The Detroit Lions are back home and Greektown businesses are counting on loyal fans to navigate construction barriers for Sunday's season opener against the Chicago Bears.

Greektown, one of downtown Detroit's entertainment hot spots, remains largely under construction with most of Monroe Street closed until late 2026. But behind the barricades and narrow sidewalks, small business owners are gearing up for another Lions season with optimism.

Watch Brett Kast's video report below: Greektown businesses prepare for Detroit Lions season amid construction

"Our street may be closed down, but our sidewalks and doors are always open," Yanni Dionisopoulos said.

Dionisopoulos co-owns multiple Greektown businesses, including the new country bar Who Loves Ya Baby. He says the ongoing construction has been particularly challenging in recent weeks.

"The last few weeks, it's been a lot more noticeable. Thank God the Lions are back in town," Dionisopoulos said.

For downtown businesses, game days are crucial revenue drivers. Dionisopoulos says Lions home games often bring in 10 times the business of a normal Sunday.

"A lot, and it's deeply needed and it helps with our business, our staff," Dionisopoulos said.

Previous report: 'We're all in intensive care': Greektown restaurant worried about losses due to construction 'We're all in intensive care': Greektown restaurant worried about losses due to construction

The construction project aims to create a new pedestrian-friendly streetscape, but for now, the work has confined foot traffic to narrow sidewalks and alleys. Just in time for this weekend's game, Monroe Street reopened from St. Antoine Street to Chrysler Drive.

Some fans are adapting to the changes. Emily Gray, visiting from Ann Arbor, appreciated the navigation help.

"They had nice signs and a little map, so you could find where you're going," Gray said.

Lions fan Jeff Handy acknowledges the construction's impact but remains committed to supporting local businesses.

"It's still great, but it's impacting," Handy said.

"It's awesome to be so close to the stadium. Maybe we'll go to the game but if not, we'll be watching the game from around here supporting local business."

Meanwhile, the Lions and Rocket Mortgage held a kickoff block party in southwest Detroit, building citywide excitement for the new season.

"It's going to be really great, man. A lot of energy downtown, so we expect to have a great turnout and hopefully a great game," Lions fan Ernest Love said.

As the Lions rely on their loyal fanbase for success, Greektown businesses are banking on that same loyalty to overcome construction challenges.

Previous report: Greektown wants you to know they're open for business despite construction Greektown wants you to know they're open for business despite construction

"As we all know, we have a very loyal fan base for the Lions as we do for Greektown, and I'm very confident that will not get in the way," Dionisopoulos said.

The game kicks off at 1 p.m. Sunday.

"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 47-year-old man who escaped from police custody at Garden City Hospital last week now faces an additional charge of escaping from lawful custody, on top of charges related to a fatal motorcycle crash that killed 44-year-old Nicholas Cogswell.

Antonio Hollingsworth was driving without a valid license when he caused the crash that killed Cogswell, according to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office.

Watch Brett Kast's video report below: Family mourns father killed in Inkster crash, man who escaped hospital charged

Just before 1 p.m. on Sept. 2, Cogswell was riding his motorcycle north on Inkster Road near Avondale Street when a car allegedly driven by Hollingsworth pulled out of a liquor store parking lot and hit him. Cogswell was severely injured and died in the hospital days later.

"All of his kids were there by his bedside holding his hand until he was gone, and I still can't believe he's gone," said Correana Turek-Cogswell, the victim's daughter.

Hear more from Correana Turek-Cogswell in the video player below: Web extra: Daughter of man killed in crash reflects on his life

Turek-Cogswell described her father as someone who loved family, friends and his Harley Davidson motorcycle.

"He was always my first call and he was the first call for a lot of people... Hed give you the shirt of his back and the food off his plate," Turek-Cogswell said. His energy was just there. Everyone knew when he was around, his presence was enough.

While Cogswell's family was by his side at the hospital, Inkster police had taken Hollingsworth to Garden City Hospital, where he managed to escape from his handcuffs. Police conducted a roughly five-hour manhunt before finding and arresting him just a few blocks away.

"I was terrified because we only live, our home is only a couple blocks from Garden City Hospital and I made a post like we need to find him now," Turek-Cogswell said.

Watch our previous report when Antonio Hollingsworth escaped police custody below: 'My instincts kicked in': Man recognizes Garden City hospital escapee, calls 911

At the time of the crash, police say Hollingsworth was absconding parole for an armed robbery conviction and didn't have a valid license. He also was allegedly in possession of a controlled substance. The attempted escape adds another charge as Cogswell's family continues to mourn.

My dad was my biggest provider, my comfort, my safety net and he was helping me navigate life, Turek-Cogswell said.

Cogswell's family has launched a GoFundMe to help with added expenses. They urge others to watch for motorcycles, wear helmets and, above all, be kind to others.

"Let's just keep his memory alive, let's keep his smile alive and everyone be safe," Turek-Cogswell said.

Hollingsworth was arraigned on Monday and given a $100,000 bond with 10%. He's due back in court on Sept. 17.

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.

Oakland County sheriff's deputies are stepping up patrols at four dangerous intersections in Pontiac after a surge in fatal pedestrian crashes this year.

The targeted hotspots include Huron and Saginaw, Baldwin and Montcalm, Walton and Perry, and Auburn and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

Watch Brett Kast's video report below: Oakland County deputies increase patrols at Pontiac traffic hotspots after fatal crashes

This year, deputies have responded to more fatal pedestrian crashes in Pontiac than in the last two years combined, prompting Sheriff Michael Bouchard to announce increased enforcement efforts.

"We're definitely saturating the areas that are problems," said Deputy Evan Rothe of the Oakland County Sheriff's Office.

Recent tragedies prompt action

The enforcement comes after several devastating crashes, including one at Joslyn and Montcalm where 37-year-old Deniquah Reed and her two sons, ages 6 and 4, were killed while stopped at a red light one week ago.

Previous report: Community mourns loss of mother, 2 kids killed in Pontiac Community mourns loss of mother and two kids killed in Pontiac crash

"People started leaving balloons, animals the very next day," said Rothe, who responded to that crash.

Rothe said the memorial marking the tragedy serves as a reminder of the importance of traffic enforcement.

"It's hard. You see their faces," Rothe said. "We're out here. We want to prevent things like this from happening."

Speed and crosswalk violations targeted

Deputies are focusing on a few main violations: speeding, running stop signs, reckless driving and pedestrians not using crosswalks properly.

"Speeding is a contributing factor in a third of all fatal crashes, so it's definitely something we're looking for," Rothe said. "A lot of people just don't use the crosswalks unfortunately, and that's how a lot of accidents occur."

Previous report: 'It's scary': Residents concerned after seventh hit-and-run crash in Pontiac this year 'It's scary': Residents concerned after seventh hit-and-run crash in Pontiac this year

There have been far too many serious pedestrian accidents in Pontiac, Bouchard said. These saturation patrols are intended to reduce the behavior that has caused them. For the pedestrians, we are not looking to write formal tickets but to change street crossing habits. For those that are driving recklessly, carelessly and dangerously, they will be receiving citations.

Infrastructure improvements made

On Baldwin near Virginia, an area where two fatal pedestrian crashes have occurred since July, the city recently added a painted crosswalk and stop signs to create an all-way stop intersection.

"They would just blow right past you. They didn't care," said Timothy Crow, a resident who frequently uses the bus stop in the area.

Crow said he feels safer with the new traffic controls.

"Hopefully with the stop sign right now, there won't be any fatalities," Crow said.

Unsolved case still under investigation

One of the July fatalities remains unsolved. Frank Tyson-Griffin, 43, was killed in a hit-and-run while riding his bike on July 3.

His sister, Regina Griffin, said she's pleased to see safety improvements being made.

"I'm happy to see changes. I'm happy they didn't just sweep it under the rug," Griffin said. "I've rode down Baldwin myself. I've seen the pedestrian walk and the stop signs and it's good they're trying to save future lives."

Watch our previous report about two fatal hit-and-runs, including the one involving, Frank Tyson-Griffin below: 2 killed in separate hit-and-runs on same Pontiac road prompts changes, investigation

Deputies will continue monitoring the four hotspots, conducting traffic stops for violations and working to prevent future tragedies.

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 city leaders are exploring a new revenue stream that could generate up to $47 million annually through an admission tax on concerts and sporting events, according to a study released Wednesday.

The tax would require action from the Michigan Legislature, Detroit City Council and a vote from Detroit residents before implementation. Currently, 34 other states allow similar local admission taxes.

Watch Brett Kast's video report below: Detroit could raise up to $47M with new tax on concerts and sporting events, report says

The Citizens Research Council of Michigan study shows a 3% tax could bring in roughly $14.1 million per year, while a 10% tax could generate $46.9 million annually for the city.

"Not surprised, but encouraged," Detroit City Councilmember Gabriella Santiago-Romero said.

Santiago-Romero is among the city leaders supporting the possibility of an admission tax. Detroit City Council recently commissioned the study to examine how other similarly sized cities handle this type of taxation.

Eric Lupher, president of the Citizens Research Council of Michigan, conducted the research examining comparable cities across the nation like Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Chicago, Columbus and more.

"In the big picture of Detroit's $1 billion-plus budget, this ($46.9 million) is pretty insignificant, but if it can be done to help public safety or public property tax relief, then it could be very helpful," Lupher said.

Read the research study below:

Research study on admission tax revenue in Detroit by WXYZ-TV Channel 7 Detroit

The study found that admission taxes don't typically change consumer behavior in other markets.

"Looking at other cities, it doesn't seem people change behaviors because of these taxes," Lupher said.

I spoke with Detroit Tigers fans outside Comerica Park and most expressed support for the proposed tax. Jim Wright, a Tigers fan from Harrison Township, said the tax wouldn't prevent him from attending games.

"If they put a small tax on that as a city surcharge kind of thing, if it would help people, I don't think there's anything wrong with that," Wright said. I think its a great idea, but thats me.

Johnathan Randle, a Tigers fan from Detroit, also supports the idea.

"It's been a great privilege to come to Tigers games, Lions games, Randle said. "I think everyone has to have a shared investment into the city because you have everyone coming from Oakland, Macomb, various counties and surrounding areas.

Joe Clifford, who traveled from Ludington to attend Wednesday's Tigers game, said the tax wouldn't significantly impact fans.

"I come down here a few times a year. I don't think it's really going to hurt anybody," Clifford said. Taxes are taxes, nobody likes them, but how do we figure it out?

The study outlined several potential uses for the revenue, including creating a fund to attract more events, helping pay for city services or reducing Detroit property taxes by as much as 25%.

"Detroit has some of the highest property tax rates in the nation, so anything that can be done to lower that rate would be important," Lupher said. "Maybe about a quarter of what people pay for city taxes could be alleviated because of this.

Santiago-Romero emphasized the potential benefits for city services and infrastructure.

"We see what it can do, we can invest it into our services in the city to make it more clean, more safe, more welcoming for everyone," Santiago-Romero said. "A lot of us want to make sure that we have city services that work, making sure we have our garbage being picked up on time, that we have the streetlights where they need to be, that our viaducts are lit.

While Santiago-Romero says most of city council supports the proposal, implementation requires the Michigan Legislature to change state law allowing this form of local taxation.

"Please legislators, please help give us local control, so we're able to do things like this," Santiago-Romero said. "It's not about just Detroit, but I think more cities should be asking for this kind of power and control, so we can have taxes like these."

The Citizens Research Council plans to conduct a follow-up study examining what a sales tax on these events could mean for the state.

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 Rochester Hills man has been charged with allegedly using Instagram to meet a 15-year-old to engage in sexual activity.

Valor Harrison, 22, was arraigned on Thursday on charges including third-degree criminal sexual conduct and accosting a child for immoral purposes.

Watch Brett Kast's video report below: Rochester Hills man charged for allegedly using Instagram to meet 15-year-old

The investigation dates back to July, when investigators say Harrison contacted the 15-year-old on Instagram and then met the teen. The teen reported the incident to her parents, who reported it to police.

Detectives from Northville Township and Canton Township police took Harrison into custody on Tuesday.

"Unfortunately, this a trend we're seeing here in Michigan and across the country, said Lt. Patrick Reinke with the Northville Township Police Department. "As social media is becoming more popular over the years, its been an easy space for people to reach out to children and victimize them and exploit them in a variety of different ways.

Police say that Harrison has had previous run-ins with law enforcement. According to The State News, Harrison pleaded no contest to criminal sexual conduct in January after messaging a Michigan State University student online, following her to her dorm and assaulting her.

According to The State News, Harrison reportedly talked openly about the tactics, saying he hoped his nonstop messaging on social media to students and prowling the campus would help him meet girls. The incident reportedly happened in December 2023 and Harrison was just sentenced in April to one day in jail and 5 years probation, according to court records.

Given the crime and Harrison's history, police say there could be additional victims.

"Our primary concern with crimes of this nature is that there are additional victims," Reinke said. "So, we really want to get his face out there, encourage anyone else who may have been a victim or may have had any kind of contact with him to reach out to us."

Parent Chris McKenna is founder of the Michigan-based group Protect Young Eyes. He says delaying social media use for kids is the best option, but if parents opt to allow it, staying involved is critical.

"That foundation is relationship, building digital trust, having frequent conversations, dripping conversations in all of the time, letting them know they can always land safely and softly with you no matter what happens, that theres never a bad time, McKenna said. If we are going to drop our teens into these environments, it's a requirement these are the things we do as a parent.

Most important thing parents can do is just talk to your kids about healthy relationships, talk to them about safety on social media and on the internet, Reinke said. "Just pay attention to your kids. If you notice anything different, if anything seems off, ask questions and look into that and try to figure out what's going on. Thats your best line of defense.

A 40-year-old Dearborn man is fighting for his life and is in critical condition after police say he was intentionally run over while crossing Michigan Avenue.

Watch Brett Kast's video report: Driver charged after police say he purposefully ran over man in Dearborn

Haidar Al Fadawi was crossing the street when surveillance video shows a vehicle speed up, cross over the center turn lane, and hit him.

See surveillance video showing the moments leading up to the attack here: Web extra: Surveillance video of hit-and-run in Dearborn

The 38-year-old allegedly behind the wheel was arraigned in district court on multiple charges including attempted murder.

See the arraignment in the video below: Dearborn man arraigned in hit-and-run over the weekend

Video circulating on social media shows Al Fadawi going to Dearborn police, warning that someone was trying to kill him just hours before the attack.

Surveillance video shows intentional attack

Surveillance video from Westborn Physical Therapy shows Al Fadawi crossing the street around 10:45 p.m. on Saturday. A vehicle that appears to be lying in wait pulls out of a nearby parking lot, speeds up, veers to the left, and hits Al Fadawi as he tries running away. The driver fled the scene, leaving him for dead.

"It's unfathomable that somebody would want to do something so intentionally to hurt someone else over something so miniscule," said Amir Makled, an attorney representing Al Fadawi's family.

Makled described Al Fadawi as a well-known community member and father of seven.

"Haidar is an individual that is a family man; he is a father of seven, he's someone everyone in the community knows, everybody's seen his car in town, that's part of who he is," Makled said.

Al Fadawi's decorated car is well known around town. His family is no stranger to tragedy in 2021, his 7-year-old daughter Batoul was tragically killed in another hit-and-run in Dearborn.

PREVIOUS STORY: Father of 6-year-old girl killed in Dearborn hit and run shares message to drivers Father of 6-year-old girl killed in Dearborn hit and run shares message to drivers

"Anybody who knew him knew that he wouldn't hurt a fly, so for him to have suffered this type of an injury at the hands of somebody else is really unjustified," Makled said.

Suspect charged, claims ongoing dispute

The man accused of running over Al Fadawi is 38-year-old Murtadha Jabbar Alizairij, who allegedly fled the scene before calling 911 to turn himself in 30 minutes later. He was arraigned on multiple charges, including assault with intent to murder.

"There is a video of the incident, but there are many videos of the victim threatening my client, threatening his family, insulting everybody. This has been building up," said Abed Hammoud, attorney for the defendant.

Both attorneys say Al Fadawi was employed by the suspect's family until a recent dispute. Hammoud claims Al Fadawi was recently let go, but Makled alleges Al Fadawi left after making complaints, saying he had worked as a truck driver and the company failed to have adequate insurance.

Haidar made it very clear that he was upset, that hed be put in a position where hes driving semi trucks that are uninsured. So Haidar received a traffic ticket because of that, and the company failed to respond to the traffic ticket, and thats what upset Haidar so much, said Makled. That's what caused this dispute, it's over a $500 traffic ticket.

Victim warned police before attack

Less than 24 hours before the attack, Al Fadawi visited the police station in what has become a viral video on social media. He asks an officer at the desk for an update on a previous assault on August 21st. Makled says during that assault, Al Fadawi was beaten with a crowbar.

"What happens if they come and try to kill me again, or they kill me?" Al Fadawi is heard saying to an officer.

"Call us," the officer replied.

"After they kill me, I call you?" Al Fadawi is heard asking the officer.

"Sure," the officer responded.

"That's from the police station, they say after they kill you, call me, just in case I get killed," Al Fadawi said as he walked out of the station.

The Dearborn Police Department says that interaction is now under internal review.

"Clearly, Haidar was under the suspicion that these people were out to hurt him and made reports to local law enforcement about these potential threats," Makled said.

Both Dearborn's Mayor and Police Chief released statements on the interaction.

Public safety is our highest priority, and we take every concern seriously. We understand the community has questions and are committed to ensuring trust through transparency and accountability, said Dearborn Police Chief Issa Shahin.

"Every individual who interacts with the Dearborn Police Department must be treated with dignity, respect, and empathyalways," said Mayor Abdullah Hammoud. "While the suspect is in custody and that investigation moves forward, we are also launching a thorough review of the victims prior interactions with our department. Trust and accountability are not optionalthey are required."

The suspect was given a $750,000 cash surety bond with no 10% option.

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 Public Schools Community District buses are now equipped with high-tech cameras designed to catch drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses, putting student safety at risk as the new school year begins Monday.

Watch the video report below: Detroit school buses get new cameras to catch drivers who don't stop for kids

The camera system uses artificial intelligence to capture violations across eight lanes of traffic, automatically zooming in on license plates to issue $295 tickets to vehicle owners who fail to stop when buses display their stop signs with red flashing lights. DPSCD Public Safety will review suspected violations before a citation is issued

"It's not about the money; it's about saving student lives," Aaron Walter said.

Walter, executive director of transportation at Detroit Public Schools Community District, explained how the new technology works during a demonstration of the bus-mounted cameras.

"The bus has eight cameras, so we'll capture video and pictures of the violation. It will zoom in on the license plate and that's how a ticket is issued," Walter said.

According to Michigan law, drivers must stop at least 20 feet away when a school bus displays its stop sign with red flashing lights. This requirement applies to all traffic on both sides of the road, unless there's a divided highway.

The cameras represent a significant enforcement upgrade for protecting students. Previously, police officers had to witness violations in person to issue citations.

"In the past officers have actually had to witness that vehicle disobeying the stop sign or alternating red lights from those school buses," Cpl. Billy Shillingburg said.

Shillingburg, with the Taylor Police Department, confirmed similar camera technology will soon be implemented in Taylor. He noted law enforcement would still review the video evidence and have final say on whether a citation is issued.

"How big of a gamechanger is it to be able to enforce that law?" I asked.

"It's huge. It's definitely huge for the kids. The kids have the ultimate safety in here," Shillingburg said.

While state law has allowed these cameras for about four years. New legislation passed last year enables ticket revenue to return to school districts. In Detroit, 40% of the $295 fine goes back to the district for bus safety improvements.

Parents attending a free back-to-school event at Detroit's Corner Ballpark, hosted by the nonprofit Detroit Is Me, expressed strong support for the new safety measures.

"That's a really good idea to have these cameras," Courtney Fields said.

Fields, a Detroit Public Schools Community District parent, believes the technology will provide additional peace of mind.

"These people are really going to stop now because they know if they don't, they will get a ticket," Fields 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 Oakland County Sheriff's Office is investigating the city's seventh serious hit-and-run so far this year. This has unfortunately become a pattern in the city.

Watch Brittany's full report in the video player below 'It's scary': Residents concerned after seventh hit-and-run crash in Pontiac this year

Sunday night around 10:30 p.m., a man was critically injured at the intersection of Perry Street and Martin Luther King Jr. And weeks before that, there were two separate deadly crashes, within blocks of each other on Baldwin Avenue.

Watch our previous coverage 2 killed in separate hit-and-runs on same Pontiac road prompts changes, investigation Deputies believe the victim in the most recent crash was crossing Perry heading westbound when he was hit by the driver heading northbound. They don't know for certain if the pedestrian was in the crosswalk or not, but once the driver fled the scene, it became a serious crime.

My most important question is, where's your humanity? How can you hit another person and just leave? questioned Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard.

The pedestrian was crossing the street when he was struck by what witnesses say was a white work truck. The driver fled the scene, leaving the man lying in road.

Alexis Bragg and her boyfriend live near the intersection and heard the crash, then saw the lights. But they say it wasn't loud like the typical car versus car crashes they're used to hearing at this intersection.

I like walking, I like taking my kids for a walk, but it's so scary to be on the main road in Pontiac that we barely even do it anymore, Alexis said.

She's not the only resident aware of the crashes in the area for years.

In the summer, we usually see about 4 or 5 accidents," said Joshua Moore. "A couple of years ago, I had a car come up between my house and my neighbor's house. If that fence wasnt there they would've ended up in my kitchen."

With how many accidents we see, its scary," Alexis said.

Police don't know who the victim in Sunday's crash is. Deputies told us he's Hispanic and in his late teens or 20s. Sheriff Bouchard said pedestrians should use caution at night, wear brighter clothes, and use crosswalks. He also said pedestrians shouldn't be glued to their phones and should cross in well lit spots. But no matter what, drivers needs to stop.

We encourage folks to stop, because whether you're at fault or not, you're compounding it in a very significant way by leaving the scene," Sheriff Bouchard said.

The Sheriff's Department is asking anyone with information on this crqash or any of the previous hit-and-runs to come forward. You can give them a call at (248)858-4950, and you can remain anonymous.