Layoffs are coming for hundreds of steelworkers in Dearborn.

Cleveland-Cliffs issued warn notices to 600 employees at the Dearborn Works facility beginning July 15, citing "weak" U.S. automotive production.

Production was down somewhere around 8% in February and I think its forecast to be down about 5% or 6% in the first quarter, auto analyst David Zoia said.

Zoia says while a rebound is forecast for March, there are many factors limiting production.

I think it's just a general downturn in the market. Pricing is high. Theres a lot of uncertainty I think with consumers of where tariffs are going, Zoia said.

A company representative for Cleveland-Cliffs says its now temporary idling the blast furnace, BOF steel shop and continuous casting facilities at the Dearborn plant. The 600 workers were given notice they could be out of a job come July 15.

Richard Werebelski owns Chubz Smoke House, a food truck based in Westland that parks at the Ford Rouge complex, serving lunch to workers. Many of the customers he relies on are the employees at the steel plant.

A lot of the Cliffs workers will come find my truck because they need food, Werabelski said. "That's probably a good margin of my money, where we need it to hit our daily averages.

Cleveland-Cliffs says 550 employees will continue to operate the Dearborn finishing facilities.

"The finishing facilities at Dearborn Works, including the pickling line tandem cold mill (PLTCM) and continuous galvanizing line (CGL), will continue to operate, supporting the continued employment of another 550 employees," the company said in a statement. "These actions will allow the company to operate more efficiently and in a more cost competitive way for the current market environment. We believe that, once President Trumps policies take full effect and automotive production is re-shored, we should be able to resume steel production at Dearborn Works."

However, Zoia warns that likely won't be anytime soon.

"Any real big impact from the Trump tariffs would take some time to happen, Zoia said. That's certainly possible. I think that might not be a short-term factor. It takes a while for companies to resource and change the logistics of things.

The United Auto Workers represents employees at the plant. We reached out Tuesday evening but did not hear back before this report.

A $3.1 billion road funding plan from Republicans has passed through the Michigan state House but not without opposition.

The package of eight bills would not raise taxes on everyday Michiganders, but it would reallocate funding from other areas of the budget.

While some Democrats did support parts of the eight-bill package, many did not, expressing concerns over losing funding elsewhere.

I'm for it, but at what cost to us? driver Danisha Herrod of Ypsilanti said.

Herrod worries about the impact of large construction project but also worries about an increase to her taxes.

It's very important because a lot of people are suffering already, Herrod said. "To increase in any shape or form is going to hurt us instead of help us.

Speaker of the House Matt Hall, R-Richmond, held a press conference before Wednesdays session, highlighting that their plan includes no tax increase and simply reallocates funding, with a focus on local roads and bridges.

Under the House Republicans' plan, they (local officials) are going to get double the money in their counties. Thats a big deal, Hall said.

A key piece of the bill package makes all tax paid at the pump go directly toward roads instead of going toward other funds. Doing so would take about $650 million away from the school aid fund. Instead, $755 million would be diverted from the general fund to the school fund. However, many Democrats have concern.

The road funding plan that we are looking at today could blow a hole in K-12 funding and can lead to a whole lot of uncertainty in higher education, said Rep. Matt Koleszar, D-Plymouth.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer previously proposed her own $3 billion road funding plan. She responded to the Republican plan passing the House.

"We are encouraged to see the legislature make roads a priority, but the current legislation moving through the House does not achieve the goal, Whitmer's office said in a statement. "Michigan drivers have been calling for a sustainable, long-term road funding solution that fixes the roads with the right mix and materials. The governor is open to suggestions from Republicans and Democrats, but inaction is not an option. After the legislature comes back from spring break, we hope to get the House and Senate together at the negotiating table to hear their ideas for a bipartisan agreement that gets the job done."

We're not raising people's taxes, guys. And we're not saddening our future generations with additional debt from this plan," said Rep. Jamie Thompson, D-Brownstown. "This is a funding shift with money that we already actually have that's actually going to address a long time problem without raising taxes on Michigan citizens.

While Republicans have praised their plan as the answer, it still has to pass through the Democrat-controlled Senate, but the party as a whole has already spoken out against it.

With this plan, MAGA Matt Hall is committing to raising prices and cutting funding from local communities for law enforcement and housing, not to mention making it harder to get a good-paying job in Michigan. Clearly, MAGA Matt is taking a page out of Donald Trump and Elon Musks unelected billionaire playbook at Michigans expense," said Curtis Hertel, chair of the Michigan Democratic Party. The bottom line is that MAGA Matts plan makes life harder for Michiganders and creates more problems than solutions. Meanwhile, Democrats are fighting to ensure that we continue to invest in our infrastructure while growing the economy because at the end of the day, everyone deserves a chance to thrive.

The city of Detroit and its surrounding areas with a 313 area code will be switching to a 10-digit dialing requirement and a new overlay area code starting later this year.

About two years ago, the North American Numbering Plan proposed that the area start using area code 679 as the number combinations with 313 are running out. The Michigan Public Service Commission later approved that plan.

The 313 area code coverage includes Detroit, Hamtramck, Highland Park, Allen Park, Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, Ecorse, the Grosse Pointes, Inkster, Lincoln Park, Redford Township, River Rouge and Taylor.

Previous coverage: Commission likely to approve new 679 area code as 313 numbers begin to run out Commission likely to approve new 679 area code as 313 numbers begin to run out

It's a simple question, with many answers.

So what does 313 mean to you?" I asked Detroiters.

"My whole life, Lisa Burney said.

"It's part of my heart. It's what I know," Shivon Lowe said. "My culture.

313 to me means community, Izaiah Ford said.

313 means to me a lot," Lauren Jernigan said. "I was born here. My mother and father were born here.

However, in each answer one theme remains the same.

"It's Detroit," Cass Reed said. "It's Detroit it's just straight Detroit

313 is part of a Detroit. I've had a cousin who got married on 313," Sandy Reed said. "She's native of Detroit and it represents Detroit and she's about Detroit, so she got married on 313.

Now, after decades of being the only area code in Detroit and a dozen neighboring communities, 10 digit numbers that start with 313 are running low.

It's a problem that's occurring throughout the country," said Ryan McAnany, director of the Telecommunications Division of the Michigan Public Services Commission. "As technology has evolved, there's a lot more demand for numbers and at some point, numbers will run out all together.

All the 313 numbers exist, nothing is changing," McAnany added. "Its just for those new customers moving into that region or requesting numbers they potentially will get the 679 area code.

679... it's not Detroit, Jernigan said.

Nobody's going to know that," Lowe said. "When you say I have a 679 number, where are you from? When you say 313, it's like of youre from Detroit, Michigan.

While the amount of 313 numbers may be limited, its meaning to Detroiters is endless and theyll never give it up.

Even if I move out of Detroit, I'm still going to try to keep my 313 number," Lowe said. "I'm never going to change it again because you lose a sense of who you are when you lose that 313.

My dad... he came up here in the early 60s and he had his same phone number, 313, and it will never change, Burney said.

Because of the low numbers, telephone providers may issue a new overlay code of 679 to new phone customers starting Nov. 7, 2025. When that area code goes into effect, all local calls with a 313 area code will require 10-digit dialing, which means you have to include the area code with each call.

To prepare customers, there will be a six-month "permissive dialing" period starting April 7 to get used to the requirement. During that time, all local calls can be made with either seven or 10 digits, and all calls that are local will continue to be local even if you dial 10 digits.

Starting Oct. 7, all local calls must use the 10-digit phone number. Calls using only seven digits will not be completed.

Other important to know about the upcoming addition of the 679 area code include:

Your current telephone number, including the current 313 area code, will not change. You will need to dial the area code and telephone number for all local calls, including calls within the same area code. You will continue to dial 1 plus the area code and telephone number for all long-distance calls. What is a local call now will remain a local call. The price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services will not change due to the overlay. You can still dial just three digits to reach 911 and 988. You can also dial three digits to reach 211, 311, 511, and 811 where available.

As the closing bell brought an end to a tough day on Wall Street, metro Detroiters were among those checking in on their investments.

Clodie Martin of Southfield is a retired public school teacher. She says market downturns are always a concern.

I'm a retiree, so I have to watch all my funds wherever they are, and this back and forth gets a little scary," Martin said. "You hope that you have enough to live out the rest of your life comfortably and I think thats the biggest worry for seniors. They don't want to be dependent on their family members or children.

On the flip side, Jonathan Marshall is a married father of three. Hes been keeping an eye on the market and says inflation, along with fears of a recession, keep him on a tight budget.

Yeah, it's been pretty rough the last couple days. I'm hoping things settle down at some point. I know there's a lot going on with the tariffs, Marshall said. "Hopefully, this doesn't end up in a recession, just a little volatility in the market is what I'm hoping for.

The important thing right now today is to not panic," financial adviser Cullen Prena said. "A 10% pullback is normal throughout a market cycle. In fact, weve been overdue.

Related video: U.S. stock markets tumble amid fears of recession and trade war U.S. stock markets tumble amid fears of recession and trade wars

Prena is a certified financial planner and adviser with Advance Capital Management in Southfield. He points out the market was up 53% before the recent pullback. He advises not to sell off the market but instead diversify investments to assume less risk.

That's what we've done so far is take a more conservative approach on the stock side and then really hone in on what bonds we're owning to make sure were maximizing the total return of client portfolio, Prena said. "Trying to sell out of the market into cash and then move back into the market is frequently a losing game. Youll end up way behind your colleagues to do that.

As for those we spoke to, besides keeping a budget and watching their 401Ks, there's no major changes for now.

I'm still kind of weathering the storm for now," Marshall said. "I guess well see how long this goes on, maybe well have to make some allocation changes.

I'm just kind of letting everything stay as it is," Martin said. "I don't know what the next few weeks or next few months will bring for that but right now, it's just where it is.

Theres a special bond between a teenager and their first car. For Kaitlyn Scripter, that would be the blue Hyundai Tucson she affectionately named "Gerdy."

Im really connected to my car. She has a name, her name's Gerdy, Scripter said. "All my friends know my car. I've done a lot in it."

But last week as Scripter was babysitting a neighbor, Gerdy went missing. With distinct stickers and writing, neighbors and friends reported seeing it driving around town.

Three people in school came up and were like 'hey, I saw your car driving around on 13 Mile and Crooks,' Scripter said.

Four days later, Royal Oak police found the car left behind at the scene of another stolen car on a residential street near 12 Mile and Rochester roads. The car stolen from that home was later found near 12 Mile and Main Street.

Police were also able to obtain surveillance video of the suspect walking away from the car. They've since connected the suspect to four stolen vehicles since late January.

At first, it was just three stolen cars in five days, which is a lot for us," said Lt. Rich Millard of the Royal Oak Police Department. "Then you had the surveillance video and could see it was a younger person.

Days later, police found another stolen car near 13 Mile and Crooks roads. Officers staked out the car and waited until the suspect returned to the car where he was then arrested.

That's when they learned the suspect was a local 14-year-old boy. He was using nothing but a screwdriver and a USB cord to steal the vehicles and drive them around. The relatively simple hack for Kia and Hyundai vehicles has been going viral online in recent years, with simple video instructions on how to do it.

"I could guess he (suspect) probably got it off the internet," Millard said.

I've heard from a couple of my friends it's all over Tik Tok," said Scripter. "How you can steal Hyundais and Kias.

While Gerdy is back safe and sound, the ignition was ripped out. So now for the time being, Scripter is using USB cords to start her car and drive it.

"Yeah these are my keys right now, Scripter said in reference to multiple tangled up USB cords in her car. "You can just put it in there. You have to turn it pretty hard, but it starts my whole car and you can just drive it.

Although Scripter has to fix her ignition, shes thankful Gerdy is back in one piece and shocked theres no other damage or items missing, despite a weekend joyride from a 14-year-old boy.

I was pretty surprised. Definitely thought being a young kid, there would be stuff gone," said Scripter. "The 5 dollars that were on the ground, that they would take it or anything else of value in the car, but they didn't take anything at all.

The 14-year-old has been charged with multiple felonies and is currently in custody at Oakland County Children's Village.

There was a show of solidarity outside the Ukrainian Cultural Center in Warren where along Ryan Road, Ukrainian Americans urged support for a country they love at war.

Tetiana Yarynych, who was in the crowd on Tuesday, fled Ukraine with her family when Russia invaded three years ago. She has since made a home in metro Detroit.

We find here a new life, Yarynych said. "We find a new life, we find jobs, kids love the school, we found friends.

In the last few weeks, she says she suddenly once again feels the same fear she felt three years ago when the war first began.

"Things changed so quickly, Yarynych said. "This is hard because we have felt safety here. Like I said, found a new life start and again, its back, this feeling.

Yarynych and many Ukrainians say they were heartbroken watching the oval office exchange on Friday and worried when the U.S. cut off its support to Ukraine by Monday. Thats why in just 24 hours, they planned this rally urging solidarity between the two countries close to their hearts.

No one wants peace more than Ukrainians," said Andrew Powers of the Ukrainian American Crisis Response Committee of Michigan. "They're the ones being killed every day. Their soldiers are dying, innocent civilians are dying.

It was very troubling, and I think that was a reflection of our concern of this strategy where pressure was being put on Ukraine to negotiate peace and not Russia, which is the aggressor, said Larysa Blysniuk of the Ukrainian American Crisis Response Committee of Michigan. "Our job here as Ukrainian Americans is really just to make certain that Ukrainians and Americans understand that their values are aligned, and we support Ukrainians fight for democracy.

During his address to Congress and the nation Tuesday night, President Donald Trump questioned the amount of Europe's contribution in comparison to what the U.S. has spent, and said he recently received a letter from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine saying that Zelenskyy is ready to work with the U.S. to sign the minerals deal and negotiate peace.

I appreciate that he sent this letter. I just go it a little while ago," Trump said during his address. "Simultaneously, we've had serious discussions with Russia and have had strong indications theyre ready for peace. Wouldnt that be wonderful?

Related video: Zelenskyy offers olive branch to Trump, U.S. 'It is time to make things right': Zelenskyy reflects on meeting with Trump

As for Yarynych, she worries about continued support for her country and for her refugee program, fearing whether she may have to move her children back to a country still at war.

I get again this feeling, which I had in Ukraine, where you don't know what to expect next week, next month, Yarynych said. "I'm always thinking, to pack all my bags? Because if he (Trump) spoke like this to Zelenskyy last time, I don't think he will do something for a Ukrainian.

Night 1 of a massive two-year freeway closure is already causing confusion among metro Detroit drivers.

Chaccie Horn-Jameel is one of the roughly 100,000 drivers who use eastbound I-696 daily. It wasnt until evening rush hour on Monday when she was met with barricades on the entrance ramps that she learned I-696 will be fully closed from Lahser Road to I-75.

"Oh, it was a doozy, Horn-Jameel said. "It was a surprise."

The closure went into full effect early Monday afternoon. The evenings rush hour was the first taste of what's to come.

It was a lot of traffic and a lot of accidents actually, because people are not used to it and they are driving horribly, driver Anthony Eckles from Lathrup Village said. "People are, I guess, frustrated, so they're diving in and out of traffic out of frustration.

Related video: Here's what to know about the massive I-696 construction project Here's what to know about the massive I-696 construction project now underway

The Michigan Department of Transportation is aware of the frustrations drivers will have during the closure.

It's going to be very stressful and we fully expect to have some angry drivers, MDOT spokesperson Diane Cross said. "But it's really going to only be horrible for the first couple weeks as everybody is late and trying different routes. Then you get into a routine, you know what time you gotta leave, you know what route you're going to take."

Related video: Detour dilemma: Drivers brace for delays as I-696 construction project begins Detour dilemma For drivers as I-696 construction starts

MDOT is expecting Tuesday, the first morning rush hour with the closure, to also be a tough commute. They are urging people to leave early, and their official detour route is southbound on the Lodge Freeway, then eastbound on Davison Highway and northbound on I-75.

We have the detour because were looking at the big picture. We need to move close to 100,00 drivers a day," Cross said. "As long as you're legally allowed to be on the road, you can take any road you want.

MDOT'S WEBSITE BREAKS DOWN CURRENT CONSTRUCTION AND TRAFFIC UPDATES

For many, that means taking mile roads like 11 Mile Road through cities like Oak Park.

I have never seen traffic like this," Berkley resident Jason Carlson said. "It's insane how many cars are going down 11 Mile right now.

Related video: Where exactly is I-696 closed and how do you get around it Where exactly is I-696 closed and how do you get around it

Carlson doesn't rely on I-696 for his commute, but the closure at least on day 1 still has a noticeable impact.

With that many people that travel 696 every day, everyone's gotta grab a mile road to get back, Carlson said. "For two years, it's going to be insane.

As for those who do rely on I-696, plans for a new normal are underway.

Now, I need to map out the side streets, Horn-Jameel said. "And allow myself about 20 to 30 more minutes on my commutes.

I'm probably going to have to tack on another 15 to 20 minutes for any of my appointments because I'm up and down that highway every day, Victoria Walker of Hazel Park said. "Leave extra early, be prepared and pack your patience because youre going to need it.

A feisty meeting between President Trump and President Zelenskyy of Ukraine is making headlines Friday, with reactions across the world and here in metro Detroit.

SCRIPPS NEWS REPORT: Trump and Zelenskyy get into shouting match in Oval Office Trump and Zelenskyy get into shouting match in Oval Office

Since Russia invaded Ukraine 3 years ago, its been all hands on deck at the Ukrainian Cultural Center in Warren, which has held fundraisers and collected donations to send to Ukraine. The meeting between the two leaders became the topic of conversation on Friday.

I was appalled at what happened and how our President treated another President of a country, said Lesia Florchuk, President of the Ukrainian Cultural Center.

Forchuck is the centers President, which has been a hub of activity for metro Detroits Ukrainian population. She and others are expressing their support for their home country and President Zelenskyy on how he handled the meeting.

Really, it was yelling at him, 'Well, youre not thankful.' Yes, the Ukrainian population and people are thankful for the United States, said Florchuk.

My phone is ringing nonstop," said Borys Potapenko, a Ukrainian American who lives in Troy. "I've had calls from Congressman, I've had calls from former Congressmen, Ive had calls from all the community leaders."

Potapenko has been very involved in the metro Detroit area and has family in Ukraine. He has also visited the country multiple times since the war broke out. He was angered by what he saw unfold at the White House.

Are we talking serious diplomacy or are we children playing games?" Potapenko said. "People are dying in large numbers because freedom is on the line. Not peace. Peace isnt on the line. Freedom is on the line.

Reaction among Americans has been mixed, with many Republicans coming to the defense of President Trump and Vice President Vance.

Congresswoman Lisa McClain, of Michigans 9th District, re-posted the President's statement on X, saying, President Trump inherited this war. He has said from the beginning he wants to bring peace. @POTUS is a strong leader, and I know his negotiations will bring a deal together.

Somebody asked me, am I embarrassed about Tump. I have never been more proud of the President, said Republican Senator Lindsay Graham of South Carolina. "The relationship between Ukraine and America is vitally important, but can Zelenskyy do a deal with the United States? After what I saw today, I don't know.

As for Americans with loved ones in Ukraine, theyre fearful of what comes next.

You have to do something because if Ukraine falls, theres other countries Putin is going to go after, Florchuk said.

This is important to us, more important to us Id say as Americans," said Potapenkoso. I feel very, very troubled. I mean, I'm devastated about Ukraine, but boy, are we turning a page, and a page to what?

It's been roughly 10 days since a massive water main break flooded a southwest Detroit neighborhood, and recovery is still an uphill battle. However, progress is being made.

PREVIOUS REPORT: Local plumber plays significant role helping Detroiters impacted by water main break Local plumber plays significant role helping Detroiters impacted by water main break

Roughly 450 people are still being housed in hotels. The city is providing them 3 meals a day, but some say recently the meals they get from the hotels have been inadequate.

Giving us hot dogs for dinner, macaroni and cheese," said displaced resident Doran Smith, who is staying in a Southfield hotel. "My kids won't eat it.

Smith says he's either relied on food from volunteers or paid for other meals.

"I can't eat it. My kids won't eat it. I've been spending a lot of money on DoorDash, Uber all that, said Smith. "There's good people helping out bringing tamales and tacos, but without our neighborhood, its terrible.

Some photos of the meals were making the rounds on social media, showing hot dogs, minimal sandwiches, or plates of potato chips with chicken and shredded cheese on top.

I did see some of the photos, and my reaction was we need to change," said Julie Schneider, Director of the City of Detroit's Housing and Revitalization Department.

About a week ago, she says they went from using food trucks to using the hotels themselves to provide 3 meals to the residents. However, she says that will now change.

We want to make sure the hotel experience is good, and we recognize clearly, seeing those photos, that it was appropriate for us to change quickly and today, said Schneider.

Schneider says they were just made aware of the food quality concerns.

"Most of the concerns from the residents of the actual hotel had been about timing of when the meal service was available and accounting for people's different work hours and such, said Schneider.

Schneider says after the complaints, the city will now contract with local food trucks to cater in lunch and dinner, as they did in the first few days.

The city is doing what they can. I don't think they was ever prepared for this, said Jessica Ramirez, Founder of Detroiters Helping Each Other.

Ramirez and many in the community have been on the ground assisting since day one.

Every person on the ground is absolutely amazing doing the footwork," said Ramirez. "The community is coming together, but there is a lack of communication.

So far, the city says 64 basements have been cleaned out of the roughly 200 in total they plan to get to. Ramirez says there have been many issues, but much of it is being addressed.

Every address that I seen a complaint about I was able to call our District 6 manager Torres and tell her and within 5-10 minutes that homeowner called me like hey, they called me, theyre on their way. They came,' said Ramirez.

As for those relying on the hotel meals, they're happy change is coming.

A little bit late, but better late than never," said Smith. "I'm glad theyre doing it."

Ramirez says when this work is all over with, she hopes the City will sit down with the Southwest community to get feedback on this response to be better prepared in the future.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is confirming another Michigan child has now died from the flu.

Ask Dr. Nandi: What do you need to know about the measles vaccine? Ask Dr. Nandi: What do you need to know about the measles vaccine?

The death in Macomb County was reported last week and is now the 3rd pediatric flu death in Michigan. The previous 2 cases were from Wayne County and Genesee County

For Belinda Belcher of Clarkston, a recent get-together became a nightmare after 7 people in her family came down with the flu. Her 24-year-old son, who has a chromosome disorder, had to be hospitalized. So too did her nearly 2-year-old grandson.

Oh my gosh, he was so sick. His oxygen level, it was so low, Belcher said of her grandson. Everybody is doing better, but I can't believe how fast it went through everybody."

That grandson ended up spending a week in the hospital, and had to be taken there by ambulance with a high fever and trouble breathing.

He's healthy. He doesn't have any issues that should have caused it to be harder for him, but it was, said Belcher.

The scary situation unfolded as Michigan reported the highest possible level of flu activity, along with 9 other states. Nationwide, 86 children have now died from the flu, with 3 of them in Michigan. The state is now reporting more than 16,000 flu-related patient visits from all age groups.

This has been a really bad influenza season, said Dr. Anurag Malani, Infectious Disease Physician and Hospital Epidemiologist at Trinity Health Ann Arbor. "It reminds me way back to even 2009-2010 when we had H1N1."

Dr. Malani says, across Michigan, Trinity Health has more than 100 flu patients currently hospitalized. Some in the ICU and some on ventilators. He says the ages most at risk are those older than 65, and younger than 2.

It can definitely affect healthy people, but the majority of people that are going to be in the hospital are going to have some underlying risk factor, said Dr. Malani.

Dr. Malani says antiviral treatment can help with early infection and encourages people to get their flu vaccine.

Now that her family is feeling better, Belinda hopes no other families go through what hers went through or worse.

My heart goes out to the families that lost their children through this because I know how sick my son was, and I know how sick my grandson was," said Belcher. "That was scary."

Dr. Malani also says it is not too late to get your flu shot if you havent yet. Its recommended for everyone ages 6 months and older.

Southwest Detroit continues to recover from the devastating flood as the community rallies to help.

The Great Lakes Water Authority told us the 19-foot replacement pipe is now on scene and crews will continue work throughout the weekend. However, the fix could take at least two weeks. The streets are also still caked in mud, with lots of cleanup still ahead.

Related video: First basement cleaning crews now working in area of Detroit water main break Detroit residents desperate for repairs

While dozens of families are sheltering in hotels or staying with family members, others are staying put and braving the cold.

Well turn the oven on, well boil some water, whatever we can to stay warm during the day. But at the end of the day, were still walking around the house with our coats on, southwest Detroit resident Brandon Ortiz said.

Ortiz had his furnace destroyed in the flood and has spent the week without heat. His car, which sat in 4 feet of water, has been towed from the street. City inspectors went in his basement this week inspecting damage to the home he's put a decade of time and money into.

Little by little, trying to fix your house up and make changes and do things that you can. It kinda feels like it was literally washed away in the water, Ortiz said. Something so unexpected that can just in a manner of one hour turn things upside down. You feel pretty heartbroken.

I also spoke with Amarpo Ibarra as her daughter Yaretzi translated. Their family is one of the few on the block that has heat, but life still isnt easy.

Right now since all the mess is everywhere, it's really hard to travel and go to places to do daily activities we would normally be doing, Yaretzi said translating for her mother.

Chopper 7 showed the spot where the 12-foot section of damaged pipe was removed and contractors are now inspecting the condition on the surrounding pipe.

CHOPPER VIDEO: Repairs continue on massive water main break in SW Detroit Repairs continue on massive water main break in SW Detroit

Meanwhile, work extends beyond southwest Detroit and into the east side, where fellow Detroiters saw the devastation.

When the sun came up about 7:30 and they showed the aerial view, I was mortified," Lejuan Council said. "I know how that feels.

Council, along with many of her neighbors, had serious damage to her Jefferson Chalmers home as summer rain storms throughout the last five years brought flooding and sewer backups to her neighborhood.

It's devastating because you feel helpless," Council said. There is no warning, and there's not enough support for the subject.

In response, Council started the Detroit Area Disaster Recovery Group in 2021. On Friday, they collected 300 boxes of food from Forgotten Harvest and 200 buckets of cleaning supplies from the local nonprofit Disaster Relief At Work, which is based in Waterford. All the supplies will benefit those in southwest Detroit, as the organization chips in for long term recovery.

Watch when we spoke with Detroit Area Disaster Recovery Group and Disaster Relief At Work earlier this week in the video below: Coming together to help residents affected by flooding

We respond as one Detroit," Council said. "This is not Jefferson Chalmers, it's not southwest, its one Detroit.

You definitely feel the unity and that definitely helps," Ortiz said. "It keeps us afloat.

The American Red Cross has also opened a site at La Sed Youth Center and Senior Center. Its open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Monday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Its a case thats shocked metro Detroit: three young siblings found in soiled clothes, abandoned for years and living in a home filled with mold, trash and feces.

You wouldn't do this to an animal, let alone a child, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said during a media briefing on Tuesday.

You can watch the press conference below: RAW VIDEO: Sheriff Michael Bouchard updates abandoned children case.

Bouchard revealed that besides the mother, it appears no one knew about the kids' situation. They were left without hygiene supplies, and food was periodically delivered either by her or by a third party delivery service, which left the food on the porch.

"Towards the end, the children were apparently getting a loaf of bread dropped off that was intended to last three to four days," Bouchard said.

The sisters, ages 12 and 13, were sleeping on pizza boxes. Their 15-year-old brother was the only one who went outside, but just twice in five years.

"The only one of the three who ever came out was the young boy once because he wanted to feel the grass, which by itself is heartbreaking, and a second time to check the mail," Bouchard said. "Just to hear he came out to touch the grass is crushing, soul-crushing on so many levels."

Related video: Kid in Pontiac case went outside only a few times to 'touch the grass,' get mail Kid in Pontiac case went outside only a few times to 'touch the grass,' get mail

The mother of the children is still in custody, but formal charges have yet to be filed. Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald says this case is a top priority, but they are still combing through several gigabytes of evidence.

"All of us are asking how the heck did this happen? How did we lose three kids? How did they fall through the system?" Bouchard said. "The community, the relatives, the school how did no one know?"

Bouchard says the kids hadnt been enrolled in school since 2020, and miscommunication caused them to fall through the cracks.

"A school district in this case received a request for records from another school in Pontiac, but no verification the children ever moved to that school," Bouchard explained. "So at some point when they didn't show up, they were just dropped off the enrollment of the school that sent the transcripts. So no one knew they were nowhere.

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

Bouchard says hes now talking to a state lawmaker to sponsor a bill in Lansing that he says could prevent this from happening again.

Before a child is un-enrolled, they have to obtain written confirmation that child is someplace else," Bouchard said. "That doesn't happen now

State Sen. Jeremy Moss represents Pontiac. While he hasnt heard directly from Bouchard about this proposal, he says he's open to the idea.

I've talked to a few of my colleagues already, those who are on these relevant committees the education committees and whatnot and this is a concept worth exploring, Moss said. "If the sheriff as he has more information about this investigation believes that this is the gap, this is something that would have prevented this situation, then yes, we should absolutely be exploring."

State Rep. Brenda Carter represents Pontiac and also had not heard from Bouchard but believes there's also work that could be done when it comes to laws that impact renters.

Both Carter and Moss say the city of Pontiac requires rental properties to be registered with the city and are subjected to rental inspections. However, they say this property was not registered by the landlord and was therefore being illegally rented. If it had been registered, inspections could have discovered the deplorable living conditions.

"This is where we feel we can effectively address this by putting into statute the renters bill of rights, Carter said. "There are things we can do to hold bad actors accountable... It's not an isolated incident, it's not something that just happens in Pontiac.

"Nobody, no kid especially, should have to live in those conditions and if there are things we can do as lawmakers to improve conditions in our neighborhoods, we should explore those solutions, Moss said. "This is a situation of neglect and the kids have suffered."

The Oakland County Sheriff's Office set up an online fundraiser to support the children.

On the slopes of Mt. Brighton, its a winter wonderland with 6 inches of fresh snow in the last 48 hours and a solid base of more than 2 1/2 feet.

"Plenty of fresh snow," skiier Michael Bills from Dexter said. "I know they make some of it here, but it helps to have good snow too.

The snowfall is a welcomed sight for skiers like the Bills family, and also for Mt. Brighton general manager Megan Greenlee

This has been an incredible week for us," Greenlee said. "We have a lot of snow out here, a lot of excited guests.

Greenlee says last year's weather forced the hill to close during the middle of the season, not just from a lack of snow but temperatures that were warmer than usual. Thats not the story this year.

We've just been so incredibly lucky with the weather," Greenlee said. "We've had great snow-making, great natural product the weather has been on our side.

Twenty-eight degrees and below is generally whats needed for snow-making. At this point last winter, only 28 days hit that low. But so far this winter, 57 days have hit that number with more still to come.

"We're definitely seeing some more snow come in over the weekend. Were also seeing again some nice really low temperatures. So well have some more snow-making opportunities this week, which our team will be excited to capitalize on, Greenlee said. "Especially compared to last year, we are excited to get open and stay open. Weve had no closures. We currently have 100% of our terrain open.

Related video: Ask Dr. Nandi: How to have fun in the snow safely Ask Dr. Nandi: How to have fun in the snow safely

Kraig Sexton brought his son Landon, one of many people we met learning to ski for the first time and one of the many people hoping more winter is still ahead.

"Then I get to do snowball fights and all different types of stuff with the snow, Landon said.

"This winter is a little more what I remember as a youngster, Kraig Sexton. "More ski friendly, more pond hockey friendly, more snowball fight friendly. It's been an actual winter.

As the bird flu continues to spread across the U.S., the Michigan Department of Natural Resources says it is widespread among wild birds in the state, with more than 300 dead wild birds found in five counties suspected of being killed by the virus.

Nearly 100 of those cases happened in Washtenaw County, many of them at a public Ann Arbor park.

Mary Beth Doyle Park has lots of wildlife and paved trails that nearby residents walk often.

Joseph Igleski and Solaire Finkenstaevt-Quinn were walking in the park last month when they saw something odd.

We were on the bridge over there and we noticed three? It was three or four dead geese that had floated down there, they said.

Geese are commonly seen throughout the park, but not multiple dead geese all in one spot.

I think we thought maybe they'd all eaten something that was bad and thats what caused it," Finkenstaevt-Quinn said. "So a little concern, but more of like oh, it's probably an anomaly.

But according to the DNR, its not an anomaly. Roughly 100 dead birds have been found in this area suspected to have died from highly pathogenic avian flu.

More than fairly confident that this is what we're dealing with: high path avian influenza, DNR Wildlife Pathologist Julie Melotti said. "Based on those test results, the clinical signs and then what were seeing, what we've seen in the past and what other states are seeing.

Melotti says preliminary testing done at Michigan State University points to bird flu, but the national lab in Iowa, which currently has a backlog, has to official confirm the cases.

Across five counties in lower Michigan, they suspect more than 300 dead birds have been killed by the illness.

Right now, there's many frozen bodies of water. You've got these geese and ducks that are grouping up in the winter, so you have a large amount of birds in a small space," Melotti explained. "Bring in a few sick birds and they can spread something like this.

Previous coverage: Ask Dr. Nandi: What you need to know about the new bird flu strain found in the United States What you need to know about the new bird flu strain found in the United States

Melotti says the illness is widespread in wild birds in Michigan, mostly in waterfowl. However, its also been found in bald eagles, hawks and owls.

We kind of had assumed since 2022, this virus never left. It's been here at low levels," Melotti said. "We kind of assumed a resurgence like this, and thats what were seeing.

It took us about a week to realize it was probably bird flu, but that didn't click at all when we saw it," Igleski said. "We just thought it was odd.

Watch our previous coverage when bird flu was confirmed in animals at a Waterford Public Park: Bird flu confirmed in animals at Waterford public park, employees being monitored

While risk to humans is low and the DNR doesnt expect a major impact on bird populations, large die-offs are still concerning, especially for those who see it firsthand.

Just maybe thinking about the greater ecological implications and what that might mean, Finkenstaevt-Quinn said.

If you come across a dead wild bird, do not touch it. If you find a die-off of six or more birds, be sure to report it to the DNR online.

The DNR also advises cleaning backyard wild bird feeders every two weeks with a 10% bleach to water solution to avoid transmission of HPAI and other diseases more commonly spread at bird feeders.

The snow is falling Wednesday across metro Detroit, leading to school closures and slick road conditions.

Late in the evening, the night was still young for Erich Meixner and his crew at EJM Enterprises.

Tonight is going to be a good 12 to 24 hours, maybe 16 to 24 hours minimum, Meixner said. "We got 16 acres here, so it's going to be a long, hard night."

When the snow starts coming down, you can find EJM in the Kroger parking lot at Garfield and Canal roads in Clinton Township. It's one of many commercial properties theyre tasked with clearing of snow.

This is a two-to-three-day storm for us," Meixner said. "Even though we'll get most of it done tonight, we can't get what's underneath the cars in the morning.

Across metro Detroit, private snow plow companies were seen hard at work and road commission crews were too. We saw numerous Oakland County road commission crews out laying salt and others stopping back at the salt garage for a refill.

Watch our coverage from earlier in the day when county road crews shared their plans: Macomb County road crews hard at work

This year has been pretty good. It's been pretty slow" Meixner said. "But now, we're getting the big snow storms coming so now, it's going to be all the fun.

A late evening storm means Meixner and his crew likely won't get much sleep, but as long as the snow comes down, theyll keep working through the night.

We have to be out here. We have to be out here in full force to keep the customers safe, Meixner said.

Super Bowl 59 is now nearly 48 hours away and fans are flocking to New Orleans for the big game. While the Detroit Lions will not be represented on the field, that doesnt mean fans won

'

t be representing the team throughout the city.

I got my bibs on," said Lions superfan Ron "Crackman" Crachiola.

"His bar bibs, not his dress bibs," joked another superfan Megan Stefanski. "He had his dress bibs on last night.

Stefanski got free tickets for the weekend as the Lions fan of the year. During the NFL honors, she was named NFL fan of the year, a journey that all started with her dad Yooperman, a dedicated Lions fan who passed away in 2019.

It was a huge honor, I was the first woman winner and first unanimous winner, Stefanski said. "He (Dad) is what made me a huge fan when I was a kid, taught me how to give back.

Even for Lions fans who paid for tickets, many still made the trip.

We were just so confident that they were at least gonna make it to the Super Bowl that we didn't want to take chances of not getting tickets, said Rachel Reed of Bloomfield Hills, who bought her tickets shortly before the playoffs started. "My apologies to all of Detroit for jinxing the Lions.

Extended interview: 'We thought for sure they were going.' Lions fans make trip to New Orleans We thought for sure they were going. Lions fans make the trip to New Orleans despite teams loss

Sarah Yelncich booked her trip early, bringing her mom Christine Lorenc along.

We booked it in October with full faith the Lions would go to the Super Bowl, Yelencich said. "She (mom) is a die hard Lions fan, as am I, and there was no way on earth we were going to miss it.

While these fans booked early to save money, those fans who bought the actual game tickets realized that would not end up being the case.

Photo: Lions fans in New Orleans

The package was nonrefundable, but at the time we said 'you know what, even if the Lions don't make it,' and this is a direct quote, 'we can always sell our package for what we paid for it,'" Reed recounted. "Uh, no you can't.

Every Lions fan for the last 60 plus years said 'hey, when we go we're going' and I wanted to be the first to get a ticket, so I wouldn't pay astronomical prices, said Lions fan Cody Davidson who lives in Texas. "Unfortunately, after these two teams were selected, the prices crashed 50%, so I ended up getting stuck.

Photo: Lions fans in New Orleans

Now worth half of what they paid, these Detroit fans are choosing to make the most of what many consider a bucket list experience, all while still proudly repping, their Honolulu blue.

Photo: Lions fans in New Orleans

At the end of the day Brett, like, it's all good," Reed said. "Its gonna be a historic Super Bowl, New Orleans is super fun."

It's very bittersweet, but just gotta stick with it," said Lions fan Paul Love, originally from Waterford but now lives in Las Vegas. "It's gonna make it even better when we host that Lombardi trophy.

Of course, I'm bummed. That will never go away, that sting will always be there," said Lions fan Danny Coleman of West Bloomfield. "But no complaints. It was a great season, looking forward to the next.

For Shannon Ziegler of Westland, a trip to the emergency room a few weeks ago was unlike any shed ever experienced. She is diabetic and had chest pains and other symptoms, and was concerned she was having a heart attack.

"Was triaged right away. They did an EKG, ordered a chest X-ray, blood work. That was all done, said Ziegler.

Although the test results came back clear on her MyChart, she spent more than 10 hours waiting in the lobby and a chair in the hallway until a doctor was able to see her and send her home.

It was almost 12 hours of waiting, said Ziegler. "Emergencies kept on happening that were more severe than mine, that's what they kept telling me every time I asked.

From Trinity Health to Henry Ford to Michigan Medicine to Corewell Health, local hospitals tell me theyre all seeing an increase in patients. Everything from slip and falls on the ice to respiratory illnesses like COVID, RSV, and flu.

The hospitals, as I indicated, are very full right now; they always get very full in respiratory virus season, said Dr. Matthew Sims, Director of Infectious Diseases Research at Corewell Health East.

Doctors Matthew Sims and CJ Gibson from Corewell Health say its been a particularly bad season for respiratory illness, with influenza accounting for 10% of their ER visits. They called a virtual press conference urging patients who have more mild symptoms to call their doctor or visit an urgent care instead.

They (ERs) are really busy in part because people do overuse them for things that probably don't need that setting, but once theyre there, you have to examine them and do your full evaluation, said Dr. Sims. The problem becomes when people are sort of using the ER as their primary care or more of an urgent care instead of an emergency room... If you just kind of have the aches and pains and fever associated with flu, that's a good reason to call your doctor or go to an urgent care.

Make sure your symptoms match the setting. What I mean by that is that if you have a sprained ankle, that's not something you need to come to the urgent care for, said Dr. Gibson. There is a disruption in the level of care we are able to give people when were seeing so many people that don't necessarily need to be in the emergency department.

Dr. Ali Shuayto is a local ER physician but is also the Medical Director of the Heights Urgent Care in Dearborn Heights. He says his urgent care is also feeling the surge in respiratory illness, seeing 2-3x more patients than usual. However, because of what hes been seeing in the ER, he turned his urgent care into a 24-hour operation and started offering IVs, blood tests, and more.

We're bombarded in the hospitals, theres people waiting hours and hours and hours, said Dr. Shuayto. "Everybody is ER trained that works here (urgent care), so we're doing blood work, IVs, those things to try, again, to take some of that stress off the surrounding ERs that are around us because we know when someone needs to go to the ER.

Dr. Shuayto says not only can urgent cares be cheaper, but his wait time is no more than 20-30 minutes. Corewell says their wait times, on average, are 2-4 hours, but we've also heard reports of wait times much longer than that, depending on severity and location. It's not just Corewell seeing a surge in patients.

"Like healthcare systems across the region, we are seeing an increase in patients seeking treatment at our emergency departments for illnesses including RSV and flu, as well as injuries caused by slips and falls in icy conditions,"

said a Henry Ford Spokesperson via email.

A Michigan Medicine spokesperson also said in an email,

"University of Michigan Health is experiencing a higher volume of patients in the emergency department due to viral infections, including flu, COVID-19, and RSV. Some individuals require hospitalization, which is contributing to longer wait times."

If you do need to come into the ER, Corewell asks people to be patient and, if youre sick, wear a mask. They also say its not too late to get a flu shot.

It was chaos.

That's how Renaldo Agostino would describe the last 24 hours in Windsor, hours ahead of a trade war deadline between Canada and the United States that wouldve forced alcohol distributors to not sell American-made alcohol in Ontario at midnight.

It started off early in the morning. We have a group chat with all the hospitality owners that were in a bit of a panic because they didn't know what to do about some of the products a lot of their customers wanted, said Agostino, a Windsor City Councilman from Ward 3.

Ward 3 is home to many of the citys busiest bars and restaurants, which also see many American customers ages 19 and older.

"You own a business in downtown Windsor, you're getting a significant amount of American customers who come here and they want their Jack Daniels, Agostino said.

Related video: Proposed tariffs for Canada and Mexico paused for one month Proposed tariffs for Canada and Mexico paused for one month

Probably the biggest American brands we sell are going to be your bourbon. All the Jack Daniels line, all the Jim Beam line, said James Arbour, owner of Lefty's on the O.

Forty-eight hours before the ban was set to take place, Arbour says he stocked up his bar with American brands like Jack Daniels and Fireball while he still could. He would've been allowed to sell what he had in stock when the ban took effect.

Yesterday, I went out and bought some extra stock but just of particular things. I didn't want to go overboard because you don't know if it's going to last a day, a week or a month, Arbour said. If I cant buy it, somebody else can't buy it either, so it's not hurting us, it's hurting the people who want to drink it.

But just as American alcohol was starting to be pulled off shelves in Vancouver, President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau agreed on a 30-day pause of the tariffs.

In a statement on X, Trudeau said:

"I just had a good call with President Trump. Canada is implementing our $1.3 billion border plan reinforcing the border with new choppers, technology and personnel, enhanced coordination with our American partners, and increased resources to stop the flow of fentanyl. Nearly 10,000 frontline personnel are and will be working on protecting the border." "In addition, Canada is making new commitments to appoint a Fentanyl Czar, we will list cartels as terrorists, ensure 24/7 eyes on the border, launch a Canada- U.S. Joint Strike Force to combat organized crime, fentanyl and money laundering. I have also signed a new intelligence directive on organized crime and fentanyl and we will be backing it with $200 million." "Proposed tariffs will be paused for at least 30 days while we work together."

I'm glad to see some of these strict hard-line rules come into play when it comes to the fentanyl crisis, Agostino said. "We have been losing the war on fentanyl and it's time for some changes. And if these changes come into play like I'm sure they will, it's only a positive thing.

Related video: Canadians respond to U.S. tariff threat, Trudeau says they're postponed at least 30 days Canadians respond to U.S. tariff threat, Trudeau says they're postponed at least 30 days

While Agostino says he and other Canadians felt hurt by some of the rhetoric, he feels positive about Monday's outcome. He hopes to see the two country's work better together moving forward.

That's what hurt the most here, just from my perspective. You kinda feel like this came out of nowhere," Agostino said. "That's not how you treat your best friend. Thats not the way we talk... we are far better together as allies than we could ever be apart.

A small-town bar in Monroe County is finding itself in the national spotlight after making an appearance in a Budweiser commercial set to air during this year's Super Bowl.

For a village of less than 3,000 people, moments in the spotlight are few and far between. However, in less than two weeks, the quaint little downtown of Carleton and the popular Carleton Hotel Bar will be seen by more than 120 million people.

We're all looking at it like oh my gosh, that is the hotel bar! longtime Carleton resident Chip Raines said.

All the bars across the country and you pick Carleton? another resident Sean Mulherin said.

Regulars at the Carleton Hotel Bar were stunned to see an aerial shot of their local hangout featured in Budweisers commercial for Super Bowl 59. The one person even more shocked than they are was the bars owner. He says he was never contacted by Budweiser and had no idea about the commercial.

I wish there was more to it it was just by chance, the bar's owner John Kaczmarek said.

Kaczmarek only learned about his bars commercial cameo from a customer who saw it online, and word of their newfound fame has only spread since.

My Bud rep was here today," Kaczmarek said. "He goes 'you know, me alone, (I) have 80 accounts. Think of how many accounts there are in the United States. How did they pick this?'

That question has stumped Kaczmarek, whos owned the bar for nearly 20 years. Its often filled with regulars, two-thirds of which Kaczmarek says he knows by name.

I probably know 60 to 70 percent of the clientele, Kaczmarek said. Everybody knows everybody, but that's the best thing of all that everybody knows everybody.

I've been coming in this bar since I was 21 years old, said lifelong Carleton resident Phillip Turner, who also helped remodel the bar.

I would say it's like the 'Cheers' of Monroe County," Raines said. "You walk in, everybody knows your name.

There's nothing like a small-town home hospitality, patron Alex Wellman said.

Why Budweiser chose Carleton Hotel Bar is still unknown to Kaczmarek. It's possible even Budweiser doesn't know and the scene was simply generic stock footage of a small town that the editors put into the commercial.

However, these patrons say for a commercial like this, a local bar surrounded by small-town scenery in a building first built before Budweiser even existed all makes for the perfect setting.

It's a small-town farm community and I thought it was really fitting for the commercial," Mulherin said. "Budweiser, they killed it.

I thought it was pretty cool because I did the outside work, of course," Turner said. "Nice view, nice shot.

In a village of less than 3,000 people, those two to three seconds of fame will be talked about for years to come.

Even with it just being a two-second, three-second aerial shot, still really cool," Wellman said. It's really cool for the community to have something like that happen.

I absolutely love the commercial. I think its really cool, Kaczmarek said. "We're a small town, a lot of people love it... It's really uplifting for us.

You can catch the full advertisement during the Super Bowl or view it on Budweiser's YouTube page.