During Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, a Commerce Township woman is sharing her journey of hope after experiencing the heartbreak of a stillbirth.

Watch Jolie Sherman's video report: Commerce Township mother finds hope after stillbirth with birth of rainbow baby

On Monday, Joanna Hertz and her husband, Kevin Torongo, reunited with the nurses and doctors at DMC Huron Valley Sinai Hospital who helped bring their daughter, Lainey June Torongo, into the world back in July.

"She's truly the biggest blessing," Hertz said.

For the Commerce Township couple, the journey to parenthood has been marked by both tragedy and triumph. Before Lainey's birth, Hertz experienced a devastating loss.

"I think stillbirths, specifically, no one really knows what the word means. They haven't heard about it. It needs to be spread and people need to know about it," Hertz said.

On November 8, 2021, Hertz had a stillbirth at 36 weeks and 6 days with her son, Landon, whose pictures and footprints now hang on the walls of their home.

"It was devastating. I mean, at first, I think I was just really in shock about what happened," Hertz said.

She recalls having a routine check where everything seemed fine, but days later she started to feel less movement and was instructed to return to the hospital.

"The nurse, who was trying to find his heartbeat. I remember thinking maybe she's just new and not trained, and can't find it. And I just kept asking them: Are you sure? Are you sure? Can you do another ultrasound? Yeah, it was just really hard," Hertz said.

Through her grief, Joanna found support through therapy, support groups, and other mothers who had similar experiences.

When she decided to try for another baby, she connected with Dr. Bernard Gonik, a maternal-fetal medicine physician at DMC Huron Valley Sinai Hospital, who was involved in Hertz's prenatal care and decision-making up until delivery.

"When you have that sort of tragic event occur in your lifetime, everything else is tainted, everything else is changed. So, even simple decisions we might think are simple decisions get very complicated," Dr. Gonik said.

According to Dr. Gonik, there's a higher chance of complications after a stillbirth. Together, they created a comprehensive birth plan that included extra monitoring and a two-week hospital stay to ensure a safe delivery.

On July 1, 2025, their daughter, Lainey, was born healthy and safe.

In their daughter's nursery, the Hertz family keeps the "L" in Lainey's name blue to honor and remember their son, as it once spelled out "Landon" in his nursery a meaningful way to keep his memory alive as they raise their baby girl.

"We are just so grateful that she is here today, she was delivered safely, and we're just so grateful for her," Hertz 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 shutdown in Washington has caused grounded or delayed flights in airports across the country.

Air travel was crippled across the U.S. this weekend. Blame is on staffing shortages.

TSA agents and air traffic controllers are still on the job, but they're not being paid. Controllers will miss their first full paycheck on Tuesday.

"They get a notice of what they're going to be paid on Tuesday, and they got a big fat zero, no paycheck is coming on Tuesday, and so I've been out talking to our air traffic controllers. And you can see the stress," Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy told Fox News Channel's "Sunday Morning Futures."

The FAA issued 22 "staffing triggers" on Saturday a designation of understaffing of air traffic controllers.

More than 8,000 U.S. flights were delayed on Sunday and nearly 200 more were cancelled, according to tracking site FlightAware.

Duffy says that trend could continue, with the potential for more air traffic controllers to call in sick in order to work second jobs to make ends meet.

"You're going to see more staffing shortages in towers which means more delays, more cancellations," Duffy said.

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

Many travelers are growing frustrated, but say they're sympathetic to air traffic controllers' dilemma.

"Well, I'm thinking if I weren't getting paid, I would be very angry. That would make it difficult to do my job. I'm hoping someone is taking care of them," one traveler said.

The union that represents air traffic controllers says it doesn't support any sort of organized work stoppage but acknowledges that its workers are growing more stressed.

"So, air traffic controllers, we didn't start a shutdown. We don't end the shutdown. Our elected officials do, and our message is simple: End the shutdown today," said Nick Daniels, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association.

Hurricane Melissa is expected to make landfall in Jamaica late Monday or Tuesday, leaving metro Detroit residents with ties to the Caribbean island anxiously waiting for news from family and friends.

Yanique Lee, a Jamaican living in metro Detroit, said she's deeply concerned about her loved ones still on the island.

Watch Jeffrey Lindblom's video report below: Local woman worried about family as Jamaica braces for historic hurricane

"I'm very worried, I'm very sad and I pray that the storm passes," Lee said.

Lee said her family and friends have already been sharing videos with her, showing roofs being ripped from homes and cars submerged under water as the hurricane approaches.

"The ocean lifted up and the water was just going everywhere," Lee said.

When asked about her concerns for future visits to Jamaica, Lee expressed uncertainty about what she might find.

"Yes. I'm worried it might be disastrous," Lee said.

Related video: How powerful is Hurricane Melissa? How powerful if Hurricane Melissa?

Henry Montague, president of the Jamaican Association of Michigan, said he and the organization's 30 active members have all been in touch with friends and family on the island.

"I'm worried about the rain, how much rain we're going to get," Montague said.

Despite the concerns, Montague emphasized the resilient nature of Jamaican people.

"We're tough and we're resilient and we feel we can handle what mother nature has to offer," Montague said.

That resilience is being tested for Detroit resident Tamika Gaines, who traveled to Jamaica's coast Thursday for what was supposed to be a vacation. Her flight home was scheduled for Sunday, but she remains stranded as the hurricane approaches.

"Things turned south on Saturday," Gaines said.

Related video: Jamaica warned to shelter in place as Category 5 Hurricane Melissa approaches Jamaica warned to shelter in place as Category 5 Hurricane Melissa approaches

The resort where Gaines is staying is now preparing for the worst, rationing food and boarding up buildings.

"Do I feel I'm going to make it home? I don't know if I'm going to make it home," Gaines said.

Despite the uncertainty, Gaines said many Jamaicans are calling this one of the bigger storm systems they've seen, but they're reassuring visitors that their Caribbean island is known for its resilience.

"People in Jamaica tend to be more resilient," Gaines said.

Montague echoed that sentiment, describing resilience as a Jamaican trademark.

"Maybe it's our trademark. We don't fear anything. We're just going to sit back and wait. And then when it comes, we're going to ride it out however it goes. We'll ride it out and we'll be fine," Montague said.

Montague said he and other members of the Jamaican Association of Michigan are monitoring the hurricane while remaining hopeful and standing by to help in any way they can.

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 8-year-old Clinton Township student is grateful to be alive after her school principal performed the Heimlich maneuver to save her from choking on a water bottle cap.

Watch Evan Sery's video report: Principal saves 8-year-old student choking on water bottle cap in Clinton Township classroom

Earlier this month, Piper Irwin was in her second-grade classroom at Miami Elementary School when she went to take a sip from her water bottle. Without realizing the cap was still on, the tiny cap shot into the back of her throat when she tried to drink.

"It was really painful, in my mouth, really hard to get it out," Piper said. "I couldn't get it out, and then the principal helped me."

Dr. Katie Shellabarger, the school's principal who students call "Dr. S," was in a meeting when she heard an emergency call over her walkie-talkie. She immediately sprinted to Piper's classroom and found the student struggling to breathe.

"Her breathing was very gaspy, so we knew something was blocking her from being able to breathe," Shellabarger said.

Dr. S performed the Heimlich maneuver for about 30 seconds before the bottle cap finally came out, allowing Piper to breathe normally again.

"It felt good, but felt like the bottle cap was still in there," Piper said about the moment the cap was dislodged.

Since the incident, the principal and student have formed a special bond. Every time they see each other in the hallways, they exchange big smiles and greetings. Sometimes Piper even seeks out Dr. S in her office.

Shellabarger is part of the school's Medical Emergency Response Team (MERT), which trains staff in CPR, first aid, AED operation, and the Heimlich maneuver. She noted that water bottle caps seem to be getting smaller and their threads are so slim that they can pop off easily if not properly secured.

When asked if she feels like a hero, Shellabarger was modest about her life-saving actions.

"No," she said. "I would have done it for anybody, and that's what we're trained to do in our profession."

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.

Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin resumed scheduling abortions on Monday after a nearly monthlong pause due to federal Medicaid funding cuts in President Donald Trumps tax and spending bill that took effect at the beginning of October.

Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin said it was able to resume scheduling abortions as of noon on Monday because it no longer fits the definition of a prohibited entity under the new federal law that took effect this month and can receive Medicaid funds.

The organization said it dropped its designation as an essential community provider as defined under the Affordable Care Act. Dropping the designation will not result in changes to the cost for abortions or other services or affect the organization's funding, Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin president and CEO Tanya Atkinson said.

At this point, in all of our research and analysis, we really shouldnt see much of an impact on patient access, she said. If relinquishing this does ultimately impact our bottom line, then we will have to understand what that path forward is."

A national fight over abortion funding

Abortion funding has been under attack across the U.S., particularly for affiliates of Planned Parenthood, the biggest provider. The abortion landscape has shifting frequently since the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 2022 that allowed states to ban abortion. Currently, 12 states do not allow it at any stage of pregnancy, with limited exceptions, and four more ban it after about six weeks gestation.

Planned Parenthood has warned that about half its clinics that provide abortion could be closed nationwide due to the ban in the new federal law on Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood for services other than abortion.

Wisconsin, where abortion is legal but the Republican-controlled Legislature has passed numerous laws limiting access, was the only state where Planned Parenthood paused all abortions because of the new federal law, Atkinson said.

Because of the complexities and varieties of state abortion laws, Planned Parenthood affiliates are responding to the new federal law in a variety of ways, Atkinson said. In Arizona, for example, Planned Parenthood stopped accepting Medicaid but continued to provide abortions.

The move in Wisconsin is clearly aimed at sidestepping the federal law, Wisconsin Right to Life said.

Planned Parenthoods abortion-first business model underscores why taxpayer funding should never support organizations that make abortion a priority, said Heather Weininger, executive director of Wisconsin Right to Life. Women in difficult circumstances deserve compassionate, life-affirming care the kind of support the pro-life movement is committed to offering.

RELATED STORY | FDA approves generic version of mifepristone abortion drug, sparking conservative backlash

Impact on Wisconsin abortion clinics

In Wisconsin, pausing abortions for the past 26 days meant that women who would normally go to clinics in the southeastern corner of the state instead had to look for other options, including traveling to Chicago, which is within a three-hour drive of the Planned Parenthood facilities.

Affiliated Medical Services and Care for All also provide abortions at clinics in Milwaukee.

Atkinson said she did it was really, really difficult to say how many women were affected by the pause in services. She did not have numbers on how many women who wanted to have an abortion since the pause went into effect had to seek services elsewhere.

Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin serves about 50,000 people, and about 60% of them are covered by Medicaid, the organization said.

Given those numbers, the priority was on finding a way to continue receiving Medicaid funding and dropping the Essential Community Provider status provided the gateway, Atkinson said.

Wisconsin is part of a multistate federal lawsuit challenging the provision in the law. A federal appeals court in September said the government could halt the payments while a court challenge to the provision moves ahead.

Ramifications for Medicaid

Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin cited a Sept. 29 court filing on behalf of U.S. Health and Human Services that said family planning organizations could continue billing Medicaid if they gave up either their tax-exempt status or the essential community provider" designation.

By giving up that designation, it no longer fits the definition of prohibited entity under the federal law and can continue to receive federal Medicaid funds, the organization said. Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin is not giving up its tax exempt status.

The essential community provider designation was originally given to organizations to help make it easier for them to be considered in-network for billing with private health insurers, Planned Parenthood said.

Atkinson called it a nuanced provision of the law and she does not anticipate that giving it up will affect Planned Parenthood's ability to continue providing abortions and other services.

Planned Parenthood provides a wide range of services including cancer screenings and sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment. Federal Medicaid money was already not paying for abortion, but affiliates relied on Medicaid to stay afloat. Services other than abortion are expected to expand in light of the new law.

Planned Parenthood performed 3,727 abortions in Wisconsin between Oct. 1, 2023, and Sept. 30, 2024, the group said.

Detroit took a major step forward in clean energy Monday as Mayor Mike Duggan, DTE Energy and community leaders broke ground on the city's first solar field under the mayor's Solar Neighborhoods Initiative.

The project launched in the Van Dyke-Lynch neighborhood, where solar panels will soon cover a field that was once filled with blight and illegal activity.

Watch Carli Petrus' video report below: Detroit breaks ground on first solar field under mayor's clean energy initiative

"There was nothing but illegal dumping and illegal activity going on here about a year ago, and now it's going to power the city," Duggan said.

The solar field will generate 10 megawatts of clean, renewable energy. Duggan said the goal is simple: to lower energy costs and make Detroit neighborhoods better.

"This is going to power huge numbers of city buildings and the money that we're making from the electricity, we're using to improve the houses of the neighbors across the street that will be here for the long term," Duggan said.

Haley Henley has lived in the Van Dyke-Lynch neighborhood for 50 years and said she's excited to see the transformation.

"It's kind of sad when you live in a neighborhood and you get afraid to come out in it after dark," Henley said. "Thanks to the mayor for not forgetting about us."

Neighbors like Dorothy Gladney are receiving numerous home improvements including roofing and insulation. Gladney received what she called a life-saving upgrade: a carbon monoxide detector.

"The best thing that this solar panel did was brought us together," Gladney said.

Watch our previous coverage with Dorothy Gladney on how the initiative saved her life: Woman says City of Detroit helped save her family

Four more neighborhoods are set to receive solar fields: Gratiot Findlay, State Fair, Greenfield Park and Houston Whittier. The total project will cover 167 acres.

The project is made possible by tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.

"We said we're only going to the neighborhoods where we're wanted and as you can tell, we were very much wanted in this neighborhood," Duggan said.

The solar field is expected to be completed by mid-2026. DTE will hold additional informational sessions throughout construction.

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 devastating fire at the American House Senior Living Community in Southgate on Friday night left dozens of elderly residents without a home, but remarkably, everyone made it out alive thanks to the heroic efforts of first responders.

Watch Ruta Ulcinaite's video report: Southgate senior complex fire under investigation, residents recount the rescue

The fire broke out around 10 p.m. Friday when most residents were already in bed or asleep. The building now sits vacant and inaccessible, with all residents' belongings destroyed.

"And it was just miraculous that there was no loss of life, especially with the mobility issues these seniors had," Southgate Mayor Joseph Kuspa said.

Among those rescued was 80-year-old Joyce Richardson, who had recently moved into the complex. When she tried to escape through her door, she was met with thick smoke.

"So then I walked out and I tried to open the door, all I could see was smoke I couldn't see anything else," Richardson said.

First responders used a ladder to help Richardson escape through her second-story window.

"It took two firemen to help me down," she said.

Related video: Hear from others impacted by the fire Family members recall moments after massive fire at Southgate senior living facility

On Monday, Richardson attended an informational session at the American House Riverview location to learn about relocation options. She was wearing her nephew's clothing, having lost everything in the fire.

"Everything I owned everything that Rick brought in, it's gone," Richardson said.

Her nephew, Rick Richardson, expressed uncertainty about whether any possessions could be recovered.

"The building may never be safe to enter. Hopefully, she can retrieve some of her possessions," Rick Richardson said.

Watch Chopper 7 video of the massive fire: Video: Chopper 7 over massive fire at Southgate senior assisted living facility

The mayor's own sister was among those who needed rescue, requiring first responders to carry her down two flights of stairs.

"She's bedridden, so there was no way for her to get out other than to be carried and she's very thankful for that and of course, the whole family is as well," Kuspa said.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation as crews work to determine if the building is salvageable. American House continues to relocate residents across their various facilities.

Despite losing their personal belongings, residents expressed gratitude for the quick response of first responders.

"It was remarkable. And all the residents seemed pretty calm and took it all in stride. I was very impressed," Rick Richardson said about rescue efforts.

How to Help

The city of Southgate has established ways for the community to support displaced residents. Donations can be made through a secure link managed by the city, or specific items that residents need can be donated.

For residents who lost personal documents like licenses, the city of Southgate is also hosting a resource fair at the Southgate Senior Center located at 14700 Reaume Parkway, Southgate, MI 48195.

The resouece fair will take place this Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and county and state officials will be available to help residents retrieve important documentation, along with city leaders and American House representatives who can assist with relocation services and permanent housing.

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.

Women dealing with hot flashes could soon have a new option for relief. The FDA has approved a nonhormonal drug designed to help ease those uncomfortable menopause symptoms.

FDA approves new nonhormonal menopause drug that targets hot flashes

This new drug shows real potential to cool hot flashes. Elinzanetant, which will be sold under the brand name Lynkuet, works in the brain, not with hormones.

Heres how it works: during menopause, women start producing less of the hormone estrogen. As levels drop, nerves in the brains hypothalamus that help control the bodys internal temperature can get overactive. This sends out too many chemical signals called neurokinins, which trigger hot flashes.

Thats when a woman suddenly starts feeling hot in the face, head and chest. Symptoms can also include flushing and sweating all of which can last a few minutes and feel quite disruptive.

 

Now, elinzanetant works by blocking two specific brain receptors, called neurokinin-1 and neurokinin-3, which trigger these sudden surges of heat. In a phase-three clinical trial involving more than 600 postmenopausal women, those taking 120 mg of elinzanetant saw a 73% drop in hot flashes and night sweats after just 12 weeks.

Even more encouraging, women also reported better sleep and a higher quality of life. The effects lasted for over a year.

The drug being nonhormonal is a big deal. Some women cant take hormone replacement therapy for example, those with a history of blood clots, heart disease and certain cancers like breast or ovarian. Also, some women may not want to take hormones.

The risks are different for each person and depend on individual health factors, so its important to talk with a doctor.

As for side effects, the most common ones were drowsiness, fatigue and headaches. Some women did show temporary increases in liver enzyme levels  Out of more than 300 women on elinzanetant, six had mild or moderate elevations, most of which resolved on their own, and only one led to stopping treatment. Importantly, there were no serious liver problems.

Its also worth noting that rare side effects sometimes only show up once a drug is used by a larger population. Thats why doctors will continue to monitor safety closely as more women take it.

But for many struggling with hot flashes or night sweats, this could make a real difference and should be available in the U.S. starting in November.

Beef prices in the U.S. are surging. Federal data shows the average price of a pound of 100% ground beef is at a record high, due to a combination of climate factors, high input costs and limited supplies.

The beef industry is battling multiple challenges: a prolonged drought across key cattle states, recordhigh feed costs and the smallest U.S. cattle herd in 75 years. All have contributed to the record prices consumers are paying in grocery stores.

Tighter supplies are pushing up the cost of lean and ground beef, which are the types most commonly imported in the U.S. High tariffs on Brazilian beef imports and restrictions on Mexican beef imports tied to screwworm concerns are also driving prices higher.

RELATED STORY | 'It's been really hard': Tariffs, drought push US beef prices to record highs

In an October 22 social media message, President Trump credited those tariff politics with raising the revenue that U.S. ranchers may collect but he also warned them that they needed to lower prices charged to consumers.

President Trump announced a plan last week to boost imports of beef from Argentina to increase supply. But some Republican lawmakers have pushed back on the proposal, sending a message to the White House that the move would hurt U.S. ranchers and farm workers.

Other meats, like pre-sliced lunch meats, are also getting more expensive. Bloomberg News reported late in October that lunch meats saw their greatest single month-to-month price increase ever in September. The sales of packaged lunch meat have also declined since last year.

Sean "Diddy" Combs could be released as early as 2028 following his 50-month prison sentence for his conviction on two prostitution-related charges.

Federal jail records list his release date as May 8, 2028.

Combs, 55, has been held at a federal detention facility in Brooklyn, New York, since his arrest in September 2024. He was sentenced on Oct. 3 to just over four years behind bars, along with a $500,000 fine.

RELATED STORY | Judge rejects Sean 'Diddy' Combs bid to overturn conviction in prostitution case

In July, a jury found Combs guilty of transporting two former girlfriends to engage in prostitution with paid male escorts at hotels and drug-fueled parties described during the trial as freak offs. The same jury acquitted him of racketeering conspiracy and sex-trafficking charges, sparing him from a possible life sentence.

Combs faced up to 10 years in prison for each count of transportation to engage in prostitution. Prosecutors sought more than 11 years, while his defense argued he should receive no more than 14 months, including time served, saying hes been punished.

The judge ultimately rejected the governments recommendation, calling it not reasonable, but said a significant sentence was necessary to send a message to abusers and victims alike that abuse against women is met with real accountability.

The Detroit Red Wings have announced plans for their centennial celebration at the Fox Theatre next month, bringing together some of the biggest names in team history.

As part of a four-day celebration for the Red Wings' 100th season, the team will host "100 Years of Hockeytown: A Night at the Fox Theatre" on Saturday, Nov. 8.

Hosted by Red Wings broadcasters Ken Daniels and Mickey Redmond, the night will showcase a century of Red Wings history with stories from players, coaches and more.

This event coincides with the Hockeytown Centennial FanFest, which takes place Nov. 6-9 at MotorCity Casino Hotel. The weekend will include a pop-up museum, photo opportunities, interactive experiences, autograph sessions, family-friendly activities, Q&A sessions and much more.

Here are the different panels expected for 100 Years of Hockeytown: A Night at the Fox Theatre

25 Years of Greatness: Featuring Steve Yzerman, Nicklas Lidstrom, Henrik Zetterberg, Chris Osgood, Ken Holland The Russian 5: Featuring Sergei Fedorov, Vladimir Konstantinov, Barry Smith, Dave Lewis Goalies of Hockeytown: Featuring Chris Osgood, Mike Vernon, Jimmy Howard, Eddie Mio, Greg Stefan Stories with Stanley: Featuring Kirk Maltby, Niklas Kronwall, Tomas Holmstrom, Chris Chelios, Daniel Cleary Fight Night at The Joe: Featuring Brendan Shanahan, Darren McCarty, Mike Vernon, Nicklas Lidstrom, Vladimir Konstantinov

The event will run from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., and tickets are available now starting at $50. There are also special VIP options for fans that will include a VIP lounge, meet-and-greets, all-inclusive food and drinks and more.

Walmart is kicking off the holiday shopping season early, announcing three separate Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales events across November and December.

Event 1 will run Nov. 1416. Walmart+ members will get early online access beginning Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. ET.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | With prices already trending up, here are some ways to save on holiday travel

The retailer has already previewed several discounts, including:

98 TCL QLED 4K Google TV Was $1,798.00, Event Price $998.00 Barbie Malibu Travel Playset Was $21.88, Event Price $12.00 Dyson V12 Detect Slim Cordless Vacuum Cleaner Was $729.00, Event Price $399.99 Keurig Iced Essentials Was $79.00, Event Price $44.97 Lange Hair Styler Was $119.00, Event Price $48.30

Event 2 will begin online Nov. 25, with in-store deals available starting Nov. 28. The event will run through Nov. 30.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | USPS will temporarily increase shipping prices for the holiday season

Event 3 will follow on Dec. 1 and will be online only. Walmart+ members will receive early access to those deals on Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. ET.

Walmart has not yet announced which items will be included in Events 2 and 3.

Amid the federal government shutdown, the U.S. Department of Agriculture posted a notice saying federal food aid will not go out on Nov. 1.

The USDA also said it 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.

The State of Michigan ordered a pause on SNAP benefits, which will affect 13% of households in the state, approximately 1.4 million people.

Watch below: Mom's Facebook post sparks grassroots food assistance effort for SNAP families

Mom's Facebook post sparks grassroots food assistance effort for SNAP families

Watch below: Michigan pauses SNAP benefits due to federal shutdown, affecting 1.4 million residents

Michigan pauses SNAP benefits due to federal shutdown, affecting 1.4 million residents

There are still many places throughout metro Detroit for those who are in need of food assistance.

Below you'll find different resources in metro Detroit for food. If your organization would like to be included in the list, please email us at webteam@wxyz.com.

State of Michigan Food Assistance

https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/assistance-programs/food

The State of Michigan has this full page at the link above with detailed information about food assistance in the state. It includes applications, eligibility, different forms and other payment options.

Gleaners Community Food Bank

https://www.gcfb.org/

866-453-2637

Gleaners works with organizations around metro Detroit to provide food to nearly 400 partner soup kitchens, food patnries, shelters, schools and other agencies. They also offer direct service drive-up grocery distributions across the metro area.

Forgotten Harvest

https://www.forgottenharvest.org/

Forgotten Harvest delivers 144,000 pounds of surplus food per day to local charities, helping organizations get food in the hands of those who need it. It also has a mobile pantry program to help get nutrition foods to food-insecure residents in high-poverty, under-served metro Detroit neighborhoods. 

United Way for Southeastern Michigan

https://unitedwaysem.org/get-help/community-resources/

United Way as a Feeding Eating and Succeeding Together (FEAST) program that teaches adults how to provide the structure and leadership children need to grow into healthy eaters. It also provides summer meals for children, breakfast initiatives and more.

Great Start Detroit food bank list

https://www.greatstart.org/food

Great Start has a list of food banks throughout metro Detroit where you can find food help close to home, as well as other help for different problems.

Capuchin Soup Kitchen

https://www.cskdetroit.org/en/

Feeding bodies. Nourishing spirits. Strengthening communities. Inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, we tend to peoples basic needs, especially the need for food. We also strive to stimulate minds, nourish spirits, and address root causes of social injustice.

Food Bank of Eastern Michigan

https://www.fbem.org

Detroit Friendship House

https://www.detroitfriendshiphouse.org/

Hospitality House Food Pantry

https://www.hhfp.org/

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says a deal to keep TikTok operating in the U.S is set to be finalized on Thursday when President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Speaking Sunday on CBS News' "Face the Nation," Bessent said the two sides came to an agreement during a recent meeting in Madrid.

"I believe that as of today, all the details are ironed out, and that will be for the two leaders to consummate that transaction on Thursday in Korea," he said.

Bessent was speaking from Malaysia, where he joined President Trump on his three-country Asia trade tour. President Trump is scheduled to meet with China's President Xi on Thursday at the annual summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, hosted by Malaysia.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | Trump extends deadline for TikTok ban, keeping the app available in the US for now

The TikTok announcement comes a month after President Trump signed an executive order allowing TikTok to fall under American ownership and continue operating in the U.S. essentially saying the deal satisfies a law that requires ByteDance, TikToks Chinese parent company, to divest from the popular video-sharing app.

Lawmakers passed the bipartisan measure, citing concerns that the Chinese government could compel the company to hand over U.S. user data or manipulate TikToks algorithm to influence public opinion.

The new deal is expected to create a new joint venture to run TikTok, partly owned by U.S. investors and its parent company, ByteDance, which could hold no more than a 20% stake. The White House says the new joint venture would be run by a U.S.-based board of directors with national security and cybersecurity credentials.

The 80% stake in TikTok would be controlled by American companies, with the U.S. Government taking no direct stake in the venture. Some of those American companies include private equity firm Silver Lake, venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz and tech giant Oracle.

The White House confirmed that Oracle would serve as the new ventures main security provider.

It's going to provide top-to-bottom security throughout the company, including how the app fits in your phone and interacts with the phone, how it's upgraded, how American data is stored here in the United States on Oracle systems, and how the content recommendation algorithm works, according to a Senior White House Official.

RELATED STORY | 1 in 5 adults in the US get their news from TikTok, Pew Research survey finds

The official went on to say that the deal would provide a copy of TikTok's content recommendation algorithm to be fully inspected and retrained by the security provider on U.S. user data and then operated by that U.S. community and continuously monitored as it operates.

A final valuation for the proposal has also not been revealed, but the Trump administration estimates that the app could generate billions of dollars in economic activity over the next five years. According to a report conducted by ByteDance, TikTok added more than $24 billion to the U.S. economy in 2024.

TikTok has more than 170 million U.S. users, many of whom rely on the app for business and entertainment.

More than 2 million pounds of ready-to-eat jerky are being recalled because the products may be contaminated with pieces of metal, according to the U.S. Department of Agricultures Food Safety and Inspection Service.

The recall affects 14.5-ounce and 16-ounce plastic pouches of Golden Island Fire-Grilled Pork Jerky (Korean Barbecue recipe). The products were sold at Costco and Sams Club locations nationwide and bear the establishment number M279A.

The jerky has a one-year shelf life, with best by dates from Oct. 23, 2025, through Sept. 23, 2026, printed on the side of the packaging, FSIS said.

Officials said the issue was discovered after the company received multiple consumer complaints. No injuries have been reported.

The USDA believes the wiry metal pieces may have come from a conveyor belt used during production.

Consumers are urged to throw the product away, return it to the place of purchase, or contact Golden Island Jerky with questions.

Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison told a Monday afternoon news conference that a woman at the center of an officer-involved shooting on Sunday will not face any charges in connection with the incident. He also said the officer involved in the shooting is under investigation for violating Detroit Police Department policies.

Watch Randy Wimbley's video report: Bettison says policy violations under investigation in officer-involved shooting

The shooting took place following a traffic stop and a short police chase on Sunday afternoon in Detroit. It happened just after 3 p.m. in the area of McNichols and Sherwood, just west of Van Dyke on the city's east side.

Bettison said Monday that the woman was driving a Dodge Durango when she was pulled over for speeding, tinted windows, and an obscured plate.

RAW VIDEO: Detroit police chief speaks on officer-involved shooting Detroit police chief speaks on officer-involved shooting

Bettison held the news conference after reviewing the footage from the body-worn camera of the officer involved in the shooting. He says it shows the woman turned over her driver's license and that her insurance was on her phone. Bettison also said the woman "strongly disagreed" with the reasons for the traffic stop and asked for a supervisor multiple times while the officer was standing at her vehicle.

During the confrontation, Bettison says the officer asked for backup at the scene. Once it arrived, Bettison says the officer opened the woman's door and attempted to pull her out. One of the responding backup officers pepper-sprayed the woman through the open door, at which point, Bettison says, the woman drove off, and the police chase occurred. It ended when officers boxed the woman in the parking lot of DPD's metro base. The officer who initially stopped the woman got out of his car, Bettison says, and demanded the woman stop.

Bettison says the woman tried to drive out of the box, which is when the officer opened fire, shooting multiple times into the woman's car. She was hit six times. Officers rendered aid at the scene, and medics were called. She was taken to the hospital and has since been released.

Bettison says the woman was taken from the hospital to the Detroit Detention Center, and he ordered her released from that facility Monday afternoon.

Bettison says the officer, who has been on the force for a year and nine months, is under investigation for violating several Detroit Police Department policies. He also said he will go to the Board of Policy Commissioners to request the immediate suspension of the officer.

Late Monday, Chair Eva Garza Dewaelsche issued the following statement on behalf of the Board of Police Commissioners:

The Board is expecting Chief Bettison's request for the suspension without pay of the officer involved in Sunday's shooting of a female driver, based on the Chief's statement today that there were several policy violations committed during the incident. There is no Board meeting this Thursday due to training. The public can expect the Chief's request to suspend the officer on a Thursday agenda in November.

Bettison says among the policies the officer is believed to have violated are DPD's policy against pursuing a vehicle solely for a traffic violation, the DPD policy against boxing in a vehicle, and the DPD police against firing into a car unless it is an extreme situation where life is at stake.

The internal investigation is being led by the homicide task force, which is led by Michigan State Police.

Bettison told the Monday news conference that he believes if a supervisor had been called to the scene, he did not think the shooting would have occurred.

Bettison also said the details of the case will be submitted to the Wayne County Prosecutor's office for review and possible charges. He also said that once the prosecutor's office review is completed, the video from the incident will be made available.

The Republican governor of Indiana said Monday hes scheduling a special session to redraw congressional boundaries after weeks of pressure to back President Donald Trumps bid to add more winnable seats with midcycle redistricting.

Trump has pressed Republicans to draw new maps that give the party an easier path to maintain control of the House in the midterms. While Republicans in Texas, Missouri and North Carolina have moved quickly to enact new districts, Indiana lawmakers have been hesitant.

Republican Gov. Mike Braun called for the General Assembly to convene Nov. 3 for the special session. Its unclear whether enough of the GOP majority Senate will back new maps.

The White House held multiple meetings with Indiana lawmakers who have held out for months. The legislative leaders kept their cards close as speculation swirled over whether the state known for its more measured approach to Republican politics would answer the redistricting call.

National pressure campaign

Vice President JD Vance first met with Braun and legislative leaders in Indianapolis in August and Trump met privately with state House Speaker Todd Huston and state Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray in the Oval Office weeks later. Vance also spoke to state lawmakers visiting Washington that day.

Vance returned to Indianapolis on Oct. 10 to meet with the governor, as well as the Republican state House and Senate members.

RELATED STORY | North Carolina GOP lawmakers approve new congressional map aimed at adding Republican seat

Braun is a staunch ally of Trump in a state the president won by 19 percentage points in 2024. But Indiana lawmakers have avoided the national spotlight in recent years especially after a 2022 special session that yielded a strict abortion ban. Braun previously said he did not want to call a special session until he was sure lawmakers would back a new map.

I am calling a special legislative session to protect Hoosiers from efforts in other states that seek to diminish their voice in Washington and ensure their representation in Congress is fair, Braun said in a statement Monday.

Typically, states redraw boundaries of congressional districts every 10 years after the census has concluded. Opponents are expected to challenge any new maps in court.

State lawmakers have the sole power to draw maps in Indiana, where Republicans hold a supermajority in both chambers. Democrats could not stop a special session by refusing to attend, as their peers in Texas briefly did.

Opposition to redrawing the maps midcycle

A spokesperson for Bray said last week that the Indiana Senate lacked the votes to pass a new congressional map and she said Monday that the votes are still lacking, casting doubt on whether a special session will achieve Braun's goals.

With only 10 Democrats in the 50-member Senate, that means more than a dozen of the 40 Republicans oppose the idea. Some state Republican lawmakers have warned that midcycle redistricting can be costly and could backfire politically.

Republicans who vote against redistricting could to be forced out of office if their colleagues back primary opponents as punishment for not towing the party line. Braun's move to call a special session could force lawmakers who haven't commented publicly to take a stance.

Indianas Republican legislative leaders praised existing boundaries after adopting them four years ago.

I believe these maps reflect feedback from the public and will serve Hoosiers well for the next decade, Bray said at the time.

RELATED STORY | California Democrats release plan to boost party's US House seats

Indiana Senate Democratic Leader Shelli Yoder decried the special session and threatened legal action over any maps passed by the Legislature.

This is not democracy. This is desperation," she said in a statement.

Redistricting balloons

Democrats only need to gain three seats to flip control of the U.S. House, and redistricting fights have erupted in multiple states.

Some Democratic states have moved to counter Republican gains with new legislative maps. The latest, Virginia, is expected to take up the issue in a special session starting this week.

Republicans outnumber Democrats in Indianas congressional delegation 7-2, limiting possibilities of squeezing out another seat. But many in the party see it as a chance for the GOP to represent all nine seats.

The GOP would likely target Indianas 1st Congressional District, a longtime Democratic stronghold that encompasses Gary and other cities near Chicago in the states northwest corner. The seat held by third-term Democratic U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan has been seen by Republicans as a possible pickup in recent elections.

Lawmakers in Indiana redrew the borders of the district to be slightly more favorable toward Republicans in the 2022 election, but did not entirely split it up. The new maps were not challenged in court after they were approved in 2021, not even by Democrats and allies who had opposed the changes boosting GOP standing in the suburbs north of Indianapolis.

Mrvan still won reelection in 2022 and easily retained his seat in 2024.

I believe that representation should be earned through ideas and service, not political manipulation, Mrvan said in a statement Monday.

Republicans could also zero in on Indianas 7th Congressional District, composed entirely of Marion County and the Democratic stronghold of Indianapolis. But that option would be more controversial, potentially slicing up the states largest city and diluting Black voters influence.

The 50th anniversary of the sinking of the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald is Monday, Nov. 10, and there are special events across the state and Great Lakes region honoring the occasion.

Check out the different events below

Related stories on the Edmund Fitzgerald below

The 'Gales of November' shares the 'untold' story of the Edmund Fitzgerald & its 29 crewmen New book sheds light on how Gordon Lightfoot wrote The Wreck of the Edmund FitzgeraldDetroit Historical Society

The Detroit Historical Society is hosting a full weekend of activities to mark the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald.

Friday, Nov. 7

Book talk with Thomas Nelson for "Wrecked" from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle

Saturday, Nov. 8

Curators and docents hosting drop-in tours of the Edmund Fitzgerald exhibit at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum Livonia Amateur Radio Club will be in DeRoy Hall for the Edmund Fitzgerald radio broadcast

Sunday, Nov. 9

Maritime Brunch at the Dossin Great Lake Museum (It is sold out) Museum opens with regular admission at 1 p.m.

Monday, Nov. 10

26th annual Lost Mariners Remembrance from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Watch below: Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald: What makes the gales of November?

Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald: What makes the gales of November?Mariners' Church of Detroit

The Mariners' Church along Jefferson Ave. in Downtown Detroit is the same referenced in Gordon Lightfoot's famous song. There will be several events throughout the weekend.

Friday, Nov. 7

A special tribute to the Edmund Fitzgerald, featuring songs and storytelling from Mike Fornes at 6 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase

Sunday, Nov. 9

Great Lakes Memorial Service at 11 a.m., the annual tradition to commemorate all Mariners lost on the Great Lakes

Monday, Nov. 10

The bell will ring for a special anniversary Eucharist service at 12:10 p.m. on Monday There will be a special luncheon at 1 p.m. at the Detroit Mercy Law School that discusses the legal issues surrounding deadly shipwrecks and honors the 50th anniversary of the wreck

Watch below: New book tells 'the untold story' of the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald

New book tells 'the untold story' of the wreck of the Edmund FitzgeraldGreat Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society at Whitefish Point, MI

The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum has several Edmund Fitzgerald artifacts on display, including the ship's 200-pound bronze bell which was recovered on July 4, 1995.

On Monday, Nov. 10, the historical society will hold the outdoor public remembrance service at 2 p.m.

A ceremony for family members only will take place at 7 p.m. and be live-streamed to the public, but it is not open to the public.

National Museum of the Great Lakes in Toledo, Ohio

About an hour south of Detroit, the National Museum of the Great Lakes will host a full slate of events marking the 50th anniversary of the sinking.

All weekend long

From Friday through Monday, you can do guided tours of the Col. James M. Schoonmaker to imagine challenges faced by the Fitzgerald's crew

Friday, Nov. 7

Fitzgerald Beer Launch and dinner at Quenched & Tempered Brewery - The brewery is serving the same last meal that was served on the ship, and there will be live music and the release of the collaboration beer "The Toledo Express."

Saturday, Nov. 8

Book signing by Christopher Winters, author of "The Legend Lives On: S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald" at the museum

Sunday, Nov. 9

Meredith Moon, the daughter of Gordon Lightfoot, will perform a tribute concert at the Valentine Theater

Monday, Nov. 10

Documentary screening of "A Good Ship and Crew Well Seasoned: The Fitzgerald and Her Legacy" every hour from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the museum At 6 p.m., there will be a guest panel with those personally connected to the Fitzgerald, and then a ceremony marking the moment the ship was lostUniversity of Wisconsin-Superior

The University of Wisconsin-Superior will host a special lecture by shipwreck historian Ric Mixter on Saturday, Nov. 8 and then a musical performance. Mixter is someone who has visited the wreck personally.

Minnesota Historical Society

The Minnesota Historical Society will host its annual Memorial Beacon Lighting at 4 p.m. CST at the Split Rock Lighthouse.

If you have other events you'd like us to include, please email

max.white@wxyz.com

The U.S. Department of Agriculture says federal food aid will no longer be distributed starting on Nov. 1 saying the "well has run dry" and blaming Senate Democrats for the ongoing government shutdown.

"Senate Democrats have now voted 12 times to not fund the food stamp program, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)," a notice reads on the USDA website.

"At this time, there will be no benefits issued November 01," the agency added. "We are approaching an inflection point for Senate Democrats. They can continue to hold out for healthcare for illegal aliens and gender mutilation procedures or reopen the government so mothers, babies, and the most vulnerable among us can receive critical nutrition assistance."

WATCH | SNAP benefits slated to halt

SNAP benefits will end in November if govt shutdown continues

ADDITIONAL REPORTING | SNAP benefits at risk, workers miss pay as shutdown continues

The Trump administration, meanwhile, is refusing to tap $5 billion in contingency funds to sustain SNAP benefits, saying the money is reserved for emergencies such as natural disasters. Some states say they will try to keep SNAP benefits flowing, but the USDA warned they would not be reimbursed.

"There is no provision or allowance under current law for States to cover the cost of benefits and be reimbursed, a USDA memo obtained by Scripps News states.

According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, nearly 62% of SNAP recipients are families with children, and nearly 37% of beneficiaries are households with older adults or people with disabilities. If SNAP benefits are halted, it could leave millions of Americans without critical food assistance.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | USDA wont use emergency funds to cover SNAP benefits, agency says

The government shutdown which began on Oct. 1 is now the second longest on record. At the center of the dispute is health care policy.

Republicans want to reopen the government first and debate health care later, while Democrats are demanding concessions tied to expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies. Democrats argue that without action, millions of Americans could face higher insurance premiums in the coming months.