A 91-year-old Korean War veteran received a tribute from his hometown during Southfield's annual Veterans Day celebration Friday.

Watch Christiana Ford's video report: Southfield honors 91-year-old Korean War veteran at annual Veterans Day ceremony

James Elias Jackson, who served as a Marine from 1952 to 1954, was honored with a certificate of appreciation from Mayor Ken Siver in front of friends and family at the ceremony hosted by the city's Veterans' Commission.

"The Marine Corps was my teacher," Jackson said. "When I went to the Marine Corps at the early age, I knew very little of the world and how to deal with people."

Jackson served as a combat infantry trainer, flamethrower, and bazooka operator during the Korean War. The veteran has learned much since his battlefield days, carrying lessons of leadership throughout his life as a dedicated husband, father, and UAW representative.

"I'm blessed to be a proud Marine. I served from '52 to '54," Jackson said.

Barbara Selton of the Southfield Veterans' Commission emphasized the harsh conditions veterans like Jackson endured during the Korean War.

"Many of our soldiers came back with frozen fingers from frostbite, frozen toes, just all many and all kinds of ways. He's one of those who survived," Selton said.

The ceremony was part of Southfield's annual Veterans Day tradition, bringing together local leaders, veterans, and families to honor service and sacrifice.

"So we wanted to celebrate him. Let him know that we love him, we thank him, and we will never forget the sacrifice that he made for all of us," Selton said.

Mayor Siver presented Jackson with an official certificate, reading: "In grateful appreciation and recognition for your service with the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War, issued this seventh day of November 2025."

"Thanks, everyone, for being here. I will cherish this day for the rest of my life," Jackson said.

Jackson's daughter, Sonia Jackson Myles, expressed her pride in seeing her father finally receive recognition.

"My deep appreciation and dedication for service. My deep and profound love for humanity came from my father. That's who he is. And to see him receive this recognition today is such a dream come true. It is such an honor to see him receive his flowers at the ripe old age of 91," Jackson Myles said.

The Veterans Day celebration featured a 21-gun salute by the local VFW post and a wreath placement at the war memorial. MSC Industrial Supply partnered with the Michigan Disabled American Veterans nonprofit to donate socks and personal hygiene products for veterans in need.

Veterans in attendance place a rose into a vase in honor of a veteran.

Selton encouraged year-round support for veterans beyond the annual ceremony.

"Let us not wait until this day. Let us do a lot in between and then culminate in this day," Selton said.

Jackson shared the most important lesson he learned during his military service, which he has passed on to his children.

"My passion, I teach my daughters and all of my kids, is to be kind to everybody, help somebody if you can," Jackson said.

 James worked for General Motors for 49 years and retired in 1996 as an International Representative for the UAW. During his tenure, he negotiated several national agreements between GM and the UAW. He was also the Chairman of Local 668 from 1970 to 1980 in Saginaw, MI.  James was an avid golfer, winning many championships with his golf club, The Saginaw Travelers. He has been the President of the Sr. Usher Board for 30 years at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Southfield, MI.  He was married to Nella D. Jackson for 59 years before she passed in 2019.  James is a proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Spending time with family is one of his favorite pastimes, in addition to watching his favorite game shows, Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, Family Feud, and Raid The Cage.

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.

Waterford police have arrested a 36-year-old ex-convict in connection with a series of home break-ins that targeted residents along the Waterford-Pontiac border over three weeks.

Watch Christiana Ford's video report: Man arrested in string of home invasions

Prentice Slaton was charged Monday by the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office with one count of second-degree home invasion, a 15-year felony. Police believe he is connected to at least five additional home invasions, with more charges pending.

The arrest came as part of what police called Operation "Kicked In," a joint investigation by special operations detectives from Waterford and White Lake townships.

"Same thing would happen, unscrew the light bulb over the door, and then they would kick the door in," Waterford Police Chief Scott Underwood said.

The break-ins typically occurred in the early morning hours. Slaton allegedly targeted homes near the Waterford-Pontiac border, taking advantage of the area's accessibility.

"It was easy to cross Telegraph and to get back to Waterford and to get into Pontiac back to Waterford as well," Underwood said.

One victim, Ashley Bruske, discovered someone had broken into her home after reviewing footage from her security cameras. The video, captured around 5:45 a.m., showed someone dressed in all black walking across her front lawn.

"Heart was racing, the officer was, like, just wait in your car. It was almost like I just want to drive away and be down the road, but at the same time, it was my house," Bruske said.

The surveillance footage helped lead to Slaton's arrest the following morning.

"The surveillance crew happened to spot him getting into this car. We were able to make a traffic stop with the help of the Oakland County Sheriff's deputies, and he was taken into custody," Underwood said.

"Between the video, the witnesses' statements, and like I said, some other investigative techniques, we were able to piece that all together, and that's what led to the arrest," he said.

Another Waterford resident, Michael Tollison, believes his family's home was also targeted.

"They ransacked our daughter's room, they ransacked our bedroom, broke the window in my son's room, and they stole some rings, they stole piggy banks of my sons, and pretty much ransacked the whole house," Tollison said. "I'm glad they were able to arrest them and get him off the streets."

Slaton has an extensive criminal history with multiple arrests for similar offenses, including home invasion and larceny, dating back to 2008. He was released on parole in August.

A second suspect who was originally arrested with Slaton as the driver has since been released pending further investigation.

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.

Food pantry lines stretch for blocks across Detroit as the federal government shutdown has cut SNAP benefits.

See the full story in the video below

At the New Bethel Baptist Church's Forgotten Harvest Mobile Pantry on Detroit's west side, the line extended down the street and around the parking lot on Tuesday. The pantry typically serves around 250 people, but organizers estimate they saw more than 300 visitors.

"I got to be out here doing the footwork for my family, which is two houses, and I will do that. If it takes me three, I been up here three and a half hours, I'll do it again," Sonya Wilkins said.

Wilkins arrived early Tuesday morning and waited hours to reach the front of the line. Her daughter is among 1.47 million Michiganders who rely on SNAP benefits.

"They need to get together and end this. Put this food back in these babies' mouths," Wilkins said.

Local food banks and pantries report demand was already elevated this year, but lines have grown even longer since the shutdown began.

"It was a lot of people, you know, it just blew my mind," client Larry Breeden said.

Eric Bell, the director of the New Bethel Baptist Church Mobile Pantry, confirmed the increased demand and says volunteers are needed.

As politicians work to resolve the shutdown, the City of Detroit is investing $1.75 million into food banks and launched a new website to help residents locate pantries.

"In Detroit, politics has to step aside when we take care of the needs of our residents," Duggan said in a Facebook video with council members.

Since issuing a call for volunteers Friday, more than 800 people have signed up to help at pantries across the city. You can sign up to volunteer here.

Bell expressed appreciation for the city's support.

"I'm very happy with that. I'm pleased with that and I just hope that they keep up the good work," Bell 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.

Waterford police have arrested two people believed to be involved in a series of break-ins after a Pontiac woman's security cameras captured one of the suspects on video.

Ashley Bruske discovered her home had been burglarized Thursday morning when she returned from the gym. Her side door was damaged, and a light that should have been on was off, which immediately raised red flags.

Watch Christiana Ford's video report below: Waterford PD arrest 2 in string of break-ins, Pontiac woman's cameras capture a suspect

"I had already backed out at this point, but you can see the door is cracked and that light was off and that's what triggered in my head, that's unusual," Bruske said.

When she checked her security cameras, she saw footage time-stamped at 5:45 a.m. showing someone dressed in all black walking across her front lawn.

"That's when it became real. Like there's a real person that is doing something inside my house, outside of my house, I don't know where they are right now," Bruske said.

The video shows the suspect possibly carrying items in their hands. The thief had kicked in her door and rummaged through her bedroom, stealing cellphones, a work bag and jewelry that belonged to her late grandmother.

"I couldn't even go out and buy it again, or it's just something that directly correlates to how she carried herself and it's something I was proud of to have because I knew when she was wearing those items she was proud," Bruske said.

Waterford police announced Friday morning just one day after Bruske's cameras captured the break-in that they had arrested two people possibly involved in multiple break-ins in the area. Police believe one of the arrested suspects is the person seen in Bruske's security video.

"The video I have of him, I think it'll trigger something for someone. Clearly he dressed to break into houses," Bruske said.

While she waits for charges to be filed, the arrests provide some peace of mind.

"Hopefully, it never happens again," Bruske said.

Bruske's dog safely slept through the entire incident. Her cat was also safe.

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 beloved Birmingham burger joint is relocating after more than seven decades of serving sliders on the same corner.

Hunter House Hamburgers, which has been serving customers since 1952, is moving about a mile down Woodward Avenue to a new building. The iconic white building that has housed the restaurant for 72 years will soon be empty as the business transitions to a former KFC location.

Watch Christiana Ford's video report below: Hunter House Hamburgers moves to new location after 72 years

Longtime customer Cynthia Wilsher has been visiting Hunter House since she was a child.

"Since they opened when I was 8 or 9 years old and we've been eating burgers here every since," Wilsher said.

The small restaurant continues to draw loyal customers who wait for sliders fresh off the grill. Regular customer Rashad Straughter praised the consistent quality.

"I come here all the time," Straughter said. "The onions are always good, fries are always good, crispy. Everything is always fresh."

Despite the location change, customers say they plan to follow the restaurant to its new home.

"Gonna be a little different but as long as they still on Woodward, they're right here," Straughter said.

Wilsher emphasized the importance of maintaining the restaurant's character in the move.

"I will continue to come wherever they go," Wilsher said. "They have to bring the grill with them. The store is one thing, but the grill is well seasoned."

Co-owner Kelly Cobb assured customers that the famous grill and nearly everything else from the original location will make the journey to the new site.

"We're literally replicating it on that site and whatever we can take here to put in there, we're gonna do it. It needs to be the same place," Cobb said.

Cobb explained that the decision to move came after years of property disputes and the current building's inability to handle customer demand.

"Extremely hard decision, but the reality for us is there's been property dispute on this land for about 20 years and we had to file lawsuits, we had to fight for it and at the same time that's been happening, our store was built to handle 20% of the people that come through here every day," Cobb said.

The new location promises improvements including faster service and twice as much parking space.

Starting Nov. 1, Hunter House will serve food from the kitchen while customers dine in a heated and sealed outdoor tent during the building's transformation. The same staff will be in place.

"We're gonna make it look just like this Hunter House," Cobb 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.

While business owners across Michigan are doing their part to help families facing food insecurity, Democratic lawmakers are introducing legislation aimed at feeding families during the crisis.

Michigan House Rep. Tonya Myers Phillips is leading efforts with a five-bill package designed to provide emergency food assistance.

Watch Christiana Ford's and Ryan Marshall's video reports below: Michigan lawmakers propose emergency food aid package as SNAP benefits expire Michigan lawmakers propose emergency food aid package as SNAP benefits expire

"I along with my colleagues are just stepping up and doing all that we can to make sure that we're serving the people. No child, no elder, no family member, no person with disabilities goes without food, so that's what this is all about," Myers Phillips said.

Her primary bill would allocate $900 million in emergency SNAP aid to cover lost federal funds and keep the program running for two months.

"It's proposed to take those funds from lapse work projects, which means money that was allocated and it didn't get spent... so it is available and there's also a directive in my bill for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to seek reimbursement because policies may change," Myers Phillips said.

Hear more from Rep. Tonya Myers Phillips below: Michigan House Rep. Tonya Myers Phillips explains proposed emergency food packageComprehensive Food Security Response

The five-bill package includes:

Securing Fresh Food Access: Creates a $900 million emergency supplemental for food assistance to SNAP recipients using project lapses to backfill federal funding loss Keeping Food Banks Stocked: Provides an additional $12.5 million supplemental for the Food Bank Council of America Keeping Food on the Table: Provides an additional $12.5 million supplemental for food pantry programs Call to Action resolutions: Urging President Donald Trump, Congress, and the USDA to reopen the federal government or ensure continued SNAP benefits, and requesting the USDA use its contingency fund to support SNAP as it did during the 2019 shutdown

Myers Phillips expressed optimism about bipartisan support for the emergency measures.

"I've seen some bipartisan interest and we're going to try to, I'm going to continue to do everything I can to make the case, and it shouldn't be a hard case. It really shouldn't. We're all human. We all have the basic need for food," Myers Phillips said.

Related video: SNAP benefits pause leaves over 1M Michiganders scrambling for food assistance SNAP benefits pause leaves over 1M Michiganders scrambling for food assistance

When asked about the timeline for action, Myers Phillips acknowledged the urgency while tempering expectations.

"I certainly couldn't promise anything would happen by Friday (day before SNAP benefits pause), but the important thing is that the bill is introduced the conversations are in motion and now the ball is in my colleagues' courts," Myers Phillips said.

Related:

Michigan Double Up Food Bucks Program expanding as SNAP distribution disrupted List: Food resources in metro Detroit as pause in SNAP funding expected

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says the impact will be felt across the state as the agency that helps families put food on the table prepares for potential benefit disruptions.

Lawmakers will formally introduce these bills on the House floor Thursday.

Prime BBQ Smokehouse owner Waly Yasso is stepping up to help his community as Michigan faces a potential pause in SNAP benefits affecting 1.4 million residents starting Nov. 1 if the government shutdown continues.

Yasso is offering $5 meals until the shutdown ends, including pulled pork and pulled chicken sandwiches available to anyone who asks at the counter.

Its important because I have kids and I have family too. The last thing I want is to come home for my kids to say we dont have any food, Yasso said.

The restaurant owner says his business, at some locations, relies on SNAP customers and he doesn't want any of them to go hungry during the uncertainty.

"We have to be there for each other. If we can't be there for each other, there's no reason for us to have an open sign anymore," Yasso said.

They will also give out 200 meals for Thanksgiving and increase meals to the Too Good to Go app, which prevents food waste by offering meals at lower cost.

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.

Newly released body camera footage shows the dramatic moments when dozens of first responders rushed into a burning senior living facility in Southgate, going door to door to evacuate residents trapped inside the smoke-filled building.

The video captures officers and firefighters from across Downriver and Michigan State Police as they kicked in doors and carried seniors to safety during what officials are calling a miraculous rescue with zero casualties.

Watch Christiana Ford's video report below: 'Controlled chaos': Police body cameras capture heroic senior center fire rescue in Southgate

"You're OK, honey. Just hold on to that wheelchair for your dear life don't let it go," an officer can be heard saying in the footage as they helped evacuate a resident.

The rescue involved 39 officers from 11 law enforcement agencies and dozens of firefighters from 14 local departments, all working together in what Southgate Police Officer Zachary Zielinski described as "controlled chaos."

"At that point there is no real organization. It's, everybody knows what they're supposed to do. All of our training kicks in. Everybody goes and does exactly as they're supposed to do" Zielinski said.

Watch three bodycam videos from Southgate police below: Southgate police bodycam video shows rescue of seniors in massive fire Southgate police bodycam video shows rescue of seniors in massive fire Southgate police bodycam video shows rescue of seniors in massive fire

Zielinski rushed to the scene while off duty, immediately running into the building to help with evacuations.

Officer Juan Pablo Gomez Llanos was among those carefully helping residents down the stairs, many of whom were caught off guard by the emergency.

"I had no thoughts other than getting there and helping as many residents out as possible," Gomez Llanos said. "Some of them were sleeping, in pajamas, no shoes, no socks, nothing. So many of us grabbed blankets."

Watch bodycam video from Michigan State Police below: MSP Bodycam in southgate fire

Some officers went back into the smoke-filled burning building to retrieve blankets for residents who were now stranded outside in the cold.

The rescue was particularly challenging due to heavy smoke and rapidly spreading flames.

"Just standing there, specifically the south corner that was on fire, looking at that, it's honestly a miracle we had no casualties," Zielinski said.

Watch two bodycam videos from Wyandotte police below: Police release bodycam of rescue in Southgate senior center fire New bodycam video shows rescue of residents in Southgate senior center fire

Despite being hailed as heroes, the first responders remain humble about their actions.

"We're just normal people at the end of the day. I don't see myself as a hero. I signed up to do this and I will happily continue to do it until I physically can't do it anymore," Zielinski said.

Gomez Llanos agreed.

"It's our job. I'll always be grateful to do something like this for the community," said Gomez Llanos.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but what's clear is that the coordinated efforts of the first responders saved every single life in the building.

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 ever felt lost listening to kids talk these days, you're not alone. Generation Alpha is constantly introducing new words into the mix, stumbling up both parents and teachers. But we've got your back.

Today's class is in session and we're learning to speak fluent Gen Alpha.

Watch Christiana's report in the video player below Middle school students in Milford give us a lesson on Gen Alpha slang

Our instructors: Physical Education teacher Aidan Warzecha and Seventh Grader Hadly Lesnew.

"Being the middle school, we got 900 kids here. We have over 50 in every PE class here, so I'm constantly around them," Mr. Warzecha said.

Today's lesson: translating the ever-evolving Middle School Dictionary. According to Mr. Warzecha, the top-tier terms are 'clock it', 'rage bait', 'Huzz', and their ultimate favorite: 'Six Seven'.

"'Six, seven' is the most. I hear 'clock it' now recently a ton I see 'clock it,'" Mr. Warzecha said. "Before you can even instruct. Once you say 'six', you know it's seven, and they are going to erupt."

What does it mean"

"I believe it came from a basketball player, the Ball family, LiAngelo Ball came up with a song of it, and then I heard that they asked how tall he was and they're like 'idk maybe 6 or 7'", Mr. Warzecha said.

"I think it really popped off when a kid, Mason, said '6-7,'" Hadly said.

And just when you thought you had those, the kids hit you with a new one: 41, with the opposite hand motion. And then Bop, that's like someone who's had multiple girlfriends or boyfriends.

"It's like 'you're a bop,'" Hadly said, demonstrating how to say it.

Got it. Don't be a bop. And then there's Italian Brain Rot.

"It's like characters, so if you look up-there's like Brr Brr Patapim, Tung Tung Tung Sahur, Ballerina Cappucina," Hadly said.

Those are random AI characters over Italian music, and then, there's perhaps the strangest one, which means nothing.

"It's just like something people like to say they'll just like go around and be like 'stop digging in ya butt, twin,'" Hadly said. "Random stuff on the internet."

"'Huzz' is like a new one as well. I hear it. I got some mixed emotions. What I think it means is like crush," Mr. Warzecha said. "Maybe next week I'll be told a new one from one of the students but I learn from them, and right now these are the main ones I'm hearing for sure."

Translation: just smile, nod and clock it.

"Advice for the parents, I would say, just if you're hearing any of these different words, let's make sure we kinda ask the meaning," Mr. Warzecha said. "We don't want our kids going around saying things that they don't know the meaning of it and also that the meaning is good, something we want to be sharing out. For sure."

Workers at family-owned plumbing company Shelby Mechanical say thieves have targeted their work trucks three times in just two months, with the latest theft caught on security cameras.

Watch Christiana Ford's video report: Plumbing company workers say thieves have targeted their trucks multiple times

The surveillance footage shows a thief quickly approaching a work van parked on Detroit's east side on Mack Ave Wednesday around 4 p.m., backing up to obscure their license plate from view before making off with expensive power tools.

"Gone in the blink of an eye," said Chris Becker, a worker with Shelby Mechanical.

Becker was finishing up work inside when thieves stole a large bin of tools from his van.

I opened it, see the missing pack out, which had a bunch of power tools in it, and I knew it was downhill from there, said Becker.

The thief then moved to his coworker's van, parked nearby, spending mere minutes stealing saws, drills and batteries while the worker was still inside the vehicle.

Watch the surveillance video below: SURVEILLANCE VIDEO: Thieves target local plumbing contractor

"For three minutes straight, he was in the vehicle prior. Opens up the back door," Becker said.

The stolen tools were expensive, with one item alone worth thousands.

The company has been hit three times in two months, once on Jefferson and twice while working on Mack Avenue on Detroit's east side. The company says the thefts have cost them almost $30,000.

"It's violating and we really need to get a stop to it," said Ryan Mitter, commercial field manager at Shelby Mechanical.

The repeated thefts have made parking work trucks feel like a risky gamble for the mechanical contractors. Mitter believes thieves are specifically targeting contractor vehicles.

"I feel like they know the tools that are on the trucks and they're looking for specific items that sell at higher value, so yeah, I believe they're targeting plumbing trucks, electrical trucks, HVAC vehicles," Mitter said.

Suppliers he's talked also say others have been impacted in metro Detroit.

Detroit police say they're still working on leads and are unable to connect the thefts or identify a trend at this time.

The crews are now looking at additional security measures to protect their equipment.

"We're actually looking at doing something else on the interior of the truck as far as locking up the tools with chain rope, lock boxes inside," Mitter said.

Mitter hopes sharing their experience can help warn other contractors in the area.

"I just want to make sure that everyone is getting out to their employees to keep your trucks locked, they just keep everyone safe. Be on the lookout for vehicles you don't know in the areas you're working in," Mitter said.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact them.

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.