Minister Malik Shabazz, a longtime Detroit activist, who has spent decades fighting for his community is now fighting a life-threatening illness.

Watch Tiarra's report in the video player below Detroit community rallies around minister Malik Shabazz as he battles for life in hospital

Shabazz is currently dealing with multiple infections, more than two years after suffering three heart attacks. Despite his health challenges, the community organizer remains optimistic and determined to continue his work.

"It lifts me up, it gives me hope, it gives me the energy to go on and it lets me know that I am loved and my work is not in vain," Shabazz said.

The activist was hospitalized on Sunday as doctors monitored the infections, including one that could potentially damage his LVAD heart pump device.

"We got the news from the doctors about these infections and the one over here might burst and mess up my LVAD and my heart pump," Shabazz said.

When asked how he was feeling, Shabazz responded with characteristic resilience.

"Hopeful, optimistic," he said.

"God brought me through each time, each time to finish this work and that's what I am going to do."

Even while battling his health issues, Shabazz says he is not done fighting for justice and wants to continue sharing his message of peace.

"Stop the killing, stop the violence, we don't have to do that," Shabazz said.

Shabazz is one of the original founders of Detroit 300, a community organization aimed at combating crime and violence in the city. His dedication to protecting Detroit's residents has made him a respected figure in the community.

"Anytime, anything is going on that was endangering our children, these gas stations, these shootings, Minister Shabazz was there, he was one of the first ones on site," said Arthur Edge, a member of Detroit 300.

Edge is among many community members wishing Shabazz a speedy recovery.

"To my brother, I thank you for everything you have done. You are one of the great heroes of the city of Detroit," Edge said.

Despite his current limitations, Shabazz remains eager to return to his community work.

"I feel better and I'm ready to go out there I'm ready to get out there in the streets, but I can't right now but soon. I got to do some more healing," Shabazz said.

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Thousands of runners are expected to flood downtown Detroit on Sunday for the Free Press Marathon, and local businesses are gearing up for the economic boost that comes with the annual event.

Watch Tiarra's report in the video player below

Detroit businesses prepare for economic boost from Free Press Marathon Sunday

Holly McClain, owner of Olin Bar and Kitchen on East Grand River, said her team is prepared for the influx of hungry marathoners and spectators.

"We get an uptick of people all weekend which is great for us especially on Sunday," McClain said.

More than 26,000 runners are expected to participate in this year's race, which starts at 7 a.m.

McClain said the restaurant sees customers both before and after the marathon, with many taking advantage of their Sunday brunch that starts at 10:30 a.m.

"We get right before the marathon, after the marathon. We have a Sunday brunch starts at 10:30 so we see a lot of guest from the marathon," McClain said.

When asked if runners come hungry, McClain was ready with an answer.

"They do come hungry and we're ready to feed them. All of them," McClain said.

The restaurant owner said she's excited about the continued growth and development in downtown Detroit, particularly with new businesses opening nearby.

"It's great when our neighbors open up businesses especially having the Hudson site right next door to us and more businesses coming in and bringing more people to Olin," McClain said.

The Free Press Marathon generates significant economic impact for Detroit. Last year, the race brought in more than $23 million for the city.

Beyond the economic benefits, the event also raises money for various charities including the Alzheimer's Association of Michigan and Boy Scouts of America.

"The more people that come down to Detroit, we're excited about it," McClain said.

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Students at Gompers Elementary and Middle School on Detroit's west side will return to classes Monday morning for the first time since a stabbing incident that closed the school for three days.

Watch Tiarra's report in the video player below Students will return to Detroit's Gompers Elementary and Middle School after stabbing incident Watch the morning report from Ryan Marshall Students will return to Detroit's Gompers Elementary and Middle School after stabbing incident

The school was closed Wednesday through Friday after an eighth-grade student stabbed a 14-year-old classmate. The alleged attacker's mother was also arrested for reportedly giving her daughter the knife used in the incident.

Detroit Public Schools Community District has announced several new security measures that will be in place when students return:

Security guards will increase from two to three A police officer will be stationed on-site Enhanced oversight of metal detector usage will be implemented

The district revealed that when the mother entered the school, a metal detector sounded, but she was not searched by a security guard. That guard has since been removed from their position.

Sereta Alston, whose 11-year-old daughter attends Gompers and was present during Wednesday's incident, shared her feelings about the return to school.

"I'm going up there Monday, tomorrow, they're going to have counseling, that's what they said and we're going to deal with it," Alston said.

When asked about any reservations regarding her daughter's return, Alston put the situation in perspective.

"In this day and times, I got reservations when she get up and no I don't have any more reservations about her going up to the school than I have her going out in the street here," Alston said.

Alston described her emotions following the incident as conflicted.

"I was just thankful and sad. Thankful it wasn't her and sad for the mother," Alston said.

The mother of the stabbed student, Jazyn Morgan, previously expressed concerns about the security breach that allowed the weapon into the school.

"What if was a gun, if you didn't search and that was a knife, just imagine if it was a gun that she brought in. It's like how did y'all let this happen?" Morgan said.

Detroit City Council President Pro-Tem James Tate and community members will be at the school Monday morning to greet students as they arrive at 7:30 a.m.

In a Facebook video posted Saturday, Tate emphasized the importance of supporting the students during this difficult time.

"Right now, the most important thing is we have to wrap our arms around these young people," Tate said.

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A Livonia couple is dealing with extensive damage to their home after an out-of-control driver slammed his truck into their house Thursday afternoon, sending shockwaves through the quiet neighborhood.

Watch Tiarra Braddock's video report: Livonia home severely damaged after out-of-control truck crashes into house

Surveillance video captured the truck driving erratically throughout the neighborhood before the crash occurred.

Nicole Wilson was sitting in her living room when she heard an engine revving, then watched in horror as the incident unfolded.

"The whole house shook, and you could hear the car still running," Wilson said.

Wilson had just returned home from a medical treatment when the crash happened.

"Looked up to see the truck coming onto the lawn and into the house," Wilson said. "I'm a cancer survivor, and I had just had an infusion that morning to help boost my immune system."

Livonia police arrested the driver of the truck on suspicion of driving under the influence.

Police are waiting for test results to come back to determine if the driver will be charged.

Joshua Smith, one of the Wilsons' neighbors, came outside after hearing the crash.

"I hear a lot of commotion outside, I hear a bit of a crash, and within minutes, tons and tons of sirens coming in obviously must of lost control and straight into the house," Smith said. "It's a very quiet neighborhood, I've really enjoyed being here, so it's just rare to see that happen around here at least."

Home surveillance video shows the black truck hitting a mailbox and planters in front of the Wilsons' subdivision before reversing and proceeding further into the neighborhood.

Kate Tucco, who lives near the front of the subdivision, said the driver ran over her front lawn as well.

"People come speeding on this corner all the time, and we've seen multiple accidents on this corner because of people coming in too fast or cutting the corner," Tucco said.

"I was really concerned because, honestly, I didn't know what was going to happen, if they were going to drive further into the house, cause more damage to the property," Tucco said.

Despite the extensive damage to their home, Nicole Wilson said she's grateful no one was seriously injured and appreciative of the support from neighbors.

"We had a very nice response from the neighbors just to see if we were okay and if we needed anything, and even had a couple of witnesses that stayed to make sure that they gave statements," Nicole said.

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After months of negotiations, Michigan state lawmakers have finally approved an $81 billion budget that includes significant funding increases for education and continues free school lunch programs for all students.

The budget allocates more than $24 billion to fund K-12 schools, colleges and universities across the state. Public schools will receive just over $10,000 per student, representing a 5% increase from previous funding levels.

Watch Tiarra Braddock's video report below: Michigan lawmakers pass $81 billion budget with education funding boost

"I think at the end of the day, the people of Michigan are benefited by the fact that we had to make some tough decisions together, but we put the priorities of the people first and long overdue investments in infrastructure, continued investment in education," Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said.

The budget also maintains free school lunch programs for all students, a provision that has drawn support from parents and lawmakers alike.

Hear more from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on the state budget below: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer speaks after legislature passes budget

"I think that's great. I don't think no kids should go hungry," said Renee Papageorgiou, a parent from Madison Heights.

Papageorgiou believes the free lunch program should continue regardless of budget constraints.

"I think they should keep free lunch for everybody regardless of the budget, what not. I feel like we can find a way to make sure all kids eat," Papageorgiou said.

State Rep. Jamie Thompson from Flat Rock echoed similar sentiments about the importance of the program.

"I know that is extremely important to all families, whether they be middle-income families, low-income families, families that are just very busy and just struggling to make sure lunch is prepared for the kids," Thompson said.

While lawmakers expressed relief at reaching a budget agreement and avoiding a government shutdown, some education leaders criticized the timing of the approval.

"It's more than three months overdue and that means no matter how good or bad a budget may be, it can't possibly work as well as it should for schools simply because it's so late," Robert McCann said. "Our schools have been back, helping students, serving their needs for over a month now without any certainty of how much funding they would have, not just for the basics of operations."

Robert McCann, executive director of the K-12 Alliance of Michigan, said the budget was approved far too late in the process.

Hear more from Robert McCann below: Extended interview: Executive director of the K-12 Alliance of Michigan weighs in on budget

"This can't happen again. If you want to claim that you are pro-education and that schools and students are your priority, you cannot complete a budget three months after it's due, one month into the school year," McCann said.

The budget now heads to Whitmer's desk for her signature.

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.