Two families are mourning after a shooting at Skinner Playfield near Denby High School in Detroit left a 4-year-old boy and an 18-year-old dead.

Samir Grubbs, 4, was shot and killed on Friday while at the park with his mother.

"Please, please put the guns down, it's so senseless, it doesn't make any sense," said Jasmine Grubbs, Samir's mother.

"It's so senseless, you took my baby from me," Grubbs said.

Grubbs says her son was full of life and was getting ready to start pre-K.

"Samir's smile lights up the room no matter where we went, everybody gravitating toward him," Grubbs said.

"He loved to go to church, loved to go to the park, that's his thing, he wanted to go to church," she added.

Two other people at the park were also shot a 17-year-old and 18-year-old Daviyon Shelmonson-Bey, who died from his injuries.

"He loved photography, he loved working on mini bikes, he self taught, he was just a very helpful little guy that's all I knew him for," said Joseph Shelmonson-Bey, Daviyon's father.

Joseph was told his son jumped in front of a bullet to save someone from being shot at the park.

"He reacted to protect somebody, something I probably would have did," Joseph said.

Both Joseph and Jasmine are calling for justice for their sons as police continue to look for the shooter.

"We need to speak up in our community to make it better... so we don't have to worry about our kids going through even more of this bloodshed in the community," Joseph said.

"You're taking children away from loving families, families that treat then right, families that care for them," Grubbs said.

Anyone with information that will help police find the person responsible for the shooting is asked to call Detroit Police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.

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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.

Starting July 1, parking in Hamtramck will be free as the city council voted not to renew its contract with Municipal Parking Services, the company that has operated the city's meters since 2021.

Watch Tiarra Braddock's video report: Hamtramck eliminates parking meters in hopes of boosting local business

"Just makes it easier for the customers, and a lot of the meters weren't working properly," said Dan Tatarian, owner of Showtime Clothing on Joseph Campau Avenue.

Tatarian believes free parking will be good for business throughout the city.

"It will bring a lot more people because a lot of people called me and said they're not coming in because of the tickets they were getting," Tatarian said.

Just down the street from Showtime Clothing is Joy Thrift store, where Hamtramck resident Ahmed Ashour works.

Ashour says the meters were confusing to many residents.

"A lot of our community, most of them probably just moved here or they don't speak the language very well, and so it's probably their first encounter with a meter," Ashour said.

The city council's decision means Hamtramck will lose approximately $200,000 in revenue when free parking begins next month.

"Obviously, free parking has its own challenges that the residents, the businesses and the city will have to deal with and we'll have to address the concerns and issues," said Aamir Ahsan, acting city manager for Hamtramck.

Despite the revenue loss, city officials hope the change will stimulate economic activity.

"We are hoping this will result in more business and more customers coming in," Ahsan said.

Tatarian shares that optimism, looking beyond just immediate customer traffic.

"I hope a lot of independent businesses come in," Tatarian said.

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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 company that owns Wayne Disposal Inc. landfill is seeking approval to take in more waste and expand operations, sparking concerns among local residents who oppose the plan.

Watch Ruta Ulcinaite's video report after a township meeting below: Residents raise concerns over potential landfill expansion in Van Buren Township

"We're saying no more expansion to Wayne Disposal. Enough is enough," said Chris Donley, a Van Buren Township resident.

Donley lives near the landfill and has been outspoken about it since August 2024, after learning that low-level radioactive waste from New York was coming to the facility.

Watch Tiarra Braddock's video report ahead of a township meeting below: Residents remain concerned about toxic waste as local landfill looks to expand

"There are facilities in this country that are perfectly capable of taking this waste that aren't situated in a 10-mile population of 365,000 people," Donley said.

He isn't the only resident expressing concerns about the landfill's expansion plans.

"One disturbing thing we learned is that more than 50 percent of the waste comes from out of state, out of the country," said Jeneen Rippey, another Van Buren Township resident.

Rippey says instead of moving away from Van Buren Township, she would rather fight against the landfill's expansion.

"I believe we can make the changes to make our community feel safe and manage through this," Rippey said.

Republic Services, which owns Wayne Disposal Inc., responded to residents' concerns in a statement:

In November 2021, Wayne Disposal, Inc. (WDI) requested a vertical expansion to fill in a low spot in the existing landfill footprint following the closure of a runway at the neighboring airport, which previously limited area based on the flight path of the runway. The requested vertical expansion will not increase landfill acreage or reduce greenspace. It will bring this section of the landfill in line with other areas and help ensure we maximize available capacity to meet demand for safe and responsible waste disposal. WDI has requested the ability to immobilize debris, such as lead-contaminated pipe, to address a growing need for this type of treatment. The proposed treatment process is currently being reviewed by EGLE. The highly engineered landfill is designed and constructed with redundant safety controls to ensure secure disposal. Existing inspection and monitoring of leak detection, leachate, soil, surface water and ambient air are effective and will continue.<i>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</i> We provide safe, responsible and essential waste disposal services for industries in Michigan and throughout the region. The facility is permitted and equipped to securely manage these waste streams, including TENORM from FUSRAP sites and other sources, and operates in compliance with all regulatory requirements.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy is reviewing WDI's application and also hosted an informational session with the EPA to explain to residents how the expansion process works.

"We really want to engage with the community and address their concerns. I don't want anyone scared for their family, their kids. This is what I do. I want them to feel safe in their homes," Christine Matlock with EGLE said.

Before the meeting took place at Wayne County Community College, a small picket formed with Donley, Rippey and other residents with Michigan Against Atomic Waste.

At the meeting, questions were answered by EGLE officials about the expansion, safety and environmental concerns.

EGLE will be holding a formal public comment hearing about the landfill expansion at a later date. They say a decision about the expansion will not be made until at least late summer of this 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.

The family who was living in the house that was reportedly struck by lightning in Farmington Hills Wednesday night has been living there for more than 30 years.

Its so hard for me to see it like that now. Its really heartbreaking, Courtney Walton of Farmington Hills said.

Walton was in tears as she talked about her parents' home that caught on fire after the reported lightning strike.

They said it sounded like a bomb went off and my parents got up at 11, 11:30 (at night) and said they smelled smoke right away, Walton said.

According to officials, firefighters were told to exit the house after the roof began to collapse.

Once the fire was under control, crews were sent back in to fully extinguish the flames.

Watch our previous report about the house fire below: Lightning reportedly strikes Farmington Hills home causing fire

Thankfully, my parents got out and no one was hurt, but the house is all full of memories and its just sad to see the way it is now, Walton said.

Walton says her parents bought the home in the 1990s and she and her family were able to make so many memories there.

If you could pick one of your favorite memories that you had in that house, what would it be? 7 News Detroit Reporter Tiarra Braddock asked.

I think it was when my parents came back from Florida this year, we all got together as a family and that was truly one of my fondest memories that I will ever have at that house, Walton added.

A lightning strike reportedly hit a house in the area of Drake and 14 mile roads in Farmington Hills Wednesday night.

Thankfully, the fire that did not spread to any other home nearby and no injuries were reported.

Watch the video report below: Lightning reportedly strikes Farmington Hills home causing fire

The homeowners told firefighters that their house was struck by lightning.

According to officials from the city of Farmington Hills, firefighters were told to exit the house after the roof began to collapse.

Once the fire was under control, crews were sent back in to fully extinguish the flames.

A good portion of the roof is missing after the fire ripped through the attic.

Were told the residents are not able to go back into their home until the fire department gives the all clear.

Fire officials say they will continue investigating this week.

Thousands of people gathered in Ann Arbor on Saturday afternoon for a No Kings protest, one of thousands of protests happening all over the country today.

Watch the full story from Tiarra Braddock in the video player below Thousands rally in Ann Arbor for No Kings protest

According to a press release from No Kings, these protests have been organized to reject authoritarianism, billionaire-first politics, and the militarization of the country's democracy. According to an Associated Press report, the "No Kings" protests are being organized by the 50501 Movement, which, according to its website, stands for "50 protests. 50 states. One movement."

Chopper 7 shows thousands of people in Ann Arbor for No Kings protest VIDEO: Thousands gather in Ann Arbor for No Kings protest

This isn't the only No Kings protest happening in metro Detroit today; protests are also happening in Detroit, Dearborn, Livonia, Farmington Hills, Ferndale, Novi, Roseville, Belleville, Troy, Waterford, Wyandotte, Romeo, Saline, Brighton and Milan. Today's Day of Defiance is expected to be the largest single-day mobilization since Trump returned to office, according to organizers.

We ran into an Ann Arbor state representative at the rally, who spoke about her motivations for particiapting in the protest.

"The political violence has got to stop," said State Rep. Carrie Rheingans, who represents Ann Arbor, referring to the Minnesota state reps shot overnight in what officials are calling 'a politically motivated assassination'. One of those state reps died, and police are still looking for the shooter.

"Every single person, Republicans, Democrats, Independents, everybody should be denouncing this politicial violence," Rheingans continued. "There are no kings in America, and that is why I'm here today, to make sure we are showing that there's more of us against Fascism than anybody who supports Fascism."

State Rep. Carrie Rheingans (Ann Arbor, 47th House District) speaks to WXYZ at No Kings protest; here is our full interview Web Extra: Full interview with Rep. Carrie Rheingans at Ann Arbor No Kings Protest

These protests are happening on the same day as a planned military parade in Washington D.C. to celebrate the Army's 250th anniversary. It is also Trump's 79th birthday and Flag Day.

Those who disagree with the protestors, like Michigan Sen. Jim Runestad (R), say that Democrats and the city of Detroit are making Trump's plan of action more difficult by refusing to follow orders.

"(Detroit is) officially not a sanctuary city, but they're doing everything they can to thwart ICE," Runestad told us earlier this week. "Again, we have 40 million people coming into this country illegally, competing with housing for the working class. So working class in your lifetime is probably not going to be able to afford a house," he said.

Watch our previous coverage WATCH: Protestors speak at No Kings Rally in Southwest Detroit WATCH: Rep. Tlaib speaks at No Kings protest in Detroit Thousands of protestors come out for No Kings protest in metro Detroit State leaders urge peaceful protests for 'No Kings' demonstrations planned across US What to know about metro Detroit's 'No Kings' protests against Trump on Saturday

The University of Michigan Board of Regents has approved the purchase of more than 124 acres of land in Ypsilanti Township for up to $8.1 million. The property will be used to build two AI supercomputing facilities in partnership with Los Alamos National Laboratory.

The board voted to acquire the land at 10455 and 10635 Textile Road, where the university plans to establish research and computing centers focused on artificial intelligence technology.

"It is an opportunity to bring jobs to our township," said Monica Ross-Williams, a Ypsilanti Township resident.

Ross-Williams believes the AI facilities could benefit the township, particularly if a community benefits agreement is established.

"Every job gained is an opportunity for our residents so that should not only be put inside a community benefits agreement but also enforced inside a community benefits agreement," Ross-Williams said.

However, not all residents support the development. Priscilla Creswell expressed concerns about the potential impact on the community.

"That's not something Ypsilanti needs at all," Creswell said.

Creswell says she has researched how AI facilities have affected communities in other states and worries about negative consequences for Ypsilanti Township.

"Often these industries move people in who are specialists, and they come in and they live in the suburb, and the immediate area does not see an economic boost; in fact, it's usually the opposite," Creswell said.

She also expressed concerns about "property value declining from noise pollution and visual pollution of a big data center."

Mosharaf Chowdhury, a computer science and engineering professor at the University of Michigan, said he and his team have been researching ways to reduce AI's energy consumption without compromising performance.

FULL INTERVIEW: Mosharaf Chowdhury talks about working to improve AI FULL INTERVIEW: Mosharaf Chowdhury talks about working to improve AI

"We have made a bunch of progress already, and we continue to work it, and we hope we find a sweet spot that we can have the benefits of AI while reducing its usage of electricity," Chowdhury said.

Some township residents are organizing a rally to oppose the development, scheduled for noon on Saturday at Hydro Park.

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.

Hart Plaza in downtown Detroit was filled with thousands of people for Motor City Pride, the largest LGBTQ+ event in Michigan.

Watch Tiarra's full story in the video player below Thousands gather at Motor City Pride festival in Detroit

The two-day festival features more than 140 vendors and 150 performers across three stages, drawing crowds from across the state.

Douglas Haller, who has been attending Motor City Pride since it began in the 1970s, reflected on how much the event has grown.

"The size of it is so much greater than it was originally. The first one was a parade down Woodward from the Wayne State area to city hall and had a few hundred people," Haller said.

The first Motor City Pride was held as a march to demand the repeal of anti-gay laws and to advocate for full civil rights for the LGBTQ+ community. Now, more than 50 years later, it has evolved into a major celebration.

"It's good to show solidarity and it's good to have a public face," Haller said.

For many attendees, the festival represents freedom and acceptance.

"It's always exciting and fun and you just get to be free," Anthony Welch, a Pontiac resident, said.

Nina Williams traveled from New Haven for the event.

"It's my first time being back in a couple of years, I'm excited, it's good seeing everybody in their colors it's fun," Williams said.

Detroit resident Onetha Thompson enjoyed the positive atmosphere.

"I'm loving the atmosphere, I'm loving the vibes, everybody here is so nice," Thompson said.

For Detroit resident Jervalro Bester, the event creates a sense of belonging.

"It just makes me feel like someone loves you and if don't know nobody know, Jervalro loves them. If no one heard it today. I love you," Bester said.

Organizers expect an even bigger crowd on Sunday, the final day of Motor City Pride, which concludes at 8 p.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.

Many of the buildings at the Arbor One apartments in Ypsilanti have been condemned for months, and now residents say they finally feel some sense of relief after a court order recently came down from a Washtenaw County judge.

Watch Tiarra Braddock's video report: Judge issues court order that helps tenants at Arbor One apartments in Ypsilanti

It makes me feel like justice has been served in part, said Roy Finny, an Arbor One tenant.

Finny has been a tenant at the Arbor One apartments for 10 years.

During his time there, he says he dealt with many issues inside his apartment.

There was mold in the bathroom on the ceiling of the bathroom, and it actually collapsed with water filling up inside of it, said Finny.

PREVIOUS REPORT: Ypsilanti apartment complex tenants speak out about horrible living conditions Ypsilanti apartment complex tenants speak out about horrible living conditions

Finny has since been relocated to a different, renovated apartment within the Arbor One complex. He is one of many tenants who will be relocated due to a recent court order.

This comes months after the city of Ypsilanti sued Arbor One for the conditions of the apartments.

PREVIOUS REPORT: Judge tracking progress of fixing problems at Arbor One Apartments in Ypsilanti Judge tracking progress of fixing problems at Arbor One Apartments in Ypsilanti

On Thursday, a judge issued a court order requiring the owners to relocate tenants who want to leave, and it also prohibits Arbor One from demanding rent until the apartments are up to code.

When youre stuck in a situation like this, sometimes you feel like theres no way out, and to have the support of a judge who is actually trying to move forward with this is very comforting, said Edwina Harris, Arbor One tenant.

7 News Detroit Reporter Tiarra Braddock spoke to Harris back in February after she was relocated to a different unit due to issues with her apartment.

She and Finny are a part of the Arbor One Tenants Union, which was formed back in April to advocate for tenants.

Getting these people someplace where they can live and be safe and be healthy is at the top of our list, said Harris.

The court order also requires that if tenants want to break their lease, all of their rent dating back to September 2024 must be repaid.

Washtenaw County Commissioner Annie Somerville says that is a game changer for tenants looking to move to a new apartment complex.

The court order will allow them to have the resources that they need to be able to make that down payment, security deposit, first and last, and move, said Somerville.

I reached out to the owners of Arbor One for a statement about the court order, but they havent gotten back to me yet.

As for Roy Finny, he says the fight will continue to make sure tenants have what they need.

Were going to continue to meet with tenants and hear every story and do everything we can," said Finny.

The Encore Adult Day Service program in Waterford Township has been helping adults with dementia and Alzheimers for 40 years.

The township says they will be shutting the program down on August 27th.

I have no idea what Im going to do if Encore really does close, said Reimer whose mom goes to Encore.

Reimers mother, Shirly Watts, has been going to the Encore day program for the past 7 years.

Web extra: Interview with family on adult daycare closing Web extra: Interview with family on adult daycare closing

Watts has both dementia and Alzheimers.

Encore provides me the peace of mind knowing that she got someone caring for her and interacting with and letting me live a piece of normal life, said Reimer.

When you got the news that Encore was closing, what was your first reaction? 7 News Detroit Reporter Tiarra Braddock asked.

I was shocked because I know theres such a need for care for people who are getting older, living longer lives, and with the increase in Alzheimers and dementia, its a needed service for the community, said Reimer.

Reimer isnt the only one concerned about what to do once Encore closes on August 27th

Its very discouraging that theyre discontinuing it for the city of Waterford, said Patrica Post, whose mom goes to the Encore program.

Post says the program helps her and her sister be able to care for their mom.

She loves that place, and it means that I can work," said Karla Jensen, whose mom goes to Encore.

I also spoke to a woman who volunteers at Encore who says she wishes more could be done to save the program.

The people that work there and us volunteers and the part-time people, they do nothing but the best for the people that come, they love them, they care for them, said Debi Armstrong, a volunteer at Encore.

The Encore program is run out of the Waterford Senior Center, which is located inside an old elementary school.

I spoke to Waterford Township Supervisor Anthony Bartolotta, who says they dont have enough employees to support the program, and the building isnt equipped to host the seniors with memory loss.

Legally and financially, we just couldnt do it, and it breaks our hearts to have to shut it down, but this is something as a township representative that we had to take our feelings out of it and do the right thing for the taxpayers in Waterford, said Bartolotta.

Meanwhile, Jenni Reimer has this message for the township.

Please dont close Encore, its needed, and I know there are many people out there like me, said Reimer.

A Dearborn Heights woman is recovering in the hospital after being shot multiple times when her ex-boyfriend allegedly broke into her home with an AR-15 rifle.

Watch Tiarra Braddock's video report: Dearborn Heights woman loses hand after ex-boyfriend allegedly shoots her

Darchelle Evans was in her kitchen when the gunman entered through a slightly opened door and immediately opened fire.

"He just walked in and started shooting. No questions asked, no talking at that. The big AR-15 and just start shooting," Evans said.

Evans' 41-year-old fianc was also shot in the incident that occurred Sunday. He is expected to recover.

Evans suffered gunshot wounds to both legs and her right arm. Doctors had to amputate her right hand as a result of her injuries.

"Now I don't have a hand like I didn't even do. I didn't do nothing to this man," Evans said.

Extended interview: Darchelle Evans describes her injuries after being shot with an AR-15 Extended interview: Darchelle Evans describes her injuries after being shot with an AR-15

According to Evans, the shooter was her 48-year-old ex-boyfriend, whom she dated for six years before breaking up a couple of months ago. She never imagined he would react so violently to her new relationship.

"I didn't deserve this, I didn't deserve none of this," Evans said.

Dearborn Heights police have arrested the ex-boyfriend, who now faces multiple charges, including attempted murder and first-degree home invasion.

PREVIOUS REPORT: Police investigate after man shoots ex-girlfriend & other man with AR-15 at home in Dearborn Heights Police investigate after man shoots ex-girlfriend & other man with AR-15 at home in Dearborn Heights

Evans faces a lengthy recovery process. She has a rod in her right leg, and her left kneecap was damaged in the shooting. The family has launched a GoFundMe account to help with her recovery.

"It's going to be a long process because it's both of my legs. I have a, what is it called, a rod in my right leg, my left kneecap is bone. It's gonna be, definitely, a long process of healing," Evans said.

Despite the severity of her injuries, Evans' sister Cyvita Dean remains hopeful about her recovery.

"It feels like a miracle considering what she's been through," Dean said.

This story was reported 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 portion of I-75 in Oakland County is causing concern when it comes to construction and vehicle crashes.

Watch Tiarra Braddock's video report:

'Lives are on the line.' Officials warn drivers navigating I-75 construction

On Tuesday night, a man lost his life in a car crash on the highway.

He was an angel, he really was, said Joe Fitzpatrick. He was one of those people you only meet once.

Joe Fitzpatricks brother, Nicholas Fitzpatrick, died after a car crash on I-75.

According to officials, Nicholas, who was 25 years old, crashed his car on I-75 near Grange Hall Road in Oakland County at around 10:20 p.m. on Tuesday.

Nicholas got out of his car and was standing near the left lane, and thats when another vehicle struck his car. He was pushed onto the highway, and then another vehicle hit his body.

He would feel worse about how they feel than what happened to him... I truly believe that, said Joe Fitzpatrick. "He would hope that they were OK.

Following Nicholass death, fire chiefs from Springfield Township, Groveland Township and the North Oakland County Fire Authority sent out a safety alert saying the ongoing construction on I-75 from Grand Blanc to Independence Townshipespecially southboundis putting lives at risk.

People are excessively driving, I mean theyre going too fast on that road, said Chief Matt Covey of Springfield Township.

Its unfortunate because someone is having the worst day of their life or the end of their life has happened, and people are just impatient and people just want to get around, they dont care, said Chief Matt Weil of the North Oakland County Fire Authority.

Chief Covey and Chief Weil are urging people to take detour routes to avoid the construction.

Take Dixie Highway, take M15, I dont care, somewhere else, just stay off the expressway if you can, said Weil.

Watch an extended interview with the fire chiefs below: Web extra: Oakland County fire chiefs talk about I-75 traffic issues amid construction

Weil and Covey added that they have talked to MDOT about making changes to the construction zone on that part of I-75.

I reached out to MDOT about the chiefs concerns and a spokesperson got back to me, saying MDOT is currently working on several initiatives, including:

1. Considering four-way stops at the I-75 and Grange Hall interchange ramps to optimize traffic control.2. Working with GPS navigation providers to show ONLY approved detour routes and avoid heavier traffic volumes on local roads.3. Adding temporary traffic control adjustments to M-15 to improve access to I-75.

Meanwhile for the Fitzpatrick family, Joe Fitzpatrick has this message for drivers.

Slow down a lot, because not only ... are other drivers on the road, theres obstacles on the road, a cone could be thrown in the middle of the road," said Joe Fitzpatrick. If a car accident happens, stay in your vehicle, that is so important.