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Today โ€” 21 November 2024Main stream

'A lot of devastation.' Community steps in to help those impacted by condo explosion

20 November 2024 at 21:49

A local church is welcoming in those impacted by Tuesday's condo explosion in Orion Township, offering food, water, and a place to sleep.

Christ the Redeemer Church is located right across the street from the Keatington New Town Association condos, where the explosion happened.

Related Video: Massive condo explosion in Orion Township 2 critically hurt, 2 unaccounted for after explosion at condo complex in Orion Township

It's where we found 74-year-old Ross Flore. His home was damaged in the blast.

"My bedroom and my son's bedroom are on the other side so that's what took the direct brunt of the explosion," said Flore.

He said Tuesday's explosion at the condos is like nothing he's ever experienced before.

Related Video: Chopper video shows aftermath of explosion at Orion Township condo complex Chopper video shows aftermath of explosion at Orion Township condo complex

"A lot of devastation here," he said.

But what he was most worried about was his cat, Snickers.

"I didn't even think of grabbing my driver's license, my car keys, my medications, anything," he said.

Related Video: Ross Flore is reunited with his cat, Snickers Condo explosion victim reunited with cat

She was found by firefighters in a pile of rubble, unharmed, the morning after the explosion.

"I prayed for you," he told Snickers.

Both Ross and Snickers, are now left without a home.

The church across the street is providing a safe haven for them and anyone else in need.

"We're lucky to have people like that, that will open up their hearts and let people in," he said.

Father William Promesso said local restaurants have been donating food to the church to give to victims and fire crews.

"We're able to provide food, drink," said Father William.

Owner of Professor Soups, Todd Messer, provided lunch on Wednesday.

"We've been a part of this community for our whole lives, so it just hurts to hear people are hurting over here," said Messer.

The food, shelter, and comfort being offered by Christ the Redeemer Church means a lot to young couple Drake and Nina Falconer.

"We came home to our whole house in flames," said Drake Falconer.

But they tell me they're still looking for their cats, asking everyone in this area to keep an eye out for Ambrose and Fergus.

Related Video: Drake Falconer out searching for pets after Orion Township condo explosion Man impacted by Orion Township condo explosion searching for pets

"Those were our first pets as a couple. Those are family. It's not just pets," said Drake.

And while the search continues for all the lost pets, and fire crews pick up all the pieces left behind from the explosion as they continue with their investigation, Father William says this church will be right here, for anyone who needs it.

"Whether we're doing it for humanitarian reasons or for religious reasons, the end result is the same, we're able to take care of those who live nearby us," he said.

Where Your Voice Matters
Yesterday โ€” 20 November 2024Main stream

Local 2 bricklayer gives coworker live-saving CPR after heart attack on the job

19 November 2024 at 23:27

On Tuesday, 39-year-old Micah Parker was reunited with the Detroit Medical Center staff who helped save his life after he suffered a heart attack on the job just a few months ago.

"I'm just happy to be here," Parker said.

He said it was his coworker for the Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union Local 2, Alan Mamere, who ultimately rescued him on Sept. 13.

VIDEO: 'It was a regular day.' Worker talks about having a heart attack while on the job 'It was a regular day.' Worker talks about having a heart attack while on the job

"I just had to do something," Mamere said.

The two bricklayers say it started out as a normal day and no,w it is a day they will never forget.

"We were talking about the next job I was going to and that's when it happened," Parker said.

"Before I could even turn around, he was already down," Mamere said.

VIDEO: Man describes moment he jumped into action to help save coworker Man describes moment he jumped into action to help save coworker

According to DMC cardiologist Carlos Oviedo, Parker's main artery was 100% blocked.

"The most important thing that the CPR did was to prevent his brain to suffer from the lack of blood flow," Oviedo said.

Mamere knew how to do CPR because Bricklayer's Local 2 requires all 3,700 of its employees to take training classes. It is something he and many of his coworkers previously considered a waste of time.

"We're all a bunch of construction workers. We were like the last thing we're going to have to do is use it. You know, we might get a cut or something but CPR, nah, we don't need it, but I guess we need it," Mamere said.

Foreman, Robert Ader said he will also be keeping a defibrillator in his work car from now on.

"The way we work, high in the air, high on scaffold, the trip to the ground to get it when you don't know where it's at could be the difference between him being here and not," Ader said.

Since the scare, Mamere said his outlook on CPR training has changed.

"Now, it's something you're like at any moment in time it could happen so, it's nice to know I'm capable of doing it if I need to apply it I can make it happen," Mamere said.

Local 2 is asking people in the community to get CPR training if possible and to take it seriously.

"It's not a game, at all. If you're not paying attention to anything dealing with that stuff just go because it's not a game and I'm a testament to that," Parker said.

Before yesterdayMain stream

Ballet company's trailer, Nutcracker props stolen weeks before 40th anniversary performance

18 November 2024 at 23:36

Plymouth-Canton Ballet Company is calling on the community for help after their trailer full of precious props was stolen early in the morning.

"The white truck came, backed right up to that spot, they must have sawed it off, hooked up, and drove off. This happened within 5 minutes," Artistic Director of the company June Smith said.

Just a few minutes is all it took for someone to wipe out decades of hard work when they stole a trailer full of Nutcracker props around 3 a.m.

Surveillance video shows truck with trailer attached

Smith said this comes just three weeks before the company's 40th Anniversary Nutcracker performance.

"I'm sure these things don't mean a lot to the people who took them, but they mean a lot to us," Smith said.

"I mean they make the ballet come together. Without them, the story and the scene doesn't really, it's not able to come to life and the audience isn't able to connect with what we're able to do," company member Sophia Vella said.

"If we don't have props we can't make our story come to life," young company member Brayden Vanbynen said.

Thousands of dollars were put into these pieces, according to volunteer prop designer and dance dad, Nathan Vanbynen.

"How are we going to pay for all of this? Being a non-profit, we only have a bunch of money in the bank and whatever we do make through ticket sales it goes back into paying for the auditorium and programs and stuff like that," Vanbynen said.

He has under a month to rebuild things like a throne, growing Christmas tree, and grandfather clock. All of which are well over 10 ft. tall.

"All of this is really a labor of love and we're really going to have to chip in where we can and make sure we get it done," Vanbynen said.

Smith said that many of the props that were stolen were also sentimental.

"We had a backdrop behind the thrown that a family member had made who has now passed away so, her memory is still in that," Smith said.

The company is asking people in the community to be on the lookout for their trailer and their props.

"If there's anything that they can see as far as props or anything that has been dumped some place," Smith said.

Canton police are investigating and asking the public to keep an eye out for the stolen trailer.

Smith is encouraging anyone looking to help to buy tickets to their show.

They also have a GoFundMe to help offset the cost of materials for new props.

'A month doesn't go by.' Animal neglect cases on the rise in Michigan after the pandemic

15 November 2024 at 22:48

They're the heartbreaking stories of people failing the pets they once promised to love, and the volunteers and vets at Woodhaven Animal Hospital have seen it all when it comes to abuse.

Dr. Lucretia Grear has extensive experience when it comes to saving animals from abuse. More than two decades of it. She said, the problem is only getting worse.

"Generally a month doesn't go by, even a couple weeks doesn't go by and we're dealing with some form of abuse or neglect," Grear said.

One of her most recent rescues was a tiny chihuahua named Minnie, who had to have one of her eyes removed after suffering severe abuse.

Her new owner, Lori, is looking forward to giving her a new home.

"I feel bad that there's people out there that will do this to animals and be able to sleep at night," Lori said. "Instead of getting a puppy, go get one that has some kind of disability and help them. Give them another chance."

But Minnie is just one of many animals in the metro Detroit area that Grear is stitching back up.

Another recent rescue is a German Shepherd named Maddie. Her leg needed to be amputed after she was dumped and then hit by a car. Romulus Animal Control Officer Rachel Ohneck adopted her.

"Just wanted to give her a loving home, make sure she was okay," Ohneck said.

I asked Ohneck what they're seeing at the Romulus Animal Shelter.

"Just a lot of malnourishment. A lot of people haven't come and claimed their dogs even when they're microchipped. Financially, I don't think people can afford their animals anymore," she said.

Grear believes the issue began in 2020.

"I think a lot of people got new pets because of COVID-19 and feeling like they had time and then with the economy and everything and just the expense," she said. "The reality of having these animals kind of set in and then people realized you know what, maybe this isn't a good idea."

The numbers reflect that. According to Michigan Incident Crime Reporting, there's been an almost 90% increase in the number of cruelty cases.

"We started out just servicing Wayne County. By now we service the entire Detroit area and probably beyond that," Woodhaven Mayor Patricia Odette said.

Odette is helping save as many animals as she can by creating a nonprofit called Animal Resource Funding Foundation, better

known as ARFF, to support reduces.

"I've probably seen and my organization has seen the worst of the worst," Odette said.

"Do you think that if the repercussions were stronger then maybe people would stop?" I asked.

"I would like to think that but then the resources are a problem right. That would be hiring more prosecutors just for animals and I'm all for that but at the end of the day, there's money constraints," she said.

Money constraints, as well as time constraints, according to Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy.

"We have an over-abundance of homicides we have to look at, we have, you know, we have 10,000 domestic violence warrants that come in just in domestic violence, we have over 500 that come in on child abuse. So, we really have to use our resources the best we can," Worthy said.

She said her office doesn't have a unit dedicated to animal abuse cases. Most prosecuting offices don't.

But there's a group of volunteers who follow through on warrant requests.

Worthy said she's been trying for years to strengthen animal cruelty laws.

"I think that we are much better off than we were before, but of course, the laws could be more stringent as well," she said.

Where Your Voice Matters

VIDEO: Surveillance video shows teen driver's vehicle crashing into restaurant in Macomb Township

14 November 2024 at 23:15

Nori Shala was in the back of his family restaurant when he heard the crash and ran to the front.

A lot of smoke from the car," he said Thursday as he walked 7 News Detroit reporter Carli Petrus through the aftermath of the crash.

One of Shala's relatives, who also works at Nori's restaurant, was badly injured when the vehicle came crashing into the building near the corner of Hayes and 21 Mile Road Tuesday evening.

Surveillance video shows moment car crashes into restaurant

Shala said there were no customers inside because the crash happened just before closing.

Investigators with the Macomb County Sheriff's Office said the teenage driver had a permit and was practicing her driving skills with one of her parents in the passenger seat at the time of the crash.

Bodycam video shows aftermath of vehicle crashing into restaurant

I had to help and reverse the car because the kid was panicked," Shala recalled.

Investigators do not believe drugs or alcohol were involved and they are continuing to investigate.

Shala expects his family's restaurant to be closed for several months.

'Never Forget Garden' blooming in Wyandotte for Veterans Day

11 November 2024 at 22:41

Volunteers in Wyandotte unveiled a "Never Forget Garden" at Oakwood Cemetery on Veterans Day as a living tribute to honor our veterans.

Peggy Antio with the Daughters of the American Revolution gathered people in the community Monday to check it out.

"I said we have to do something," Antio said. "Flowers are a language you can't hear, but they speak to your heart."

As a member of DAR, Antio said this project was personal.

"It just took off in my heart because I got thinking about my family in the military, and I can keep and remember them alive. And then I got thinking about all these graves that are marked unknown, unknown. Who's remembering them? Who's keeping their spirits alive?" Antio said.

She said this garden could not happen without volunteers and DAR members like Marilyn Golema.

"I love flowers, I love gardens and I love this country," Golema said.

DAR of Michigan State Regent Dawn Brady was also a big part of making it happen.

"It warms the heart. It brings it alive for us and it allows us to share with our communities our passion and how much we care," Golema said.

The small patch of land represents every branch of the military, as well as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Related video: Veterans honored during ceremony in downtown Detroit Metro Detroiters of all ages honor veterans during ceremony in Downtown Detroit

Army veteran Thomas Shannon told us the local DAR volunteers did a great job.

"Hopefully, it will be something that people can come down and see and visit their service members that might be buried here or remember members of their family that might've served who are not here anymore," Shannon said.

"Right now, it may not look great because things are dying out, but our plans for next year is to make it more beautiful, add more flowers," Antio said.

The garden is meant to be a peaceful spot to remember those who fought for our country and those who are currently fighting. Antio is hoping the Never Forget Garden is around for years to come.

"This was a burning passion in me and I finally got one out here and I'm sure there's many more. I would like to see many more of these in the Downriver area," Antio said.

A Michigan 4th grader's quick thinking leads to the heroic rescue of his classmate

8 November 2024 at 22:53

A fourth grader at Schoolcraft Elementary School in Waterford sprung into action when he realized his classmate was choking on her lunch.

Nine-year-old Matthew Lowe told us it was a typical day in the cafeteria between the long lines for food and the shouting kids.

That was until Matthew noticed something was wrong with his friend Arya Comins.

"I realized that she was choking," Matthew said.

The two fourth graders told us it happened on Halloween. Arya had a hard time swallowing part of a bread stick she was eating for lunch.

"I stood up and was hitting her back," Matthew said. "The first three times, it didn't really work, so then I did it harder and it worked."

Arya said she is relieved that she is OK but in that moment, she was terrified.

"I couldn't breathe," Arya said.

We asked her what was going through her mind when Matthew jumped in to help her.

"I felt a little less scared," Arya said.

Schoolcraft Elementary Principal Alexandra Velez said she is proud of both students for their bravery.

"He didn't come to us to get accolades or to be recognized. He just went back to his daily work and it wasn't until someone else told us what he had done that we started to celebrate him," Velez said. "I'm so thankful to have students like Matthew who take care of business and make things happen when he's there."

Matthew told us he knew exactly what to do because something similar happened to him.

"I remember the first time I choked and I knew it was scary because when I choked, nobody really noticed for a little and then somebody noticed," Matthew said.

Matthew has advice for other kids who may be in an emergency situation.

"Either tell the teacher or try to help if they know what to do," he said.

Metro Detroiters react to President-elect Donald Trump winning the 2024 election

6 November 2024 at 22:35

Now that the election is over, we wanted to find out what Donald Trump supporters are most excited about for the next four years, a presidential term that has Harris supporters on edge.

"Im still disappointed, J.J. Rosemond said.

My man won, Willie Wright said.

As Donald Trump prepares to take on a second term as the countrys 47th president, metro Detroiters we spoke with expressed mixed feelings.

Its not really a surprise to me really, Bryson Ballard said. "When he got president last time, the world changed drastically. I dont really know what to expect.

Lets give him a chance, Mark Plasters said. I think youll see the stock market go back up because hes going to flourish and make more jobs and more money and money flow.

Trump supporters, like Plasters and Jerry Biggs, said they are hopeful for a better economy with Trump in charge.

Being on just Social Security, its a major problem because in the time you pay your bills and when you end up with a few hundred dollars to live on," Biggs said.

Harris supporters, like Kimberly Jackson, were mostly concerned with female reproductive rights.

I dont think anybody has the right to decide what a woman does with her body or what anyone does with their body, so we just have to continue to pray about it thats all," Jackson said.

One thing everyone we spoke with did agree on though was that it is time to come together as a country.

We have to get along a little better," Plasters said.

He cant make it good the people have to make it good," Biggs said.

We just have to keep moving forward," Jackson said.

Where Your Voice Matters

Metro Detroit nonprofit providing free rides to the polls for senior citizens and people with disabilities

4 November 2024 at 23:10

Detroit nonprofit Warriors on Wheels is offering senior citizens and people with disabilities a free ride to the polls and back.

It is very important for everyone to have their voice, be able to speak and have their opinions made and known," Carrie Bradley said.

As someone who is blind, Bradley said this type of service is vital for her vote.

I cannot drive and sometimes, other services cannot be counted on and you cannot get services the same day," Bradley said.

Her daughter Brandi Bradley echoed the importance of what WOW is doing.

This needs to be done every year to make sure the disabled people and the voters that want to vote that arent able to get to the polls on their own is not forgotten because sometimes they are, Brandi Bradley said.

Brandi Bradley said she is disabled herself and she took advantage of a free ride on Sunday, the last day of early voting.

It really works and they waited and I got back home safely and I was happy to vote, Brandi Bradley said.

The founder of WOW, Lisa Franklin, helped to coordinate all of these rides.

Myself, as a person with disabilities, I have seen and I understand the issues that there are with not being able to have transportation and get to go where you want to go and do what you need to do day to day," Franklin said.

She said this is the first year they are providing transportation to the polls to people with disabilities and senior citizens.

All you have to do is call the number 313-552-2916 and set up a time for pick-up.

A lot of people think that people with disabilities should vote early, should get an absentee ballot, but no, a lot of people with disabilities want to vote on Election Day," Franklin said. You have Uber and Lyft and taxi companies that dont have accessible vehicles.

Franklin said they have four accessible vehicles that will be helping people in Detroit, Hamtramck and Highland Park.

She said she just wants people to know their vote counts.

I dont care if you have a disability, what type of disability, if youre a senior, your vote is important, and so, this service is here to provide you the transportation to get to where you need to go to cast your vote," Franklin said.

For more information on how to save your seat, click here.

New and improved 16th Street opens in Detroit as part of community agreement with Ambassador Bridge

1 November 2024 at 22:02

The owners of the Ambassador Bridge and the community that lives next to it are waving a white flag after decades of disagreements.

The City of Detroit is unveiling a new and improved 16th Street in the Hubbard Richard neighborhood, as part of a recent community agreement between the owners of The Ambassador Bridge, the Moroun Family, and the Hubbard Richard neighborhood.

"We can hope for development at some point," long-time resident Jessica Travino said.

"We're hopeful, yes, we're very hopeful," said another resident Ana Sandovao.

Hubbard Richard sits right next to Detroit's historic Corktown and under The Ambassador Bridge.

Another resident, Dave Krzezewski said because of this, this Detroit neighborhood has been trying to balance industry and development for decades.

"I've been in the neighborhood for ten years," said Krzezewski. "I've seen the environment here and I'm hoping that it does get better."

By "environment", he means the long-standing issues between the owners of The Ambassador Bridge and the neighborhood that surrounds it.

"You probably had 30 years of fighting between the neighborhood and the Morouns," said Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan. "Today, I got to see the head of the neighborhood association and Matt Moroun cut the ribbon together. It's a great day."

The owners of The Ambassador Bridge have agreed to several specifics including, donating 10 of its properties in and around Hubbard Richard to the neighborhood, demolish the former Greyhound Building, which has already been done, and building a new 16th street, which the community celebrated on Friday.

"We want to be a good neighbor. We want to be successful. We want the people around us to be successful," The Ambassador Bridge Chairman Matt Moroun said.

As for the neighborhood association, President Sam Butler said they agreed to the expansion of the Ambassador Bridge Plaza including its design.

"Thanks to the community agreement, we are excited to turn vacant lots into green space and housing. We are excited to revitalize this massive greyhound space into a valuable community asset," Butler said.

Krzezewski said he is hoping to live in the area at least 10 more years and he is happy to see progress, but he is still hoping for more development and a community space for the neighborhood.

"I'm optimistic I guess," Krzezewski said. "There's been talks for the last two years and I'd like to see the details behind those talks."

Where Your Voice Matters

Mayor, fire chief ask Woodhaven residents to approve millage that would double fire department size

31 October 2024 at 16:45

For the first time in history, the Woodhaven Fire Department is asking residents to support a millage proposal that would allow the eight-person crew to double and go full time.

The mayor and the fire chief believe they need a full-time fire department to keep up with the increasing population and the rise in calls 911.

As I was pulling up to the Woodhaven fire station, crews were pulling out. Fire Chief Brad Myles tells me they were dealing with two different emergencies at the same time.

We have a gas leak going on right now and a medical emergency going on right now," Myles said.

The mostly part-time department had to ask surrounding areas for help. Myles said it's something they do often, especially since the number of 911 calls are increasing.

I started back in 1996, we had less than 800 calls. This past year we finished at 2,200 calls. This year well finish around 2,500 calls," Myles said.

Mayor Patricia Odette has been the mayor for 15 years, and she's seen the population grow across the city.

There was probably nothing at West and Allen when I first became mayor and now the citys booming with restaurants, stores," Odette said. "People dont realize about 30,000 people a day come through the City of Woodhaven. Although our population is around 13,000, we have approximately 30,000 people who travel through our city every day.

Because of this, for the first time, the fire department and the city are asking residents to vote for a public safety millage proposal.

The millage reads: "Shall Article 11 of the Charter of the City of Woodhaven, Michigan, be amended so as to permit the levy by the City of an additional ad valorem tax in an amount not to exceed three (3) mills for five (5) years, for such millage to be used for providing Fire Department emergency Services, dispatch and Protection from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2030?"

We can take a good fire department and make it even better," she said.

The millage would:

Make the department full-time, adding eight more full-time firefighters to the eight they already have Add more dispatchers who would also be medically trained the city currently has one Reduce dispatch costs by over 60%

Odette said it wouldn't cost residents more money.

We had initially put a street millage in which we had effectively done many of the streets, but at this point, weve come to a decision to now, its kind of like your own pocketbook. What is my priority here, and my priority as their mayor, and they all know it is safety. So, its revenue neutral, so their taxes will not be raised," Odette said.

Most voters we spoke with are all for the proposal.

Having only one person on duty to take the calls, thats ridiculous. So yeah we need it. Need it bad," one person said.

I voted for it because Ive lived in the City of Woodhaven for a very long time and I just want to keep our city safe," another told us.

So many of us, because its a great community, have chosen to stay here and now were in our 70s and we need that kind of resource to help us stay safe and stay in our homes," someone said.

Voters who are on the fence are more concerned with the delays caused by the railroad crossings in the city and it's impact on the current fire department. It's a story we've been covering since 2020.

A member of the community who is voting no reached out to me on Facebook and provided us with a comment that says in part, "What good is more fireman (sic) and or trucks when we are always blocked in three different directions by 30-40 minute trains. Time is of the essence with emergency responders. I lived here 22 years now and this was supposed to happen two times now and they failed the people. The tracks must be done before anything"

For the people that might vote no or are voting no, they mentioned something about the railroad tracks, how there was supposed to be an overpass built, and that wasnt done, do you have anything to say?" I asked.

WATCH BELOW: Plans move ahead for 'ambitious' $39M project to address Woodhaven train delays Plans move ahead for 'ambitious' $39M project to address Woodhaven train delays

No, no thats still being done, thats still in the process. Thats led by Wayne County. Thats their project. The streets where the railroad is on, those are Wayne County roads. But yes, no thats still moving forward, the money is in place for that but Im waiting on the county," Odette said.

The mayor said she's hoping the $39 million county project begins next summer, but right now, she's asking voters to help pass the public safety milalge proposal.

Were talking about going from eight firefighters to 16, not only firefighters but theyre paramedics, people who can save their lives," Odette said.

Where Your Voice Matters

VIDEO: 'It's so concealable.' Arrest in Wyandotte leads to discovery of small, unusual gun

23 October 2024 at 21:11

When Wyandotte police stopped David Bush near Goddard and Fort Street, it was because they say he blew through a red light. But the October traffic stop turned out to be anything but routine.

WATCH: Bodycam video shows arrest in Wyandotte WATCH: Bodycam video shows arrest in Wyandotte

Police say Bush admitted to having a knife after they pulled him over, and that was the only weapon he claimed he had.

"The subject was adamant that he had no other weapons on him," said Wyandotte Police Chief Archie Hamilton. "He specifically asked him, 'do you have any guns with you?' No guns."

But Bush did have guns two that were concealed.

"Right here, he sees the bulge, now look, now the officer pulls, and he's got that gun around his neck, which is dangerous. Now the officer, he's telling his partner to come over there, because now he's trying to get the gun off of his neck, which is a bad situation for the police officer, because this guy's unsecure. You're trying to get a gun off. What if it goes off?" said Chief Hamilton, walking us through the bodycam video.

Chief Hamilton says this traffic stop easily could've turned violent.

"It was a good thing that he had no malicious intent, because he could have hurt these officers. And it was a good thing these officers came across this individual. It started out with a simple traffic stop. He disregarded a red signal. Not a big deal. And then it turned into a felony arrest. Somebody that's not only armed with two weapons ... illicit handguns, but he's intoxicated as well," said Chief Hamilton.

The chief is now warning the community about the kind of unusually small firearm officers found.

"It was actually a black powder handgun, which is something we don't see every day," he said.

Chief Hamilton says he's actually never seen this type of single-shot gun in all his 24 years of service.

"What makes it so dangerous is it's so concealable. This is the type of weapon that someone could have at any community event. I mean ... anyone can conceal this. They can put it in a purse. They can put it in their pocket. They can put it in their shoe," he said.

He's urging drivers especially to avoid confrontations

"We oftentimes see people have road rage, right. They get angry if they get cut off. Well, this person's likely intoxicated ... it's a good possibility he could cut somebody off. What if this person is intoxicated with these weapons and they become in a road rage incident? So people have to be mindful of this. You know, let it go," said Chief Hamilton.

Bush was arraigned Tuesday on several charges, including carrying a concealed weapon and carrying one while intoxicated.

He's set to be back in court on Thursday.

Wayne State University students and first-time voters weigh in on the upcoming election

18 October 2024 at 21:50

For millions of Americans, November 5, 2024 will be the first time they are eligible to vote for our next president, and it is those young voters who could be a deciding factor in this race.

We visited Wayne State University to hear from new, college-aged voters.

Im excited to vote for sure," Isabella Connolly said.

I finally get to voice my opinion," Mickey Keller said.

I cant wait to see what its like, Donovan Smith said.

According to the professor of this American Government class Jeff Grynaviski, this group of voters, better known as the Gen Z vote, could tip the 2024 election.

If theres a large swing one way or another among the Gen Z vote who historically havent voted at the same rates as older people, and their turnout is higher all of a sudden, that could make a big difference in the election, he says.

After sitting down with several students individually, it is clear they are eager to get their voices heard.

"I honestly dont understand why people dont want to vote, like, its an important part," Leah Labean said.

"Just go do it just to get the feeling, Dmaurion Thomas said.

The enthusiasm to get to the polls came as a surprise to Grynaviski.

"This class, which has, like, engineering students, and pre-med, the whole kit and kaboodle, a very high level of interest in this election," Grynaviski said.

What exactly are these Gen Z voters interested in? Some of them said the economy is driving their vote.

Lower inflation and kind of an opportunity for the younger generation to make their mark," Keller said.

Were looking for the best for our future, Allison Heringhausen said.

Everyone we spoke with brought up the conflict in the Middle East.

"Whats happening in Palestine. Whats happening here in the country," Ronel Outlaw said.

Its mostly the Palestine conflict. Whether theyre for it or against it," Saima Alim said.

For me, I hate people being in, like, any negative situation," Bobby Gordon said.

This came as another surprise for Grynaviski.

One of the things that has struck me about this election that I hear from my students over and over again is the overwhelming support for the Palestinians," Grynaviski said.

Of course, young voters disagree on many things.

I vote for policy," Outlaw said.

I hate to say it but I'm not even voting for policy anymore. For me, it has become by the person," Labean said.

One thing all these students agree on though is the importance of voting itself.

I feel like voting is a patriotic thing, Heringhausen said.

"Its our civic duty as Americans, Keller said.

What I say and my input actually matters now, Smith said.

Where Your Voice Matters

Mott Children's Hospital patients return the favor and offer support to Aidan Hutchinson after his injury

15 October 2024 at 21:46

Aidan Hutchinson has continuously supported young patients at Mott Childrens Hospital. Now, they want to return the favor.

A big part of Mott Childrens Hospital is Lions Defensive End, Aidan Hutchinson. Hes also a big part of these kids lives.

When we get a call that Aidan wants to come over and just bring a smile to a childs face whos not feeling so great, we welcome it, says C. S. Mott Childrens Hospital COO Luanne Thomas-Ewald.

Hes been visiting and spending time with young patients and their families for several years, according to Thomas-Ewald.

When Sunday night happened, our kids and our families were devastated and they really wanted to do something to give back to him, she says.

RELATED VIDEO: Campbell: Aidan Hutchinson likely down 4-6 months with broken leg Campbell: Aidan Hutchinson likely down 4-6 months with broken leg

One of those kids, 3-year-old Owen McGee is a Hutch Hero. Hes currently in remission for stage four neuroblastoma.

We always say joy is not defined by our circumstances, says Owens mother Morgan McGee. We can always still find the joy in these tragic moments, and we know that Aidan and his family will do that because thats what theyve brought us by coming here.

Morgan McGee says Hutchinson frequently spent time with Owen while he was still receiving treatment.

Knowing that these children look up to him as a mentor and they see him on TV, it is really cool that hes using his platform to come and hang out with these kids, she says.

Hutchinson even chose to write Owens name on a water jug last year - a pre-game ritual for the star football player.

To see them supporting our son and just all these children in general is just really awesome to see, McGee says.

Now, since Owen is feeling stronger these days, hes offering Hutch his own message of support.

Feel better Hutch, Owen says.

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Some metro Detroiters shifting focus of second Monday in October to Indigenous Peoples' Day

14 October 2024 at 21:58

The second Monday in October is traditionally marked as Columbus Day in the U.S.

Its just what we were taught. We were taught that he quote, unquote, discovered America," Hadassah Greensky said.

Greensky is hoping to continue to shift the focus of the day.

"There were people already here, and were still here, were still surviving," Greensky said.

This conversation sparked a few years ago and in 2021, President Joe Biden signed a proclamation to commemorate Indigenous Peoples' Day.

Now, more than a dozen states recognize it as a holiday.

Greensky and several others in Detroit honored the day with a prayer walk.

Were finally being recognized as a people," Yvonne Moore said. She was one of the dozens of people participating.

Its doing, its being. Thats the best way we can be informed," said Hil Strickland.

He is not part of an Indigenous tribe, but he has been working with several in the area for more than two decades.

We have become fully aware of the dynamic of whats going on and what has been going on and the direction we feel we need to be headed, Strickland said.

Everyone we spoke with believes that direction is forward but the past shouldn't be forgotten.

Even though we went through cultural and physical genocide and assimilation that were still here, were still practicing our ways and still engaging in ceremony and community, Greensky said.

Bystanders jump into action to help save University of Michigan student in cardiac arrest

12 October 2024 at 00:23

University of Michigan freshman Ethan King said he is thankful to be alive after two bystanders jumped into action recently to help save his life.

On Aug. 26, King said he went on a run in Burns Park with M-Run, a running group that is part of the university. While on the run, King collapsed after suffering cardiac arrest.

"I was running right around here when I stumbled and fell down," King said.

King said it is something he never thought would happen to him, especially at 18 years old with no known underlying health conditions.

"I had never heard of someone who's 18 and a runner with nothing else going on having something like this happen," King said.

He said part of the reason he is standing here now is because of Hannah Stovall, a senior at Michigan.

"I saw Ethan on the ground and it wasn't anything that I had to think about; it was just something that my body knew to do," Stovall said.

She was on her way back to campus from Burns park with her friends when she stopped to give King CPR.

"I did what I had been trained to do and luckily, the EMS were super close and Dr. Dimcheff was also really close," Stovall said.

Dr. Derek Dimcheff was another bystander who jumped into action to help King. He said he was passing through the park to pick up his son for dinner.

"I saw a group of people administering CPR to what turned out to be Ethan on the ground and because EMS hasn't arrived, the emergency medical services, I pulled over and helped out," Dimcheff said.

Dimcheff just so happens to be on the code team at a nearby hospital. He said he responds to cardiac arrests often, but his patients are usually much older than King.

"It's very rare. This is a very rare situation," Dimcheff said.

Now, all three of them are urging everyone to learn CPR just in case.

"I wasn't on the run. I hadn't known anybody. I was doing something completely different. And I think that is more likely when somebody would need to do it is when they're not expecting to do it," Stovall said.

"It's kind of surreal to think about that I'm standing right next to two people who made the difference and are the reason why I'm able to stand here today," King said.

DMC offering hair loss prevention technology to cancer patients going through chemo

9 October 2024 at 21:34

Detroit Medical Center in Commerce Township is making cancer treatment a little easier for its patients. It is now offering hair loss prevention technology to people going through chemotherapy.

This technology is making a world of difference for patients like Paula Loch, the first in Michigan to try out the portable device.

When I was offered an opportunity to do this, I said 'sure, Ill do it,'" Loch said.

The cap, which is used to prevent hair loss from chemotherapy, is not new, but the fact that it is now portable is, according to DMC oncologist Stephanie Vandertill.

It brings the temperature of the scalp down to 65 degrees. We start the cooling 30 minutes before any chemotherapy medication is started and the cooling is happening all during chemotherapy and then for two to three hours after," Vandertill said.

Were all different and if there are other women out there that care if theyre going to lose their hair (like) the way I felt, then they should know that there is something they can do about it," Loch said.

Loch's journey with cancer started back in July when she was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive form of breast cancer. It was found after she underwent a routine mammogram.

It is very, very important that women are continuing to get their annual mammograms, Vandertill said.

Lochs daughter, Megan Koss, was by her side when she got the devastating news.

My mom is my best friend. Shes my world. Everybody that knows her would feel the same way, so this was really scary," Koss said.

Vandertill said this technology wont save all of Lochs' hair, but it should make her feel like herself.

Patients will still lose some hair. We expect some thinning. But sort of the goal is that when someone you know, an acquaintance sees you like I said in the grocery store, you look very much like yourself," Vandertill said.

Loch and Koss are willing to do whatever they can to stay hopeful.

I think what weve learned through this cancer journey is that cancer has its way of kind of taking everything from you, so to be offered something that can give her some semblance of normalcy throughout this process is just so wonderful," Koss said.

For more information on the portable cooling caps, visit DMC's website.

'It's memories': Detroit Tigers baseball creates bonds and family traditions

2 October 2024 at 23:33

The ballpark is a place known for families to gather, but many of the bonds built by Detroit Tigers fans go beyond Comerica Park.

"My brother's 10 years older than me and him and I talk baseball a lot," a fan outside the stadium said.

VIDEO: Tigers move on in playoffs, eliminate the Astros Tigers move on in playoffs, eliminate the Astros

"It definitely kind of brought up a memory being back there now at 23 years old," another fan said outside of Comerica Park.

Almost every fan has a story about familiar bonds built off none other than Tigers baseball.

"My dad and I, we would always, we had a lot of years in my 20s that we would go sit at the bar and the Tigers were great during that period," Jeremy Ison said.

The Ison siblings said it was their late father who got them into the team.

"We just kind of grew up loving the history and the legacy," Ison said.

It has been exactly one year since he has died and Jeremy, Sarah and Melissa said seeing the team takeoff this season is bittersweet for their family.

"I know he's watching right now," Melissa Johnson said.

"I was there on Friday when they took it and to have them proceed to the playoffs on the day we lost our father a year later, I don't know if you could write it better," Ison said.

Decribing it as an almost universal, feeling, Miguel Gutierrez said he shared the baseball bond with his grandfather, who died in 2015.

"It was all about hey, what's Verlander doing today, how many runs has he let in, what's the score?" Gutierrez said. "Every pitch was special. We evaluated a lot of the stats and analytics between each player and it just became a tradition, you know."

Gutierrez wishes his grandfather was here today to see the young team possibly go all the way.

"With them making this run, it just brought back the memories of being 20 and 21 again and he and I being downtown and walking around and having a stranger ask, hey what's the score by the way," Gutierrez said.

For everyone we spoke with, it is not about winning or losing for them, this team is bigger than baseball.

Watch the excitement from watch party day two at Comerica Park below: Hundreds cheer Tigers at Comerica Park watch party

"It's not the three strikes and you're out, the nine innings. It's memories, it's family and it's life lessons and it's teaching teamwork and it's teaching our kids. It's just not the game. It goes so much more," Sarah Manzella said.

Detroiters feeling excitement as Tigers set for first playoff game in a decade

1 October 2024 at 10:13

October baseball: It's what many Metro Detroiters are talking about, with the Tigers set to postseason play for the first time in a decade. You can walk almost anywhere downtown right now, and someone will have something to say about the Tigers.

We asked fans what they have to say about being back in the playoffs.

Its been ten years. Im just excited, I hope they go deep," said Malik Robinson.

Detroit, we have that grit, were just excited regardless," said Raquelle Harris.

It's a newfound buzz making it's way through Detroit.

You can just see it picking up, you can feel it," said James Jordan.

Former Sports broadcast James Jordan says Downtown Detroit hasn't felt excitement like this for a long time.

I missed it when the city looked like it was an alleyway and I just drove by a place where theyre actually decorating the alleyway," James said. "Theyve painted it up, theyre putting flowers in there, theyre chairs in there. Its a walkway now.

Jean Barnhill says she can feel it too.

"It just brings a most festive atmosphere," Jean said.

She and many others we spoke with, reminded of the last time the Tigers went all the way. That was back in 1984.

I remember that, because I went to a game," Jean said.

I remember I was 7, they won the World Series," Raquelle said.

We were there at the World Series, we covered that, and so I know how big it can be," James said.

So...can they do it again?

Woo, I was never a predictor, even when I was a sportscaster. I was never a predictor. What I said is, Ill bring you the facts and you make the bets," James said.

"I hope they go deep," Malik said.

We hope, year," Jean said.

"I hope they go further than we expect because you never know, predictions can always be wrong," Raquelle said.

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