After more than a decade of waiting, Detroit's crowdfunded RoboCop statue has finally secured a permanent location and is expected to be unveiled by the end of 2025.

Watch Evan Sery's video report: RoboCop statue finally finds permanent home in Detroit's Eastern Market

The 11-foot bronze statue will be installed at Eastern Market, on the patio of Free Age, a film production company. The statue was originally funded through a 2011 Kickstarter campaign organized by Detroit resident Brandon Walley, which raised thousands of dollars with the slogan "Part man, part machine, all crowd funded."

"Brandon reached out, said congrats on the building on the move, I'm glad you're staying in the market," said Jim Toscano, co-owner of Free Age. "Why don't we put RoboCop on your patio? We laughed it off. I said alright, thanks for the congrats, good talking to you. Called me back the next day and said we're serious."

Toscano and Walley agreed the location made perfect sense an iconic film character displayed at a film production studio.

The statue's journey to installation faced several delays over the years. Walley cited COVID-19 and the 2024 Eastern Market tailgate shooting as factors that complicated finding an appropriate home for the bronze figure.

"Everyone involved liked this spot. It's on the far end of the market, a little quieter. It could use some excitement," Toscano said.

The RoboCop statue has found support among local business owners, including Bethany Shorb, who operates Well Done Goods in Eastern Market and sells RoboCop merchandise.

"I like 80s nerd stuff. Is it the most positive depiction of Detroit? No, of course not, but it's poking fun, poking fun at a lot of not good things that can happen, and now we do have actual robocops," Shorb said.

The 1987 RoboCop film depicted a futuristic, apocalyptic version of Detroit, making the statue's placement in the city both symbolic and fitting for fans of the cult classic.

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A Clinton Township high school teacher has transformed her classroom storage room into a food pantry to help students struggling with food insecurity during the ongoing SNAP benefit crisis.

Watch Evan's story in the video player below Clinton Twp. teacher's food pantry helps students during SNAP benefit crisis

Kim Johnston, who has taught social studies at Chippewa Valley High School for 18 years, launched the initiative on social media two weeks ago after recognizing the urgent need in her school community. With SNAP benefits on pause, Johnston decided to take action where her school lacked resources.

"I decided we had to do something here in our building, we do not have a food pantry," Johnston said.

The classroom pantry, stocked with pasta sauce, bags of pasta, mac and cheese, and canned foods, has already distributed 100 full meal kits since opening this week. Johnston posted signs throughout the school encouraging students to "grab a bag and take more if you want."

"I'm here to make life easier for them not harder, here to show I care about them," Johnston said.

The pantry's location was strategically chosen for student privacy. Students can exit directly to the parking lot after collecting food, allowing those who might feel embarrassed about needing assistance to leave discreetly.

Johnston's students have noticed the impact on their peers. Kayla Miglioraty, an 11th grader, said many of her closest friends are affected by the SNAP benefit situation.

"Yes a lot of my closest friends, are affected, they already struggle with the snap benefits," Miglioraty said.

Fellow student Natalie Ranieri praised Johnston's efforts.

"It's awful what they have to go through, but I'm really happy that she's taking a stand and helping out," Ranieri said.

The community response has been overwhelming, with donations pouring in after Johnston's social media call for help. The pantry will remain open for as long as needed, and the school has created an Amazon wish list to help maintain supplies.

"We can focus on the fact that people aren't in great situations or we can try to help and do something and I feel like with the donations and with the intensity, we've received them, shows people are desperate to help," Johnston said.

The food pantry represents more than just emergency assistance it reflects Johnston's 18-year commitment to her students, evident in the bobbleheads, handmade gifts, and flowers that fill her classroom shelves, tokens of appreciation from grateful students over the years.

If you'd like to help keep up with pantry demands, the school has come up with an Amazon wish list.

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Frances Mauro Masters has lived through the Great Depression, World War II, and more than a century of American history. Now, at 103 years old, her contributions as an original Rosie the Riveter will be immortalized in bronze at Memorial Park in Royal Oak.

Watch Evan Sery's video report: 103-year-old Rosie the Riveter to be honored with bronze statue at Royal Oak memorial

The statue will be unveiled this Veterans Day, honoring Masters' work during World War II at a bomber plant in Ypsilanti, where she helped build B-24 bombers for the war effort.

"We just came out of the depression, and we all had to work," Masters said. "Since my brothers were in the army, the next person to help my family was me."

Masters worked at the plant not just for the paycheck, but out of patriotic duty.

"I worked at the plant to make money, plus it was an honor to help with the war effort," Masters said.

Despite her advanced age, Masters still remembers those wartime days vividly. She recalls her daily commute to the factory, taking the streetcar and bus in the early morning hours to get to work.

"I sorta do, few things I forget, but yeah, most of all I do remember going early in the morning, taking the streetcar plus the bus," Masters said.

The bronze statue will depict Masters working on the factory line, riveting panels for B-24 bombers. She used various tools during her time at the plant, including presses, small riveters, and power guns that hung from the ceiling for larger aircraft components.

"I used a press, I used a small riveter, plus on the bigger part of the plane, I used a power gun, it came from the ceiling," Masters said.

John Maten, president of the WWII Legacy Memorial, said Masters was chosen because she perfectly represents Michigan's contributions to the war effort.

"We wanted to make sure it represents Michigan's contributions to World War 2, not only the warfront but also the homefront," Maten said. "She told us about the plant, seeing the President go through with Henry Ford."

Before her factory work, Masters was a performer who took the stage at Detroit's historic Fox Theatre when she was just 9 years old as an acrobat.

When asked about her secret to longevity, Masters offered some lighthearted advice.

"I eat a lot of vegetables, I kid, and I say I use a lot of olive oil," Masters said.

For Masters, being honored with the statue represents recognition not just for herself, but for all the women who stepped up during the war.

"Oh, it's a privilege not only for me, but all the other Rosies," Masters said. "We were in the front, helping out besides the soldiers, so I'm really honored to be one."

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Youmacon is officially underway in downtown Detroit, marking a milestone 20th anniversary for the anime and pop culture convention that draws enthusiasts from around the world.

At least 10,000 anime and pop culture fans are expected to pack Huntington Place through Sunday for the celebration that has grown significantly since its humble beginnings.

Watch Evan Sery's video report below: Youmacon celebrates 20th anniversary with thousands of anime fans in downtown Detroit

"There's a lot of people who are growing into this genre and learning about it," said Mark Cooper, Youmacon event coordinator.

The convention features new attractions this year including a kids corner, expanded tabletop gaming options and entertainment events. Cooper highlighted the variety of experiences available to attendees.

"We have a new kids corner, new games at tabletop gaming, great raves and things like that," Cooper said.

Artist Alley showcases numerous vendors including Daniel Kim, a digital artist from Sterling Heights attending Youmacon for the first time.

"It might start as a paper sketch," Kim said, describing his artistic process.

Kim, originally from California, expressed excitement about Michigan's convention scene.

"I'm originally from California, so when I found out Michigan has quite a bit of a convention atmosphere, that was pretty exciting to hear," Kim said.

The arcade room proved particularly popular, featuring classic gaming systems including Sega Dreamcasts on old-school televisions. The nostalgic gaming experience resonated with many attendees.

"I love gaming rooms like this because I have a lot of memories playing DDR in arcades and stuff, and you don't get that experience anymore," said Luna Noelle, a Twitch streamer.

Noelle noted the challenge of introducing modern gamers to retro systems.

"Convincing people to play an N64 is hard nowadays," Noelle said.

The gaming area features arcade cabinets and tournaments that keep some attendees occupied throughout the entire event.

"Arcade cabinets, there's gonna be game tournaments, so if you're a gamer and that's something you wanna do, some people just stay there all day," Cooper said.

Cooper reflected on the convention's growth from its origins in a Troy hotel with about 1,000 attendees to the large-scale event it has become.

"They enjoy the comics, they enjoy the video games, all the particular lores of the particular fandoms, and they bring them all together whether old-school fans of "Ghost in the Shell," to new fans of "Chainsaw Man" or "Dragon Ball Z" still, it's just an overall melting pot over time," Cooper said.

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A Detroit man celebrated the grand opening of his new restaurant on Chicago Street on the city's west side Thursday, marking a remarkable journey from prison to entrepreneurship.

Darryl Young opened Moma G's with help from Motor City Match and a Community Violence Intervention grant, making him the city's first recipient of this type of funding after spending his post-prison years mentoring at-risk youth.

Watch Evan Sery's video report below: Former felon opens Detroit restaurant with city grant after prison transformation

"It's a huge day," Young said. Though, he admitted it wasn't easy to put the moment into words.

Young was convicted of a felony crime in 2011 that resulted in someone's death.

"I made a decision that I thought at that time was best for me. Realizing and looking back at it, that was a selfish decision. It cost me taking someone's life. I have to live with that for the rest of my life, and I'm so remorseful to the family," Young said.

Hear more from Darryl Young in the video player below: Web extra: Owner talks at grand opening of new Detroit restaurant Moma G's

While incarcerated, Young earned his GED and received a culinary arts certificate. That investment in himself was on full display Thursday as city leaders surrounded his Chicago Street shop for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

"When others see obstacles, Motor City Match sees potential. When banks said no, we said yes," Detroit Deputy Mayor Melia Howard said.

Young received $100,000 in grants and awards from Motor City Match, a partnership between the city and several organizations like the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation.

"Going through the process of trying to open up a small business in the city of Detroit, it was a huge struggle to get funding," Young said.

The restaurant has already built a loyal customer base since its soft opening in July. Sharon Pannell has been a regular customer who appreciates the affordable prices.

"The neighborhood needed somewhere we could eat at because all the businesses around here have closed basically," Pannell said. "I'm a senior. That's why I come here. I can eat for $5."

Young says the low prices honor his mother, Moma G, who died in 2008. Before her death, she dreamed of opening a Detroit restaurant to feed the community.

"There were times we didn't have food, and she would take us to food banks," Young said.

Dorris Young, one of Darryl's aunts, believes his mother would be proud.

"She would be very proud of her son," Dorris Young said. "He kept saying he wanted to give back to the community. He did it. We got Moma G's right here."

For Young, the restaurant represents hope and second chances.

"Just because you feel like you made a decision off a split moment doesn't mean your life is over. You have a right to have a second chance," Young said.

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Worker-owned Detroit company Pingree Detroit will open its first flagship store on November 11 in the heart of District Detroit, just steps from the Fox Theatre on Columbia Street.

Watch Evan Sery's video report: Pingree Detroit opens flagship store in downtown Detroit next month

The retail location represents a major milestone for the company, which has been crafting leather goods from upcycled automotive materials since 2015.

"We've been wanting to have a flagship store since we started," said Jarret Schlaff, Pingree Detroit founder. "We're just thrilled we get to connect with folks, really experience the brand, see the craftsmanship up close."

The new store will serve as more than just a retail space. It will also function as a workshop and classroom, with live shoemaking demonstrations planned for Fridays.

"A store and a bit of a classroom, on Fridays you'll see some live shoemaking," Schlaff said.

Upcycling automotive waste into luxury goods

Inside Pingree Detroit's manufacturing center on Livernois, the company transforms automotive industry waste into high-end products.

"Everything is made with this material that was otherwise destined for the landfill in the production of brand new car seats and steering wheels," Schlaff said.

The company produces everything from bags to footwear to handcrafted leather goods using these upcycled materials from the automotive industry.

Pingree products are currently sold in stores across metro Detroit, from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to the Somerset Collection.

Supporting veterans and Detroit workers

The worker-owned cooperative prioritizes creating jobs for veterans and Detroit residents. David Wilson, a master carpenter and Army veteran from Detroit, was hired to help build the flagship store's interior.

"As far as veterans go, every company should reach out to veterans, you're getting the creme of the crop," Wilson said.

Wilson takes pride in his contribution to the project.

"Every person that walks into that door, they'll be seeing my personal project," Wilson said.

Nathaniel Crawford II, an Air Force veteran and Pingree Detroit co-owner, exemplifies the company's commitment to veteran employment. Crawford is credited with designing and crafting the first Detroit-made sneaker since the 1950s.

"After two years of being with Pingree Detroit, my dad told me, my grandfather was a cobbler, it's like this is where I'm supposed to be," Crawford said.

The company produces just 10 pairs of these sneakers per month, made to order and crafted with leather reclaimed from the Detroit auto industry.

"Endless possibilities of what we can do with this upcycled leather," Crawford said.

The flagship store opens at 11 a.m. on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.

"We hope this is our first store of many," Schlaff said.

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An 8-year-old Clinton Township student is grateful to be alive after her school principal performed the Heimlich maneuver to save her from choking on a water bottle cap.

Watch Evan Sery's video report: Principal saves 8-year-old student choking on water bottle cap in Clinton Township classroom

Earlier this month, Piper Irwin was in her second-grade classroom at Miami Elementary School when she went to take a sip from her water bottle. Without realizing the cap was still on, the tiny cap shot into the back of her throat when she tried to drink.

"It was really painful, in my mouth, really hard to get it out," Piper said. "I couldn't get it out, and then the principal helped me."

Dr. Katie Shellabarger, the school's principal who students call "Dr. S," was in a meeting when she heard an emergency call over her walkie-talkie. She immediately sprinted to Piper's classroom and found the student struggling to breathe.

"Her breathing was very gaspy, so we knew something was blocking her from being able to breathe," Shellabarger said.

Dr. S performed the Heimlich maneuver for about 30 seconds before the bottle cap finally came out, allowing Piper to breathe normally again.

"It felt good, but felt like the bottle cap was still in there," Piper said about the moment the cap was dislodged.

Since the incident, the principal and student have formed a special bond. Every time they see each other in the hallways, they exchange big smiles and greetings. Sometimes Piper even seeks out Dr. S in her office.

Shellabarger is part of the school's Medical Emergency Response Team (MERT), which trains staff in CPR, first aid, AED operation, and the Heimlich maneuver. She noted that water bottle caps seem to be getting smaller and their threads are so slim that they can pop off easily if not properly secured.

When asked if she feels like a hero, Shellabarger was modest about her life-saving actions.

"No," she said. "I would have done it for anybody, and that's what we're trained to do in our profession."

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A nearly 200-year-old schoolhouse in Washington Township is getting a second chance at life after sitting abandoned for 70 years.

The Thorington Schoolhouse, one of the community's oldest buildings, was carefully moved Friday to what officials hope will eventually become Thorington Park. The historic structure was relocated about a quarter of a mile from its original spot, where it had sat for almost two centuries.

"Since becoming Supervisor, I've been passionate about preserving the Thorington Schoolhouse. It's a local landmark that so many of us have come accustomed to seeing as we drive up Mound Road," said Sam Previti, Washington Township supervisor.

The township purchased the building in March, where teachers once engaged the minds of children in kindergarten through eighth grade. The school closed in June 1955.

Moving the massive structure proved challenging for the crew.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by WXYZ Detroit Channel 7 (@wxyzdetroit)

"It's very difficult. This morning took us an hour to hook the truck up," said Fred Christian, owner of C & A Building Movers.

With the township's permission, Romeo High School construction teacher Craig Bryant challenged his students to help save and restore the building. The work started in September.

"I've been watching the building fall apart for the last 20 years, probably," Bryant said.

During their initial assessment, Bryant's class made some remarkable discoveries.

"When we first walked into the building, just to see where we stood with the building, what condition it was in, kind of looking around, and found a test," Bryant said.

The teacher says this fourth-grade test from the 1930s is one of several cool items his class found, with some in good shape and others a little rough.

MaryAnn Mueller was among those who witnessed Friday's move. She attended Thorington from 1952 through 1955 and lived just down the street on Mound Road.

"I remember running around that schoolhouse so many times," Mueller said.

She recalls the intimate learning environment of the one-room schoolhouse.

"Some years, I was the only student in my grade. There were three rows of desks, I think. There was a cloak room on either side. It was a lot of just reading, writing, and arithmetic, but also, it was interactions; they had parties," Mueller said.

Mueller says she's grateful for the township's community-wide effort to restore and preserve the building.

Over the next couple of years, Bryant's students will work on the house at its new location on 31 Mile Road between Mound and Campground.

"Restoring all the windows, we're gonna put the wavy glass in so something from that era, 1840s, 1850s," Bryant said.

When the public park is complete, Washington Township says the schoolhouse will sit in the center, fully restored and ready for perhaps another couple hundred years.

For Mueller, the restoration brings back cherished memories.

"I can't wait to walk back in again, my memories of walking in the door, and hanging up my coat, and being so excited to see my teacher. It's exciting," Mueller said.

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A Wayne County nonprofit that provides critical services to domestic violence and sexual assault survivors is facing a funding crisis that could force it to turn away even more victims seeking help.

First Step, which has served survivors since 1978, held its annual gala Friday night at Laurel Manor in Livonia as the organization grapples with significant federal funding cuts and an uncertain future.

Watch Evan Sery's video report below: Wayne County nonprofit First Step faces funding crisis as domestic violence cases rise

"It feels like hope," said Jeni Hooper, interim executive director of First Step. "It feels like there's a lot of community."

The nonprofit relies heavily on federal funding from VOCA, the Victims of Crime Act, but Michigan received a 40% reduction from VOCA this fiscal year. First Step is now operating without a 2026 budget as federal funding has declined for the past decade while state funding has provided little to fill the gap.

"That's just it. Unfortunately, there have been cuts already and that's what's imminent. It's likely there are more cuts coming," Hooper said.

The funding crisis comes as domestic violence cases are becoming more severe. First Step reports that lethal cases, including strangulation and use of weapons, are on the rise in Michigan. The organization serves 6,000 to 7,000 people each year but has been forced to turn away 200 people or families every month this year due to a lack of beds.

"Closed doors, no services, inability to have their voices heard," Hooper said of what the funding cuts could mean.

The gala's keynote speaker was Jim Schmidt, the stepfather of Gabby Petito, who was murdered by her fianc in 2021. Schmidt has been on a mission to raise awareness about domestic violence and share Petito's story.

"Organizations like First Step are overwhelmed with the need in trying to provide support and services," Schmidt said. "The issues of domestic violence, really it's an epidemic, worldwide, not just nationwide. Unfortunately, we're going in the wrong direction."

Also attending the event was Faith Brown, a domestic violence survivor whose ex-husband killed her four children in August 2016, two of them in front of her.

"There is a lot of emotions, because it brings you back to the things you have gone through," Brown said. "This is why we have these fundraisers, in hopes we can prevent these things."

Watch Faith Brown's story when we spoke with her last year below: Breaking Free: How agencies are helping victims of abuse have a plan to get out

You can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799 7233, text "START" to 88788 or chat on their website.

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Two University of Michigan students are paying it forward one year after a near-death experience that changed both their lives forever.

Ethan King nearly lost his life after suffering a cardiac arrest while on a run on campus in August 2024 when he was a freshman. Now, he and the student who saved him are inspiring others to learn what to do in a similar situation.

Watch Evan Sery's video report below: University of Michigan student who survived cardiac arrest teaching CPR with his hero

"I was with a group of about 30 or so kids when all of a sudden, I stumbled and fell over and collapsed," King said.

Just 18 years old and in his first week at the University of Michigan, King suffered a cardiac arrest that he barely remembers.

"I don't really remember that day or the day before," King said.

Hannah Stovall, though, remembers it all too well.

"Ethan was blue, eyes rolled into the back of his head," Stovall said. "It was not something I thought I'd ever have to see."

Watch our report from last year after the cardiac arrest below: Bystanders jump into action to help save University of Michigan student in cardiac arrest

But it's a good thing she did see it. At the time, Stovall was a senior at Michigan. She was on her way back from Burns Park when she saw King on the ground and immediately began CPR.

"As I was doing compressions, we watched his neck and face go from that pale blue color to splotchy red. I remember hearing someone say 'it's working, it's working,'" Stovall said.

It worked indeed. Just over a year later, King was among six local cardiac arrest survivors being celebrated at a university event Tuesday night, two days before World Restart A Heart Day.

Dr. Robert Neumar is the immediate past chair of emergency medicine at the University of Michigan. He says CPR is the most important therapy in treating cardiac arrest.

"The sooner that CPR is started, the more effective it is," Neumar said. "If they don't get that care in terms of early CPR, early defibrillation, we're limited in what we can do to improve survival once we get to the hospital."

According to the university, more than 350,000 Americans experience sudden cardiac arrest outside the hospital, and nearly 9 in 10 of those people die in part due to not receiving CPR.

"For a lot of people, they feel very disconnected from cardiac arrest, seen as something meant for older people or pre-existing conditions," King said.

It's why King and Stovall started CAP, or Cardiac Arrest Preparation. In the last year, they've trained hundreds of Michigan students in hands-on CPR training.

"I'm kind of paying it forward. Got incredibly lucky that I survived cause the actual survival rate for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is less than 10%, so I got incredibly lucky that I survived," King said.

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