Prom is one of the most anticipated milestones in a young girl's life but for many, the cost can be overwhelming. Thats where Jackets for Jobs, a nonprofit dedicated to providing professional attire for job-seeking adults, is stepping in, thanks to a generous partnership with Comerica Bank.

Each year, the initiative grows bigger, offering more than just dresses. The organization provides everything a girl needs for prom night, from dresses to shoes, purses, jewelry and even makeup.

Alison Vaughn, president of Jackets for Jobs, said the goal is to make every young girl feel special.

We want girls to feel like Cinderella, Vaughn said. They walk out feeling beautiful.

For many young girls, the prom experience is about more than just the outfit its about creating lasting memories with the important women in their lives.

For Deonna, a young girl who participated in the program, trying on her dress was an unforgettable moment.

That dress kind of made me want to wear a dress because Im really not the dressy type, but I felt cute in that dress, Deonna said.

For Madison, it was a chance to experience something new.

I just feel like its different because Ive never done it before, she said.

The initiative started small but has expanded significantly over the years. Last year, the organization offered 2,200 dresses. This year, they have 5,000 dresses ready to make young girls feel like royalty on their special night.

As Deonna reflected on her transformation, she couldnt help but smile.

I was just surprised how it fit my skin tone and everything. Then they started putting diamonds on me and the crown, and I just felt so happy, she said.

The impact goes beyond the clothing. The change in the girls posture, smiles and confidence is what makes this event truly meaningful.

By the time they leave, their posture is different, their smile is different. And thats what its all about: making girls feel good, Vaughn said.

If youd like to learn more about the prom dresses available through Jackets for Jobs and Comerica Bank, click visit their website.

Improper facilities for women, carcinogen contamination and garages too small for engines are only a few of the issues on the ever-growing list of needed updates to Livonias five firehouses.

A ballot proposal is looking to change this.

A lot of these issues are factors that were never considered in the 1960s when the fire houses were built. Now, Chief Robert Jennison is hoping to change that.

First order of business: the garages. The garages were an appropriate size for trucks back in the 60s, but thanks to technology, the trucks are barely squeezing in.

Second order of business: cancer-causing fumes. Currently, there is no proper place to store turnout gear with a small garage.

"Having our gear stored out here in the bay, while it's the best that we can do right now, having it exposed to UV lighting, light from the outside, sunlight degrades the material faster," the chief explained.

Material degradation isn't the only concern. Improper ventilation in the space where the uniforms are stored is also top-of-mind. This is because when the equipment is off-gassing meaning releasing cancer-causing fumes collected in the gear during calls the fumes linger in the garage and further expose crews to those carcinogens they picked up while putting out fires.

A close third: the showers and locker rooms.

"They get back from a fire or they get back from a medical call and that could be blood-born pathogens, that could be carcinogens from a fire and they have to undress out here. And then, they're going to walk in to get to their showers and their lockers and contaminate the hallways and the bedrooms and even the eating areas as they're getting there," the chief said.

Web extra: Livonia fire department employee talks about outdated fire stations Web extra: Livonia fire department employee talks about outdated fire stations

Their final concern on their list of most important issues to address: no women's spaces. Women firefighters were certainly a thing of the future in the 60s, meaning there are no women's locker rooms, showers or bathrooms in any of the fire houses.

Administration has been able to put a band-aid on this issue by installing unisex bathrooms in each fire house but, it can only be used by one woman at a time, meaning they have to wait in line while contaminated with blood-born pathogens or carcinogens in order to shower.

Related video: Novi residents to vote on $120M proposal that includes new headquarters for police and fire Novi residents to vote on $120M proposal that includes new police, fire headquarters

Major upgrades to all five Livonia fire houses are going before city council for approval on April 2. These upgrades are expected to be apart of a proposed millage also dedicated to the construction of the new civic center campus.

Matthew Bracey has been educating and mentoring students in the masonry trade for over 20 years at Randolph Career and Technical Center in Detroit and has developed a reputation in the school for being a positive influence in their lives.

"We do these jobs to make sure the kids can get the same success that we had in life," Bracey said.

Hear more from Matthew Bracey in the video player below: Detroit teacher Matthew Bracey talks about receiving Carhartt award

He caught the eye of Carhartt, which was on the hunt across the United States for five exceptional trade teachers. The award is called the Carhartt inaugural Steel Apple Award. Recipients receive $10,000 to put back into their classrooms.

Bracey's students told me if anyone deserved it, it was their teacher.

"They teach us how to keep pushing it forward and how to move outside of just the classroom and the workforce. They teach us how to be right in life," Randolph student Preston Hobbs said.

Preston told me Bracey was the teacher who exposed him to all the doors that will be open to him, just because of his skills in masonry.

"One thing I like about trades is you can work for yourself and you have unlimited opportunity," Preston said.

Todd Corley, senior vice president of inclusion, sustainability and community at Carhartt, explained that the company is working to help teachers boost the trade industry by awarding money and recognition to teachers who go above and beyond to encourage and motivate young people to pick up trades and break stigmas surrounding them.

"We're looking to close that gap, No. 1. We're looking to get young people excited about it to see opportunity and then to help them to imagine different things," Corley said.

Everyone's Irish on St. Patrick's day, right? Well, according to some Detroiters, St.Patrick's Day is just "one of those holidays" that seems to unite people from all walks of life.

Some chose to celebrate by starting their day off at mass and then enjoying fellowship with their friends after church.

It starts with mass every year here at Holy Trinity Church, and its just a really great way to ground yourself in the things that matter the most, which is your faith," Livonia Mayor Maureen Miller Brosnan said.

Some chose to celebrate with their families over a traditional Irish dinner.

I usually celebrate with my family," Deacon Aaron Poyer of Most Holy Trinity Church said. "We always have corn beef and get together with the family, usually in the evening."

Others chose to spend their holiday partying it up with their friends.

Go to the parade and then hang out and have a couple of beers with friends," Salmata Alghali said.

There was one common theme in everyone's answer when I talked to them: the holiday brings people together.

Drivers ignoring school bus laws are not unique to Livonia, but parents and school bus drivers in the area told me they are frustrated with their neighbors putting their children's lives at risk, especially because of how unpredictable children can be sometimes.

You never know if theyre going to dart around or if they drop something but its law," said Sheryl Miller, a concerned grandmother.

WATCH: Video shows close call at bus stop in Bloomfield Township WATCH: Video shows close call at bus stop in Bloomfield Township

After seeing some of the videos taken by parents, I decided to hop on a bus and see what has been going on from a bus driver perspective.

Gail Ansara is a bus driver for Livonia Public Schools and a mother to a child who rides the bus. She explained to me that she has people disrespect the school bus stop sign every day on her routes.

Extended interview: Bus driver talks about what driver behavior she sees 'Everyone's in a hurry.' Bus driver shares her experience with drivers disregarding school bus laws

With all the windows that we have, we have the advantage to see. We see a lot of people on their phones, distracted," said Gail.

During my short time riding with the kids and Gail on the bus, I too witnessed someone fly past the bus, with no regard for the red flashing lights or the stop sign arm signaling for drivers to stop.

Parents and bus drivers of Livonia students tell me they are frustrated at the lack of care and consideration for their children by their neighbors.

Its very upsetting its very upsetting quite honestly, said Sheryl.

Matthew said, "they don't care."

Sgt. Paul Walters with the Livonia Police Department's Traffic Bureau says there are very strict laws regarding bus stops that officers are working to enforce to keep students safe.

Michigan state law requires all school buses to come to a complete stop when they are stopped on the roadway with their red flashers on and their stop sign extended ... its $270 and three points on your license if you pass a bus with red flashers on and stop sign extended," said Sgt. Walters.

Check out this information from the State of Michigan:

School Bus Zone & Danger Zone

Anyone who can touch the bus with an outstretched arm is TOO CLOSE to the bus!

School bus safety tips for drivers:

Prepare to stop when a slowing bus has its overhead yellow lights flashing Stop at least 20 feet away from buses when red lights are flashing, unless driving in the opposite direction on a divided highway Slow down in or near school and residential areas Look for clues-such as safety patrols, crossing guards, bicycles, and playgrounds-that indicate children might be in the area Watch for children between parked cars and other objects

School buses are like traffic signals:

When overhead lights are flashing yellow: Prepare to stop When overhead lights are flashing red: Stop When hazard warning lights are flashing: Proceed with caution

School bus safety tips for students:

Always stay in sight of the bus driver Don't hurry off the bus; check traffic first Don't go back to the bus after exiting

The most selfless thing you can do is donate your organ to a complete stranger. For Michelle Doer, that is exactly what she did for Michigan State University student Liam Clegg, who was in desperate need of a kidney.

I met Liam four months ago when he was in late stage kidney failure, and he and his family were anxiously searching for a match to save Liam's life.

Related Story: 20-year-old MSU student in need of life-saving kidney 20-year-old MSU student in need of a life-saving kidney pleads with community

Shortly after, Liam met his donor match: Michelle Doer. Overall, he received over 180 donor applications from all over the country.

Michelle said she saw a post about Liam's urgent search for a kidney donor on Facebook and decided to send in an application.

Extended interview: 'Why not try to help?' Woman donates kidney to MSU student Extended interview: 'Why not try to help?' Woman donates kidney to MSU student

Really seeing Liams story, it was just kind of like, you know, this kid has so much life ahead of him like why not try to help however I can," said Michelle.

Little did they know, they had a lot more in common than they thought.

Liam and Michelle don't just live in the same town, but Michelle's daughter, Ella, and Liam are both students at MSU.

It made it even more special honestly that I was gonna be receiving this from somebody that I already have connections with and know through people," said Liam.

February 12 was the day Liam received the gift of life. He said he was relieved that the wait for a new kidney was over, and he could finally start getting back to a normal life.

Its definitely a hefty undertaking, I think there should be no shorting that, but youre giving life to another person youre giving a life back. Its a lot for you, but for them, you're giving the world, said Liam.

And Michelle said if she had the chance, she would go back and do it again in a heartbeat.

Just seeing how full of life he is, like hes just such an inspiration to go forward and just do it, because he has so much to look forward to and my small piece in giving him that makes it all worth it," said Michelle.

Some Lions season ticket holders arent too pleased with the Lions organization. They received an email saying their 2025 ticket membership had been revoked.

Pawel Jan is one of those ticket holders. He told me he has been a Lions season ticket holder for over 23 years. But now, he said hes rethinking his dedication to the team.

I'm like, hurt for these 2 weeks. I, like, couldnt put on a Lions thing on for a couple days because I'm like, they dont want me. It sucks, said Pawel

Pawel isn't alone. He and Tony Stevenson both told me they sold more tickets than allowed, and they both received an email from the Lions organization saying:

Our internal review of your account activity indicates a level of resales and/or transfer activity inconsistent with personal use of your Detroit Lions game tickets, and we have made the decision to not renew your season ticket membership for the 2025 season.

Both of the men told me they live out of state, but they maintain their season ticket membership in order to enjoy the tickets when they have the opportunity to make it back to town. They also gift tickets to friends and family who are local.

I thought the message was a bit curt and thought maybe, based on my tenure, they might take a look at my case and say, Well, he really bombed out 2024, but well give him another season, said Tony.

I reached out to the Lions organization for comment, but they have not yet responded.

We are rounding out the winter season and heading into the messy springtime, which comes with its fair share of frustrations when it comes to road conditions.

A big source of that frustration - potholes.

The unfortunate news for Michiganders is that we are heading into the 'thaw and freeze' season, making it the perfect recipe for pesky potholes to pop up all over our roads... and unfortunately, it's unavoidable.

According to Bill Nalu, Owner of Interstate Auto Care, there are stages of car damage we should all be looking for so we can catch it before it gets worse.

The first order of business is the tire can be damaged. The second level is the tire and the wheel are damaged, and then the third layer is the tire, the wheel and suspension components become damaged, said Bill.

There is good news for us Michiganders, though. Counties like Oakland are doing a lot of preventative work to make sure the roads are as car-friendly as possible during this season transition. 

Extended interview: Mechanic weighs in on pothole problems, offers drivers tips Extended interview: Mechanic weighs in on pothole problems, offers drivers tips

We do a lot of preventative maintenance. One of the things is crack sealing. We have a contractor that goes around during the summer and puts liquid asphalt, and that prevents water from getting into it. We also just continue to patch. We do things called preservation overlay where we put an inch and a half of overlay of asphalt before it deteriorates, and that prevents those cracks from forming, said Craig Bryson, Senior Communications Manager of the Road Commission for Oakland County.

Craig told me they are also making sure they move as quickly as possible to fill in those pesky potholes as they come up.

Joann Fabrics has announced it will be shutting down for good everywhere- all 800 stores, including 33 in Michigan.

PREVIOUS REPORT: Joann plans to close all stores, conduct going-out-of-business sales Joann plans to close all stores, conduct going-out-of-business sales

This news is making seamstresses and fabric artists nervous about where they will go to buy fabric.

While online might seem like the best option, Jan Moser, an artist at Haberman Fabrics, explained that it is not that simple.

You look at it, and it may have more of a texture than you want; it can be thicker than you want in order to make a certain garment; you might need a fabric thats a little finer, said Jan.

Lina Abdal, a seamstress and owner of Perfect Stitch in Bloomfield Hills, told me the same thing.

In a picture, you cannot imagine how youre going to receive it. Sometimes its a good quality, sometimes its a not good quality, said Lina.

Lina told me she liked Joann's for more than just the ability to feel the fabric. She and her clients sourced many of their fabrics for custom designs from Joann's because they were cheaper.

The good news for these fabric artists is that fabric stores like Haberman's are working to patch the holes left by the closure of big box stores, especially for those in search of quilting material.

We are expected to introduce a lot more quilting cottons in the spring, along with notions and a lot more things quilters need, said Jan.

The fabric store is also working on a spring schedule for those looking to learn more about sewing.

Hair stylists are in the business of making women feel good.

The stylists at Antonie Salon in Troy have gone above and beyond to give back to the community by teaming up with On The Wings of Angels and HAVEN. They closed down the salon in the middle of the day to give domestic violence survivors a safe place to take part in some self-care to uplift these women.

Some of the women at the event shared their stories with us.

"I was in a marriage that was physically, emotionally abusive, you know? It was very hard to leave because we have a child. I felt trapped for a long time because I wanted to do what was best for my child. There's a lot of things that I want to fix, but you don't have control of everything," said Stacy, a domestic violence survivor.

Antoine Saleh, owner and stylist at Antonie Salon, said they shut down the salon to host these women free of charge because they see the value in making them feel good, inside and out.

"We want them to feel good about themselves because we know they have been at the bottom. And to help lift them up a little bit. I'm sure they need a lot more work than just me donating my time and my staff, but any little bit helps," said Antonie.

Jayniece and her three kids were left homeless after they watched their Detroit home go up in flames over two weeks ago.

She told me she's grateful her family was able to escape unscathed, but all of their belongings perished in the fire, leaving them only with the clothes on their back.

"My belongings, my wallet, my phone I don't have anything," Jayniece said. "This house caught on fire due to wiring, not 'cause of me."

She explained to me they had temporary housing through the American Red Cross, but they would only cover about three days of housing. So, when her time ran out with Red Cross, she dried up her bank account paying for hotels and a rental car because all of the shelters she called were at maximum capacity.

"It was no luck for her, no luck for me. We were calling everywhere," Jayniece said.

With nowhere left to turn, she sent 7 News Detroit a message. When I saw it, I knew we had to at least try to help her.

I was able to connect Jayniece with the Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine, housing services with the city of Detroit, and they pointed us to the Pope Francis Center.

There, we were able to get Jayniece and her three kids a warm meal, place to sleep and help from the city to start rebuilding their lives.

"We're getting help now. The kids are happy, they're eating, I feel like they're safe. There's people around us that actually care, so to see them feel that love makes me happy," she said.

If you would like to help Jayniece and her children, there is a GoFundMe in place to help them rebuild their lives.

Some parents at Niji-Iro Japanese Immersion Elementary School in Livonia say they were kept in the dark after some drawings they believe to be concerning were found taped around the school building.

"The notes were pretty graphic and did say things like 'I will kill you.' It was written in Japanese too, so that's more direct towards the school," Bridgid Casey, a concerned mother, said, recounting the images she saw.

February 5th was the first-day parents told me their students found the drawings and turned them into school administrators. More drawings were found again on February 10th.

Parents told me they were never notified by the school admin until the following Tuesday- almost a week after the first incident.

"It's actually another parent that asked me if my son had talked to me about it, and my first thought was 'why were we not notified?'" Said Bridgid.

Not only were parents kept in the dark, but Livonia police were also never notified by the school. It was a concerned parent who called the department looking for answers.

"Why did it take a parent to call the police? You treat every threat as credible unless proven otherwise," said Johan Cawood, another concerned parent.

On Tuesday evening, when the district finally sent their first communication to parents, the principal said:

I wanted to let you know that some students found drawings depicting figures that could be scary for students on the playground during recess yesterday as well as Wednesday of last week. There were some cryptic messages on some of the images, but no direct threats were made. We are working closely with our staff as well as our Administrator of Public Safety on the situation. I have met with classrooms and asked students if they knew any information. If you have any information about the drawings, please let me know.

Rather than putting parents at ease, it added to their confusion. All of the parents I spoke to said they are frustrated with the vague language used by the district.

"I feel that everything they're going to tell me through a filter, and they try to give as little information as possible," said Johan

After I started looking into the parents' concerns, the district invited some of them to come in and discuss their concerns.

"The transparency between the parents and the principal was the biggest problem," said Bridgid

When I reached out to Livonia Public Schools for some answers about their plans for mending trust with the concerned families, I received the following statement:

As was clearly communicated with WXYZ upon inquiry, the drawings that were placed on the school grounds at Niji-Iro school did not contain threats toward a specific person or the school. The situation was thoroughly and immediately investigated by school and district administration, including our School Resource Officer (SRO) from the Livonia Police Department, our Administrator for Public Safety, and our third-party security team. The drawings were <b><u>not&nbsp;</u></b>deemed to be threatening in nature. Furthermore, a communication went out earlier this week to all families. We have also met with parents concerned about the drawings. They indicated that they were satisfied with the schools response and appreciated the opportunity to seek further clarification. There is no safety concern in this situation.

But parents told me they still don't feel like they can fully trust the admin at LPS.

"There's a disconnect between the administration/teacher side and the parent/ student side. Seems to be intentional distance between those two groups," said Johan

It's been an all-out effort for the biggest snow of the year so far.

The metro Detroit area had a blanket of snow over four inches thick laid over top of it overnight. And while this is a huge inconvenience for some people, it is a large part of other's livelihood.

Troy Martinez and his cousin, Billy Nowicki, told me that while snow removal is not their main gig, it is a great use of their handy skills and manpower during winter time- a slow season for their home improvement business.

"You know, we charge about $30 a house, $35 depending on the driveway," said Troy. It adds up kind of nice."

This snow removal is not just about the extra income. It is also for people like Sally Dewulf. She told me that after a shoulder injury, she is unable to take care of her driveway and walkway alone.

"It's going to save my back, and I am really not interested in owning one of those machines that probably I would get injured using anyway, so I am very fortunate to have these gentlemen come and clear a path for me so I can get out into the world," said Sally.

The list of grieving families looking for answers is growing in Ypsilanti. Alongside the loved ones of slain Eastern Michigan University student Julia Niswender, who was raped and murdered inside her off-campus apartment, there is the family of Jason Mayleben.

Mayleben was shot and killed in the passenger seat of a car parked outside of a local store in Ypsilanti. His murder has been unsolved for almost three years.

Related video: Family of Julia Niswender says nobody is investigating the Eastern Michigan University student's murder Niswender family still fights for justice after 12 years

His mother, Kate Gregory, told me she was under the impression that her sons murder was being investigated by the Ypsilanti Police Department. But after an entire year of radio silence, she grew concerned.

She told me she was unable to get a call back from anyone at the department regarding her sons murder, so she went to the Washtenaw County Sheriffs Office to try and get some answers.

After listening to her concerns, a member of the sheriffs office called over to the Ypsilanti police, who suggested she come down to the department. So, she complied.

When Gregory arrived, she was greeted by a lieutenant who told her plainly that nobody was investigating her sons murder.

He told us that nobody was working Jasons case. I feel Jason has been forgotten, she said.

Gregory, just like so many other grieving families, felt abandoned by the only people who can get justice for her son.

Thinking about the timeline, it begged the question: what happened to the department?

I reached out to the union representative for the Ypsilanti Police Department, Eric Ronewicz. He explained to me that three years ago, the department had enough personnel to fully function.

But there was a mass exodus from the department when former Chief Kirk Moore brought a lieutenant back to the department who was previously on paid administrative leave for three years.

They informed the chief that if they brought him back that the morale would be done in the department and that would be something that they figure is untrustworthy, and told him if he came back that they would leave," Ronewicz said. "By the end, I think there might have been seven officers total that were still left in the department that were just handling road patrol duties. Sometimes, they didn't have enough people to do that either.

Watch our August 2023 story about Ypsilanti police calling on the Washtenaw County sheriff for help with low staffing Ypsilanti police calling on Washtenaw County sheriff for help with low staffing

The departures left the remaining officers feeling burnt out and overwhelmed with the weight of the work from various units inside the department on their shoulders.

After hearing all of this, I reached out to City Manager Andrew Hellenga to ask him whats been going on with the department.

While he would not comment on the mass exodus of the department, Hellenga told me that for now, the Washtenaw County Sheriffs Office is handling Ypsilantis day-to-day felony cases as they rebuild.

The interim chief has placed two officers in training for the role of detectives, so they'll kind of be a dual role as both road patrol as well as detective until we solidify our ranks a little bit more, Hellenga said.

Now, the grieving families of these murder victims told me they are hoping to see justice for their loved ones but are losing faith that will happen with the Ypsilanti Police Department.

Where Your Voice Matters

With a lot of animal shelters around Detroit at maximum capacity, shelters are doing what they can to keep people from abandoning or surrendering their pets.

Eastpointe Animal Control is helping residents keep their furry family members in their homes by opening the Feeding the Four Legged Friends Pet Pantry. The pantry was built back in November 2024 and has served over 300 families and their pets in the few months it has been open.

Willie Lewis and his pets, Stormy and Blue, are some of the clients at the pantry.

Lewis told me his dog, Blue, escaped from their house a couple months ago. While he was hoping to find his boy, he was ready to surrender the dog due to a difficult financial situation.

We were kind of tight to feed the dogs so sometimes, we had to feed him our food," Lewis said.

But while Lewis was searching for his beloved pet, he met an animal control officer who informed him about the pet food pantry program. Now, Lewis is able to keep his furry family member in his home and make sure everyone in the family has a full belly when they go to bed. 

Its been a blessing for me and my family, like weights lifted off my chest. Because now, I can provide for my family and my dog. Lewis said.

Ashley Sanchez is the Eastpointe Animal Control officer Lewis met when looking for Blue. She explained to me that this food pantry has dramatically reduced the number of surrender requests the shelter receives, and it's all thanks to support from other organizations like:

The Humane Society of Macomb A ReJoyceful Animal Rescue Detroit Pit Crew Michigan Humane Meijer private donations from residents in the area

Something simple as providing a big bag of dog food that could save them $30 for a tank of gas or a little bit on their light bill or you know, food for their families. The goal is to help keep the family members together with their pets. So if we can help each other provide and collaborate, we can achieve the unachievable," Sanchez said.

If you would like to make a donation to the pet food pantry, you can drop off donations to the Eastpointe Animal Control building at 17850 10 Mile Road in Eastpointe.

If your family is in need of pet food, you can message the Eastpointe Animal Control Facebook page a picture of your ID and pets and they will arrange pick up information with you.

There's a big stigma surrounding Tourette syndrome and other brain disorders, but Milan teacher Larry Biederman is working to break that by showing his students how they can be successful despite their challenges.

Biederman said he used to hide his tics from his students. Now, he embraces them and allows them to be heard by his students as a way to make them more comfortable to be themselves in class.

"I tell them at the beginning of a course that I have Tourette syndrome and that we might get some occasional interruptions, and the learning curve is surprisingly quick," Biederman said.

Hear more from Larry Biederman in the video player below: Local teacher talks about how he teaches with Tourette's syndrome

But Biederman wasn't always open about his differences. As a teacher for a virtual charter school called Insight School of Michigan, he told me that he used to mute his mics and try to hide the tics.

"You know, adults and children can be cruel, especially when you're making random noises, random noises that are loud," he said.

Biederman said he thinks it took him longer to adjust to because he learned about his tics later in life when he was a college student. He told me he suddenly started making loud whooping sounds when he was at home on spring break. He said it was a time of serious confusion for him and his family, making him feel uncomfortable around others.

"How am I going to be a person in society when I'm making these loud whooping noises that are disruptive and disturbing?" he said

But over time, Biederman was able to see his condition as a way to make others feel comfortable with their differences and celebrate his.

"It is inspirational for them and it's helpful for them to know that I understand them and that I will understand their needs. Because there's a big wide range of conditions that fall under the neurodivergent family and a lot of our students are in that category," Biederman said. "A lot of them are just so happy to have someone who firsthand knows and understands them."

Luna is only 20 months old, but her family said she isn't able to be a normal baby. Her playfulness and childlike energy is being stifled by daily dialysis and trips to the hospital.

Luna was diagnosed with a rare congenital kidney disease, causing her kidneys to fail. Luna currently has 0% function in her kidneys and is undergoing dialysis.

Luna's mom, Kyleigh Bedder, and her grandma, Connie Winn, told me they started noticing something was wrong right after her first birthday. Bedder said she woke up the day after her celebration with an incredibly swollen face.

"When we first went into the hospital, we never imagined it would be anything this serious," Bedder said.

Doctor Melissa Gregory, a pediatric nephrologist at Children's Hospital of Michigan, explained to me that kidney disease in children is incredibly rare. But for Luna, it is now a race against the clock because dialysis takes a much bigger toll on little bodies long term.

"Dialysis over the course of years takes its toll," Gregory said. "It's difficult for kids to have normal development while on dialysis... Luna's on a daily dialysis program."

Now, Luna's family is turning to the community desperately searching for a kidney donor match.

"I can't imagine a better thing that anybody can do for another person. And to be a living donor and to be able to give a kidney to somebody and know them, it's just so selfless," Winn said.

If you would like to find out if you're a match for baby Luna, you can visit Henry Ford Health's website to fill out a form or call Childrens Hospital of Michigan Transplant coordinator at 313-745-1339

Buying a pet shouldnt be as easy as purchasing a sweater. This is why Detroit City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to outlaw the retail selling of dogs and cats. 

According to Councilwoman Angela Whitfield Calloway, this new ordinance was born from public comment by residents concerned for the community.

EXTENDED VIDEO: Detroit City Council member talks more about the ban of retail pet stores in Detroit Detroit City Council member talks more about the ban of retail pet stores in Detroit

The councilwoman says she didn't know much about puppy mills, but after listening to community activists and animal control, the council members decided they needed to act.

"They were advocates along with us and making sure that we're protecting not only animals, but the people that live in Detroit from these predatory, really scams with high interest rates and a lot of other hidden details just to secure that money from you," said PAWS Friend Network founder and animal activist, Tiffany Perkins.

Activists said they understand how people can be fooled by these storefronts, especially when they look clean and put together when you walk in. However, there is a lot more cruelty under the surface.

"It really is about animal cruelty. It's about the suffering that occurs before they make it into these pet shops and sometimes in the pet shops. Any type of cruelty is unacceptable in our community. And this is another example of this community banding together to help make sure that we can do what we can to prevent it," said CEO and President of the Michigan Humane Society, Matt Pepper.

Imagine coming home from work just like any other day to your TVs, gun and beloved dog missing.

This was the reality for Donnell Banks. He told me his home on Auburn Street near Evergreen and Ford roads was broken into on Jan. 10 while he was at work.

"Once I'm approaching the house, I normally hear my dog scratching on the door. So I automatically knew something was wrong and my dog was not scratching on the door," Banks said.

When he was walking through the house to take inventory of all of the things the thieves could have taken, he noticed his back window was completely pushed in.

While he said he was disappointed over the material things taken from him, Banks said he is heartbroken over his sweet little pup Perky missing.

"I really just want my dog back. I don't care about the miscellaneous TVs or firearm or things like that," Banks said.

I reached out to Detroit police to see if they had any more information on where little Perky could be. They told me they are working to find the little pup and recover the stolen items from Banks' home.

In the meantime, they are asking for anyone who might have information on where Banks' dog is to call the Detroit Police Department's 6th Precinct at 313-596-5640.