A Canton family has transformed their home into a spectacular Christmas wonderland that's drawing visitors from across metro Detroit, creating a magical experience that goes far beyond typical holiday decorations.

For four years, Katharine Pacheco and her husband have been turning their house into an elaborate light show, collecting decorations from Facebook Marketplace and traveling to states like Chicago, Kentucky and Tennessee to make their holiday display come to life.

Watch Jolie Sherman's video report below: Canton family turns home into elaborate light display for the holidays

"This turned into a small hobby that I probably got a little extreme with, but I'm OK with it," Pacheco said.

The display features everything from garden gnomes on the ground to Santa's sleigh on the roof, creating an impressive spectacle that captivates visitors of all ages.

"We like to look at the lights and of course, kids have so much fun looking at all the decorations and stuff," said Pawankumar Chauvhari, who brought his family to see the display.

Children visiting the display are particularly enchanted by the variety of characters and decorations scattered throughout the property.

"I saw Mickey Mouse and minions, like a lot," one young visitor observed.

"I saw many Santas, even though there's one Santa," another child noted.

The interactive nature of the display sets it apart from other holiday decorations. Santa has been visiting the house all month long, taking pictures with families every weekend and listening to Christmas wishes.

"This one is really cool, and Santa is here, so we had to see Santa!" said Judy Meador, who traveled from Dearborn Heights to visit.

For Pacheco, the elaborate display fulfills a childhood dream inspired by a neighbor's decorations.

"It's fun, it's fun. That's all I can say. When I was a kid, we lived across the street from a neighbor who decorated really big and I would walk up and down the sidewalk and say 'one day, I want that,'" Pacheco said.

The family's efforts have created more than just a visual spectacle they've built a community gathering place that brings joy during the holiday season.

"I can't describe the feeling of everyone just coming out and enjoying this. We get a lot of compliments. We get a lot of people telling us they had a bad day and we brighten their day," Pacheco said.

The Christmas display will continue running until at least the first of the year, giving families more opportunities to experience the holiday magic.

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.

State troopers drove 600 miles to deliver Christmas gifts to a 2-year-old girl battling cancer at Mott Children's Hospital in Ann Arbor, turning a simple conversation into an incredible act of holiday kindness.

Watch Jolie Sherman's video report below: State troopers drive 600 miles to deliver Christmas gifts to 2-year-old cancer patient

Vialah White from Ironwood in Michigan's Upper Peninsula was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma in September, just two days before her second birthday. The diagnosis landed her at Mott Children's Hospital, nine and a half hours away from home.

"A lot of pain for the most part, but surgery has been set to move the tumor in her stomach," said Amy Colt, Vialah's grandmother.

Colt recently shared her story at a local "Shop with a Cop" event, telling a trooper from the Michigan State Police Wakefield Post how difficult it is to be away from her grandchild during the holidays.

"I just couldn't imagine the hopelessness, the overwhelming stress, the fear. I just felt compelled, along with the other troopers in my post to get together and do something," Trooper Joe Renaud said.

To spread a little hope and holiday cheer, MSP coordinated a gift delivery from Wakefield to Ann Arbor to deliver dozens of Christmas gifts for Vialah. Renaud was one of three state troopers to carry out this 600-mile journey.

"I drove as far as Saint Ignace, Michigan, handed them off to a community service trooper there who then drove down state close to the Flint area, and that community service trooper continued on to Mott Children's Hospital in Ann Arbor," Renaud said.

He says his post raised more than $800 in just a few days, which they used to buy more than 50 gifts and gas cards for the family.

Vialah got in his patrol car at 3 a.m. on Monday and by that afternoon, Vialah received her presents along with a clear message from her community that she's not fighting alone.

"You know, it's a blessing for them to step up the way they did and so fast. Thank you to everybody involved. It was a true Christmas miracle," Colt said.

Vialah plans to open her gifts the day after Christmas when her whole family, including her father and brother who she hasn't seen in months, will be together.

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.

River Rouge police pulled over dozens of drivers Monday night, but instead of issuing citations, officers handed out holiday gifts that left motorists shocked and grateful.

The city launched "Operation Give Back" for the first time, with Mayor William Campbell partnering with the public safety department to distribute 30 $25 gas gift cards just before the holidays.

Watch Jolie Sherman's video report below: River Rouge police surprise drivers with $25 gas gift cards instead of tickets

"They'll feel like they're getting a ticket and instead of giving them a ticket, we'll give them a gas card in our community," Campbell said. "(It's) just a small token of our appreciation to them."

Body camera footage captured the surprise encounters, showing officers approaching vehicles with flashing lights before revealing the true purpose of the traffic stops.

"You did nothing wrong. Today, we're giving cards away for $25 gift cards," Detective Joshua Smith told a driver who appeared visibly relieved.

Sotirios Arapakis, interim director of public safety, said the initiative holds personal meaning for him.

"It's important to me because I grew up here in the city of River Rouge. I do believe you should give back to the community you work for, let alone having the privilege to serve the community I grew up in," Arapakis said.

Driver reactions ranged from confusion to overwhelming gratitude.

"I'm a little surprised right now. I was like dang, what could I have done? I don't know what I did," Maurice Cooper-Johnson of River Rouge said.

Marquetta Copland, an Uber driver from Detroit who was completing a ride, initially feared the worst.

"My heart was beating because I was taken aback a little bit because I said, that's not for me because I did nothing wrong," Copland said.

For some recipients, the gift cards came at a particularly meaningful time. Jeanie Jaggers said the gas card would help her visit family during the holidays.

"This helps me a lot because I'm on disability, so I'm going to use this for my gas that I really need to go see my grand kids this weekend," Jaggers said.

Several officers and the mayor contributed their own money to fund the holiday giveaway. City officials said they hope to repeat the program next year.

"Just a small token of our appreciation to them of putting us in a place to take care of them," Campbell said.

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

A Detroit bagel shop that opened just seven months ago is already expanding, with plans to double its current location and open a second store in Ann Arbor.

Bev's Bagels, located on Grand River and Warren avenues, opened in May and has quickly become a local favorite.

Watch Jolie Sherman's video report below: Bev's Bagels in Detroit expands after less than a year in business

Owner and chef Max Sussman announced plans to expand into the adjacent space this spring and open a new location in downtown Ann Arbor this summer.

"We kind of tried to make a bagel diner two of my favorite things combined into one," Sussman said.

The expansion represents a homecoming for Sussman, who began his culinary career while attending the University of Michigan.

"When I was there, I sort of caught the 'cooking bug' and worked my way through a bunch of restaurants and shops there," Sussman said.

After college, Sussman spent 10 years in New York working at top pizza restaurants and became a James Beard semifinalist for Rising Star Chef of the Year in 2012. When he returned to Michigan, he found himself missing New York's bagel scene.

"It was really only when I got a little older, and especially during the pandemic shutdown, that I really started to think more about dough and fermentation."

Sussman started with a Bev's Bagel pop-up in Ann Arbor before opening the brick-and-mortar Detroit location. The shop is named after his grandmother, Beverly, who didn't make bagels but was known for creating gathering spaces for his family.

Despite using premium ingredients, Sussman keeps menu items affordable, which he credits for the business' rapid growth.

"We use all-organic flour, we use a sourdough starter, all our fish is wild, so everything that I learned, that I believe to be important from my years of cooking, we're taking that and putting it into what we're doing here," Sussman said.

Customers have responded positively to the quality and atmosphere.

"We were like no, it's a bagel day, and we came here and it did not disappoint," said Michelle Rabin, who was visiting from Toronto.

Peter Coco from Manchester said he was impressed by the menu variety and quality of the bagels.

I've seen influencers come here. They all said great things. I was like, 'Yeah, I feel like we got to go then'," Coco said.

The Ann Arbor location represents what Sussman calls "a great full-circle homecoming" to where his culinary journey began.

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

The recent attack at a Chanukah celebration in Sydney, Australia, has deeply affected members of Metro Detroit's Jewish community, including those with personal ties to Australia.

Watch Jolie Sherman's video report: Two metro Detroit residents with ties to Australia share their heartbreak and resilience

Rabbi Herschel Finman, co-director of Jewish Ferndale, has family members living in Australia, including his daughter. He also has a close friend and fellow rabbi who witnessed the attack.

"This, as you said, is a horrible tragedy, one in which adjectives are not qualifiers enough. We really can't describe how horrible it really is," Finman said.

He says his friend was traumatized by what he saw at Bondi Beach Sunday, where thousands gathered to celebrate the first night of Chanukah.

"As soon as the shooting started, people scattered, so he was able to run away. I know he was on the outside perimeter because he wasn't actively involved," Finman said.

Video from the scene shows a man stepping in to help by tackling one of the shooters and taking away his weapon. Officials say 15 people were killed, and among the victims are men, women, and young children.

The tragedy particularly resonates with West Bloomfield resident Emma Zerkel, who is not only Jewish but was also born near Bondi Beach in Sydney.

"Devastated, scared, heartbroken, it's very hard to process the consistent amount of hate towards the Jewish people," Zerkel said.

"I'm sixth-generation Australian, born right near Bondi Beach. That's always been a home in my mind, and someone destroyed that safety there," she said.

A majority of Zerkel's family still lives in that area. On Sunday, she woke up to numerous texts from them confirming they were safe.

Despite being saddened by the tragedy, Zerkel says she will not hide who she is or let hatred win as she continues to celebrate Chanukah.

"I shared a picture of my family lighting the menorah this year, because I wanted to show that yes, I'm broken-hearted, but I'm not broken, I'm still going to get up and do it... I'm still going to show the world that this who we are," Zerkel said.

Rabbi Finman says that's been the response of the Jewish community resilience and hope and he says that's what Chanukah is all about.

"The whole idea of Chanukah and the symbolism and the light, each candle is just a little light. There's not a lot of illumination there, but each candle pushes away a tremendous amount of darkness, and that's what we're going to be doing now," Finman said.

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Former Michigan football head coach Sherrone Moore was released on bond Friday after being arraigned on multiple charges, including felony home invasion, misdemeanor stalking and breaking and entering.

Moore spent two nights behind bars after his arrest and firing from the university on Wednesday. He appeared before a judge Friday afternoon for his arraignment at Washtenaw District Court.

Watch Jolie Sherman's video report below: Legal expert explains Sherrone Moores charges and what could be next

During the arraignment, prosecutors detailed their case against Moore, saying that it is their understanding that Moore and the victim had an intimate relationship for a number of years, and that the victim broke up with Moore on Monday.

Then, prosecutors say that over several days, Moore continued to make numerous phone calls and texts to the victim, and after he was fired on Wednesday, he went to her apartment and "barged his way in."

Prosecutors say he grabbed butter knives and a pair of scissors and threatened his own life, saying things like "I'm going to kill myself. I'm going to make you watch," "my blood is on your hands," and "you ruined my life."

Watch our coverage of the arraignment below: Ex-Michigan coach Sherrone Moore arraigned on 3 charges, including home invasion

The prosecutor's office emphasized the serious nature of the alleged actions that led to the charges.

"We consider the defendant to be a risk to public safety, a risk to this victim, and it is for those reasons that we're asking for those specific conditions," prosecutors said on Friday.

The judge set Moore's bond at $25,000 with several conditions, including GPS monitoring, no contact with the victim, and a mandatory mental health evaluation.

Related video: Michigan Athletics at a crossroads after Sherrone Moore firing, criminal charges Michigan Athletics at a crossroads after Sherrone Moore firing, criminal charges

Moore's defense attorney Joe Simon acknowledged the unusual circumstances of the case during the hearing.

"Your honor, in a case like this, charges like this, in a normal circumstance, we'd be requesting a personal recognizance bond, and frankly expecting the court to order that. We all know this is not an ordinary circumstance," Simon said.

Criminal defense lawyer Neil Rockind, who is not involved in the case, believes Moore's high-profile status may have influenced the bond decision. He said a typical defendant would likely have received a personal bond rather than the $25,000 monetary bond.

"Do I believe that the $25,000 bond in this case, do I think that that's enough? It's a number. It's not enough money that it's gonna stop him from doing whatever he wants to do. The average Joe walking into court would have been given a personal bond. I'm telling you, they would have gotten a personal bond," Rockind said.

Related video: Questions about Michigan's athletic department after charges against Sherrone Moore Questions about Michigan's athletic department after charges against Sherrone Moore

Rockind also described the case as appearing to stem from a mental health crisis rather than criminal intent.

"The whole case rings to me it just calls out as a cry for help. What makes it so interesting is that he had everything at his disposal, and it sounds like he was just going through it when this hit the fan. It sounds like he was going through a real mental health crisis," Rockind said.

Despite the felony charge, Rockind believes Moore is unlikely to face significant jail time given his lack of prior criminal record.

"He will very likely face, he could face some jail, although I would say that's doubtful. I would say he more likely will face a period of probation. I'm going to go back to his lack of any prior record. This is an aberrant moment in his life," Rockind said.

Legal experts suggest a plea deal could be possible, potentially reducing the charges to misdemeanors and avoiding felony convictions.

Moore's next court hearing is set for Jan. 22.

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

A Pontiac-based nonprofit is help families in need celebrate the holidays.

On Tuesday, Oakland Family Services, an organization dedicated to helping families through adoption, foster care, parenting and child development programs, hosted their annual Gifts of Hope program, where businesses and community members buy holiday gifts for families who need it most.

Watch Jolie Sherman's video report below: Oakland Family Services assembling gifts for families in needs

"So this year, we have about 335 families, which is going to translate to 750 children getting gifts. We have 195 donors and then 70 or 80 volunteers that help make this happen," said Jaimie Clayton, the nonprofit's CEO and president.

Clayton says they reach out to families in October and have them create a wish list before matching them with generous donors.

"It's fun to be able to do this type of things. I try to give (each child) some basics: bedding, sheets, towels, cute clothing, usually a holiday outfit," volunteer and donor Amy Smith said.

Angel Lopez, a mother of three from White Lake, says this holiday tradition helped her tremendously, especially after her daughter was born.

"They provided a lot of things for me to take care of her. It was blessing," Lopez said. "I wouldn't have been able to provide a Christmas for my children if I wasn't involved in this program."

Last year, thousands of gifts were donated, including clothing, winter coats, bedding, cleaning supplies, toiletries, toys, games, bicycles, dolls, books, electronics and more.

"Part of the beauty of this is it's up to a family to decide how they do this. They can present these gifts to their kids from themselves," Clayton said. "This is about how we can help families feel proud and not feel ashamed that they need help and yet still provide an amazing holiday season."

Donors who came by say they enjoy being part of tradition that's all about giving back.

"My wife is actually the one that started doing this. We've been doing this the last four, five years. It's a great, great thing. Great organization, and we love helping," said John Dannunzio of Birmingham.

Families will be able to pick up their gifts Wednesday through Friday this week at the Oakland Family Services located in Pontiac.

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.

Troy residents rejected a $137 million bond proposal last month, with 55% of voters saying no to a comprehensive infrastructure package that would have funded a new library, road improvements, and public safety upgrades.

Watch Jolie Sherman's video report: What's next in Troy after bond proposal fails?

The defeated proposal included $75 million for a new three-story library, $35 million for street improvements on roads like Coolidge Highway and Wattles Road, $17 million for parks and recreation improvements, and $10 million for upgraded fire trucks and new police body cameras.

"I voted yes. I'm a frequent user of the library. I felt it was time the library needed an upgrade," said Richard Leary, a Troy resident. "And all the services that were part of that bond proposal were pretty necessary for the city."

However, other residents felt the proposal was too broad or expensive.

"I voted no because I thought the proposal was too generalized. I think if they would have eliminated maybe everything except the library, I might have voted differently," said Carol Lebioda.

Mayor Ethan Baker defended the bundled approach, saying the city has multiple capital needs that required attention.

"I stand by my position that the bundling aspect fundamentally was correct from the standpoint that we have a large group of capital needs, and the library was part of those needs," Baker said.

Despite the bond's failure, the city plans to move forward with priority items using existing funds. Police body cameras have already been purchased using tax dollars that could have been allocated to other community projects.

I think the issue really becomes what projects will take priority, how do we piecemeal some of those road projects together, and thats what were faced with. As opposed to doing the entire Wattles Road or entire Coolidge Highway...were going to have to take that band-aid approach, and do a little bit at a time, which is not as efficient, it's going to cost more money, and be more of an inconvenience for residents," Baker said.

For the library, city officials are considering scaling back and investing in renovations instead of new construction.

"The library is something that needs to be addressed. I stand by the fact that we are continuing to put a lot of money into a building that will continue to fail at this point," Baker said.

Some residents who voted against the bond remain hopeful the city will find alternative solutions.

"This was definitely a high price tag, but if you bundle it correctly, it might resonate among people," said Gurminder Singh, a 17-year Troy resident.

City leaders plan to meet in mid-January to discuss the vote results and determine next steps for addressing Troy's infrastructure needs.

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.

Dozens of residents at the Leland House Apartments in downtown Detroit received temporary relief Thursday when a federal judge approved the financing needed to keep the building operating.

"A relief, a big relief," said William Clark, a resident of 10 years at the Leland. "I can go to work now because I haven't been able to work all week trying to find a place."

Watch Jolie Sherman's video report below: Relief for tenants amid bankruptcy

Last month, the former 20-story hotel that's now used as apartments, filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy. This required them to pay a utility deposit of $43,000 to DTE Energy by Dec. 3.

Shortly before the deadline, however, their lender fell through and a request for a one-week extension was denied. That same day, residents were told they had to move out due to concerns that DTE Energy would cut off electricity.

But late Tuesday afternoon, the Leland found a new lender, which a bankruptcy judge had to approve. On Thursday, a judge ordered the Leland to pay $57,120 to DTE by Monday, Dec. 8.

Previous coverage: Detroit apartment residents may avoid eviction after last-minute financing deal Detroit apartment residents may avoid eviction after last-minute financing deal

Nathan Resnick, the attorney representing the apartment complex, said the deposit amount increased after DTE agreed to giving the Leland a one-day extension.

If the payment isn't made by Dec. 8, the judge said DTE must file a motion with the court, which would give residents more time if they have to move out.

The judge also approved a financing arrangement of more than $400,000, what Resnick says is needed now until Jan. 15 to pay for DTE, repairs and payroll.

Several tenants attended Thursday's bankruptcy hearing to learn what would happen to the building they call home. Resnick said he was pleased with the outcome.

"To pull this together so fast and also have the judge approve it today, again, was nothing short of a miracle in the time frame allowed, but principally to make sure the residents can stay in their apartments, stay warm it's bitter cold today I think the judge understood that," Resnick said.

DTE Energy said they notified residents in September and October that service may be disconnected on or after Nov. 4. The utility company provided this statement:

"We care about the well-being of Leland House tenants and recognize the challenges this situation is creating. We continue to partner with the City of Detroit to ensure residents remain safe. We are also committed to complying with all court orders throughout the bankruptcy proceedings."

Clark said the temporary reprieve gives him time to find alternative housing while keeping his current home.

"I feel a lot better that I have a place to stay until I get another place. But I am moving forward and I'm going to continue trying to find another place. Definitely glad to be back to work," Clark said.

One tenant asked the judge directly whether she should move and the judge encouraged her to do so. The city says they are continuing to help residents find alternative housing.

The Leland House is scheduled to return to court on Jan. 12.

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.

Efforts are underway to save a beloved community center in Birmingham that has served residents for decades with various activities and programs.

Watch Jolie Sherman's video report: New efforts to save The Community House in Birmingham

The Community House, which went up for sale last month and announced operations would conclude on June 30, 2026, now faces a legal challenge from the city of Birmingham.

The city filed a lawsuit on Friday, November 25, claiming that the sale of The Community House violates its deed restrictions, which require the building to operate as a community center.

"It was just this hub of activity, and even if you didn't do anything there, it was there," said Mary Ryan Taras, a Birmingham resident.

Taras is a longtime Birmingham resident who has lived in the city for more than 50 years and has fond memories of The Community House.

"It just was a central piece of downtown Birmingham," Taras said.

Next year, The Community House will become the Birmingham Area Community Foundation, focused on grant-making and supporting local nonprofits.

PREVIOUS STORY: Historic Birmingham Community House to close, leaving events and childcare in limbo The Community House closing in Birmingham

"Our commitment is to our founding purpose of a nonprofit organization, which is to get back to those in need, and it's not sustainable for us to maintain this building any longer," said Alison Gaudreau, president of The Community House Association. "We've encouraged the city to follow the same process that we've asked of any of the other interested parties to let us know if they're interested in making an offer, with their intended use for the building, would be, and frankly, they responded by filing a lawsuit."

Birmingham Mayor Clinton Baller declined a request for an interview but confirmed the city is seeking "declaratory and injunctive relief" to enforce the property's 1930 deed of trust, along with a 1989 order by Oakland County Probate Court, which requires the property to be held exclusively as a community center.

The city also filed a temporary restraining order (TRO) to prohibit The Community House from making a sale.

"I think there's some assumptions that have been made about what will happen to the building. I hear people say things like it'll be torn down, and condos will be built, and nothing could be further from the truth," Gaudreau said.

She says their attorneys are looking through the city's complaint.

"We will not sell it to somebody that has that intent, so we are only talking to charitable organizations, nonprofit organizations whose intent is to maintain the building for community use," Gaudreau said.

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

Today is Cyber Monday, a day packed with online deals and discounts. As you fill up your virtual shopping cart this holiday season, you may notice something: the price of items seem to constantly change.

Watch Jolie's story in the video player below MSU professor explains dynamic pricing on Cyber Monday

You may have experienced dynamic pricing before with airline tickets, hotels, and rideshare services; the price constantly changes.

"You can check one minute, and it's one price and two more minutes, and it's $20 more," said Eric Mitchell.

Online businesses like Amazon and Wayfair are doing this, too, adjusting their prices more frequently with the help of artificial intelligence.

Essentially, you can think of AI agents serving as essentially other data analysts, who are making these somewhat algorithmic decisions of essentially monitoring how different products are performing, and making these price adjustments on the fly," said Jason Miller, a Supply Chain Management Professor at Michigan State University.

Miller said dynamic pricing is based on a number of factors, including prior sales, inventory levels, and how competitors are pricing the product.

In a weak demand environment, in many instances, consumers will benefit if the retailer you're shopping at is saying, 'ok, wait, are they looking elsewhere, that elsewhere is right now charging 4% less than us, we may lose the sale, we need to lower our prices', versus, again, in a demand environment that's much strongerwhere algorithms like this may result in prices rising even more rapidly than you would otherwise expect," Miller said.

But these constantly changing costs are difficult for Tracy Burks, who works for an insurance company based in Southfield and prices thousands of items a day for clients that have lost their homes in disasters.

Every single little thing in your home. Im pricing everything, Im looking at everything," she said. "Its what I do all day long, and yeah, its always changing."

With holiday shopping in full swing, here are a few strategies for when to buy:

Use tools like price trackers to set price alerts. Keep items in your shopping cart for a few days. Retailers might actually lower the price of those items. Stores may also adjust prices based on your location, so try changing the zip code to see if prices differ.

Shoppers we spoke to say AI-powered prices are frustrating, especially after hearing that algorithms can adjust prices based on your purchase history.

"Maybe we need to start working with brick and mortars, at least there your price is not going to change by a blink of an eye, by some algorithm, by some AI," said Canton resident Devankar Mukhi.

It feels like it's unethical in a way because it kind of takes advantage of the customer," said West Bloomfield resident Roseann Karana.

Miller said it's safe to assume the item you're eyeing is dynamically priced.

Id say it's just the world that we live in, that we can adjust pricing quite quickly compared to 20-25 years ago, where it was just a different, you know, different availability of data," he said.

Where Your Voice Matters

Two Jewish Vietnam War veterans are being honored this Veterans Day not only for their military service, but for an extraordinary friendship that has lasted 75 years and counting.

Watch Jolie Sherman's video report: 75-Year Friendship: Vietnam Veteran Doctors Share Incredible Bond

Dr. Paul Gold and Dr. Joel Leib have shared nearly every chapter of their lives together from middle school through medical school, military service in Vietnam, and a 50-year medical practice partnership.

"We were like brothers in sense," Gold said.

The lifelong friends met in middle school, went to high school together, and continued their education at Wayne State University. Both were also accepted into the osteopathic medicine program in Des Moines, Iowa.

"We had the same experiences over a lifetime, and that tends to make you close," Leib said.

In their mid-20s, both newly married and fresh out of medical school with Leib a first-time father they were drafted to serve in Vietnam.

"I got a notice in the mail, halfway through my internship, that said San Francisco on the outside, so I knew immediately what it was," Leib said.

While their shared experiences continued in Vietnam, their military assignments differed.

Gold, a Purple Heart and Silver Star recipient, served as a combat physician, stationed two miles behind every mission, while Leib worked as a radiologist, oversaw a hospital of six beds, and often treated patients with malaria and shrapnel wounds.

The friends saw each other every couple of months during their deployment. When they did reunite, it was as if no time had passed.

Leib recalled one memorable encounter: "One day I was reading a comic book a Superman comic book and I hear this noise outside, grinding."

Gold had arrived in a military vehicle. "We pulled the track up to Joel's door, and we beeped the horn real loud," he said.

"I said, Are we being raided? So, I go out, and I see this tank with the point aiming at me, and I see this guy full of dirt and mud and bullets across his chest and an M16, and I looked at him and said, 'Paul, is that you?' He said, Yeah, it's me, don't you know there's war on?" Leib said.

Their bond remained unshakeable after the war. They say the experience enhanced their medical skills when they returned to civilian practice.

"It was like spending a whole year in the emergency room, so it added to my great knowledge when Joel and I went back into practice a year and a half later," Gold said.

The two opened a family medicine practice in Waterford and worked together for 50 years. Their Vietnam service not only made them better doctors, but they say better people and friends.

"I look at it as an experience that made me appreciate life more, and appreciate the things that I have and that my family has more," Leib said.

Gold called his Vietnam service "the most fulfilling year of my life." Their friendship continues to flourish decades later.

"He was a good friend then and a good friend nowand he'll be my friend for the rest of my life," Leib said.

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

A 15-year-old Carleton high school football player is recovering from a rare, life-threatening kidney injury after a tackle during a game last month, and it was the opposing team's athletic trainer who likely saved his life.

Watch Jolie Sherman's video report: Teen recovering from near-death experience on the football field

The injury occurred when Brayden McClish, a running back for Airport High School's JV football team, came down on the ball, and another player landed on top of him, causing internal bleeding during a game on October 23.

"I just remember I was hyped going into the gameand I remember I was running the ball over and over and over. I had so much adrenaline," McClish said. "I just remember seeing him grab my jersey, seeing the ground, and me not getting back up."

Landon Lalonde, Avondale High School's athletic trainer, quickly recognized the severity of McClish's condition and took immediate action.

"So he kind of had two people's weight come down on top of the ball, and he was having pain in his abdomen and ribs on the left side," Lalonde said.

Lalonde evaluated McClish and immediately identified signs of internal bleeding, rushing him to get medical attention.

"We got Brayden onto the cart, took him around to the visitor's side, and told his mom, 'He has to go to the hospital right now, it cannot wait,'" Lalonde said.

The quick response proved crucial. Medical professionals told McClish that arriving 20 minutes later could have been fatal.

According to his kidney doctor, the injury is extremely rare. Out of thousands of children across the county, doctors typically see only about five similar cases per year.

"It was probably the scariest thing I've ever been through in my whole entire life. Thinking that your child could possibly not be here," said Ashley McClish, Brayden's mother.

Currently, one of McClish's kidneys is functioning normally while the other is operating at 25% capacity. His parents say the community's support has been overwhelming during this difficult time.

"We would be able to get through it without them. The phone calls, the texts, the messages, the all of it, the visits. They've just been so supportive. I mean, people that we aren't even close to, reaching out to say, 'If you need anything, we're here.' It's just very touching," said Jeff McClish, Brayden's father.

Despite the severity of his injury, the young athlete remains determined to return to the sport he loves.

"Oh yes, I see myself playing again. Give me that year to recover, and I'll be back on that field," McClish said.

Football continues to provide comfort during his recovery.

"And I've been falling asleep with my football...It's like my little teddy bear. It's my little teddy bear, I just hold it," McClish said.

After two weeks in the hospital, McClish is expected to return home this weekend. His parents say a full recovery could take up to a year, but they're grateful he's healing and heading home.

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.

Birmingham's iconic Community House, a century-old institution, will close its doors next year as it transitions to become the Birmingham Area Community Foundation. The change has left families and brides scrambling to find alternatives.

Watch Jolie's story in the video player below: The Community House closing in Birmingham

The Community House announced operations at the building will conclude on June 30, 2026, canceling all scheduled events after that date, including weddings and childcare services.

"I mean, it's like super upsetting," said Emily Goldvekht, who had recently booked her wedding at the venue for Labor Day Weekend 2026.

Goldvekht had just put down a deposit of around $2,000 last week when she received an unexpected email announcing the closure.

"It came at a complete shock. I got an email yesterday, like mid-morning, just stating 'Dear Valued Customer'. It wasn't even a phone call or, 'Hi, Emily. We're super sorry,'" Goldvekht said.

The email informed customers that "The Community House will be evolving to become the Birmingham Area Community Foundation...As part of this transition, operations at our building at 380 S. Bates will conclude on June 30, 2026. All events scheduled to take place after June 30, 2026, will be canceled."

The sudden announcement has created significant challenges for those who had made plans at the venue.

"We are hoping to still have that date, but we have family from out of the country that booked travel, we printed our save the dates, we've spent a lot of money. Literally this week, we were about to put down almost $20,000 for outside catering, which is insane that it costs that much to feed people, but it does," Goldvekht said.

The Community House confirmed that 10 events will be impacted after the June closure date, and all deposits will be fully refunded.

In a statement, they said: "We've made the decision to evolve The Community House thoughtfully and with careful consideration. While we know some individuals, families and patrons will be impacted we are sharing this news now to provide ample time to explore other options and make any alternative arrangements."

The Community House will become The Birmingham Area Community Foundation with a focus on supporting non-profits providing scholarships for students, and a large physical space is no longer required. The site will officially close on July 1, 2026 and the new owners, yet to be determined, will decide what's next for the space.

The transition will also affect the Early Childhood Center, which will complete its current session, which concludes in May 2026, impacting families who depend on the childcare service.

"We heard this morning that they're actually closing, and now we have to find somewhere for our 4-month-old in the spring," said Agata Bodie, a Birmingham resident.

Bodie said she had waited five months to secure a spot for her daughter, who just started in the program on Tuesday, only to learn about the upcoming closure.

Despite the disappointment, those affected are trying to remain optimistic.

"Yeah, we're pretty upset, but we'll figure it out, and we're looking pretty positive at it," Goldvekht said.

The Birmingham Area Community Foundation will host a series of discussions about the transition. Those are scheduled on the following dates and registration is required.

Wednesday, Dec. 10: 1 - 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 10: 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 11: 8:30 - 10:00 a.m.

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

A 15-year-old Life Scout from Troy is making history while working toward one of scouting's highest honors.

Anson Pingree built an 1830s-style bread oven for Troy's Historic Village as part of his Eagle Scout project, creating a functional piece of history that will serve the community for years to come.

Watch Jolie Sherman's video report below: Teen builds historic bread oven for Troy's Historic Village as Eagle Scout project

"It's cool. It's like I built a little piece of history and it gets to stay here for as long as the village exists," Pingree said.

The ambitious teen wanted his Eagle Scout project to leave a lasting impression.

"I didn't want anything small. I wanted it to be long lasting and show people in the future how I was as a scout and a person," Pingree said.

The historic bread oven fulfills a long-held vision for the village's youth programs.

"It's really, really exciting for us," said Alex Konieczny, Troy's Historic Village youth program director. "I've had this vision of having a bread oven for baking bread and things like that."

Pingree began construction in July and spent four months building the oven from the ground up. His father, Dan Pingree, supported him throughout the project, continuing a family tradition of Eagle Scouts.

"I was a Boy Scout and Eagle Scout. My father was an Eagle Scout, and my grandfather was an Eagle Scout," Dan Pingree said.

The $1,300 project was funded through donations from family and friends. On Saturday, the oven was fired for the first time during a bread baking class at the village.

Jeff Pavlik, a historian and bread baking instructor dressed in 1830s-style clothing, taught participants using authentic period recipes.

"They're going to get their hands involved in history. They'll get to see how the yeast was made and how the yeast was utilized, the process and the techniques," Pavlik said.

Pavlik, also an Eagle Scout, helped with the oven project that will significantly support the village's operations.

"Being able to do programs like this, this is how we operate, this is how we stay open and serve the community and it lets us keep doing more and more cool stuff," Konieczny said.

Pingree hopes to complete his Eagle Scout Board of Review by the end of the year.

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

A Madison Heights family is taking Halloween decorations to the next level with their elaborate skeleton displays that change every single day throughout October.

Ryan McDonald has been creating these unique displays since 2020, each inspired by movie scenes and funny scenarios that delight neighbors and passersby.

Watch Jolie Sherman's video report below: Madison Heights family creates new Halloween displays daily throughout October

"I do a lot of planning, I buy a lot of stuff on clearance, I buy a lot of zip ties," McDonald said.

What began as a simple display has evolved into a neighborhood attraction. McDonald's Halloween tradition started with just four small skeletons arranged around a bonfire.

"We had a lot of people just come by and really like it, and one person, I don't remember who it was, asked 'What are they going to be doing tomorrow?' And from that point forward, every year throughout the month of October, I change the scenes every single day," McDonald said.

The displays feature meticulous attention to detail, with McDonald recreating famous movie scenes and playful scenarios.

"I've done in the past, "Dirty Dancing" and "Ghost." I did "Titanic," people really loved "Titanic." I did a duck-duck-goose one, which I thought was kind of cute," McDonald said.

McDonald maintains a spreadsheet of ideas rather than sketching his concepts. He builds each display from scratch, and on Halloween night transforms his backyard into a graveyard.

"Typically, my Halloween scenes are my cemetery scenes, so we're going to have this guy here coming out of the ground," McDonald said.

Neighbor Pati Ciofusmith believes more people should know about McDonald's creative displays.

"This is a small town and more people need to see the energy and creativity that he put into this... Somebody besides us needs to know what's happening over here," Ciofusmith said.

For McDonald, the joy comes from both the creative process and the community's reaction.

"I like that everybody likes it... it's fun to see the reactions from neighbors," McDonald said.

What started as Halloween fun has become a cherished tradition for McDonald and his family.

"You know, it's fun for me to do with my family, my kids and keeps the creative juices flowing," McDonald said.

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