A Detroit beauty school owner is speaking out after thieves stole two decorative planters from her business over Memorial Day weekend, with the theft caught on security camera.

Watch Demetrios Sanders' video report: Thieves steal planters from Detroit beauty school over Memorial Day weekend

The incident happened early Saturday morning at Hair It Iz Beauty on West McNichols Road in the Rosedale Park neighborhood.

The business first opened as a salon in 1992 before becoming a beauty school in 2018.

"We train students that are interested in cosmetology, manicuring, esthetics," owner Marsha Rowry said. "We offer training and education to help people better their lives."

Last year, the business received grant funding through the Detroit Legacy Business Project. Rowry used the funding for new technology, a furnace and outdoor beautification work.

"We were able to get planters, mulch, shrubs," Rowry said. "People, when they see flowers, that's a sense of safety."

Watch surveillance video of the theft below: Surveillance video captures plant theft

Rowry said she realized this week that two planters she purchased for around $100 each were gone.

"They were here and they stood about this tall. A very nice arrangement. They had all different types of flowers in there," Rowry said

Security camera footage captured what appears to be two men stealing the planters Saturday after 2 a.m. before placing them in a white vehicle and driving away.

"It was painful. It was hurtful, very hurtful. To see someone that would take upon themselves to get out of their car, park their car and actually walk up on a business and take possession," Rowry said.

Detroit Police Department 8th Precinct Cmdr. Dietrich Lever said the theft is concerning.

"Because what they're really doing is victimizing small businesses in the 8th precinct," Lever said. "It's not the first time I've seen it, but I wouldn't call it often."

Lever said a dedicated property crime unit will investigate further. Detroit police are working to identify the men seen in the video.

Rowry said she plans to eventually put planters out again with added security. She also had a message for those committing these types of crimes.

"We just ask the community to respect itself. Have respect for the businesses still here," Rowry said.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Detroit Police Department's 8th Precinct at 313-596-5800.

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The Redford Brightmoor Initiative operates out of two locations one in Redford and one in the Brightmoor neighborhood offering programs that range from free stores and food assistance to laundry services and auto care repairs.

Shalonda Davis, a Detroiter, said around a year ago she started noticing an unusual sound coming from her car.

See the full story in the video below Detroit nonprofit offers free car repairs, food, clothing and more to community

"Obviously don't know anything about cars. My car is doing this noise, grinding," Davis said.

After learning about the Redford Brightmoor Initiative, she brought her vehicle to the organization's car care program, where her brakes and rotors were assessed and replaced. The only expense for Davis was parts.

"Taking my car, my truck to a shop, that labor this is the blessing, the labor is free, you just have to get your parts, that means everything to me," Davis said.

The car care program runs every Saturday morning and is staffed by volunteers at the organization's site on West Outer Drive near I-96. Lead mechanic Jay Mellis said they typically complete 6 car assessments each week and 3 to 5 repairs on a first-come, first-served basis.

"I want to help folks with the skills that I have," Mellis said.

The types of repairs the program handles vary widely.

"We do brakes almost every Saturday on a vehicle. We do a lot of suspension work," Mellis said.

"If your check engine light is on, we'll diagnose that," Mellis said.

Mellis said the savings for residents can be significant.

"I'll see estimate, regularly somebody will come in for $5,000 and we'll get them repaired for under $300," Mellis said.

Beyond car care, the Redford Brightmoor Initiative also hosts events for kids and free stores featuring essential items. Hilary Kristal, the nonprofit's director, said clients can access a range of support in a single visit.

"Clients leave here Saturday morning, they've gotten some clothing, household items, food items, diapers. They're so grateful, they're relieved and we want to take stress of them, financial stress," Kristal said.

Kristal said the organization serves between 50 and 100 families each Saturday, and the need is growing. She said the goal is for the space to feel welcoming to everyone who walks through the door.

"We feel like a community center in a way," Kristal said.

The Redford Brightmoor Initiative is also looking to expand its garage to grow the car care program. Those interested in donating are encouraged to contact the organization at 313-326-4947.

Henry Ford Health celebrated a major milestone Thursday in its $2.2 billion "Destination Grand" campus expansion in Detroit's New Center area, as hundreds gathered to watch a 1,400-pound beam placed atop a new 20-story patient tower.

Watch Demetrios Sanders' video report: Henry Ford Health celebrates milestone in expansion

"After 111 years in the making, this is the most exciting day for Henry Ford Health," Dr. Steven Kalkanis, Executive Vice President of Henry Ford Health, said.

The topping-out ceremony marks significant progress on the project, which is being constructed across the street from the current Henry Ford Hospital on West Grand Boulevard.

The new hospital facility will span 1.2 million square feet and include 432 patient rooms, a shared services building, a central energy hub, and a parking structure.

"This is Destination Grand, it's hope for the future, it's hope for our city, this is state-of-the-art healthcare that's come to life," Kalkanis said.

Kalkanis highlighted the range of specialized care the new facility will offer.

"We'll have the most number of specialty intensive care units in the state, we have transplant, neurosurgery, cancer surgery, we have heart and vascular. We have an emergency room that is going to be double in size," Kalkanis said. "It really is going to offer every amenity known to humankind and medicine today, we're putting it here."

The hospital expansion is also part of a larger development effort involving the Detroit Pistons and Michigan State University, which will bring mixed-income housing and a new medical research center to the area.

Bob Riney, president and CEO of Henry Ford Health, said the project's impact will extend well beyond healthcare.

"So the holistic effort of this, that it's happening in this city and the economic development that this is going to create is a spin-off of hotels, restaurants, researchers coming in from all over the world, it's what we want and what we need," Riney said.

With the topping-out complete, one of the project's next phases will focus on interior design.

"And we want to make sure that patients and families have a lot of input in that design, what makes sense to them?" Riney said.

Detroit resident Roshaun Moore said he welcomed the development.

"It makes the city better, and to see the new hospital being built and everything, I'm happy for it," Moore said.

The new hospital and shared services building are expected to open in 2029. The 449 patient rooms at the current hospital will become private spaces.

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A group of students at Detroits Marygrove High School is making history.

Watch Demetrios Sanders' video report: Detroit high school robotics team heads to world championship in Houston

Next week, the schools robotics team will compete in the FIRST Robotics World Championship in Houston. This makes them the first Detroit public school to earn the honor in nearly two decades.

Inside the lab at Marygrove High School, something special is being built.

"They've shown that Detroit students are absolutely still capable of standing with anyone in the world," Leon Pryor said.

Four years ago, the school on the city's west side relaunched its robotics team, with video game producer Pryor taking over as the lead coach.

"We started from a position where we were all rookies. The kids were a rookie, I was a rookie," Pryor said. "And we were literally 30 years behind, so how can we close that gap?" Pryor said.

By focusing on a Japanese principle of small continuous improvement, the team known as K9.0 Robotics did just that.

"I have had kids come in saying I don't know anything about robots or electrical systems, and now they can re-wire a robot in minutes," Pryor said.

Over the last four years, the team has racked up plenty of accomplishments. Now they are adding one more: competing at the FIRST World Championship in Houston.

"This is the big show, this is the Super Bowl," Pryor said.

K9.0 will be the first Detroit Public Schools Community District team to reach this world competition in 18 years. Team captain Leon Pryor III recalled what it took to get there.

"Just being able to get to the point that we are now, where we can win a field at states, and we can actually get to world's, it's been very uplifting," Pryor III said. "You start with nothing when the season starts, and you have to figure out how can I make this robot, how can I optimize it?"

Finn Nahabedian, another team captain, says she has learned so much through robotics.

"Not only in electrical work, but also in team building, problem solving, ingenuity, and all of that," Nahabedian said.

As things move forward, she hopes their success creates more interest in robotics in Detroit.

"I already suspect that next year we'll see a lot more kids trying to join the team, and I hope that carries over into other schools as well," Nahabedian said.

The FIRST Championship competition begins Wednesday, April 29.

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Students at the University of Detroit Mercy are making a difference in the community by creating technology to improve mobility for people with disabilities.

Watch Demetrios Sanders' video report: Tech changing lives at U of D Mercy

Through the university's Faces on Design program, engineering and nursing students collaborated for months to build assistive technology devices for three individuals.

Some of the technology showcased on Monday included a device to help individuals in wheelchairs get into cars, technology to move household items from a vehicle to a porch, and an all-in-one grabbing and reaching device.

Rochester Hills resident Richard Dries received the all-in-one grabbing device. While working on a roof in 2014, Dries fell, an accident that originally left him paralyzed from the neck down.

"One minute I'm standing on a building, one second later my face is on cement," Dries said.

He has since regained some mobility and uses various grabbing and reaching devices for everyday tasks.

"I get myself up in the morning, get myself dressed in the morning, take two of the sticks and stretch out as straight as they'll go," Dries said.

Mechanical engineering student Marino Bachi helped create the new device to make things simpler for Dries.

"Our main goal was increasing quality of life. So any challenges Richard faced on a daily basis, our goal was to go in and make him as happy as we could," Bachi said.

Professor of Nursing Molly McClelland said the process is a team effort from concept to construction.

"They get together with a client and a blank sheet of paper, and they have to figure out," McClelland said. "None of us have all of the knowledge, work with others who are an expert in their field because collectively you'll be able to make a better product."

Nursing student Mariana Mati also worked on the project.

"I knew that I would be making a difference in someone's life, especially my client, so it was just very rewarding, very fulfilling," Mati said.

Those receiving the devices are looking forward to the possibilities they will bring.

"'This is going to help so many people.'. I totally agree with that," Dries said.

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The Canton Police Department is warning the public about a text message scam involving Detroits 36th District Court after an 83-year-old resident had her debit card information stolen.

Scammers used the stolen information to make fraudulent purchases at several stores.

Watch Demetrios Sanders' video report below: Canton police warn of 36th District Court text message scam after woman is targeted

In early March, Canton resident Cora Huguely thought she parked illegally. Shortly after, she received a text message about unpaid parking tickets. The message included a summons and a QR code for payment, posing as the 36th District Court.

"I am feeling like oh, they caught me, but I was so relieved because it said $6 fine. I thought wow, Ill pay this now rather than pay a penalty," Huguely said.

Huguely quickly found out the message didn't actually come from the court.

"In the morning, I check my bank balances," Huguely said. "And I noticed this big red ink and I about had a heart attack."

When checking her accounts, Huguely noticed three charges for more than $500 each at Home Depot. After talking to her bank and police, she realized she was scammed.

"They violated me. They took my money and spent it as they wanted to," Huguely said.

Canton police identified several people involved in the scheme. Christopher Thomas, 30, of Clinton Township is charged with identity theft, financial transaction device fraud and being a habitual offender for his alleged role.

"Working with our big box retailers and their investigators and with us, we were actually able to hone in on who the suspect in this case was," Detective Sgt. Jeff Zajac said.

Zajac said scams like these are becoming more common.

"These scams not only target everybody in the community, but a lot of times, they focus on our elderly," Zajac said.

Zajac encourages people to look for red flags.

"A court system is never going to reach out to you in a text message and ask for you to pay anything," Zajac said.

Zajac also said the community should lean on family or reach out to police if they are unsure.

"Give us a call so that we can guide and say hey, this doesnt sound right," Zajac said.

Huguely was refunded the money that was taken. Moving forward, she plans to be a lot more careful.

"A persons word is not their word, a document is not a real document. Theres so many things we have to be aware of," Huguely said.

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A new art museum in Detroit's Grandmont Rosedale neighborhood is fueling creativity in young people.

Organizers say the space, known as The RED, is the first museum in the city entirely dedicated to children's visual arts. For as long as she can remember, art has been a part of founder Yvette Rock's life.

Watch Demetrios Sanders' video report below: First children's visual arts museum opens in Detroit to fuel creativity, inspire young people

"As a little girl, art has always been a hobby of mine, an interest of mine and my parents really fostered that creativity," Rock said.

Her passion eventually led her to create Live Coal, a nonprofit in Detroit designed to improve lives and neighborhoods through art and education.

"Everybody really has some form of creativity in them and so for me, teaching it to children is just the way to draw that out from them," Rock said.

Now she is taking her mission to the next level. Rock recently opened The RED, a children's art museum and gallery on Grand River Avenue near West Outer Drive.

"When we go to a museum, we see artwork made by these amazing renowned artists. I thought, they were all once children too," Rock said.

Inside the museum, visitors can find artwork created by local youth, hands-on stations where young people can make their own pieces and an open art making studio.

"I hope people come out being like, I can come in and be creative and make art. Two, I can support youth in this city," Rock said.

Asa Smith is a 10th grader in Detroit who recently got into fashion design and says he has had a longtime love for art.

"A lot of emotions you can't really formulate when you're younger or a kid, so drawing and stuff like that and the different colors kind of helped me," Smith said.

He plans to use The Red as a hub for some of his work and knows it will be a valuable resource for others like himself.

"When you see someone your age or might go to the same school as you doing stuff like that, it's really inspirational," Smith said.

The RED is open to the public Thursdays through Saturdays. Wednesdays are available for school groups and tours.

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A family is searching for answers after 28-year-old Jermoni Stephens was fatally shot on Detroit's west side last year, while police struggle to identify the killer due to uncooperative potential witnesses.

Watch Demetrios Sanders' video report: Family pleads for answers in fatal shooting as police say witnesses won't talk

Stephens was killed on July 5 last year outside a home on Monica Street near Puritan, where he lived with his girlfriend and her children.

Detroit police said the fatal shooting followed a dispute over the launching of fireworks, which escalated into a physical confrontation.

Captain Marcus Thirkill said several people were outside when the confrontation took place, including acquaintances of Stephens. However, potential witnesses have been unwilling to share information.

"We believe the individuals who are responsible for this shooting are connected to someone in the neighborhood. However, at this time, without the help of the community, we are struggling to identify these individuals," Thirkill said.

"We are well aware that people know who this individual is, and you are not doing the community any service allowing this individual to remain on the streets," Thirkill said.

Stephens' mother, Tamiya Jones, remembered her son as someone who cared about those around him.

"He was a fun, loving, no-nonsense type of person. He served in community," Tamiya Jones said.

"When I got the call July 5th, it changed my life forever. It changed my familys life forever, and its just been difficult. Its been very hard, knowing the kind of person he was," Tamiya Jones said.

Tamiya Jones said it has been difficult for the family to heal knowing the killer is still free, noting that Stephens' sister misses her brother every day.

"So they have their family, and theyre moving on, and theyre moving forward, but we have to move forward and through this and its unfair," Tamiya Jones said.

The family is pleading with anyone who saw what happened to come forward.

"If he were still here and this had happened to someone he loved or his friend, he would not keep quiet about it," Tamiya Jones said.

Stephens' grandmother, Melisa Jones, is also urging people who know information to speak up.

"I do know that somebody knows something," Melisa Jones said.

Anyone with information about Stephens' death is encouraged to contact Detroit police or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.

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Conservation groups are racing to raise $6 million by the end of the year to preserve 440 acres of rare prairie land. They now have the support of the Brownstown Township Board of Trustees.

Watch Demetrios Sanders' video report: Race to save Brownstown Township's Sibley Prairie

The property is part of the Sibley Prairie and is located between Sibley, King, Inkster, and Telegraph roads. Trenton-based Fritz Enterprises owns the land and put it up for auction last year.

The company gave the Michigan Land Conservancy the option to purchase the property for $6 million by the end of 2026.

"That's when it became urgent for us to ramp up our efforts," Jim Bull said.

Bull, with the Save Sibley Prairie Coalition, noted the land is the largest remaining lakeplain prairie in Michigan.

"It is considered one of the most biodiverse habitats in all the state of Michigan," Bull said. "There's a lot of endangered plants here, insects, butterflies."

Brownstown Township Manager Brian Peters said the township will submit an application for grant funding through the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund to help purchase the property.

"This is, basically, all that's left of this habitat. So we've long known the importance of the property," Peters said.

If approved, the grant could cover around 75 percent of the purchase. The remaining funds would come from local sources and the coalition's fundraising efforts.

"The coalition has the interest to do something regardless, but I think this is the preferred outcome," Peters said.

Peters said purchasing the land would provide an opportunity to preserve the habitat and open it up to the public.

"So that it's not just some hidden gem, it's actually something people can access," Peters said.

The Save Sibley Prairie Coalition will continue to raise money in the meantime, including focusing on an additional $3.7 million needed for factors like ongoing management of the site.

"That builds a lot of confidence that we've got a serious plan," Bull said.

We reached out to Fritz Enterprises for comment and have not heard back at this time.

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The Oaks Village homeless shelter in Monroe was forced to close its doors Friday after city leaders said a recent inspection uncovered multiple life safety concerns.

Watch Demetrios Sanders' video report: Monroe homeless shelter forced to close due to major safety concerns

The closure leaves dozens of people who were actively using the shelter quickly searching for a new place to rest.

Garry Moore, executive director of Oaks Village, said 48 people were staying at the facility when the announcement was made.

According to the City of Monroe, Oaks Village initiated an inspection to obtain a certificate of occupancy. The inspection revealed major safety concerns with the building, including electrical hazards, questions surrounding emergency evacuation paths, and the lack of a carbon monoxide and fire suppression system.

For those reasons, the city said the building could not remain occupied and ordered it to close on Friday.

"This decision comes after months of productive collaboration behind the scenes between the City and Oaks Village leadership," the City of Monroe wrote. "The City understands that this situation creates uncertainty for those who rely on these services. These actions were taken solely to protect everyone involved. Ongoing collaboration with the Oaks Village will focus on next steps and identifying available resources as the future of the shelter is evaluated."

Moore claims the shelter was given just three days to leave. While some people staying at the shelter have found housing with friends or other organizations, Moore said it has been a challenge finding a place for everyone.

"It has been kind of panic mode these past few days," Moore said. "Our mission is to support those in the community who are most in need."

"It's still kind of sinking in, and we're just doing everything we can in the moment as things come along, as we find new information, to make the right steps forward," Moore said.

Jason Walker moved to Michigan several months ago in search of better work opportunities. He stayed at the Oaks Village homeless shelter as he worked on job certifications.

"And they were a fundamental rock. They stayed in contact with my family. They did the things that matter most," he said.

Walker is one of the dozens of people leaving the facility this week. He was stunned by the news.

"I didn't know what to think. I was numb the first day. Then I started helping them clean up, pack up. It really caught me off guard," Jason Walker said.

Monroe officials said they are also working to help find placement for people at Oaks Village. Questions or concerns regarding access to placement or services can be directed to the Monroe County Opportunity Program at (734) 241-2775. Walk-ins are also available from 8:30-4:30 Monday-Friday.

In order to make the required repairs, Oaks Village launched an online fundraiser with a goal of $500,000. Those at the shelter remain optimistic they will reopen one day.

"It's going to go the way God wants it, and I'm here for it," said Lonnie Walker, a volunteer at the shelter.

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A Detroit man is being hailed as a hero after rescuing two of his neighbors from a burning home on the city's west side.

The Detroit Fire Department awarded Jamie White a civilian commendation Thursday for his life-saving actions during an early morning house fire on Jan. 23.

Watch Demetrios Sanders' video report below: Detroit man honored for pulling neighbors from house fire

Lucille Williams and her roommate lost their home in the blaze. Williams recalled the terrifying moments when smoke filled the house and flames blocked the front door.

"All of a sudden, it was just smoke," Williams said.

With her primary escape route cut off, Williams rushed to her bedroom, shut the door and looked for another way out.

"The firefighters said if I had opened up my door, I would've been dead. So I thank God for letting me know I had to close that door and then I held my head out the window and saw my guardian angel, my hero coming around," Williams said.

That guardian angel was White, who has been her neighbor for more than three years.

"I heard 'help me' and my wife said fire, so she started calling 911 and I ran outside and seen Ms. Williams hanging out the window," White said.

Acting on faith and instinct, White rescued Williams before returning to the burning home a second time to pull her roommate to safety.

"God told me go get them. He said go get them, so that's what I did," White said.

Chuck Simms, executive fire commissioner with the city of Detroit, presented White with the commendation.

"His conduct reflects the highest ideals of courage, compassion and service to others," Simms said. "Mr. White's actions stand as a powerful example of the strength of community and the profile impact of individual bravery."

Since the fire, White's daughter and others in the community have called him a hero.

"I'm just being a human being. I makes me feels good that I'm appreciated for, I guess, the hard work that I've knocked out," White said.

Williams shared her gratitude for her now-former neighbor.

"I love him, I love him. Yes, I do," Williams said.

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Muslims in Metro Detroit are observing Ramadan, the holy month of prayer, charity, and fasting from sunrise to sunset and medical professionals say the practice can provide meaningful health benefits.

Watch Demetrios' report below

Ramadan fasting offers health benefits for Metro Detroit Muslims, Corewell Health doctor says

Yasser Hashwi, owner of Booza Delight in Dearborn Heights, has been fasting during Ramadan since he was a kid. His shop, which started with making ice cream at home, has grown into a new brick-and-mortar location with plenty of dessert options.

"I do avocado ice cream, I do some weird flavors you can't find anywhere else," Hashwi said.

Working in the food industry while fasting presents its own challenges.

"I always want to eat, so the first day or two days you make a mistake, you're like, ' Oh, I want to taste something because I'm making a recipe, and like 'Oh my God, fasting,'" Hashwi said.

But after years of observance, Hashwi says his body and mind have adjusted to the demands of the fast.

"Like I had my employee, she was drinking water next to me, and she goes, 'Yasser, I'm sorry.' I'm like, no, you're fine, it doesn't bother me," Hashwi said.

For Hashwi, he noted that the purpose of fasting goes beyond the physical.

"The whole experience of why you fast is really to feel about the people who are poor, who have no money to eat. So that gives you the feeling of how those people feel," Hashwi said.

Dr. Zafar Shamoon with Corewell Health is also observing Ramadan. He says fasting can have positive physiological effects a key reason intermittent fasting has grown in popularity.

"We go to ketosis phase, where instead of your body burning glucose, we're now burning stored fat, and what happens with that is obviously not only some weight reduction, but also it helps the gut rest, which also allows healing," Shamoon said.

Shamoon says fasting can also have positive mental effects.

"The brain itself is also more alert," Shamoon said.

For those continuing their fasts, Shamoon offered practical advice.

"Try not to eat too sugary foods in the morning, because you can have a crash later, and also the important thing is try to hydrate as much as you can in the morning," Shamoon said.

Above all, Shamoon and Hashwi say it is important to keep the spiritual meaning of Ramadan at the center of the observance.

"It's meant to bring you closer to God and remind you of those less fortunate," Shamoon said.

"Hopefully you follow that month for the next year until you do it all over again, so you stay in the right path of what God wants you to do," Hashwi said.

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A Downriver Michigan couple says they are stranded in the Maldives after military strikes in Iran prompted airspace closures across the Middle East, canceling their flight home and leaving them with mounting expenses and unanswered questions from federal officials.

Angela Reid booked the trip to celebrate her husband Baxter's improving health following a cancer diagnosis.

Watch the video report below: Flat Rock couple stranded overseas amid Iran conflict

"And it was beautiful and we were having the best times of our lives and then, Saturday happened," Angela Reid said.

On Saturday, the U.S. and Israel began military strikes in Iran. The closure of airspace in the Middle East canceled the Reids' flight on Monday that was supposed to take them from the islands to Dubai, then to France, before eventually heading home.

"Never in a million years when I booked this trip did I think anything like this was going to happen," Angela Reid said.

The couple is now stranded at a hotel in the Maldives, where they say expenses are building up.

"We've been paying about anywhere from $500 to $700 a night including food," Angela Reid said.

With no clear timeline for departure and concerns mounting, the couple says attempts to contact U.S. federal officials for assistance have offered little relief.

"And it's becoming exhausting because the more we ask questions, the less answers we get," Baxter Reid said. "I have cancer, so I have to get back to my appointments and I'm running out of out medication here."

Related video: Iran war sparks deep divisions among Michigan's Iranian American community Iran war sparks deep divisions among Michigan's Iranian American community

7 News Detroit reached out to Congresswoman Debbie Dingell about the family's concerns.

"I want people to be very cautious in thinking about international travel for the next few weeks," Dingell said.

For those already overseas, Dingell says travelers should sign up for the State Department's STEP program for updates, work with their airline on rebooking a different route and contact their local representatives in Congress.

"So we get a sense of the numbers of people that are stranded as we talk to the State Department about how do we fly people, so we cannot get out," Dingell said.

Dingell says her office is working to ensure Americans make it home safely.

"We'll work with you to try to assist you in all ways that are possible," Dingell said.

Related video: Gas prices jump in Michigan, stocks plunge as U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict enters day 5 Gas prices jump in Michigan, stocks plunge as U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict enters day 5

The Reids say they are willing to take any available route to get back.

"I mean, we're willing to fly wherever we have to fly to get home," Angela Reid said.

Rep. Dingell also confirmed that the U.S. State Department is working to utilize charter and military flights to bring people home from the Middle East.

Sen. Gary Peters office said they also stand ready to assist during emergencies and Michiganders in need of help should fill out an online form.

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Residents in Huron Township are raising concerns about pothole-covered dirt roads, with some demanding more permanent solutions.

The speed limit on South Huron Road is 45 miles per hour, but drivers say the conditions make that impossible.

Watch the video report below: Huron Township residents demand fixes for pothole-covered dirt roads

"You're trying to get from A to B and while you're on A, you're creeping," Michael Lassic, a Huron Township resident, said.

Drivers on Friday were navigating potholes lining the dirt road between Waltz and Clark. For some residents, the conditions are having serious consequences.

"I have a really bad back and just going to my doctor's appointments, like some days I can't even go out because the road is too bad, I can't get in the car," LaTonya Lassic, a Huron Township resident, said.

Gloria Brown, a mother of four and Huron Township resident, said she worries about emergency vehicles and her children's safety because of the bumpy roads.

"Watching these school buses try to go down these roads, it's terrifying knowing my kids are on there," Brown said. "It's not safe for anyone to go down."

Brown also works as a DoorDash driver and said driving on both South Huron and Clark roads has taken its toll on her vehicle.

"It's constant wear and tear our brakes, the list just goes on," Brown said.

The road conditions led Brown to create an online petition urging officials to find a solution.

"Like at least pave some of this, if not all of it," Brown said.

In a statement, the Wayne County Department of Public Services, which maintains those roadways, said:

"Wayne County continues to work collaboratively with the two townships that share this roadway regarding long-term paving and maintenance considerations. South Huron Road was most recently evaluated for paving in 2024, and following stakeholder input, the project was not advanced at that time."

The department also said freeze-thaw cycles and long periods of rain can cause gravel roads to deteriorate. Officials said they have serviced South Huron and Clark roads six times since mid-January.

Residents say those temporary fixes aren't holding up.

"Even when they do fill in the holes with the dirt, if it rains the next day, it's literally exactly the same," LaTonya Lassic said.

One resident said that while she opposes paving because of the area's farming community, something still needs to change.

"Wayne County needs to step up their job. They need to start doing what's right and get out here more often," Theresa Grant, a Huron Township resident, said.

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A Detroit native who once walked the halls of Cody High School is now on football's biggest stage.

Shawn Smith, a Cody High School alum, wrapped up his 11th season as an NFL official earlier this month when he served as the head referee for Super Bowl 60.

See the full story in the video below

From Detroit to the Super Bowl: NFL referee Shawn Smith reflects on his career

"Cody has meant a lot to me, it's just who I am," Smith said.

Smith was a football and track athlete at Cody before going on to play collegiate sports at Eastern Michigan University. He later transferred to Ferris State University.

"Where I didn't play football again. I shifted to track and then became an all-conference runner in the GLIAC," Smith said.

During high school and college, Smith was introduced to officiating intramural and recreational sports as a way to earn extra money. After earning his degree, he stepped away from officiating, but a conversation with a fellow referee brought him back.

"He said, 'Well why don't you get back into it?' and well maybe that might not be a bad idea," Smith said.

Smith began officiating high school football before eventually working his way up to the Division 1 and Division 2 collegiate levels. Then, in 2015, he received a life-changing opportunity.

"Pick up the phone, it's the NFL and they say 'Hey we want to bring you in. Are you excited?'" Smith said. "At that time, it was a position I had never worked before, but I was so ecstatic."

Smith has worked as an NFL official for 11 seasons, 8 of them as a referee. This season, he led the Super Bowl officiating crew an honor only 3 Black referees before him have ever held.

"To be the fourth to ever have that honor, it's huge. Being one of the first from Michigan or just being one of the first to Detroit to ever do it," Smith said.

Smith admitted the big game came with some extra nerves.

"I did get a little bit nervous for the coin toss and I've told many folks that once I got past the coin toss, I knew I was going to be OK," Smith said.

Off the field, Smith works with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.

He was also formerly an auditor a career he says shares more in common with officiating than people might expect.

"Most folks don't want to see an auditor come and most folks don't care about refereeing. But one of the things we do is we have to be objective, we have to be independent, we have to be disciplined in our craft," Smith said.

Smith is also encouraging young people to pick up a whistle and give officiating a try.

"It helps build a lot of character and discipline and things that can carry you forward in life," Smith 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.

Detroit's historic Chinatown is moving closer to revival after final design concepts were released for the Peterboro Streetscape Project a more than $1 million effort to restore the cultural hub along the city's Cass Corridor.

Midtown Detroit Inc. unveiled the designs Monday, outlining plans to bring improved sidewalks, murals, lighting and plants to Peterboro Street between Second and Cass avenues, honoring the neighborhood's history.

Watch Demetrios Sanders' video report below: Detroit's historic Chinatown takes step toward revival with final streetscape project designs

"It's so important that as we experience growth and redevelopment in our community that we really look to the cultural identity of that community," Melanie Markowicz, executive director of Midtown Detroit Inc., said.

Detroit's first Chinatown was located at Third Avenue and Porter Street before urban renewal forced it to relocate in the 1960s. The city's second Chinatown was near Peterboro and Cass, but faded over time.

Lisa Yee-Litzenberg, whose father Henry was known as the unofficial mayor of Detroit's Chinatown, has fond memories of working in the neighborhood.

"There were actually two Chinatowns. My dad had restaurants in both," Yee-Litzenberg said. "I rolled a lot of egg rolls, spent a lot of time getting to know the customers as a young kid," she said.

For Yee-Litzenberg, the area represented more than just a place to grow up.

"It was really fantastic as a place where I could feel safe and at home, and a place where I could proud of my culture," she said.

Markowicz said the streetscape project will help connect the neighborhood with other surrounding ones.

"This is going to be an exciting place that's going to connect downtown, Brush Park and the Cass Corridor and serve as an anchor that has vibrancy and cultural identity," Markowicz said.

State Sen. Stephanie Chang helped secure a $1 million state grant for the Chinatown revival.

"Whether it's the improved streetscape or the incorporation of Asian cultural elements, I think it's going to be a big difference for the business owners here, for residents around this area," Chang said.

Over the next year, Midtown Detroit Inc. will fundraise to raise an additional $1.4 million for the project.

Nearby businesses say they are looking forward to what the investment will bring.

"We're the last thing that's been built here in the last eight years, so to see investment coming in the community and putting more focus on this is going to bring more people that actually help support the community," Jonathan Hartzell, owner of Detroit Shipping Company, said.

Watch our February 2025 report about the revival below: Here's what's being done now to revive Detroit's Chinatown

If all goes well, construction is expected to begin next spring, with a potential completion in fall 2027.

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 popular Detroit food truck with a massive social media following has opened its first brick-and-mortar location on Stephenson Highway just south of 14 Mile Road in Madison Heights.

Detroit 75 Kitchen, owned by brothers Mike and Ahmad Nassar, welcomed crowds of customers Friday as they opened their first dine-in location.

Watch Demetrios Sanders' video report below: Detroit 75 Kitchen opens first brick-and-mortar location in Madison Heights

"I was talking to some guys and they told me the food is really good, so I had to come try it," Matthew Farmer said.

Customer Jazmine Hardison has been following the business for years and became a big fan of their food.

"Oh man, I've tried just about every sandwich. This is the fish, so I finally marked off everything," Hardison said.

The sandwich shop started from humble beginnings in 2014, first operating as a food truck at the Nassar family's truck stop in southwest Detroit.

"The truck stop really wasn't doing too well and Mike, my brother, had this idea of what if I make sandwiches for truck drivers," Ahmad Nassar said. "And I thought he was really crazy, but it worked."

Their success led to a pop-up location at Oakland Mall in 2023 and now, their permanent shop in Madison Heights.

"It's validation that what you think and what you believe in, other people notice, and they care about it," Ahmad Nassar said.

Detroit 75 Kitchen has also become a viral sensation on social media. The business' social media pages have racked up hundreds of thousands of followers with videos showcasing their menu offerings and cooking lessons.

"It just came about and grew its own legs," Mike Nassar said. "When you're not putting a front or you're acting a certain way, it just shows and it goes like that. And it's all love."

Mike Nassar says their food, which is all made in-house, is what really draws people in.

"We're selling food and the food has to be on point, good every single time and it has to taste good and slap you in the face," Mike Nassar said.

Customers say seeing how the brothers have grown their business is inspiring.

"I'm always trying to support small business, so that's awesome to see them make it. That's great," Jeff Machus said.

The Madison Heights location is open Monday through Saturday. Their flagship location in Detroit will also continue to operate.

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Detroit high school students put their artistic talents on display Thursday, competing for more than $100,000 in college scholarships at the Detroit Pistons 21st annual Black Excellence Scholarship Event.

Watch Demetrios Sanders' video report: Detroit students win scholarships at Pistons Black Excellence event

The event, hosted by Pistons legend Rick Mahorn and the Detroit Pistons Foundation at the Icon on Detroit's riverfront, brought together high schoolers from across the city to showcase their creativity through poetry and artwork.

Kady Robinson-Larsosa, a senior at Marygrove High School, won the grand prize, a $25,000 Earl Lloyd Scholarship for her high-energy poem.

WEB EXTRA: Kady Robinson-Larsosa performs some of her winning poem WEB EXTRA: Kady Robinson-Larsosa performs some of her winning poem

"I feel like I've always tried my best to use my platform to uplift the beauty and brilliance of Black people," Robinson-Larsosa said.

She plans to attend the University of Michigan for communications and media.

"I have a full tuition scholarship, but I want to be able to make sure I don't have to worry about any money other than that point. I also want to make sure I'm able to pay it forward during my time in college," Robinson-Larsosa said.

Cherokee Barrow, also a senior at Marygrove, took home the $20,000 Earl Cureton Award for her colorful poster artwork displayed at the event.

"I really didn't think I'd ever be able to get an opportunity like this," Barrow said. "Like I'm an artist, but I'm kind of a lowkey artist."

Barrow said her work aimed to capture the spirit of black excellence that the event celebrates.

"I think excellence is just showing up as your best self and doing whatever you can to help others. So I tried to embody that in my artwork," Barrow said.

Mahorn said the event began as he looked for new ways to celebrate Black History Month and has grown into an annual tradition.

"To see young people get a chance and opportunity, instead of worrying about a bill. They're getting something to bring them closer to their goals," Mahorn said.

For participants like Leonard Shirley, a senior at Davis Aerospace Technical High School, the event provided a platform for authentic self-expression.

"I was actually able to be a voice and be heard for once, instead of suppressing myself as always, and I feel like I did my duty to serve my people," Shirley said.

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A Wyandotte family is desperately searching for answers after 25-year-old Tyler Bojanowski went missing last week.

Nicole Dillon last spoke to her son, Bojanowski, on Wednesday around 11:30 p.m. when he told her he was going to a friend's house. When he didn't return home the following day, she became worried.

Watch Demetrios Sanders' video report below: Search for missing Wyandotte man reaches into second week

"His phone was going straight to voicemail. I knew something was wrong," Dillon said.

According to Wyandotte police, Bojanowski visited two different bars in the Wyandotte area Wednesday night.

Around 2:30 a.m. Thursday, police spotted his vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and went looking for it. Officers found the car crashed in the area of Enterprise Drive near the Best Western in Allen Park.

"However, he's not there. No occupants are in the vehicle. The airbags are deployed and the cellphone and wallet belonging to him are inside the vehicle," said Chief Archie Hamilton of the Wyandotte Police Department.

Hamilton said surveillance video shows Bojanowski walking away from the crash scene.

Nine hours after the crash, someone found his passport at Dingell Park in Ecorse. The park has cameras, but they weren't working at the time.

"Was it dropped by him or somebody else prior to this crash? Or was it dropped by him after the crash," Hamilton said.

On Monday, Wyandotte police deployed a drone at Dingell Park as part of their search efforts.

"We're looking for any signs that he may have been there or still is there," Hamilton said.

Bojanowski's mother shared that her son had suffered a brain injury from a previous car crash but remained in high spirits and was focused on his recovery.

"He was on his way to full recovery, getting back to work, which was his main goal. He just constantly talked about getting back to work," Dillon said.

As the search continues, Dillon is asking neighbors to check doorbell cameras and garages for any sight of her son.

"I'd rather have 100 wrong sightings to find one right," she said. "He's just everything to me."

Anyone with information about Bojanowski's whereabouts is encouraged to contact police.

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.