Police have arrested a 17-year-old suspect connected to 35 auto larcenies that plagued a Farmington Hills neighborhood over the past week.

Watch Evan Sery's video report: Farmington Hills police arrest teen suspect in string of 35 car break-ins

The teen from Novi would ride his bike late at night to the area near 12 Mile and Drake Road, targeting unlocked vehicles in the dark residential streets, according to Farmington Hills Police Captain Domenic Lauria.

"There's quite a few homes, it's very dark, most of the area is not lit, and we believe that's why he chose that area," Lauria said.

The suspect wasn't using sophisticated methods he simply looked for unlocked car doors and took whatever valuable items he could find, including designer sunglasses, cologne, and phone chargers.

"Any door he found unlocked, he would go through the door and try to find anything he wanted to steal," Lauria said.

The frequency of thefts prompted police to increase patrols in the neighborhood. Early Monday morning, officers spotted the teen and deployed drones with thermal imaging to track him down.

WEB EXTRA: Nightvision drone footage helps track suspect WEB EXTRA: Nightvision drone footage helps track suspect

"It's absolute pitch black, the suspect takes off running at that point," Lauria said.

Residents like Dan Harris weren't surprised by the arrest.

"My honest opinion, some dumb kid who shouldn't be breaking into people's cars," Harris said.

Harris said his wife's car was broken into a few weeks ago, though nothing was taken. Neighbor Michael Laura's vehicle was untouched, but he wasn't taking any chances.

"I grew up in Detroit in the 1980s, where you lock everything," Laura said.

Police are reminding residents to take basic precautions to prevent future thefts.

"First and foremost, don't leave anything valuable in your car, and next, when you go to sleep at night, make sure your car is locked," Lauria 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.

Hundreds of thousands of Michigan residents are receiving notices that they must repay unemployment benefits they received during the COVID-19 pandemic, with collections set to resume as soon as the end of this month.

The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency says approximately 350,000 Michiganders will have to return pandemic-era unemployment benefits beginning Friday. The state is seeking to collect $2.7 billion from families who were overpaid during the pandemic.

Watch Evan Sery's video report below: Michigan unemployment agency to collect $2.7 billion in pandemic benefit overpayments

"Attention, claimant," David Hotz read from an email he received. "You are receiving this notice because you may have an outstanding balance owed to the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency."

Hotz is among the hundreds of thousands of Michigan residents wishing they didn't have to read such notices.

"At first, you're like is this real? Usually only get letters in the mail from them," Hotz said. "Then you got an idea it's real. It's like why did they wait two years to contact you."

UIA spokesperson Nick Assendelft acknowledged the timing may come as a surprise to many recipients.

"We understand for some, it'll come as a shock. Others are facing hardships," Assendelft said.

Collections resume after legal settlement

The collection efforts had been paused due to legal action. In 2022, a class action lawsuit was filed against UIA, claiming the agency was attempting to recover overpayment benefits unlawfully.

The lawsuit ended in May with a $55 million settlement. Because of a preliminary injunction, there had been a pause on collecting overpayments. That pause is lifted Friday.

"It depends on whether they remember we sent them an original notice or had been paying back that previous money and were told to stop," Assendelft said.

Cristine Wasserman, a Flint attorney who has worked on unemployment cases, said the pandemic created complications that make collection efforts challenging.

"You had federal people involved in the administration of unemployment events, we had an overwhelmed and antiquated unemployment system trying to administer benefits as quickly they could," Wasserman said. "Realistically, I know they're saying $2.7 billion they're not going to recoup that much money."

Financial hardship for recipients

For Hotz, the timing couldn't be worse. He has developed health issues since receiving benefits in 2020 including fibromyalgia.

"Unfortunately, I've been developing health issues, fibromyalgia, other health issues," Hotz said. "If they were to contact me even a year ago, I could afford to handle that. Right now, I can't. I'm on Medicaid, dealing with health issues."

The attorney said these emails are going out to everybody who received benefits, not only those who were overpaid. She advises anyone receiving the email to check their UIA account immediately to see if they even owe anything.

Both Wasserman and the agency say applying for financial waivers is an option if recipients can't afford the back payments.

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 week into the school year, Northville Public Schools still doesn't have a contract deal with its teachers, prompting families and educators to show their support at a special school board meeting Monday night.

Supporters wore red while teachers donned black as contract negotiations between the district and the Northville Education Association stretched into their seventh month with more than a dozen meetings already held.

Watch Evan Sery's and Brittany Toolis' video report below: Teachers, parents rally for contract resolution as Northville negotiations continue Teachers, parents rally for contract resolution as Northville negotiations continue

"We've been working with the district for seven months trying to create a success agreement," Richard Tabor said.

Tabor, president of the Northville Education Association and longtime district teacher, said the current contract expired on Aug. 23. Teachers are seeking a deal that provides fair compensation matching the cost of living.

"We're looking for a contract that matches up with the cost of living, not looking at anything that's gonna break the district," Tabor said.

The school board maintains it has already presented its final offer, which includes significant salary increases.

"Under the district's proposal, teachers would receive an average salary increase of 5.14% in '25-'26 and 4.11% in '26-'27," Lisa McIntyre said.

McIntyre serves as board president. However, about 70% of NEA members rejected this offer in August, according to Tabor.

Parents and teachers at the meeting expressed frustration with the ongoing negotiations, pointing to the district's financial position.

"You have a 32% fund balance 32. That's higher than any year than I was treasurer of the board, highest it's been in decades. You have the money, that's what it's for," Matthew Wilk said.

Wilk is a Northville school district parent. Special education teacher Jessica Ritter emphasized the need for respect through compensation.

"We're asking to be respected in a way we can feel not just in kind words, but in pay that reflects the reality of our work," Ritter said.

Superintendent RJ Webber cited the state's budget delays as an additional challenge in negotiations.

"They owed us a budget July 1. It's September 9th and we still don't have a budget," Webber said. "Definitely an obstacle. Doesn't make anyone's job easier."

The negotiations also involve determining compensation for teachers with advanced degrees. Teachers who have earned master's or doctorate degrees cannot advance on the salary scale until the contract is resolved, Tabor explained.

"Teachers who have put in the work to get their master's degree or doctorate degree are not gonna be able to advance on the salary scale 'til this gets resolved," Tabor said.

The district maintains it ranks among the best-paying in the area for teachers with advanced degrees.

"We want to get this as right as we possibly can and to make sure we have the financial resources to give our kids and families what they deserve going forward," Webber said.

The next bargaining meeting is scheduled for Oct. 14.

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.

This Childhood Cancer Awareness Month holds special meaning for a Shelby Township family who is more than thankful to still have their little boy in their lives.

Watch Evan Sery's video report: Local 5-year-old boy's cancer journey inspires foundation helping families nationwide

Five-year-old Beckett Fowler just started kindergarten, a milestone that seemed unlikely after doctors diagnosed him with a rare form of brain cancer just one month after his third birthday.

"I'm a survivor," said Beckett Fowler, who beat brain cancer.

7 News Detroit was there in 2023 when excited neighbors and police sirens helped make it a memorable homecoming for the then 3-year-old. The Shelby Township boy was finally home after battling and beating a rare, aggressive form of brain cancer called ATRT.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Family of Shelby Township boy battling rare brain cancer receives home makeover Family of Shelby Township boy battling rare brain cancer receives home makeover

The surprises kept coming, and Beckett, a monster truck enthusiast, was treated to a monstrous bedroom makeover.

Nearly two years later, trucks still fill his room. His parents wouldn't have it any other way.

"I'll go to bed every night and thank God he's still with us today," said Tammy Fowler, Beckett's mom.

Tammy said her son's cancer changed everything.

"A light switch just flipped, and our world turned upside down, and I think that's why we're doing childhood cancer awareness, and I think that's why we're doing Wreck It Like Beckett," Tammy said.

Foundation born from family's mission

The foundation name was inspired by Beckett's love for monster trucks, but even more by his heroic journey. The Fowlers say "Wreck It" comes from their mission to destroy barriers and challenges faced by families dealing with pediatric cancer.

The Wreck It Like Beckett Foundation has delivered 200 boxes across the country. Of course, they include Beckett's favorite monster trucks, but so much more.

"We found out that Beckett's cancer likely came from glyphosates. So the Roundup, the things that are sprayed, how they spray fruits and vegetables on the farms," Tammy said.

Contents inside focus on healthy eating, like keto peanut butter chocolate cups, organic non-GMO seeds, and grass-fed beef sticks, plus a few books.

Beckett's mom wrote a book called "I Can Beat Cancer, I Can Because I Will" in hopes of inspiring children in treatment.

"Thank you for your cool box, Beckett. I love your book," said Beckett's close friend in a video. The two met at St. Jude, and now she is 18 months cancer-free herself.

Spreading awareness through community events

This Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the Fowlers' mission is clear as gold awareness signs fill their lawn and more boxes continue to be packed and shipped.

"We're trying to get them out to every single possible yard we can," Tammy said.

On Sept. 20, Wreck It Like Beckett will host a Gold Out game at a University of Detroit Mercy men's soccer game.

All of it is so Beckett can keep spreading his message to young cancer fighters.

"It'll be okay, everybody," Beckett 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.

A Mount Clemens bakery owner and father of five is facing his biggest obstacle yet following a devastating cancer diagnosis.

Watch Evan Sery's video report: Community rallies behind Mount Clemens bakery owner diagnosed with cancer

We visited for another busy day at Lil Daddys Cheesecakes.

Extended interview: Lil Daddy's Cheesecakes owners talk about their business and recent challenges FULL INTERVIEW: Lil Daddy's Cheesecakes owners Marcel and Taylor Johnson talk about their business, family, and his cancer battle

We do everything cheesecake, cheesecake stuffed cookies, cheesecake bars, cheesecake stuffed waffle cones, mini cheesecakes," said Taylor Johnson.

Marcel and Taylor Johnson opened Lil Daddys Cheesecakes almost exactly a year ago.

We kinda threw this at the wall, and it stuck. We had our core supporters, and people started buying on a regular basis," said Marcel.

There's a lot going on: the Johnsons have managed the business even with five children to care for. Marcel also recently changed his entire lifestyle, losing 150 pounds in just six months. Plus, they've been navigating a months-long renovation right outside their doors.

They're redoing the whole downtown area, were right in the middle of it," said Marcel.

But now, on top of it all, a life-altering diagnosis.

Any issues we had 3 weeks ago is out the window," said Marcel. I went to a local urgent care with stomach pains, they sent me to the next hospital, got a CAT scan, MRI, and biopsy, within 5 days, I knew I had stage 4 adenocarcinoma.

At just 32 years old, Marcel says hell need chemotherapy for the rest of his life just to survive.

It's like it cant be real, I feel like I'm still in a movie or in a really long dream," he said.

Its gonna be hard, I feel like I'm the one that has to hold it all together for them, and the hard stuff hasnt even started yet," said Taylor.

To support the family, nearby businesses are stepping up.

A Mexican restaurant in Mount Clemens donated 10 percent of their sales on Wednesday to support the Johnsons.

Nearby Harrison Township Nutrition is doing something similar.

Just so they know that were here in any way we can help them," said Erica Nahtygal, owner of Harrison Township Nutrition.

Raffle baskets and feel better balloons have taken over her Harrison Township Nutrition store.

All money from the raffles, which we have tons of raffle baskets from the community, will go directly to the Johnsons, she said.

The Johnsons say they are appreciative of all the support. A meal train has been set up online, which includes options to donate money over gift cards. You can check it out here: https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/emq3v2

I just want to thank everyone. We moved into this store a year ago, nobody knew us but our own customers, and for the community to jump on this so quickly and aggressively, and let us know they're all there, I really appreciate it," he said.

Nearly 20,000 vehicles drive on Ellsworth Road every single day, and now the high-volume road is part of a research project evaluating the performance of rubber asphalt made from scrap tires.

Watch Evan Sery's video report: Washtenaw County tests innovative rubber asphalt made from scrap tires

It's a first for the Washtenaw County Road Commission, though the technology has been used in other areas of the state.

"It's been done around the state and several areas, but first time here," Neeko Robison said.

Project Manager Robison says this nearly one-mile stretch of Ellsworth Road in Pittsfield Township is getting a unique makeover as crews work on innovative ways to keep roads from cracking as cooler temperatures begin to creep in.

"We're all very excited about this innovation," Robison said.

This isn't your average asphalt.

"We're paving two inches of asphalt, using our rubberized asphalt mix," Robison said.

That mix includes scrap tires something the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, or EGLE, says can contaminate water and breed disease-carrying mosquitoes if not properly managed.

Before any asphalt is poured and paved, a tire processor cuts the tires into tiny rubber granules, removing any metal.

Web extra: Asphalt process for Evan's story

"And you get the rubber part, and then you have to grind that so the rubber we utilize is pretty much a powder," Sephr Mohammadi said.

Mohammadi is one of several Michigan Technological University PhD students who made the nine-hour drive from Houghton to oversee this week-long project.

The EGLE-funded project is a partnership between Michigan Technological University and the Washtenaw County Road Commission.

"We want to show the benefits in terms of performance and also environmental impact," Mohammadi said.

University research shows the impact is significant. Though the road commission says rubber asphalt is slightly more expensive, it reduces rutting and cracks while extending a road's life and lowering noise levels.

"We have cold temperature cracking resistance; we must make sure that in Michigan, we have sufficient resilience against cold temperature cracking," Mohammadi said.

And it's not just Washtenaw. At the end of 2024, EGLE grants funded over 300 miles of rubber-modified pavement in over 30 communities across Michigan.

"We want to be efficient with the money we're spending. The longer a road lasts, the better off we are," Robison 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.

After nearly 60 years of sharing space with schools and other facilities, Detroit's Police Athletic League has finally found a permanent home.

Watch Evan Sery's video report: Detroit PAL opens first permanent headquarters after nearly 60 years

The community program, which launched in 1969, held a grand opening on Friday for its first-ever headquarters following a multi-million dollar renovation project.

"With this new recreation center, it's gonna really be able to expand programming, and it's right in the neighborhood," Chief Todd Bettison said.

David Greenwood, Detroit Director of Engagement and Community Facilities for PAL, helped spearhead the renovation of the building that originally opened in 1949.

"We all put our fingerprints or footprints on things in life, and this is one of the things I can say I helped PAL do this," Greenwood said.

The building needed major updates before it could serve as PAL's new home.

"The heating system was either on 110 degrees or it was completely off. We had significant heat or cold issues, we also had a leaky roof," Greenwood said.

PAL's greatest partner is the Detroit Police Department, which provides mentorship through police officers. The program offers academic, leadership, and athletic activities, including cheerleading.

Elin Ford, a 10th grader at Cass Tech who has participated in PAL for four years, said the new facility is a significant upgrade from previous locations.

"It's amazing, actually. When I used to cheer here for competitions, there were mats on the ground, and we were stunting, but this is like an upgrade," Ford said. "What I've enjoyed about PAL the most is - it's taught me a lot of discipline; my grades improved significantly after I joined PAL."

Greenwood, who was a PAL participant himself in the 1970s, said grants from the state and support from nonprofits like Starfish helped make the permanent home possible.

"We faced the challenge and said Hey, we want to restore this facility and be able to give back to the community so our PAL kids and others can take advantage of safe spaces," Greenwood said.

A few more adjustments are needed before PAL participants can begin using the facility late next month.

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 Detroit brewery is expanding beyond beer to meet growing demand for healthier beverage options, partnering with Wayne State University to develop a low-calorie, fiber-rich soda.

Batch Brewing Company on Detroit's east side has launched Gut Soda, a non-alcoholic beverage that CEO Stephen Roginson says represents the changing landscape of consumer preferences.

"My job as the owner of a brewery is to come up with ways to get people to come in," Roginson said.

The brewery has developed three flavors of the low-calorie, low-sugar, fiber-rich soda. The latest offerings blackberry lemon and lemon lime ginger launched this summer with assistance from Wayne State University's Department of Nutrition and Food Science.

Ph.D. student Md Abdul Alim served as the main researcher, testing Gut Soda's caloric, carbohydrate and sugar levels in the university's lab.

"It's a very proud moment for me because I'm coming from another country," Alim said.

Hear more from CEO Stephen Roginson below: Web extra: Bach owner speaks on new sodas

The testing process required significant time and expertise.

"Two to three weeks is needed to do this job because caloric analysis from liquid is not easy it is tough," Alim said.

The brewery packages 24 cans per minute of the product, which Roginson is careful to distinguish from traditional soft drinks.

"Yeah, people in Michigan call it pop, but this is not pop. Pop is sweet, it's heavy. This is soda. It has more in common with an old-school seltzer," Roginson said.

Watch the canning process of the drinks below: Web extra: Canning process of Batch Brewing sodas

Roginson credits the Wayne State partnership with making the healthier product both affordable and feasible to develop.

"Whether it's for food or for beer... in addition to have products for the people that are not consuming alcohol, and that's where Gut Soda comes in," Roginson said.

Diane Cress, chair of Wayne State's Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, said the collaboration provided valuable real-world experience for students while breaking new ground for the university.

"Students learn the science behind doing this, but we've never applied it to local businesses before, so that was new," Cress said.

Cress hopes the partnership between Wayne State and Batch Brewing will create additional opportunities for students and staff in the future.

"So, that's what this work was the beginning of," Cress said.

To try Gut Soda, go to drinkgutasoda.com. In Detroit, SuperCrsip, Ima Noodles and Dirty Shake carry Gut Soda with dozens of other metro Detroit retailers also in the mix.

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.

If you were on Woodward Avenue today, you probably saw the signs: half-off on Dream Cruise merchandise, tents being taken down and many fewer classic cars cruising down the iconic road.

With the 30th annual Dream Cruise now finished, I spoke to local businesses on how the event went for them.

Watch Evan's story in the video player below 'You want to be ready for anything': Hearing from local businesses after the 30th annual Woodward Dream Cruise

The roads are quiet now, but some businesses along Woodward Avenue are okay with that. They say the big Motor City muscle event drove in some good sales.

Oh, it's great, it's like youre in a Time Machine, a lot of nostalgia," said Luisa Michelotti, the owner of Luisas Artisanal Street Food.

It's a time machine that Michelotti can experience from her store's kitchen window.

It's kinda nice, I have a good view all day," she told me.

Luisa says she opened here on Woodward in Ferndale just over two years ago. The native Detroiter knows to prepare a little more for Dream Cruisers and spectators.

Always overbuying," Michelotti said. "I think it's common for new restaurant owners, you want to be ready for anything."

As you'd expect, Saturday was busier for Michelotti than normal for sales.

A few blocks up Woodward is Tony Sevy's Detroit Cookie Company. He said while Dream Cruise Saturday wasn't busy, the week leading up to it was.

A lot of preparation, just making a lot of cookies," Tony said. Slower day, slower day honestly, a lot of people are looking for shade or water...Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, people coming from all over the United States, bringing their classic cars.

It's a mix of classic cars and modern shopping.

Its all about convenience at this point," Tony said. I think retail business is dying as a whole.Dashmart, DoorDash, delivery applications are huge for us, and I think any business at this point.

The two owners agreed that the Dream Cruise is good for business.

A lot of people find it inconvenient I think they dont like the traffic, I do understand that," Michelotti said. "I don't mind, it's one weekend out of the year and a nice thing for people that have that hobby.

Related: Watch our Dream Cruise coverage from this past weekend FULL SHOW: WXYZ-TV's 2025 Woodward Dream Cruise Special Automotive Hall of Fame celebrates Black innovation in the auto industry How the Silver Bullet became one of the most famous cars on Woodward Cruising Woodward during the 2025 Dream Cruise with Ken Lingenfelter This 1972 Super Beetle may look unassuming at timesbut that's part of the fun Where Your Voice Matters