonight we sent a message," Spanberger said. "We sent a message to every corner of the Commonwealth. A message to our neighbors and our fellow Americans across the country. We sent a message to the whole world that in 2025 Virginia chose pragmatism over partisanship."

"We chose our Commonwealth, over chaos," she added. "You all chose leadership that will focus relentlessly on what matters most: lowering costs, keeping our communities safe, and strengthening our economy for every Virginian leadership that will focus on problem-solving, not stoking division. You chose, we chose leadership that will always put Virginia first. And Virginia, I cannot wait to get to work for you."

RELATED STORY | Zohran Mamdani projected to win New York City mayoral race

Spanberger who was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in the 2018 Democratic "wave" that saw suburban women carry several Democrats to victory flipped a seat this time that is held by current Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin. Unlike most states, Virginia limits governors to one four-year term meaning Youngkin was not eligible for reelection.

On the campaign trail, Spanberger largely focused on so-called kitchen table issues like affordability and appealed directly to Virginia's nearly 150,000 federal workers who have been impacted by the ongoing federal government shutdown. She also relied on her national security background as a former CIA case officer to bolster her credentials and was seen by some as more of a moderate candidate.

Conversely, Earle-Sears ran as a staunch conservative and closely aligned her campaign with President Donald Trump, emphasizing topics such as education, tax relief and transgender participation in sports. Speaking to a group of supporters Tuesday night, Earle-Sears said she called Spanberger to wish her success and asked her to be a voice for all Virginians.

"I have to tell you, I think I learn more in the loss than I ever do in a victory. And I think there's something about that and it builds you," Earle-Sears said. "It's either going to tear you apart or it's going to build you. Well, I don't tear apart. I have God. I don't tear apart."

RELATED STORY | Democrat Mikie Sherrill projected to win New Jersey gubernatorial race

"I don't think we came up short," she added. "I think we tried very, very hard. So many have counted me out for so long and it's an amazing thing to watch. And we just kept plugging and plugging. So I just want to say to our young people here, remember that life has ups and downs. You must never stay down. There is nothing down there. You must always rise. It's one life that you have and it must be lived to the fullest. Your life has purpose. You have purpose."

Because races on Tuesday across the U.S. represent the first general election of President Trumps second term, voices on both sides of the aisle are already trying to draw conclusions about what the election results might mean for the long term. Campaign strategists and media politicos will be watching election margins and specific county results closely, eager to discern trends about voters attitudes and behaviors heading into next years crucial midterm elections.

All during Italian Heritage Month, we took you to Italian restaurants across metro Detroit, sharing their stories and recipes.

Check out all of the recipes below from the five restaurants we visited:

Aurora on the Lake in Commerce Township 

Cacio e pepe recipe

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

Silver Spoon in Rochester

Spaghetti ai frutti di mare:

Serving 4

Ingredients:

Spaghetti 0.7 lb

Mussels 2.25 lb

Optional 4 medium size sea scallops

Clams 2.2lb

Calamari (squid) 0.66 lb

Shrimp 8

Cherry tomatoes 0.66 lb

Extra virgin olive oil 4tbsp

Garlic 1 clove

Parsley 1 spig to be chopped

White wine 3 tbsp

Fine salt to taste

Black pepper to taste

Local Rochester restaurant brings authentic Italian flavors to Michigan

Andiamo in Warren

Osso Buco

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

Cafe Cortina in Farmington Hills

Gnocchi Di Patate

Cafe Cortina nears 50 years of Italian tradition in Farmington Hills

SheWolf in Detroit

Francobolli

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

President Donald Trump is weighing in on key races ahead of the first major election night of his second term in office, as republicans look ahead to the midterms.

In New York City, Trump is endorsing former Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo, whos running as an independent, and criticizing Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani.

Whether you personally like Andrew Cuomo or not, you really have no choice. You must vote for him, and hope he does a fantastic job. He is capable of it, Mamdani is not! Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Trump added that it is highly unlikely that I will be contributing Federal Funds, other than the very minimum as required, should Mamdani win.

The race could carry future implications for Trump and the Republican Party, according to a GOP operative.

After election night, Republicans say they expect to sharpen their messaging around Mamdani.

Republicans have been missing out on a good foil to contrast with and Mamdani will provide that, a republican operative said.

Messaging will focus, in part, on socialism and Mamdani following election night and Democrats tying themselves to him, according to a republican official.

Mamdani will be the face of the Republican midterm campaign, the operative added.

In New Jersey and Virginia, Trump is pointing to policies his administration frequently touts.

Virginia and New Jersey, VOTE REPUBLICAN IF YOU WANT MASSIVE ENERGY COST AND CRIME REDUCTIONS. The Democrats will double and even triple your Energy Costs, and CRIME will be rampant. A vote for the Democrats is a DEATH WISH! VOTE REPUBLICAN!!! He said on Truth Social.

The president took part in tele-rallies in each state on election eve, but has only endorsed Republican candidate Jack Ciatterelli in New Jersey, rather than Republican candidate Winsome Earle-Sears in Virginia. Some republicans point to a belief in a quality difference between the candidates.

The RNC, meanwhile, has made investments in personnel, digital efforts and election integrity in each state. In both Virginia and New Jersey, an official said it invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in election integrity and provided a first of its kind get-out-the-vote platform called "VotePro" to create websites available to Earle-Sears and utilized by Ciattarelli. Virginia saw seven full-time staffers and nearly 20,000 volunteers, while New Jersey saw five full-time staffers and more than 15,000 volunteer leads, according to the official.

In terms of the machine and operation that we're building, we feel like we're in a good groove heading into next year. We have a lot of staff on the ground. Our election integrity efforts are ramping up, and so we feel like we have built a good base heading into the midterms, a Republican official said.

Republicans are not putting weight in what the outcome means for the midterms, though, according to a source familiar with Republican efforts.

Well pull back the full layers of the onion and look at what the congressional races in these states look like. But we're also taking it all with a grain of salt, an official said.

While some strategists expect Democrats to win in New Jersey and Virginia, some Republican operatives see the competition itself as a positive.

The fact that it's as competitive as it is, we take that as a win like this is a state where Dems should be blowing it out of the water, said the Republican official.

They believe that having conversations about off-cycle elections in deep blue states is a testament to Trumps influence and change in the political landscape, according to the source familiar with republican efforts.

"Only 3 off-off year elections since the 1960s saw one party take both Virginia and New Jersey, then go on to sweep the following midterms 1993, 2005, & 2009. Since 1976, the party that loses the White House has won the Virginia governor's race every time but once. No grand conclusions to draw, said Doug Heye, a longtime GOP strategist.

However, Trump is tying the midterms to his call for Republicans to abolish the filibuster as the government shutdown reaches record lengths.

The Democrats are far more likely to win the Midterms, and the next Presidential Election, if we dont do the Termination of the Filibuster (The Nuclear Option!), because it will be impossible for Republicans to get Common Sense Policies done with these Crazed Democrat Lunatics being able to block everything by withholding their votes., he wrote on Truth Social.

The White House has invited Republican senators to meet with Trump over breakfast on Wednesday, where he intends to discuss ending the filibuster, a White House official confirms.

Birmingham's iconic Community House, a century-old institution, will close its doors next year as it transitions to become the Birmingham Area Community Foundation. The change has left families and brides scrambling to find alternatives.

Watch Jolie's story in the video player below: The Community House closing in Birmingham

The Community House announced operations at the building will conclude on June 30, 2026, canceling all scheduled events after that date, including weddings and childcare services.

"I mean, it's like super upsetting," said Emily Goldvekht, who had recently booked her wedding at the venue for Labor Day Weekend 2026.

Goldvekht had just put down a deposit of around $2,000 last week when she received an unexpected email announcing the closure.

"It came at a complete shock. I got an email yesterday, like mid-morning, just stating 'Dear Valued Customer'. It wasn't even a phone call or, 'Hi, Emily. We're super sorry,'" Goldvekht said.

The email informed customers that "The Community House will be evolving to become the Birmingham Area Community Foundation...As part of this transition, operations at our building at 380 S. Bates will conclude on June 30, 2026. All events scheduled to take place after June 30, 2026, will be canceled."

The sudden announcement has created significant challenges for those who had made plans at the venue.

"We are hoping to still have that date, but we have family from out of the country that booked travel, we printed our save the dates, we've spent a lot of money. Literally this week, we were about to put down almost $20,000 for outside catering, which is insane that it costs that much to feed people, but it does," Goldvekht said.

The Community House confirmed that 10 events will be impacted after the June closure date, and all deposits will be fully refunded.

In a statement, they said: "We've made the decision to evolve The Community House thoughtfully and with careful consideration. While we know some individuals, families and patrons will be impacted we are sharing this news now to provide ample time to explore other options and make any alternative arrangements."

The Community House will become The Birmingham Area Community Foundation with a focus on supporting non-profits providing scholarships for students, and a large physical space is no longer required. The site will officially close on July 1, 2026 and the new owners, yet to be determined, will decide what's next for the space.

The transition will also affect the Early Childhood Center, which will complete its current session, which concludes in May 2026, impacting families who depend on the childcare service.

"We heard this morning that they're actually closing, and now we have to find somewhere for our 4-month-old in the spring," said Agata Bodie, a Birmingham resident.

Bodie said she had waited five months to secure a spot for her daughter, who just started in the program on Tuesday, only to learn about the upcoming closure.

Despite the disappointment, those affected are trying to remain optimistic.

"Yeah, we're pretty upset, but we'll figure it out, and we're looking pretty positive at it," Goldvekht said.

The Birmingham Area Community Foundation will host a series of discussions about the transition. Those are scheduled on the following dates and registration is required.

Wednesday, Dec. 10: 1 - 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 10: 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 11: 8:30 - 10:00 a.m.

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.

A 12-year-old boy is recovering at Children's Hospital after he was severely injured in a hit-and-run crash in Warren. Police are asking for the public's help to find the driver who fled the scene.

Watch Randy Wimbley's video report: Police seek driver in Warren hit-and-run that severely injured boy

Liam Oliver was riding his minibike near 13 Mile and Moceri Circle near Schoenherr in Warren around 5 p.m. Monday when he was struck by a vehicle. The driver left him alone with severe injuries and fled the scene.

"All night he's been crying," said Tekeila Underwood, Liam's mother. "He's hurt and he's disappointed because he's asking why him and why did this person do this to me?"

Liam is undergoing surgery for serious injuries, including a fractured tibia bone that broke through the skin, a fractured skull, and extensive road rash.

"His tibia bone, which is right here, actually broke and came out the skin and went back in," Underwood said. "Plus, he has a fractured skull. The front of his - from here all the way over here, it's just raw skin," she said.

Police believe the driver of a dark Chevrolet Equinox with significant front-end damage is responsible for the crash. The vehicle was last seen heading west on 13 Mile Road.

While investigators say it's not legal to ride a minibike on public roads, that does not give someone permission to flee the scene of an accident. Underwood said she would not have been angry if the driver had stopped to help.

"I know you know you hit something. So, it's like, I wouldn't even be mad if you stopped. Accidents happen, I get that. But you kept going and you didn't care if you killed my son or not," Underwood said.

Despite the devastating injuries, Underwood is grateful her son survived the crash. She's urging the driver to come forward.

"It's a kid. If you were driving and you know you weren't supposed to be driving, so what? Just turn yourself in. Please. Because my baby did not deserve this," Underwood said.

The Warren Police Department urges anyone with information regarding this incident, or with CCTV video from the area, or any other information on the whereabouts of this vehicle, to contact Warren Police Det. M. Accivatti at 586-574-4859 or maccivatti@warrenpd.org. Your assistance is greatly appreciated.

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 remains of Itay Chen, an Israeli-American citizen killed in Hamas' October 7th attack on Israel, were returned to Israel on Tuesday, The Hostages and Missing Families Forum said.

Chen died defending against the October 7 attacks on Israel and was taken into Gaza. The 19-year-old was at the time the youngest U.S. citizen taken into Hamas captivity.

"Itay was a beloved and respected SHELACH instructor, guiding children and teenagers, helping them connect more deeply to the land of Israel, encouraging personal growth, and accompanying them on their educational journeys. He completed the full training course, including a survival course," The Hostages and Missing Families Forum said in a statement. "A passionate athlete, he loved playing basketball and was a member of the Elitzur Netanya team. Funny, always smiling, and full of life."

"Itay was an outstanding young man the very best of our youth. The salt of the earth. He loved the land of Israel, his family, and the friends who always surrounded him. He had a heart of gold always giving of himself to others, always putting his friends first."

The IDF said early on Wednesday local time that it had confirmed the identification of Chen and informed his family.

RELATED COVERAGE | Itay Chen's father Ruby speaks with Scripps News

Scripps News recently spoke with Ruby Chen, Itay's father. He said waiting for news of his son, as more hostages were returned, was 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."

This is a breaking news story and will be updated.

A UPS cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on Tuesday evening, killing at least seven people and injuring several more, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, UPS Flight 2976 went down around 5:15 p.m. local time after departing the airport. Beshear said two businesses were hit when the plane crashed, and two employees are missing.

"First responders are onsite and working hard to extinguish the fire and continue the investigation," Beshear said. "Air monitoring assets have been deployed, and we are working to keep the public informed and keep folks in the area safe."

The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 was headed to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu when it crashed. The cause remains under investigation.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | United flight lands safely at Reagan National after bomb threat

"This is an incredible tragedy that our community will never forget," said Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg. "We are so thankful for our brave first responders who have flooded the scene to help try and control the fire and provide support for any victims on the ground.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | Weather balloon may have caused windshield crack on United plane

The FAA said both the agency and the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate.

The Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport remains closed while crews continue firefighting and investigation efforts.

Louisville is home to UPS's largest package handling facility. Around 300 flights a day leave from the hub.