Every night at 8 p.m. sharp, the best place to find Christmas cheer is both outside and inside the children's wing of Corewell Health Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak.

The annual Moonbeams for Sweet Dreams tradition returned Tuesday, marking another year of community members gathering to shine flashlights into hospital windows, spreading holiday joy to young patients spending December in the hospital.

Watch Brett Kast's video report below: Moonbeams for Sweet Dreams brings holiday cheer to hospitalized children in Royal Oak

The tradition, which first began in 2017, takes place nightly at 8 p.m. from now until Dec. 23. Hundreds of volunteers line the street outside the windows of the children's wing, creating a sea of twinkling lights for those inside to see.

"We're just like tiny little sparkly ants down here and to see how big the crowd is and how far the lights spread, it's just really special," said Amanda Lefkof, a certified child life specialist at Corewell Health.

Lefkof spends her days working inside the hospital and her nights outside in the cold, helping to run the event. She works with patients to build excitement for the nightly light show.

"We work with the kids every day, so we're able to drum up excitement and let the kids and families know what's happening every day at 8 o'clock," Lefkof said. "We pass out the flashlights, we pass out light projectors and twinkle lights for their rooms just to make it a really special thing throughout the month of December."

The tradition attracts people from across the community, including those who understand what it's like to be on the inside of those hospital walls.

Kevin Barringer spent a month inside the hospital with his now-16-year-old son back in 2020, after his child suffered a serious soccer injury. They've returned for Moonbeams every year since.

"It gets pretty dark up there for the kids and the parents as well," Barringer said. "Having people down here letting them up there know there are people that are wishing them the best and sending all their light up that way, it means a lot."

Each night, different groups show up to support the cause. Girl Scout troops, high school students and community members gather with flashlights in hand.

Kellie Roberts, a teacher at Birmingham Seaholm High School, brought about 25 students to participate in the tradition.

"We love coming out here and just giving some joy during the holiday season," Roberts said.

Even Mrs. Claus made an appearance, emphasizing the importance of the event.

"We gotta do this, we gotta let these children know just because they're in the hospital, they're not forgotten," she said.

For Lefkof, the tradition represents the true spirit of the holidays.

"It really kick-starts me feeling that the holidays have started. It reminds me what it's all about: that it's about coming together, it's about showing your community that you're here for them, it's about spreading love and joy and light in something as small as a flashlight," Lefkof said.

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Michigan's 24% tax on marijuana will go into effect at the start of 2026 after a Court of Claims judge denied a request for an injunction.

Judge Sima Patel issued the ruling which reads in part, "The Court finds insupportable plaintiffs argument in 25-160 that the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act (MRTMA) is the sole method by which to tax regulated marijuana in Michigan and that the 24% wholesale excise tax could only be enacted through an amendment to the MRTMA passed by a supermajority."

Watch Brett Kast's video report below: Michigan's 24% tax on marijuana will go into effect after judge's ruling Watch Ryan Marshall's video report below Michigan's 24% tax on marijuana will go into effect after judge's ruling

The lawsuit came from the Michigan Cannabis Industry Association (MiCIA) and they argued their case last month in front of Patel.

Michigan voters made their voices heard in 2018 when they passed a citizen ballot initiative legalizing cannabis, MiCIA Spokeswoman Rose Tantraphol said in a press release back in November. When the state Legislature passed this law imposing a 24% wholesale tax on cannabis, it did so in violation of provisions in the states constitution. Lawmakers used a trojan horse process during chaotic, middle-of-the-night actions to ram this legislation through. Were fighting to protect the will of Michigan voters.

Earlier this year, the Michigan legislature passed a law that put the 24% tax on marijuana products to create revenue to partially fund Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's plans to fix the roads.

When I took office, I made a promise to fix the damn roads so Michiganders could get where theyre going faster and safer, Whitmer said in a video after signing the bill in October.

Watch below: Questions surround marijuana tax hike to fund road repairs Questions surround marijuana tax hike to fund road repairs

The tax will be put on the sale of marijuana from growers and processors to retailers.

It hurts the industry. It really does. And it's a shame to see this happening, said Nick Hannawa, vice president and chief legal counsel for Puff Cannabis. "It's very disappointing to see the Legislature take a hit like this at the cannabis industry."

Adam Hoffer, director of excise tax policy at the Tax Foundation, said the new tax will almost certainly lead to an increase in retail prices and a decrease in sales. The Michigan Senate Fiscal Agency predicted a 14.4% sales decline. Shoppers will still also have to pay a 10% retail excise tax on marijuana, which has been in place since it was legalized in 2018, plus a 6% sales tax.

It would be out of my budget, so definitely I would have to lower down my consumption of marijuana, Puff customer Kevin Lara said.

Industry leaders have warned the extra tax would instead lead customers to purchase unregulated marijuana off the black market.

"People are going to be like why get taxed here when I can just go somewhere else and not get taxed, Lara said.

They might not see it on the receipt, but it'll be there in the form of a price increase, Hannawa saidof the tax. "Customers lose, and the black market can win because they can still sell it cheaper than we can.

While the ruling is a blow to the industry, it is not a final order resolving the case. The two parties are set for a scheduling conference Jan. 13.

As a cannabis company, Puff is going to fight this fiercely with our partners and everyone who is going to step up and lobby against this, Hannawa said.

An 88-year-old Army veteran working as a cashier at Meijer in Brighton became a millionaire this week thanks to the kindness of complete strangers from around the world.

Ed Bambas' story began to spread after a social media influencer from Australia shared his story and started an online fundraiser to help him retire. In less than a week, that fundraiser far exceeded its goal and everyone's wildest dreams.

Watch Brett Kast's video report: 88-year-old Army veteran receives $1.77 million from strangers after viral TikTok video

The story started when 88-year-old Bambas met social media influencer Sam Weidenhofer in the checkout line at Meijer a week and a half ago. It was a simple question that got Bambas' attention, and his story grabbed the attention of the world.

"My wife died seven years ago and since then, I've been trying to re-establish myself," Bambas said in the viral video.

When asked how many days a week he works, he responded: "I work five days a week, eight hours a day." He said he has to because he doesn't have enough income without it.

See the moment the check is unveiled: RAW VIDEO: 88-year-old veteran who became social media sensation receives $1.7M check to help him retire

Bambas is an Army veteran and a former employee at General Motors. In the original TikTok video, Bambas said that part of his financial struggles came after General Motors' bankruptcy in 2009 and that his pension was taken away from him in 2012. However, General Motors says that is inaccurate, and Bambas later clarified he received a buyout and used the buyout to pay for his ailing wife's medication.

General Motors responded to the story with a statement saying: Mr. Bambas personal story is deeply moving, and its wonderful to see the outpouring of support for him. We are grateful for what he has contributed to GM and to our country. While we don't share details about individuals, in 2012 salaried GM retirees who were receiving monthly pension payments were given several options, including continuation of monthly lifetime payments or a lump sum payout, if they preferred. Additionally, starting in 2008, retirees older than 65 receive a $300 monthly lifetime payment for supplemental Medicare coverage.

In less than a week, the TikTok video was viewed more than 10 million times. A GoFundMe was created for Bambas to help him retire, and in a matter of days, donations poured in from supporters worldwide.

Watch Brett Kast's original video report below: 88-year-old veteran becomes social media sensation as thousands rally to help him retire

During the big reveal at Foguth Financial Group in downtown Brighton, Weidenhofer announced the final total to a room full of supporters.

"With everyone's support in the room, I want to reveal this is one of the largest individual fundraisers in GoFundMe history and if you want, you will be able to retire because we raised you $1.77 million," Weidenhofer said.

Bambas was overwhelmed with emotion, and in a room full of supporters, Bambas was all smiles and tears, especially knowing his biggest supporter was only there in spirit.

"I wish my wife were here, but it's something that dreams are made out of, trust me, from my beginnings to here," Bambas said.

The person who nominated him was Lexi Wallace, a 26-year-old shopper at Meijer, who like everyone else is still in shock at what has happened.

"He deserves it, he earned it, it's all him," Wallace said.

Foguth Financial Group in downtown Brighton hosted the giveaway and is offering Bambas help setting up a trust and a plan for his newfound wealth.

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 proposal to end the record-long federal government shutdown narrowly passed the Senate Monday night and now heads to the House, where a vote is expected as soon as Wednesday afternoon.

The shutdown continues to disrupt air travel nationwide, with Detroit Metro Airport among 40 U.S. airports affected by flight reductions. Fifty flights were canceled Tuesday at Detroit Metro as delays and cancellations mount across the country.

Watch Brett Kast's video report below: Government shutdown deal heads to House as flight cancellations mount Watch Brittany Toolis' video report below Government shutdown deal heads to House as flight cancellations mount

"Big disruption so far, massively more disruption as we come into the weekend if the government does not open. It is going to radically slow down," Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Tuesday at O'Hare Airport in Chicago.

Duffy warned that cancellations rose to 6% Tuesday but could increase to 10% by Friday as staffing issues mount for air traffic controllers, with federal workers still unpaid.

More than 1,200 flights were canceled Tuesday, with over 7,000 flights canceled nationwide since Friday.

Related video: One-way car rentals surge due to flight cancellations caused by government shutdown One-way car rentals surge due to flight cancellations caused by government shutdown

Darryl Adams, who traveled to Washington D.C. for the Lions game, experienced delays both there and back, finally making it home to Detroit more than nine hours behind schedule.

"I was supposed to get in today around 10 a.m. and now it's about 7 p.m.," Adams said. "I really felt bad for a lot of the workers. You could definitely see it, the affect."

The Senate-approved agreement would fund SNAP benefits through next year and fund the government through January but does not extend Affordable Care Act credits, only promising a future vote.

Michigan Congressman Bill Huizenga said he's "very likely to be a yes on this whole thing with a primary focus on getting this government back open."

However, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell plans to vote no, saying she's "hoping that I can work with my colleagues and that they've been hearing from people the way that I have about how people need help with a very broken health care system."

Meanwhile, the U.S. Supreme Court extended its order to block full SNAP benefits while the government shutdown continues. This decision does not change what Michigan families will receive this month, as Michigan announced they will resume full SNAP payments.

Traveler Michael Brown hopes for a resolution soon.

"If they're closing the loop on this and coming to some resolution, I hope particularly before the holidays. A lot of my friends are like come, on let's figure this out," Brown said.

Detroit Metro Airport is urging passengers to check their flight status before arriving at the airport.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

The 41st day of the record-long government shutdown has forced the cancellation of the annual Veterans Day ceremony at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, but local veterans and volunteers are stepping up to ensure fallen heroes are still honored.

The Heroes Operation, a local nonprofit, is organizing their own event after learning that the official event would be canceled due to the shutdown. The grassroots effort aims to place American flags at the more than 30,000 gravestones at the cemetery.

Watch Brett Kast's video report below: Volunteers stepping up to honor veterans after government shutdown cancels event Watch Ryan Marshall's video report below: Volunteers stepping up to honor veterans after government shutdown cancels event

"To see it not happen, we couldn't just stand by and do nothing," said Eric Hannan, a board member of The Heroes Operation who has family buried at the cemetery.

Anthony Munafo, a Navy veteran and president of the organization, scrambled to purchase roughly 15,000 flags using his own money after hearing about the cancellation during a board meeting last week.

"This was very huge to our hearts. A couple of the board members have family members that are there and that to us was like, there's no reason they shouldn't be honored because of something else, so finding a way of going, can we pick up the slack?" Munafo said.

The Heroes Operation is calling on volunteers to help place as many flags as possible at headstones throughout the cemetery. The group is meeting at noon on Veterans Day to coordinate the effort.

"Now it's more of, we got the flags, but now we need the people, now we need the help to put it all in," Munafo said. All hands on deck. Any volunteers would be great, and if you can bring some flags, bring 'em.

Munafo is calling his children out of school to participate, as his father-in-law is also buried at the cemetery. He hopes this grassroots effort will ensure Veterans Day is never forgotten, regardless of government shutdowns.

"When you have your young kids that are looking at you saying dad, papa is not gonna get honored, you have to step up to the plate," Munafo said.

Hannan emphasized that honoring veterans should extend beyond just one day.

"Its not just about Veterans Day. We should be doing this every day. They should honored every single day," Hannan said.

The cemetery remains open to visitors despite the shutdown. Those interested in volunteering or donating flags can join The Heroes Operation at their gathering. They are meeting at the soccer fields at 14770 N. Holly Road, Holly, MI 48442 at noon before heading to the cemetery.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison boarded a Detroit Department of Transportation bus during Thursday evening rush hour to meet with riders and drivers about public transit safety, more than a year after DPD took over policing responsibilities for the city's bus system.

Watch Brett Kast's video report below: Detroit police chief rides DDOT bus to hear safety concerns from passengers

The roughly hour-long ride through Detroit gave Bettison a chance to gather feedback from passengers about their experiences and safety concerns on public transportation.

"I used to ride the bus as a kid. My mother didn't drive. She was a Detroit school teacher, and the bus transit got her to work on time and she was able to put food on the table," Bettison said.

Carroll Simpson, a Detroit resident who rides the bus daily, emphasized the importance of safety measures.

"It's very important, I think it should be one of the top priorities in the city," Simpson said.

While Simpson says she mostly feels safe, she has encountered problematic situations.

"We have some very rowdy people. A couple of days ago, a man got on the bus highly inebriated," Simpson said.

Siddhesh Chaubal, who moved to the U.S. from India a year ago and takes the bus to his downtown Detroit office, initially had concerns about using public transit.

"When I got here, I was very skeptical about traveling via bus, given I had heard some bad news about traveling via bus about criminal activity, especially at bus stops," Chaubal said.

His concerns were heightened by incidents over the summer including a shooting on a DDOT bus and a separate stabbing. However, Chaubal says he's noticed improvements with increased security at transit centers and more officers on buses.

"I have seen police officers quite a few times, they were standing right next to the driver," Chaubal said.

Transit advocate Michael Cunningham, known as Brother Cunningham, organized the chief's bus ride and distributed free bus tickets and information about low-income housing during the event.

"The people feel uplifted to see the chief out here. There's been some stabbings, there's been some shootings, there's been some drama," Cunningham said.

Cunningham, who was homeless for nine to 10 years and relied on buses for transportation, said he remains committed to helping others in similar situations.

"A lot of times when people get to the level they want to be at, they forget about all the people left behind. I'm not like that," Cunningham said.

Bettison distributed business cards and collected suggestions from passengers, emphasizing DPD's ongoing commitment to transit safety.

"We're responsible for providing safety when it comes to transit, so that's what we're going to do and continue to do, and this is not my first nor will it be my last time being on the bus," Bettison 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.