A Macomb County judge ordered an independent psychiatric evaluation for a man accused of attempting to kidnap two children in separate incidents after his defense team entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity.

Watch Faraz Javed's video report: Mental health battle amid kidnap case

Judge Matthew Sabaugh ordered 24-year-old Endi Bala to undergo the evaluation during Wednesday's hearing at Macomb County Circuit Court. Family members of the victims, who say they have been demanding a second evaluation for months, packed the courtroom and expressed their frustration.

"I'm pleased that the judge heard our battle cry," Alecia Swejkoski said after the court session ended.

Related Story: Teen recalls encounter with attempted kidnapping suspect I started flailing.' Teen recalls encounter with attempted kidnapping suspect

The case stems from October 2024 incidents in which Bala allegedly tried to kidnap two girls in separate communities. In the first incident in Clinton Township, prosecutors say Bala targeted a 15-year-old walking near her home. Days later in Sterling Heights, police say Bala attempted to abduct a 7-year-old while running over Swejkoski's 8-year-old son as Swejkoski tried to stop the abduction.

"Not alleged. She was in his car and almost got away. He was going to take her had I not fought like hell to get her out of that car and had people not stopped and blocked his car," Swejkoski said.

Good Samaritan Scott Van Luven, who helped stop the Sterling Heights incident, was also present in court.

Extended interview: 'I just couldn't believe it.' Man helps thwart kidnapping attempt EXTENDED INTERVIEW: 'I just couldn't believe it.' Man helps thwart kidnapping attempt

"I'm having a tough time. I mean, I go by that park every day, twice a day, back and forth to work, and I can see everything happening all over again," Van Luven said.

The 15-year-old's grandmother, Lori Demars, and the 7-year-old's mother, Coryne Childers, also attended the hearing.

When asked what justice looks like, Demars said if Bala is mentally insane, "Justice to me is, then plead guilty. So it's on your record."

"Keep him locked up the rest of his life. I mean, my daughter, she has to, you know, her innocence was stolen. She has to deal with that every day," Childers said.

Swejkoski expressed frustration with the legal process, saying she feels exhausted and "like I'm on trial."

Related story: Family recounts terror when man grabbed 7-year-old in Sterling Heights Family recounts terror when man grabbed 7-year-old in Sterling Heights

The family members say they have repeatedly contacted the prosecutor's office requesting a second evaluation for Bala and case updates. Prosecutor Pete Lucido addressed their concerns directly.

"If they found that he was culpable, we would have been setting trial dates and having witnesses go forward. But because he's not culpable, according to the expert, I can't go against my own expert and prepare to go to trial on a case when my rules of professional responsibility and my ethics rules as a prosecutor tell me I can't," Lucido said.

Lucido added that anyone can contact his office, stating he has not received calls from anyone involved in this case.

The independent mental health evaluation is expected to be completed within 90 days. Bala is scheduled to return to court on March 20.

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.

Lauren Dybowski thought she knew everything about her 9-year-old Husky mix, Remy. The pair had spent nearly a decade together hiking, paddle-boarding, and exploring Michigan. She even has a tattoo of his face on her leg.

Watch Faraz's story in the video player below Michigan vet says many pet owners don't realize furry friends can get intoxicated by cannabis

But one night at a friend's house changed everything when Remy gobbled up cannabis ashes from a spilled ashtray.

"He is my first dog ever. He spent the past 9 years with me, and we have many, many more years together. He is very special to me," Dybowski said.

What seemed harmless at first became a medical emergency by morning. Remy was motionless, lying in his own urine and unable to walk.

"It was very scary. I called my friend, and I was like, 'is there anything I should know about that is in that ashtray?' And she said, 'No, its just from my joint and things. And there is nothing to worry about.' And there is nothing that would cause him real harm," Dybowski said.

But it did cause harm. In 2024, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center handled over 450,000 intoxication cases, up 4 percent from 2023. Recreational drug exposures, especially marijuana and hallucinogenic mushrooms, remained a growing concern.

Dybowski rushed Remy to emergency veterinarian Caleigh Griffin, who has seen more of these cases since marijuana became legal in Michigan.

"Typically, the signs people are going to see at home, they become depressed, they walk like they are drunk," Griffin said.

The symptoms affect both cats and dogs similarly, but Griffin sees cases more often in dogs.

"Cats typically don't get into chocolates or plants, or ash trays. Dogs are much more curious," Griffin said.

The Pet Poison Helpline warns that edibles can be worse than plant material because they often contain chocolate or xylitol, which are deadly to dogs even in small doses.

Griffin said veterinarians use the same drug tests on pets as they do on humans, through urine samples. She has also treated pets for cocaine and methamphetamine exposure.

"Usually with cocaine, we can either see very depressed or very agitated," Griffin said.

While marijuana itself is not typically dangerous to pets, complications can arise when animals are not in a neurologically sound state of mind.

"Since they are not in a neurologically right state of mind, if they vomit and aspirate it and get pneumonia, that could compromise them. But usually the marijuana is not unless they get into amounts of it that they become comatose," Griffin said.

Like most intoxicated pets, Remy recovered within 24 hours. Griffin recommends keeping affected pets away from stairs and furniture to prevent falls during recovery.

Dybowski's takeaway is simple: secure anything that could harm pets, including ashtrays, wrappers, and half-eaten edibles.

"No, I did not, I never expected him to be so intensely out of it," Dybowski said when asked if she knew pets could become intoxicated from drugs.

Veterinarians recommend calling your regular vet when in doubt or reaching out to an emergency veterinary clinic if your regular vet is unavailable.

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.

In downtown Rochester, one local marketplace is buzzing with creativity, community, and causes.

The building was built in the 1890s. One of the originals, by the way. It's got a specialty store called the Bizzy Buzz Artisanal Market.

Watch Faraz's report in the video player below Creativity and community take center stage at Rochester's Bizzy Buzz Artisan Market

From handmade jewelry to vibrant paintings, every shelf here is bursting with colors and customization options. Pamela Walther calls herself the VIP owner of Bizzy Buzz, which opened in 2018.

"It's all local artists. We've got about 100 artists. It's all their product, so they are constantly bringing in new things every day," Walther said.

Besides having a platform to showcase products, vendors here also highlight their stories.

"Over here we've got from our blooming artists, these are all 18 and under kids, jewelry and roses made from recycled pop cans. And we've got all the 3D printed stuff. We've got all the superhero characters," Walther said.

There are also non-profit brands that give back to the community. Grace Serra-Boldman started Worthy Turtle back in 2023.

"We've given six scholarships. The profits that we make are all rolled back into the mission," Serra-Boldman said.

"One of the beauties of Worthy Turtle is that you have inspiring and uplifting messages, which is right here, I believe in you is one," I mentioned.

"I believe in you. Be the gift. I have, just keep going. It's possible. For the holidays, all I want for Christmas is more love for you, me, and every living thing," she replied.

For Grace, this is deeply personal.

"I have a daughter who has these kinds of disabilities. She has a hand that she kind of holds like this. And in OT, she would always call it my turtle hand. And I have to use my turtle hand. And this is-- and so we thought, that's really been like a metaphor for her. And this idea of worthiness, of course, belongs to all human beings. We're all worthy," Serra-Boldman said.

Just like Worthy Turtle, there are several other brands here on a similar mission, like The Workplace Program, a non-profit organization that employs persons with disabilities.

"So they make all these cards and they're super fun and super cute," Walther said. "Whenever you purchase one of these key chains, you're also helping dogs that have health issues."

I asked Walther what it means to vendors, to have a space like this.

"You know, there's not a lot of places for them to get their stuff out there to the general public," she replied.

"Pam, you own this entire building. You could have easily leased the space to a big store or whatever, but you chose not to. Instead, you opened Busy Buzz. Why?" I followed up with.

"Yeah, you're gonna make me cry," Walther said through tears. "It would be a lot easier to just rent it out, but I don't want to do that. I want this to be a place for the community. I want this to be a place for the artists. We've seen a lot of artist markets close down. We've seen a lot of the big-box stores close. You know, we've seen a lot of small businesses close. So I just hope that people, you know, come out and support their small businesses, because, you know, we need you guys."

If you would like to apply to be a vendor at Bizzy Buzz, you can do that at this link.

Where Your Voice Matters

Ford Motor Company has officially moved into its new state-of-the-art world headquarters in Dearborn, marking the end of a 70-year era at the legendary "Glass House." The massive 2.1-million-square-foot campus is twice the size of its predecessor and designed to drive the next century of automotive innovation.

Watch Faraz's report in the video player below Inside Ford's new $1.2 billion headquarters, a move after 70 years in iconic Glass House See video inside the new headquarters in the player below: Inside Ford's new $1.2 billion headquarters, a move after 70 years in iconic Glass House Web Extra: Watch our full interview with Executive Chair Bill Ford on the new headquarters Full interview with Bill Ford on the new headquarters being opened

The new facility unites engineering, design and technology teams under one roof for the first time, creating what Ford executives call a more collaborative and employee-friendly workspace.

"This building is preparing us for the next 100 years of work. So it's an incredibly progressive future-focused model," said Jennifer Kolstad, Ford's Global Design and Brand Director.

Related Video: Ford announces move to new headquarters, Glass House to be demolished Ford announces move to new headquarters, Glass House to be demolished

Planning for the headquarters began in 2017, with construction starting three and a half years ago. The campus was built on the historic site of Ford's 1953 Product Development Center, where automotive icons like the Mustang and F-150 were first imagined.

Jim Dobleske, Chair and CEO of Ford Land, emphasized the intentional focus on natural lighting and walkability throughout the facility.

"You'll have marketing, sales, and service sitting next to finance, sitting next to engineers, sitting next to designers, all sitting next to the product, where before those individuals would have been in different unique buildings," Dobleske said.

The campus features significant upgrades from the Glass House, including a massive jump from a 70,000-square-foot lobby and caf to a 160,000-square-foot food hall led by Executive Chef Grant Vella. The facility also offers 12 acres of green space, five courtyards, wellness areas and shared workspaces designed for all 4,000 employees expected onsite by 2027.

The new layout is designed for efficiency, reducing material movement time by over 80%. Additionally, 14,000 employees will now be within a 15-minute walk of each other, a proximity Ford believes will accelerate innovation.

Kolstad noted the campus represents Ford's commitment to the Detroit community.

"Before, we were in the center of a large lot and it felt like we were at a distance, but now we're an integrated part of the community. And as you know, the Fords love the city of Detroit. And I think that this building tells that message clearly," Kolstad 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.

The Hamtramck city clerk has been placed on administrative leave following accusations of election interference, just days after a mayoral race was decided by only 11 votes.

A source within the city confirmed Monday that City Clerk Rana Faraj was put on administrative leave after being accused of meddling with last week's election. Faraj previously voiced concerns about alleged voter fraud in past city elections and wrote a letter to the attorney general's office pushing for an investigation.

Watch Faraz Javed's video report below: Hamtramck city clerk under fire amid uncounted ballots Watch Kiara Hay's report from Wednesday morning Hamtramck city clerk placed on leave amid election dispute allegations

The controversy centers around 37 absentee ballots that were allegedly found in the city clerk's office after the election.

"There's 37 other ballots that needs to be counted that came out of nowhere," mayoral candidate Adam Alharbi said.

Alharbi and his attorney Nabih Ayad also claim at least one unauthorized person accessed the office during voting, raising questions about uncounted ballots.

"That is a concern because we don't know where they came from and I don't think they should be counted," Alharbi said.

According to unofficial results, voters in Hamtramck elected the political newcomer over his opponent, City Councilman Muhith Mahmood, by just 11 votes.

"The entire election is a concern," Alharbi said.

Related video: Hamtramck mayoral race razor thin; rejected absentee ballots could determine outcome Hamtramck mayor race comes down to absentee ballots that need to be corrected

The Yemeni American candidate and his attorney have filed a lawsuit against the city of Hamtramck, its clerk, Wayne County and Mahmood.

"His opponent signed an affidavit saying he lives in the city of Hamtramck. And come to find out, the investigator's report revealed that he does not live in Hamtramck. He's been living in Troy for seven years," Ayad said.

However, Mahmood disputes the residency allegations. The Bengali American says he's owned the Hamtramck property for about five years.

"I'm in a housing business. I have a house in Hamtramck, a house in Troy, a house in Center Line and one in Detroit," Mahmood said.

Mahmood said one reason for also living in Troy was so his daughter could attend school there. He denies any residency violation and insists that according to the clerk's office, the race still has hundreds of ballots left to certify.

"Next day when he finds out there's some ballots need to be counted or there's some issues, he sent me an email. Then if you don't challenge my winning, then I won't sue you. Otherwise, I'll find a lawsuit against him," Mahmood said.

When asked about concerns regarding the city clerk, Mahmood said it was concerning but declined to comment further while an investigation is ongoing.

Attorney Amir Makled, who recently settled a lawsuit with the city involving Hamtramck's former police chief, defended the clerk's character.

"The city clerk is someone I always found to be deeply ethical and hard working, and was very transparent and accountable throughout the entire time I've dealt with her," Makled said.

Makled said he is well aware of the city's politics.

"I've always found the council the one not always working in the best interest of the city," Makled said.

Ayad shared similar feelings and indicated the matter may escalate to federal authorities.

"We're making a complaint with the FBI to go ahead and the public corruption unit to investigate the city of Hamtramck and all the public corruption that's going on," Ayad said.

Calls to Faraj went unanswered. A source close to the matter says her leave is part of "due diligence" and only a full investigation will determine if any crime occurred.

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 routine traffic stop in Melvindale turned into a life-changing moment when a police officer helped deliver a baby on the side of the road in the early morning hours of Friday, November 7.

Watch Faraz's report in the video player below Longer web version: Melvindale police officer delivers baby during traffic stop with brother's help over radio

Just before 2 a.m., Melvindale Police Officer Al Hasan pulled over a speeding vehicle at Oakwood and Wood. The driver was rushing his wife, 45-year-old Maria, to the hospital as she was in active labor.

"My fear was something is going to happen to my girl or me," Maria said. She asked that her last name not be used.

Officer Hasan called for backup, and Corporal Mohamed Hacham quickly arrived at the scene. Hacham immediately recognized that time was running out.

"She is just breathing heavy, panicking," Hacham said.

The dispatcher made a critical decision to provide priority medical assistance over the radio, meaning Hacham would need to deliver the baby himself. With nearly three years on the job, this was Hacham's first delivery.

"I mean the training you receive at the academy, but it's not this," Hacham said.

The voice guiding Hacham through every step belonged to his younger brother at Dearborn Dispatch, which also handles 911 calls for Melvindale. Interim Melvindale Police Chief Chris Egan said the brothers are known as Moe and Joe.

"I need her on the back, and the center of the ground, and I will tell you exactly how to deliver the baby," the dispatcher instructed over the radio.

Body camera footage captured the intense moments as Hacham worked to help Maria, who was unable to get out of the vehicle due to her condition.

"Head is coming out, sir; stay calm," the dispatcher said.

When asked if he remained calm during the delivery, Hacham credited his brother's guidance.

"Hearing him, yes!" Hacham said.

Maria initially felt scared about the situation, but now feels grateful for the officer's help.

"At the time it happened, I was like 'no please, like why?!' But now that I think about it, thank God he helped us," Maria said.

As the baby was successfully delivered, Hacham's first words were a blessing in Arabic: 'Bismillah Ur Rehman Ur Raheem', which means "In the name of God, the most gracious, the most merciful."

"As an Arab American, a Muslim American, I only know one way to welcome a new life into this world. Plus, what's better than hearing a blessing from God," Hacham said.

Chief Egan noted that Maria, a devout Catholic, also saw divine intervention in the moment.

"Maria said the same thing. She is a devout Catholic, and she said, he was a gift from God," Egan said.

The experience changed Maria's perspective on police officers.

"For me, when you see a police officer, you always think it's something bad. But this time it was something good. They were very respectful. I remember one of the officers saying to block the view," Maria said.

This marks the second time Hacham has been involved in a life-saving situation. In 2023, while off duty, he saved a 3-year-old toddler from choking after hearing the call over the radio.

Related: Watch the story from 2023 Off-duty police officer jumps into action to save a neighbor's choking child

Both Maria and her daughter, Galilea, are now home and healthy. Maria said the parking lot at Oakwood and Wood will always remind her that miracles happen.

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.

Signs along Michigan Avenue in Saline Township tell the story of a community split down the middle over a proposed massive data center project. While some residents welcome the development, others are fighting to stop it entirely.

The controversy has intensified as DTE Energy asks state regulators to skip public hearings and fast-track approval for what would be one of Michigan's largest hyperscale data centers. The project is backed by Related Companies, Oracle and OpenAI, with DTE providing the power infrastructure.

Watch Faraz Javed's video report below: Data center divides Saline Township as DTE seeks to bypass public hearings

Preston Dyer, a Marine veteran who moved to Saline Township in 2018 seeking peace and quiet, said he's "100% against" the data center planned for land directly behind his property.

"At first, yes, and right now still, but I don't think it's going to stay that way long if they put this center in," Dyer said about finding the serenity he sought when he relocated with his wife and two dogs.

Dyer cited noise pollution from the construction and light pollution from parking areas as major issues. His biggest frustration centers on DTE's request to bypass public hearings.

"I think there should be some kind of hearing on it," Dyer said.

DTE defended its approach in a statement, saying the data center "needs to get shovels in the ground by the beginning of the new year."

"The benefits to our customers, the community, and the state can only come if we proceed quickly," a DTE spokesperson said in a statement. "Given the sizable affordability benefits for our customers, as well as the economic impact the project will have, we think moving forward in this fashion makes sense."

Not all residents oppose the project. Jeff Quick, another Saline Township resident, supports the data center despite having concerns about water usage.

"I don't think the data center is the worst thing that you could have," Quick said. "Jobs it would provide are fine."

According to Related Digital's website, the project promises significant economic benefits including more than 2,500 construction jobs, at least $1.6 million in annual tax revenue through 2039, $8 million for area schools and $2 million to establish a Community Investment Fund.

DTE says the data center will contribute more than $300 million to the electric system, helping finance investments to improve reliability by 30% and cut outage time in half by 2029. The utility company argues that adding large customers helps spread fixed costs more widely, driving greater affordability for all DTE customers.

The Michigan Public Service Commission, which has authority to approve DTE's request to bypass public hearings, declined an interview but noted that "a request for an ex parte hearing is not unusual."

For opponents like Dyer, the potential approval raises concerns about property values and quality of life. When asked what would happen if the data center moves forward, he said he might try to sell his home and move away.

"Property values go down with it here," Dyer 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 mother of four from Holly has turned her small town into a movie set, creating a feature film that premieres this weekend while providing an economic boost to local businesses.

Loretta Bradfield, a Holly resident, wrote the script and produced "Heartbeat of a Drum Horse," a two-hour film starring a rare drum horse named BH Spectacular. The production transformed the village into Hollywood, proving that major studio backing isn't necessary to create a professional film.

Watch Faraz Javed's video report below: Holly mother turns small town into movie set for feature film debut

"He has a face for the camera. He is beautiful, he is talented when we first bought him, I knew there was something really special about him," Bradfield said about the star horse.

The film features 48 actors and includes scenes with barrel racers, mutton busting and drum horses from around the world. Drum horses are a rare breed, making the casting particularly unique.

"It's about breeding, raising baby horses. This movie is a lot about how the family rallied together to really get through a couple really rough times. And it has a lot of action, a lot of comedy and a lot of drama," Bradfield said.

Director Santiago Cirillo, a 15-year film industry veteran who also plays a minor role, praised the community's support for the production.

"Watching and seeing the neighborhood and the people in the community accepting us and helping us, supporting us, they opened the doors for us and especially to tell Loretta's story," Cirillo said.

The production involved 190 children from a local co-op who appeared as extras, creating massive sets with numerous moving parts to coordinate.

Actors Mary Rose Pasyk from Chicago and Tristan Welsh from Los Angeles found Holly's charm particularly appealing during filming.

"It's been great. I mean, it's beautiful out here. You're out in the open. I live in a suburban area, so I'm not used to all the trees and woods and everything, and it's been really nice," Pasyk said.

Welsh described Holly as feeling "like a movie" and praised the community's hospitality.

"It feels like homey. I'm going to miss the crew, community, the hospitality and I'm just going to miss, you know, the family. Because you always build a family when you show up on set," Welsh said.

The production has provided economic benefits to local businesses, demonstrating how filmmaking can boost small-town economies.

"I'm just some woman who lives in Holly, and I am a mom of four and I have a lot on my plate and somehow, I was able to pull this off," Bradfield said.

Welsh is encouraging others to pursue their dreams with proper support systems.

"Don't be afraid to chase your dreams. And I think a really important aspect of that is surrounding yourself with people who will support you and who will stand beside you while you do it," Welsh said.

The film is now playing in theaters.

To learn more about the movie head to heartbeatofadrumhorse.com.

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.