A Pontiac mother who allegedly abandoned her children for years and left them living alone is now facing more charges.

Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald announced Tuesday that 34-year-old Kelli Bryant is charged with three counts of welfare fraud. That's in addition to the three counts of first-degree child abuse.

Prosecutors say that a review of Bryant's support payments from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services alleges an overpayment  obtained by fraud  of $29,397 from January 2022 through February 2025.

You can watch the full arraignment on the child abuse charges in the video below

Mom in Pontiac abandonment case gets $250M bond on child abuse charges

Bryant also cannot have any contact with the three children, or contact with anyone under the age of 18.

"So, Ms. Bryant, I want you to understand, any phone calls from the jail are recorded. Should the court find out youre sending messages to engage in further fear tactics or intimidation of the children, your phone privileges would be removed," the judge said.

"The three children in this case suffered unimaginable abuse and neglect over a long period of time," McDonald said.

ORIGINAL STORY: Pontiac mother arrested after abandoning children in home for 4-5 years Pontiac mother arrested after abandoning children in home for 4-5 years

The prosecutor said they will also be seeking to terminate Bryant's parental rights. McDonald released the mother's name during a Wednesday afternoon news conference announcing the charges.

Bryant could face up to life in prison if convicted. She will be formally arraigned on the charges on Thursday.

Officers conducting a recent welfare check on the home in search of the mother found the children living alone. Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said the landlord notified them because he hadn't heard from her since December and hadn't received rent since October.

Related Video: Watch Oakland County prosecutor announce charges in this case RAW VIDEO: Prosecutor Karen McDonald announces child abuse charges in Pontiac case

First responders said that 4-foot piles of garbage were found in some rooms. Mold and human excrement were found throughout the house. Bouchard said the toilet had stopped working, and the bathtub was filled with feces.

He called the case "very horrific."

Law enforcement said that the children had not attended school since their abandonment, which is believed to have been sometime around 2020-2021, passing the time watching television or playing games. It was reported that the girls had not been outside the home for several years, with the boy sleeping on a mattress on the floor while the girls slept on pizza boxes.

The prosecutor said the children were hiding when police arrived and were afraid to speak to them.

Press conference: Sheriff Michael Bouchard updates abandoned children case RAW VIDEO: Sheriff Michael Bouchard updates abandoned children case.

The children were taken to the hospital for evaluation, reportedly with soiled clothes, matted hair and toenails so long that it was difficult to walk.

"We say a lot this is the worst Ive ever seen' and Ive stopped saying that, because every time I say that, I see something worse," McDonald said.

Bouchard said the children are making great strides since beginning to receive care. They have been forensically interviewed by professionals at CARE House of Oakland County. They were also seen once at McLaren Oakland Hospital. Bouchard said they will also receive a much more in-depth physical and mental health checkup in the near future.

Neighbors told police they did see a woman drop off stuff at the home from time to time, but they never saw the kids leave the house.

Bouchard said that the boy only left the house a few times; he reportedly only did so twice, once to just "touch the grass" and then to go out to get the mail.

Bouchard called the revelation the boy just wanted to feel the grass "by itself, heartbreaking."

"You wouldn't do this to an animal, let alone your child," Bouchard said. "So, just to hear that he came outside to touch the grass is just crushing, soul-crushing on so many levels."

Bouchard said they are working to determine how the kids fell through the cracks in this case, and is proposing legislation that would close the gap with moving children to different schools that allowed this to happen. He says that a school in Pontiac received a request for transcripts, but the school that sent it never confirmed the children were enrolled there before dropping them off their enrollment rolls.

During his news conference, Bouchard said they had received enough clothing for the children and that they are "shifting" to financial support for the children. They have set up donations through Mission Oakland and are currently looking for a law firm that can set up a trust for the children to administer any funds.

Related video: Sheriff Bouchard proposes change to state law after Pontiac kids neglect case Sheriff Bouchard proposes change to state law after Pontiac kids neglect case

"I will say, we have one of the most generous communities, I think, in the world," Bouchard said.

If you know a child who is being neglected or abused, you can make a report to the state by calling 855-444-3911 and find more info at this link.

Multiple people were arrested in connection to an explosion of a hyperbaric chamber that killed a 5-year-old boy who was inside it.

The explosion happened on Jan. 31, when Thomas Cooper, 5, was receiving hyperbaric oxygen treatment at The Oxford Center in Troy.

Four people were arrested on Monday, Troy police said. It's unclear at this time what exactly led up to the arrests.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is set to announce the charges at a press conference at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday. Watch it live here at that time.

The names of the people arrested have not yet been released, however, officials said they are expected to be arraigned on Tuesday.

Troy police said Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is handling the case.

The Oxford Center released the following statement about the charges:

After cooperating with multiple investigations starting immediately after the tragic accident in January, we are disappointed to see charges filed. The timing of these charges is surprising, as the typical protocol after a fire-related accident has not yet been completed. There are still outstanding questions about how this occurred. Yet, the Attorney Generals office proceeded to pursue charges without those answers. Our highest priority every day is the safety and wellbeing of the children and families we serve, which continues during this process.

Thomass family is being represented by Fieger Law.

James Harrington, managing partner at Fieger Law, told us in February that Thomas had received 35 treatments and the explosion happened during his 36th treatment.

Previous coverage: Attorney for family of 5-year-old boy killed in hyperbaric chamber speaks out Attorney for family of 5-year-old boy killed in hyperbaric chamber speaks out

"Under no circumstances should anything like this ever happen ever," Harrington previously told us. "When we met with the family, it was one of the most heartbreaking things Ive ever seen."

Thomass mother was also reportedly in the room and sustained some injuries to her arms.

Previous coverage: 5-year-old boy killed in hyperbaric chamber explosion loved running, swimming; GoFundMe set up for family 5-year-old boy killed in hyperbaric chamber explosion loved running, swimming; GoFundMe set up for family

Officials say the chamber contains 100% oxygen, which is five times the amount of oxygen in a normal room, and can be extremely combustible.

According to The Oxford Center website, the therapy is a "specialized form of medical treatment administered by delivering 100% pure oxygen to the body through increased atmospheric pressure greater than 1.3 ATA in an enclosed hard chamber."

According to a GoFundMe page, Thomas loved life, running, and swimming, and he liked to draw and figure out how things worked. Thomas leaves behind his mom, dad, and younger brother.

Campus Martius Park is back in the running for Best Public Square in the United States, the Downtown Detroit Partnership announced.

For the past two years, Campus Martius has held the No. 1 spot from USA Todays 10Best Readers Choice Award. People are being encouraged to vote to make the iconic Detroit park the winner for a third year in a row.

Previous coverage: The new and improved rink at Campus Martius Park for the 2024 holiday season The new and improved rink at Campus Martius Park ready for the holiday season

More than 4.5 million people visit Campus Martius each year, DDP says. The park has activities, entertainment and events throughout the year that bring the community together. Some of the events held at Campus Martius include the Detroit Tree Lighting, Movie Nights in the D, beach parties and the outdoor skating rink.

In 2024, CHALET 313 opened at the park providing a two-story, glass-enclosed lounge with seating, a park and 360-degree view of downtown.

Being voted the No. 1 public square in the country for the past two years is a true honor for Detroit and were excited to continue showcasing the vibrancy of Downtown Detroit, said David Cowan, chief public spaces officer for the Downtown Detroit Partnership. Campus Martius Park is the heartbeat of the city, providing an incredible gathering place for residents and visitors year-round, and we encourage everyone to vote to help us keep this title in Detroit.

To vote for the Best Public Square, visit USA Todays website.

Hamtramck Mayor Amer Ghalib has been selected to be the U.S. ambassador to Kuwait, President Donald Trump announced on Friday.

Ghalib endorsed Trumps presidential campaign in September. The two met in person in September during one of Trumps campaign visits to Michigan.

Previous coverage: Hamtramck residents react to Mayor Amer Ghalib endorsing Donald Trump in September 2024 Hamtramck residents react to Mayor Amer Ghalib endorsing Donald Trump

Ghalib, an immigrant from Yemen, became the citys first Muslim mayor when he was elected in 2021. While in office, the city made headlines banning pride flags from being flown on city property, which is something that didn't sit well with some liberal voters in the city.

The city of Hamtramck is known for its large immigrant population. Hamtramck is reportedly the first Muslim-majority city in the United States and also made headlines as the first city with an all-Muslim city council.

Ghalib has been a vocal critic of Israel over its war in Gaza, and the Hamtramck City Council had passed a resolution to divest from Israel and to not support companies associated with the country.

Previous coverage: Amer Ghalib talks with Carolyn Clifford about his endorsement of Trump in September 2024 Hamtramck Mayor Amer Ghalib explains his endorsement of Donald Trump

Ghalib also joined a group of fellow Democrats who signed a letter in February 2024 vowing to vote uncommitted during the primary. After expressing frustration with the Biden and Harris administration, Ghalib said he believed Trump could help reach a ceasefire. 

Trump released a statement about Ghalibs nomination:

I am pleased to announce that Amer Ghalib will be the next United States Ambassador to Kuwait. As the Mayor of the City of Hamtramck, Michigan, Amer worked hard to help us secure a Historic Victory in Michigan. Amer earned his M.D. from the Ross University School of Medicine, and continues to serve his community as a proud healthcare professional. I know he will make our Country proud in this new role. Congratulations Amer!

The family of a Pontiac woman and her children, who died of hypothermia in a field in January 2023, are suing three deputies and the Oakland County Sheriff's Office, arguing they did not search for the family despite knowing they were in danger.

ORIGINAL REPORT: Mother, 2 sons found in Pontiac field died of hypothermia, police say Mom, two sons die of hypothermia after sleeping in Pontiac field, police say

Monica Cannady, 35, Kyle Milton, 9, and Malik Milton, three, were found deceased in a field on January 15, after Cannady's then 10-year-old daughter woke up and went across the street to find help.

ORIGINAL REPORT: Officials say mental health crisis led to death of mom, 2 children in Pontiac field Officials say mental health crisis led to death of mom, 2 children in Pontiac field

According to the lawsuit filed in federal court, the family had been wandering outside for the better part of two days as Monica suffered a mental health crisis.

Also named in the lawsuit are Deputies Alex Kazal, John Brish, and Devon Bernritter. The lawsuit contends they acted with gross negligence and did not conduct an appropriate search for the family.

The lawsuit contends that Bernritter exacerbated Cannady's mental health condition both during an encounter at Pontiac McLaren Hospital and following it.

Kazal is accused of expressing anger and disgust at searching for the family during a 16-minute phone call that was recorded on his body camera. During the phone call, according to the lawsuit, Kazal complained about wanting to do "real police work" and saying, The kids will still be there, and they will be just finepeople in Pontiac just dont die.. its a CYA because a dumb ass ghetto politician cant just leave well enough alone just because it is kind of cold out.

Brish is accused, along with other deputies, of failing to conduct a thorough search of an area where a Good Samaritan said the family may be, instead just flashing his flashlight around in what the lawsuit says was an effort to make it seem like they were searching.

The lawsuit was filed in two parts, one on behalf of the estates of Monica Cannady and her deceased children, the other on behalf of Cannady's surviving daughter, who is identified only as Jane Doe.

The Oakland County Sheriff's Department issued the following statement about the case:

OCSO vehemently denies that any actions of OCSO personnel caused the tragic deaths of Ms. Cannady and her two young sons. As the attached timeline sets forth, numerous efforts were made by OCSO personnel to help Ms. Cannady and her children. However, she refused all such efforts made by OCSO deputies to help. Importantly, at no time did any OCSO deputy have a legal basis to detain the family. After reviewing bodycam footage of OCSO personnel during that timeline, numerous statements were made by one former OCSO deputy sheriff that were not in keeping with OCSO standards of conduct for its deputies. An internal affairs investigation was initiated and the deputy resigned before a disciplinary review could be completed. No further statement will be made by OCSO regarding this matter due to threatened litigation by Ms. Cannadys family

You can read the timeline referenced in the statement below:

Final Timeline (003) by WXYZ-TV Channel 7 Detroit on Scribd

You can read both parts of the lawsuit below:

CHERRY CANNADY, as personal representative for the estates of Kyle Milton, Malik Milton, and Monica Cannady... by WXYZ-TV Channel 7 Detroit on Scribd

CHERRY CANNADY, as next friend to Jane Doe, by WXYZ-TV Channel 7 Detroit on Scribd

An Oakland County judge has lowered the bond for a Pontiac mother accused of abandoning her children for years and leaving them living alone in squalor.

Judge Cynthia Walker lowered the bond for 34-year-old Kelli Marie Bryant to $50,000. Previously, Judge Rhonda Fowlkes Gross set Bryant's bond to $250 million.

Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald charged Bryant with three counts of first-degree child abuse in the Pontiac abandonment case.

During her arraignment arraignment, Fowlkes said that her knee-jerk reaction was to give the client no bond and that she found Bryant to be a danger to the children.

You can watch the full arraignment in the video below

Mom in Pontiac abandonment case gets $250M bond on child abuse charges

"The three children in this case suffered unimaginable abuse and neglect over a long period of time," McDonald said.

Officials say that three children, a 15-year-old boy, a 13-year-old girl and a 12-year-old girl, were left in squalor, surviving on weekly drop-offs of prepared food. McDonald revealed during the news conference that the boy told officials that he would text his mother when they were running low on food, and she would have some delivered to them.

ORIGINAL STORY: Pontiac mother arrested after abandoning children in home for 4-5 years Pontiac mother arrested after abandoning children in home for 4-5 years

The prosecutor said they will also be seeking to terminate Bryant's parental rights. McDonald released the mother's name during a Wednesday afternoon news conference announcing the charges.

Bryant could face up to life in prison if convicted. She will be formally arraigned on the charges on Thursday.

Officers conducting a recent welfare check on the home in search of the mother found the children living alone. Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said the landlord notified them because he hadn't heard from her since December and hadn't received rent since October.

Related Video: Watch Oakland County prosecutor announce charges in this case RAW VIDEO: Prosecutor Karen McDonald announces child abuse charges in Pontiac case

First responders said that 4-foot piles of garbage were found in some rooms. Mold and human excrement were found throughout the house. Bouchard said the toilet had stopped working, and the bathtub was filled with feces.

He called the case "very horrific."

Law enforcement said that the children had not attended school since their abandonment, which is believed to have been sometime around 2020-2021, passing the time watching television or playing games. It was reported that the girls had not been outside the home for several years, with the boy sleeping on a mattress on the floor while the girls slept on pizza boxes.

The prosecutor said the children were hiding when police arrived and were afraid to speak to them.

Press conference: Sheriff Michael Bouchard updates abandoned children case RAW VIDEO: Sheriff Michael Bouchard updates abandoned children case.

The children were taken to the hospital for evaluation, reportedly with soiled clothes, matted hair and toenails so long that it was difficult to walk.

"We say a lot this is the worst Ive ever seen' and Ive stopped saying that, because every time I say that, I see something worse," McDonald said.

Bouchard said the children are making great strides since beginning to receive care. They have been forensically interviewed by professionals at CARE House of Oakland County. They were also seen once at McLaren Oakland Hospital. Bouchard said they will also receive a much more in-depth physical and mental health checkup in the near future.

Neighbors told police they did see a woman drop off stuff at the home from time to time, but they never saw the kids leave the house.

Bouchard said that the boy only left the house a few times; he reportedly only did so twice, once to just "touch the grass" and then to go out to get the mail.

Bouchard called the revelation the boy just wanted to feel the grass "by itself, heartbreaking."

"You wouldn't do this to an animal, let alone your child," Bouchard said. "So, just to hear that he came outside to touch the grass is just crushing, soul-crushing on so many levels."

Bouchard said they are working to determine how the kids fell through the cracks in this case, and is proposing legislation that would close the gap with moving children to different schools that allowed this to happen. He says that a school in Pontiac received a request for transcripts, but the school that sent it never confirmed the children were enrolled there before dropping them off their enrollment rolls.

During his news conference, Bouchard said they had received enough clothing for the children and that they are "shifting" to financial support for the children. They have set up donations through Mission Oakland and are currently looking for a law firm that can set up a trust for the children to administer any funds.

Related video: Sheriff Bouchard proposes change to state law after Pontiac kids neglect case Sheriff Bouchard proposes change to state law after Pontiac kids neglect case

"I will say, we have one of the most generous communities, I think, in the world," Bouchard said.

If you know a child who is being neglected or abused, you can make a report to the state by calling 855-444-3911 and find more info at this link.

A Detroit police officer is now facing charges after he allegedly sent inappropriate text messages to a young girl, officials say.

The Macomb County Prosecutors Office said 37-year-old Earl Raynard Anderson, Jr. was charged with accosting a child for immoral purposes.

The Warren Police Department, which is investigating the case, said the 12-year-old's parent alerted police to the alleged sexually explicit text messages in February. Officials say Anderson sent multiple messages to the child late at night and in the early morning. According to police, Anderson deleted the messages and reportedly told the victim to do the same, but investigators were able to recover them.

The messages that were observed between Mr. Anderson and this 12-year-old child are inappropriate. They are sexualized in nature, Warren Police Detective John Talos said.

Anderson, police say, is married to the victim's mother, and was taken into custody on March 3.

"The safety and well-being of our children is our top priority. We should be able to trust police officers to protect our children, not prey on them. These charges reflect our commitment to holding offenders accountable, no matter their position, and ensuring justice for the most vulnerable members of our community," Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido said in a statement.

Anderson was arraigned in 37th Warren District Court on Tuesday. His bond was set at $200,000 cash/surety.

We want the community to know to make sure the parents are monitoring, making sure that they are looking at their childrens social media accounts, text messages, internet searches these areas where people like this tend to try to prey on children to gain access to them, Talos said.

Detroit police confirm that Anderson has been suspended from duty.

We immediately changed his duty status and put him on admin duty until we could obtain more information. Once we learned of the charges were issued yesterday, we immediately suspended him, Detroit Police Cmdr. Michael McGinnis said.

Anderson is a two-year veteran, the department said.

I wear the Detroit police uniform. I am very proud to be a Detroit police officer. We have a very high standard of conduct. Hes, from what Ive read, has tarnished our appearance and he in no way represents the vast majority of Detroit police.

Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison said he is working to remove Anderson from the department's payroll.

These allegations are concerning. Troubling to be exact. Because the alleged crime occurred in the city of Warren, the Warren Police Department has taken the lead on the investigation. Pursuant to DPDs policy, our Internal Affairs Unit is conducting a parallel administrative investigation. Earlier today I suspended Officer Anderson from duty. Next, I will submit paperwork to the Board of Police Commissioners to remove Officer Anderson from our department payroll, said DPD Chief Todd Bettison in a statement.

Anderson's neighbors said they were shocked to hear about the allegations.

Its scary because I have two daughters that live next door, Brittany Watson said.

Anyone with information in this case or potential additional victims in Warren is urged to contact Detective Talos at 586-574-4816 or jtalos@warrenpd.org.

For those not eating meat on Fridays during Lent, we've found some of the best spots across metro Detroit for a fish fry, some are offering carry-out or drive-thru options this year.

Check out the list below, coming from Facebook events and announcements. Ash Wednesday is Wednesday, March 5, Good Friday is Friday, April 18 and Easter is Sunday, April 20.

If you would like to be added to the list, please email your details and any links to webteam@wxyz.com.

St. Blase Catholic Church

12151 E. 15 Mile Road in Sterling Heights

Ash Wednesday and Fridays in Lent: 4 PM - 7 PM

Good Friday: 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Our Lady of the Scapular Parish

976 Pope John Paul II Ave in Wyandotte,  

Every Friday in Lent including Good Friday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

St. William of Vercelli Parish 37th Annual Fish Fry

531 Common St in Walled Lake

Fridays in Lent from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

P.L.A.V. Post #10

11824 Jos Campau in Hamtramck

5 p.m. to 8 p.m. starting Feb. 21 and every Friday during Lent

St. Patrick White Lake Knights of Columbus

9086 Hutchins Rd. in White Lake

Every Friday in Lent

Flat Rock Elks

26917 Telegraph Rd. in Flat Rock

3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on March 1, 21, April 4 & April 18

<b class="rte2-style-bold">VFW 1146 Bruce Post</b>

28404 Jefferson Ave. in St. Clair Shores

4 p.m. to 8 p.m. every Friday during Lent

St. Anne's Fish Fry

5920 Arden in Warren

4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. every Friday during Lent

Scotty Simpson's Fish & Chips

22200 Fenkell Ave. in Detroit

11 a.m. to 8 p.m. every Friday during Lent

St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church

21100 Madison St. in St. Clair Shores

4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. every Friday during Lent

Our Lady Star of the Sea Church

467 Fairford Rd. in Grosse Pointe Woods

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm every Friday in Lent

St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church

11441 Hubbard Street in Livonia

4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. every Friday during Lent

Royal Oak First United Methodist Church

320 W. 7th Street in Royal Oak

4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Fridays, Feb. 21, March 7 & 21, April 4

St. Malachy Church

14115 14 Mile Rd. in Sterling Heights

Ash Wednesday and Fridays during Lent from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The Detroit Scots' Friday Fish Fry

Kilgour Scottish Centre

2363 Rochester Rd. in Troy

Every Friday in Lent starting March 7 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church

31530 Beechwood in Garden City

Every Friday during Lent from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

St. Josaphat Banquet Center

26440 Ryan Rd. in Warren

Fridays from March 7 through April 11 from 3:30 p.m to 7 p.m.

American Legion Post 351

46146 Cass Ave. in Utica

Fridays from Feb. 28 through April 18 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

St. Therese of Lisieux Church

48115 Schoenherr in Shelby Township

Every Friday through March 27 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

St. Peter's Lutheran Church

23000 Gratiot Ave. in Eastpointe

Fridays starting March 7 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church

47650 N. Territorial Rd. in Plymouth

Fridays during Lent from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Finnish Cultural Center

35200 W. 8 Mile Rd. in Farmington Hills

Fridays from Feb. 23 through March 22 at 4:30 p.m.

Rosita's Treats Colombian Cocina

48770 Van Dyke in Shelby Township

Every Friday from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.

St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lake Orion

715 N. Lapeer Rd. in Lake Orion

Fridays from March 7 - April 11

St. Jane Frances de Chantal

38750 Ryan Rd. in Sterling Heights

Fridays during Lent from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

American Legion Walter Fraser Post 108

130 E. Drahner Rd. in Oxford

12 p.m. to 8 p.m. every Friday

St. Pio of Pietrelcina Catholic Community

18720 E. Thirteen Mile Road in Roseville

Fridays during Lent 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Good Friday 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

St. Anne Fish Fry

St. Anne Catholic Grade School, 32000 Mound Road in Warren

Beginning Ash Wednesday and serving Fridays during Lent 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

St. John The Evangelist from The Knights of Columbus Fenton

600 N. Adelaide in Fenton

Fridays from March 7 through April 11

Woodside Meadows

20820 Inkster Rd. in Romulus

Every Friday during Lent

St. Blase Catholic Church

12151 E. 15 Mile Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48312

Ash Wednesday and Fridays in Lent: 4 PM - 7 PM

Good Friday: 3 PM - 7 PM

Uncle Rays Place

24502 W. Warren Ave. in Dearborn Heights

Fish fry every Friday

St. Aloysius

37200 Neville St. in Romulus

Fridays from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on March 7, 14, 21, 28, April 4, 11

Peggy Bassett had no idea what was coming Wednesday. The beloved teacher has been with Novi Community Schools for more than 30 years.

What Bassett didn't know is that she had been nominated by one of her former students for the Feldman Automotive Group's Educator of the Year.

And Wednesday, while she was surrounded by students and colleagues, it was announced that Bassett had won.

"I mean, it's great to be recognized; it really is," Bassett told 7 News Detroit reporter Carli Petrus.

As a gift for being the Novi Educator of the Year, Bassett received a free two-year leased vehicle from Feldman Automotive.

"It's great to be recognized, it really is," said Bassett, who is so appreciative of the financial help that comes with no car payments for a couple of years.

Marla Feldman of the Feldman Automotive Group said, "It's just they've worked so hard, and cars are expensive, and it's nice to be able to help out in that regard."

Click on the video to hear more from Bassett and the former student who nominated her in Carli Petrus's report.

Fire officials held a press conference Wednesday afternoon to provide an update on the two workers who were saved following a hole collapse on Tuesday evening.

Wyandotte Fire Chief Jeremy Moline said that one of the workers was transported to the hospital via helicopter, where he is now stable. The other worker was reportedly treated at the scene for injuries.

Related Video: Watch the full press conference below: Wyandotte officials provide update after trench rescue

Moline said on Tuesday the work crew was doing plumbing work and not taking proper precautions for the warming weather. He clarified at the press conference today that he was unsure whether or not the proper safety precautions were put in place, saying that that's under investigation.

WATCH: Wyandotte police bodycam shows worker being rescued after hole collapse WATCH: Wyandotte police body cam shows worker being rescued after hole collapse

Watch our initial coverage below:

Two men rescued from apparent hole collapse in Wyandotte Two men rescued from apparent hole collapse in Wyandotte Rescue effort underway after apparent hole collapse in Wyandotte

The fire chief did take the time to praise the response from across the area, with the department being assisted by the Western Wayne Urban Search and Rescue Team and the Washtenaw Urban Search and Rescue Team.

"That's the first time I've ever had to execute the Urban Search & Rescue Team," Moline said. "We had trained officials from all over Southeast Michigan to help us."

Authorities say they received the call about the hole in the 2300 block of 17th Street last night, with the two men digging about 25 feet deep. Crews from other communities, including Livonia and Dearborn, were called to the scene.

"Thanks to their expertise and the coordinated efforts of all first responders on scene, both individuals were safely rescued," Moline said yesterday.

This was a coordinated effort between multiple agencies, and Im grateful for the teamwork displayed by our first responders, said Wyandotte Police Chief Archie Hamilton in a statement. Thanks to their quick action, a potentially tragic situation was prevented."

7 News Detroit's Let's Talk is where our team of journalists come to your community, in person for an open, honest conversation.

We hope to connect with you and hear about what's happening where you live. Maybe you want to share something you're proud of, maybe there's something you want us to look into, or something you're worried about?

Nothing is off the table. So Let's Talk.

Our goal is to be there for you and truly listen. Its nothing formal, just a casual meeting where we can talk stories and share ideas. No sign-up is required.

Our next Lets Talk stop is in Waterford at Fork n Pint on Wednesday on March 5 from 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m.

We hope to see you there.

If you have a comment or story idea for us and can't make it to the event, email us at tips@wxyz.com.

Where Your Voice Matters

Here at 7 News Detroit, we want to make sure you start your day off on the right foot, informed about weather, traffic, the latest news and more. That's why we have the 7 Morning Digest, where we'll get you out the door informed and ready to go.

What's the weather for today? Metro Detroit Weather: A rain/snow mix today

Today: Patchy freezing drizzle and sleet possible this morning. Eventually, this will transition to rain / snow mix by midday. Highs will reach the upper 30s for most areas. Winds: ESE 5-10 mph.

Tonight: Lingering snow showers with temps in the mid 30s. Colder north of Detroit. Winds: NE 5-10 mph.

Thursday: Mostly cloudy with a chance of rain and snow showers. Highs in the upper 30s and low 40s. Winds: W 10-20 mph.

Any traffic issues?

So far, no major issues to know about this morning. Be sure to check our live traffic map before heading out.

The top stories to know about Two men rescued from apparent hole collapse in Wyandotte Two men rescued from apparent hole collapse in Wyandotte

Wyandotte's Fire Chief Jeremy Moline says rescue crews have pulled two people from an apparent hole collapse at a home in that city.

Moline says one of the men was rescued early in the effort, and the second was pulled out shortly before 11 p.m. The first was taken to Wyandotte Hospital for treatment, and Moline says the second is in fair condition and will receive treatment.

Moline says the work crew was not taking proper precautions for the warming weather.

Authorities say that they received the call about the hole being 25 feet deep in the 2300 block of 17th street last night, with the two men digging about 25 feet deep. Crews from other communities, including Livonia and Dearborn, were called to the scene.

It's unclear why the workers were digging the hole in the first place. Officials confirmed that the men digging were not Wyandotte utility workers, as the incident remains under investigation to determine the cause.

"Thanks to their expertise and the coordinated efforts of all first responders on scene, both individuals were safely rescued," Moline said.

This was a coordinated effort between multiple agencies, and Im grateful for the teamwork displayed by our first responders, said Wyandotte Police Chief Archie Hamilton in a statement. Thanks to their quick action, a potentially tragic situation was prevented."

What metro Detroiters want to hear ahead of tonight's State of the State address Here's what metro Detroiters want to hear before Governor Whitmer's State of the State address tonight

Fixing the roads, tackling medical debt and making sure every Michigander has clean drinking water: these are just some of the topics Governor Gretchen Whitmer plans to highlight during her State of the State address tonight.

The topics are also among the issues we know a lot of Michiganders are concerned about right now.

Governor Whitmer is proposing an $83.5 billion budget for the next fiscal year, which includes $50 million for the state's rainy day fund.

But where do Michiganders want to see this money going? We listened to what metro Detroiters want to hear from Governor Whitmer during the state of the state tonight: from better roads, to steadier, higher paying jobs, Michiganganders want to hear the Governor's plans to make their day-to-day lives easier over the next year.

"Definitely roads for sure," said Clayton Keyes.

"Education is a big thing that they need to address," said Vernice Griffin.

"One of the things id really like to see addressed is the homeless situation in general," said Bryce Schumacher.

Cost of coffee up 25% in the first two months of 2025, why and what it will cost you Clawson coffee roaster navigating increasing costs

First it was eggs, now, it's coffee. The cost is on the rise.

Owner of Sabbath Coffee Roasters in Clawson, Trevor Graham, told us: "The last time I looked, the number a year, its about 240% increase in the cost for us to buy green coffee."

Graham said the cost of coffee has been rising for years, but it has gone up dramatically in the last few months.

In fact, it's gone up 25% in the first two months of 2025 alone.

"We spent like a week trying to figure out where people wouldnt feel like this huge impact, but we were also able to cover all our costs," said Graham. "The black coffee drinker, or the espresso drink, definitely kind of noticed that 25 to 50 cent increase."

Two people are dead after a crash that closed a portion of I-75 in Detroit on Sunday afternoon, according to the Michigan State Police.

Authorities say that the crash happened just after 3 p.m. in the southbound lanes of I-75 near Mack Avenue.

Investigators say that the driver a 58-year-old woman of a 2001 Ford Crown Vic was in the left lane and struck the driver of a 2021 Chevy Traverse, which was slowing with traffic. This caused a chain reaction, forcing the Traverse into the 2022 Kia Telluride in front of it before that Kia crashed into a 2024 Jeep Wrangler.

Two passengers a 50-year-old Novi man in the Crown Vic and a 56-year-old Farmington Hills woman in the Kia were pronounced dead at the scene.

The freeway was closed in this area for a few hours to investigate the crash, but has since been re-opened.

It is important for all drivers to remember that every time they get behind the wheel they are not only responsible for themselves and their passengers, but others that they share the road with as well. said F/Lt Mike Shaw in a statement. Driving requires all of our attention, all of the time. Driving conditions can change in a split second and if drivers are not paying attention, it can be deadly.

The Oakland County prosecutor is expected to announce a charging decision on Wednesday afternoon in the Pontiac child neglect case.

You can watch the press conference here at 2 p.m.

During a Tuesday afternoon news conference, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard released more information on the case surrounding children who were left alone for years in a Pontiac home.

Bouchard began his news conference by calling it the "very horrific case."

ORIGINAL STORY: Pontiac mother arrested after abandoning children in home for 4-5 years Pontiac mother arrested after abandoning children in home for 4-5 years

He also addressed the question of where the children's father was in all of this. He says the man was incarcerated for a time and had no contact with the children. Bouchard says he tried to reunite with the children when he got out, even filing paperwork with the court to try to get visitation. A consent agreement was "arrived at" in 2022.

However, Bouchard says the mother would still not allow him to see the children.

Bouchard also said they were working further to confirm all those details, clarifying the findings are preliminary.

Bouchard says they have narrowed the window of "abandonment" to spring of 2020, at the "height of COVID." He also says the last time the children's hygiene was addressed by their mother was when she dropped off Febreeze, gloves and garbage bags at that time.

Press conference: Sheriff Michael Bouchard updates abandoned children case RAW VIDEO: Sheriff Michael Bouchard updates abandoned children case.

Bouchard also says that the boy only left the house a few times; he reportedly only did so twice, once to just "touch the grass" and then to go out to get the mail.

Bouchard called the revelation the boy just wanted to feel the grass "by itself, heartbreaking."

"You wouldn't do this to an animal, let alone your child," Bouchard said. "So, just to hear that he came outside to touch the grass is just crushing, soul-crushing on so many levels."

He also says that food would be delivered to the house through services like Instacart and Doordash.

"So far, none of the people that were coming to the house had any awareness that there were kids inside or the situation in which they were delivering to," Bouchard says. "Obviously, the question was, was somebody dropping food off knowing there's kids there? No information at this point leads us to believe that."

Bouchard says that right before they were discovered, they were only getting a loaf of bread that was expected to last three or four days.

Bouchard says they are working to determine how the kids fell through the cracks in this case, and is proposing legislation that would close the gap with moving children to different schools that allowed this to happen. He says that a school in Pontiac received a request for transcripts, but the school that sent it never confirmed the children were enrolled there before dropping them off their enrollment rolls.

During his news conference, Bouchard said they had received enough clothing for the children and that they are "shifting" to financial support for the children. They have set up donations through Mission Oakland and are currently looking for a law firm that can set up a trust for the children to administer any funds.

"I will say, we have one of the most generous communities, I think, in the world," Bouchard said.

The children's mother is in police custody. Bouchard says she is talking with officers. However, he says they have not yet determined why she left the kids alone for so long. Bouchard says the children were just afraid to leave the home. Bouchard says their mother was living in another part of Pontiac but would not elaborate on that situation.

Officers conducting a welfare check on the home in search of the mother found the children living alone. Bouchard says the landlord notified them because he hadn't heard from her since December and hadn't received rent since October.

Deputies were called to a home in the 600 block of Lydia Lane on Friday afternoon to perform a welfare check and found the children a 15-year-old boy, a 13-year-old girl, and a 12-year-old girl all by themselves. The sisters were locked in a bathroom when police arrived.

Officials say that the children were left in squalor, surviving on weekly drop-offs of prepared food. First responders said that four-foot piles of garbage were found in some rooms. Mold and human excrement were found throughout the house. Bouchard says the toilet had stopped working, and the bathtub was filled with feces.

Police say that the children had not attended school since their abandonment, passing the time watching television or playing games. It appeared the girls had not been outside the home for several years, with the boy sleeping on a mattress on the floor while the girls slept on pizza boxes.

The children were taken to the hospital for evaluation, with soiled clothes, matted hair, and toenails so long that it was difficult to walk. Bouchard says they are making great strides since beginning to receive care. They have been forensically interviewed by professionals at CARE House of Oakland County . They were also seen once at McLaren Oakland Hospital. Bouchard says they will also receive a much more in-depth physical and mental health checkup in the near future.

Neighbors told police they did see a woman drop off stuff at the home from time to time, but they never saw the kids leave the house.

The mother was arrested without incident at a separate location, while the kids are now in the care of a relative organized by Child Protective Services. The Oakland County Prosecutors Office says their parents have been ordered by the court to not have any contact with them.

Prosecutors on Tuesday said they are reviewing evidence that investigators collected in the case. Several gigabytes of evidence were included.

The conditions these children were living in were unspeakably horrific, Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said in a statement.

Prosecutors are asking for the interviews with CARE House to be expedited.

Right now, this case is a top priority. Our team is urgently working to process the evidence and make charging decisions. While it is important to move quickly, we must also be thorough to fully understand what happened in that house and ensure justice is done for these three children.

The focus from the beginning has been to ensure the childrens health and safety, said McDonald. Their parents are not allowed to contact them. The children are getting the help they need while we are assessing the case.

If you know a child who is being neglected or abused, you can make a report to the state by calling 855-444-3911 and find more info at this link.

A Detroit man has been charged after allegedly shooting and killing his girlfriend on Valentine's Day.

Desuan Travon Ross, 31, has been charged in connection to the fatal shooting of Eboni Robinson, 29. Ross has been charged with first-degree murder and felony firearm.

Police responded to the shooting on Friday, Feb. 14, just before 9 a.m. at home in the 17400 block of Washburn.

When they got there, police say they say the victim's vehicle crashed into the front porch of the neighbor's house across the street. They found the woman with multiple gun shot wounds, and Robinson was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators say that Ross and Robinson were arguing inside her car, with Ross eventually getting out of the vehicle and firing a gun into the vehicle multiple times. After the crash, authorities say that Ross fired a rifle at the vehicle multiple times.

Ross was arraigned on Sunday, and is in custody until his court dates set for later this month and next month.

WATCH OUR PREVIOUS COVERAGE Man accused of killing girlfriend on Detroit's west side

Between 150 and 200 homes in Southwest Detroit were impacted after a massive 54-inch water main break early Monday morning left streets flooded with several feet of water.

City officials said this was the worst water main break they had ever seen.

Daytime Chopper 7 footage shows SW Detroit flooding Chopper 7 captures footage of flooded neighborhood in Southwest Detroit

It happened in the area of Lafayette Boulevard and Beard Street. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said the 54-inch Great Lakes Water Authority main broke around 4 a.m. Monday.

Previous coverage: 54-inch water main break floods SW Detroit neighborhood The latest on a 54-inch water main break in SW Detroit that flooded neighborhood

We were on the scene as residents had to be evacuated from their homes. Many residents called 7 News Detroit Monday morning reporting they were stuck inside their homes as they filled up with water.

Boats were used by firefighters who rescued families from their homes.

Related video: First responders rescue more than 200 from SW Detroit water main break flooding First responders rescue more than 200 from southwest Detroit water main break flooding

In an update just before noon Monday, the Great Lakes Water Authority said that the water main break has been isolated and water levels are receding. Water has been restored to most homes. The bigger concern is homes without heat and the massive damage that's been caused.

In all, they say they rescued 54 adults, 22 children and 12 pets from the neighborhood. Crews responded to the scene before sunrise and are expected to remain in the area through at least Tuesday morning.

INTERVIEW: Sheriff Michael Bouchard talks about helping with Detroit's water main break INTERVIEW: Sheriff Michael Bouchard talks about helping with Detroit's water main break

In an update on Monday afternoon, Duggan, other city and GLWA officials said that residents who are impacted can call 313-774-5261 if they don't have heat or power and would like to stay in a hotel. The city said they have partnered with Sonesta Extended Stay Suites to get residents who are impacted into a hotel.

This was a failure of the water main system, Duggan said. It took a couple of hours to find the valves that were covered in ice and snow to be able to isolate and shut off the water and identify exactly where the break was.

Watch officials hold an afternoon press conference in the video below: Officials provide afternoon update following massive water main break

According to city officials, any uninsured damage will be paid for by both the city and GLWA with a 50/50 split, according to Duggan.

It's a tragic situation we understand that. Our heart goes out to the people impacted by this, GLWA CEO Suzanne Coffey said.

Related video: Who will pay for repairs from massive Detroit water main break flooding? Who will pay for repairs from massive Detroit water main break flooding?

Those residents who want inspections on their homes will also call 313-774-5261 to get the process started. The city also said they have partnered with Uber to get people rides if their car was impacted by the flooding.

Below is a map from the GLWA of the affected areas.

We spoke with two women who were searching for a solution. They have four kids between the ages of 4 and 13 in their home. The kids are safe, but one woman we spoke to said the water rose to their beds while they were sleeping.

"It was coming in really, really fast," the woman told us. "It has gone up to the first floor already... it's way too cold, I tried going in the water but I couldn't, it froze my legs up.

"It felt like Titanic," the woman continued. "Like pins and needles and burning. I've never felt pain like that before."

Residents we spoke to say they noticed the water main break around 3 a.m. Some said they looked out their windows and saw debris floating down the streets. Another man we talked with said he had to wade through the icy water to get to his car.

"My car is little, so Im worried about my car and I go out and I dont have any rain boots," said Roberto Camacho, who lives on Army Street. "I noticed it was really bad when one of the officers drove through and their car was just like flooded from you couldnt even see the wheels."

"It was like 3 in the morning when I woke up. My friend called me and she said she was stuck over there," Diego Hernandez said. "She got stuck, she can't get out because her basements flooded... The waters getting deeper and some of the car lights are completely covered by water."

You can see from video above that Green Street was underwater, along with three other streets that branch off of it. This water comes up to porches, even getting into people's basements.

Detroit police had Green Street blocked off from Lexington Street to Lane Street.

While many have evacuated, Raymond Hoskins decided to stay in his home Monday night, which is just a few doors down from a massive hole where the water transmission line broke.

Related video: Some people staying home despite massive water main break Some people staying home despite massive water main break

His basement was flooded with about 5 feet of water, destroying his furnace and leaving his family without heat.

"It's very scary. This is our home. We're not rich. This is all we got right now and we have to do everything to save it, Hoskins said.

Related Video: Meteorologist Mike Taylor breaks down how water main breaks can happen in cold temps How cold temps impact water mains

Repairing the area will likely take days if not weeks as residents are packing their patience.

We know this is going to be a not very fast process. This is going to take a while, so patience, we're counting on that. We're counting on our patience and our faith right now to really get us through, Hoskins said.

Its a brand-new day in downtown Detroit as the city welcomes a new luxury cigar bar and restaurant.

We were invited inside Did It My Way Cigar and Wine Bar as they held a grand opening Friday night welcoming guests.

The business offers fine cigars, dining and spirits along with world-class hospitality.

Its located at the Fort Street entrance of the historic Penobscot Building, with globally inspired dishes.

The name of the business pays tribute to legendary singer Frank Sinatra.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held earlier in the day on Friday.

When it comes to investigating the homicide of 15-year-old Tyler Johnson, Southfield police have the gun used to shoot him and surveillance video to show who was in the hotel room with him. But what investigators don't have are any revealing statements from the four teenagers who were with Tyler when he was shot in the head.

"I'm disappointed in the Southfield Police Department," Tyler's mother Tomika Alexander said. "They have failed me tremendously."

Watch our May 2024 coverage when we spoke with Tomika Alexander: Mother angry as teens who were with son when fatally shot don't talk to police

In the early morning hours of Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, Tyler was shot and killed in a room at The Westin Hotel in Southfield.

Police said four of Tyler's friends, also teenagers, were in the room when one of them pulled the trigger, but none of the teenagers are trying to help investigators determine who shot Tyler or why.

"I have been left to fight for justice alone," Alexander said ahead of the one-year mark that her son died after being removed from life support.

Alexander told 7 News Detroit this week that as the victim's mother, she doesn't feel police are doing all they can to charge someone in her son's death.

"They definitely know who shot Tyler and furthermore, it's a year now and I haven't even heard from the Southfield police. If I don't contact them, they don't contact me," she said. "You have a body, you have witnesses and you have a murder weapon, but you have no arrest."

A spokesperson for the Southfield Police Department declined an on-camera interview but told 7 News Detroit reporter Carli Petrus that the teenagers who were with Tyler for the weekend slumber party are not talking and their parents have hired attorneys.

The department spokesperson added that there is no video of the shooting that took place inside a hotel room so they have no idea who pulled the trigger.

The day of the deadly shooting, one teen was arrested for being in possession of two firearms, a 9mm handgun and a 40-caliber handgun that police say is the weapon that killed Tyler. One of the weapons had been stolen out of the Flint area months earlier and, at the time, police said there was no record of the second firearm.

Watch our February 2024 report when a relative of one of the teens in the hotel room told us 'an adult dropped the ball' Teen shot at hotel fighting for his life

Prosecutors said they are still waiting on detectives from the Southfield Police Department to present them with a warrant request in Tyler's death.

"It feels like it's being covered up," Tyler's mother said. "It's like the parents and the kids are being protected by the police. Nothing is being done. I'm the one that's not being protected."

Anyone with information that could help investigators is urged to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP where all callers remain anonymous.

Alexander vowing to never stop seeking justice.

"Whether I'm alive or dead, justice will be served for my son and I'm not going to stop," she said.

In less than 24 hours, three people have died in two shooting incidents in the city of Detroit.

Detroit police are investigating after two people were shot and killed inside a home on the city's west side around 12:30 a.m. on Friday.

The victim's parents tell 7 News Detroit their son, Edward Clark II, and a friend, were shot inside the home.

Related video: Man and woman shot and killed inside home on Detroit's west side Man & woman shot and killed overnight inside home on Detroit's west side; suspect in custody

Police confirm that a man is in custody in relation to the double homicide.

Edward's parents say that the two were friends from work.

His dad said Edward was a bright young man who loved gaming, and he leaves behind a daughter.

Police confirm there are no other suspects but they are still investigating what led up to the shooting.

Later Friday morning, a man was taken into custody after allegedly shooting and killing a woman and then barricading himself inside a home.

Video from the scene of the shooting near Santa Clara and Washburn Video from the scene of a fatal shooting in Detroit

The incident started around 9 a.m. in the area of Santa Clara and Washburn, just off of Wyoming on the city's west side.

Officers responded to the scene as the armed suspect locked himself inside the house.

Video from the scene shows a vehicle that drove into the porch of the home. There is damage to that car.

Police say the barricaded gunman was taken into police custody after the standoff and the area is now secure.