A retired U.S. Marine who lost his leg in an IED blast in Afghanistan received the keys to a brand new, mortgage-free smart home in Monroe County today, designed specifically to accommodate his disabilities and restore his independence.

Watch Peter Maxwell's video report: Marine vet gets mortgage-free accessible home

Lance Cpl. Mitchell Underwood and his family were presented with the home by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation during a ceremony in Carleton, surrounded by first responders and community members.

"I really don't know how to put it into words. We're so happy and relieved it doesn't even feel real," Underwood said.

For 14 years, Underwood and his family lived in a multi-story home that created daily challenges for the veteran.

"There's days where I can't do the stairs. I'd be stuck in the bedroom for a couple of days," Underwood said.

In 2011, Underwood deployed to Afghanistan as a SAW gunner. His lead vehicle was hit by an IED that killed two of his fellow Marines and left Underwood in a coma with severe injuries.

"Next thing I know, it's a little over a month later, and I am in a hospital room," Underwood said.

The blast cost Underwood his leg and required more than 50 surgeries as part of his recovery. He was awarded the Purple Heart for his service and sacrifice.

"It's been 14 years, but it definitely doesn't feel like it," Underwood said.

The new home was specifically designed for Underwood's injuries and includes accessibility features throughout. All doors are 36 inches wide to accommodate wheelchair access, and the home includes smart home technology and other upgrades to help restore independence.

"This home is specifically designed for his injuries. Everything is wide, so when he is wheelchair bound, he does walk with a prosthetic, but when he is wheelchair-bound, all of the doors are 36 inches, so he can get through it and total accessibility from all the doors," said Tom O'Connor, retired FDNY lieutenant and Tunnel to Towers board member.

Underwood's wife, Samantha, expressed gratitude for the life-changing gift.

"This home is going to change everything so drastically for our family," Samantha Underwood said.

For the Marine veteran, the home represents a return to the independence he lost after his injuries.

"It's going to give me the ability to live without being hindered by my disabilities," Underwood said.

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Small businesses in downtown Howell are on high alert after a new wave of fake cash started hitting registers. Several shops have been impacted and say the counterfeit bills are affecting their bottom line as the holiday season ramps up.

Watch Peter Maxwell's video report: Small businesses in downtown Howell targeted by counterfeit cash scheme

I spoke with two small business owners who say they're keeping their guard up against the fraudulent currency.

M Street Bakery tells me they're a victim of counterfeit cash. The fake $100 bill wasn't noticed until they went to deposit it at the bank. They're hoping police catch the deceitful shoppers sooner rather than later.

Emily Mazaris, owner of M Street Bakery Co., described the impact on local businesses.

"It hurts small businesses. It hurts, really, any business when something like that happens," Mazaris said.

Several local shops in downtown Howell have been seeing a trend of counterfeit cash coming into their stores.

"Whether they bought a $3 item and got $97 real dollars back, or they bought $100 worth of real items. We still lose out in the end," Mazaris said.

Mazaris told me the situation is upsetting, and they are now taking precautions when accepting cash.

"We have chosen to just not accept anymore of the old-style $100 bills for right now," Mazaris said.

Just around the corner at the sandwich shop, The Crunchy Pickle, they've encountered the same problem.

Andrea Sydor, owner of Crunchy Pickle, said her staff was deeply affected by the incident.

"Our staff was devastated," Sydor said.

Sydor and her husband own the sandwich shop. Despite being approached three times, they only fell victim once.

"These bills do pass the marker test. We do use markers on $100 bills, but it does pass it, and we kind of noticed later that clearly the bill was a fake," Sydor said.

Sydor said the person only ordered something small off the menu.

"We're preparing it. They walk out with the change. They're ordering something small off the menu, and they never come back for their order," Sydor said.

There are three ways you can spot a fake bill: feel the bill, tilt the note, check with light, or take the bill to a local bank.

"We are aware of the counterfeiting activity, but cannot comment on an ongoing investigation. If you suspect counterfeit money, do not spend it, and report it to your local police, Livingston County sheriff's office, or the local U.S. Secret Service field office," said Howell Police Chief Michael Dunn.

Sydor has a message for the people using these counterfeit bills.

"I hope they do get caught and they learn the lesson of what that means to not only small businesses and this community as well, and all of our staff members," Sydor said.

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Travelers at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport experienced relatively smooth operations Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving, despite concerns about a looming winter storm that could impact return flights over the weekend.

Watch Peter Maxwell's video report below: Detroit Metro Airport sees minimal delays as Thanksgiving travelers eye weather

I spent the day at Detroit Metro speaking with passengers flying out and arriving for the holiday. While delays have been minimal so far, the approaching winter weather system has many keeping a close watch on their return travel plans.

"We're willing to accept any weather issues that occur," said Raed Albuliwi, who was traveling to New York City.

Jason Moran, another traveler, described his experience as manageable despite some turbulence.

"A little bumpy, but it was pretty simple," Moran said.

Some passengers arriving in Detroit had already encountered delays due to weather and air traffic control staffing issues in other parts of the country. Andrew Calhoun, traveling from Milwaukee, experienced a delay when his plane needed deicing.

"Had to deice the plane, so it ran a little late," Calhoun said.

Robert Tomsyck faced a different issue with his flight.

"Got delayed because they were saying because of the controllers. There wasn't as many or something," Tomsyck said.

Departing passengers also faced some challenges. Heidi Guyer and her sons had their original flight to South Carolina canceled, forcing them to rebook on a later departure.

"This morning, woke up to an alert that the flight was canceled and we would go out on the 4:23 flight this afternoon," Guyer said.

However, it's not Wednesday's departures from Detroit that have travelers most concerned. Many are worried about the potential winter weather later this weekend that could impact their return home.

Albuliwi said he has a backup plan if weather disrupts his return flight.

"You know, worst case, it's New York City. We could always grab a rental and drive home," Albuliwi said.

Dr. Monisola Olatunde, traveling to Washington, expressed cautious optimism about her return journey.

"We are a little bit worried, just a little bit. But we are hoping that the weather will change because we can't really say. So yeah, just a little bit worried," Olatunde said.

John Olatunde, also heading to Washington, emphasized the need for flexibility.

"We just have to play it by ear. Go ahead have a great holiday with the family and come home and pray that everything is good," Olatunde said.

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A petition calling for Ann Arbor Public Schools to ban cell phones during school hours is gaining momentum, with over 700 parents signing on to support the policy change.

The petition asks the district to implement a "first bell to last bell" policy that would prohibit cell phone use throughout the school day. Ann Arbor School Board members discussed the issue during a meeting on Friday.

Hear from parents in the video below

Ann Arbor parents petition for cell phone ban in schools as debate over safety, focus intensifies

Parents supporting the ban say they want their children to focus in school without screen distractions, while opponents argue it's a matter of safety.

"We all want our kids and students to flourish," said Amiel Handelsman, who started the petition.

Handelsman's children attend Ann Arbor Public Schools, and he says phone use during school hours is spiraling out of control.

"This has an impact in the classroom. It has an impact in the hallways," Handelsman said. "The district has made some efforts. They did a pilot but we are applying a healthy nudge to do more."

Sharon Sorkin, whose children attend Ann Arbor Public Schools, founded a nonprofit called Focus On Education A2 and supports the petition. She says cell phone addiction is impacting both academic performance and mental health.

"I am told you see the kids during lunch all sitting at the table eating their own lunch looking at their phones," Sorkin said. "In education we also know that academic performance goes up, mental health goes up, attention goes up when the kids are not distracted during school hours."

But some parents, like Krystal Kane, fear losing contact with their children during school hours, especially given concerns about school shootings.

"This day and age, you never know what's going to happen," Kane said. "I would feel safer knowing that I could get a hold of my child."

"I would say take the phone. But the fact that these phones have saved children's lives and parents have been able to locate their children. I think it's a must in this day and age," Kane said.

The Ann Arbor School District sent a statement that reads in part: "As the board of education researches and explores this issue, district administrators continue their ongoing work with the existing procedures already in place within our schools to limit phone use during instructional time."

A change in policy likely won't take place this school year.

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Detroit city leaders officially broke ground on an $80 million affordable housing development in the Brush Park neighborhood today, marking what officials are calling one of the most significant affordable housing investments the city has seen in years.

Watch Peter Maxwell's video report:

Detroit breaks ground on $80 million affordable housing project in Brush Park

The ceremonial groundbreaking took place next to the historic Brewster Wheeler Recreation Center, where Mayor Mike Duggan and other officials gathered to kick off the project that will bring 211 affordable housing units to the area.

"The beauty is we're building this right downtown right next to this beautiful community center," Duggan said. "It's the quality of life and the quality of housing that our residents deserve, and we are very excited about it today."

The development will feature four new buildings designed to serve different housing needs in the community. One building will be dedicated specifically to Detroiters facing chronic homelessness, offering programs to help residents get back on their feet. The remaining three buildings will provide 159 affordable apartments for the broader community.

Rental prices will start at $368 for one-bedroom units and $438 for two-bedroom apartments. Each unit will include a sizable footprint and in-unit washer-dryers.

Van Fox, president of MHT Housing, outlined additional amenities planned for the development.

"We will have the soccer field, football field, we're going to have the pocket parks, we are going to have all the appropriate inclusive parking," Fox said.

The project has generated excitement among longtime Brush Park residents who have watched the neighborhood transform over the years.

"To see the transformation in Detroit as a whole has been amazing. Truly amazing," said Beatrice Spears, a Brush Park resident.

Uraina Fisher, another neighborhood resident, expressed particular enthusiasm about the recreation center's revival. She recalled bringing her children to the facility after school for homework help and swimming.

"We fought hard to keep this building alive because they wanted to get rid of it, but we fought as a family, and we kept it," Fisher said.

For younger Detroit residents like Bobreese Hicks, who recently left foster care, the affordable housing represents crucial support.

"I feel like any little help that you can get is vital, especially housing," Hicks said. "Everybody needs somewhere to stay."

"I will say just having affordable living is a good thing," he added.

Construction crews hope to complete the entire project by the beginning of 2027.

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Some residents in Grosse Pointe Farms say an odor coming from a sewage pumping station has become so unbearable that they're considering moving away from the area.

Watch Peter Maxwell's video report: Grosse Pointe Farms residents say sewage pumping station odor is 'unbearable' Watch Ryan Marshall's video report Grosse Pointe Farms residents say sewage pumping station odor is 'unbearable'

The sewage pumping station is located on Chalfonte Road near Hillcrest Avenue and is operated by the Southeast Macomb Sanitary District.

You can faintly smell the odor on cooler days, but residents who live near the pumping station say this is nothing compared to what they've dealt with when it's warm outside.

"It smells like sewage, of course. But it's very foul," said Mark Montante, a Grosse Pointe Farms resident.

"You can smell it now, and this is just a light smell," said David Pitts, another Grosse Pointe Farms resident.

Pitts lives right across the street from the pump house. He's lived in the Farms for 24 years, but for the last 15 years, he says the smell is unbearable and has complained to the city of Grosse Pointe Farms about the issue.

"You can't sit out here in the summertime, the smell is all in my house. You can flush the toilet, you can run the water, you can smell it," Pitts said. "I can't have a barbecue here anymore because of the stink. I wish they would shut it down."

Montante moved to Grosse Pointe Farms two years ago and says the smell is nauseating when they're outside, and they've even considered moving.

"It's very frustrating for me. I put a lot of money into this home, and for me to deal with that, it's totally unfair," Montante said. "The last episode realistically was the day after Halloween, and it was bad."

The city and the Southeast Macomb Sanitary District say the odor is caused by stretches of little rainfall and is more noticeable in warmer and more humid weather, and is less noticeable in colder weather.

Montante has drafted letters and plans on sending them to the city, sanitary district, Wayne County, and the state.

"There needs to be regular scheduled maintenance with this pumping station over here. There are carbon filters that probably need to be changed on a regular basis, opposed to two to three years ago," Montante said.

City Manager Shane Reeside confirms that multiple complaints have been filed and says the city is working with the Southeast Macomb Sanitary District on a solution.

The director of the sanitary district says they have increased the odor control settings and provided a statement:

The SEMSD Kerby Pump Station has a carbon odor control system that is in continuous use to help mitigate odors at the station. Staff at the SEMSD performs inspections and maintenance daily to ensure that the system is operating as designed. We are always evaluating new technology in order to improve the Kerby Pump Station.

For residents like Montante and Pitts, they just want the smell to go away.

"I wish they would just shut it down," Pitts said.

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Monday marks the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the freighter S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald, which went down during a storm on Lake Superior claiming the lives of all 29 crew members on board.

Watch Peter Maxwell's video report: Edmund Fitzgerald 50th anniversary remembered at Detroit museum with events

The Edmund Fitzgerald was built in Detroit and was the largest ship constructed at the time, measuring 729 feet in length. For 17 years, she made over 6,000 trips on the Great Lakes before her final voyage 50 years ago.

"The ship was built to be the biggest and the best and it was for the 17 years it was running," said Joel Stone, retired Dossin Great Lakes Museum curator.

On Nov. 10, 1975, the Edmund Fitzgerald departed Wisconsin bound for a steel mill in Detroit carrying 29 tons of iron ore. The freighter sank in a fierce storm 17 miles north of Whitefish Point in Canadian waters of Lake Superior.

"The Fitzgerald kind of sailed right into the middle of it, right into the sweet spot and was in the wrong place at the wrong time," Stone said.

The tragedy has become embedded in Great Lakes culture and maritime history.

"It's become part of the Great Lakes Culture of tragedy that we would probably put in the same category of the Titanic," Stone said.

Video below shows worker removing bell from the Edmund Fitzgerald shipwreck in 1995 Video shows worker removing bell from the Edmund Fitzgerald

Thomas Stretlien and John Gardner were visiting the Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Friday and remember where they were when the tragedy struck.

"It was a grim day. When I got home from school, I heard the Edmund Fitzgerald was sinking or had sank it was pretty frightening," Stretlien said.

Related stories on the Edmund Fitzgerald below:

Remembering the Edmund Fitzgerald: Events across Great Lakes memorialize 50th anniversary of sinking The 'Gales of November' shares the 'untold' story of the Edmund Fitzgerald & its 29 crewmen New book sheds light on how Gordon Lightfoot wrote The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald

Gardner was at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, when he received the news.

"We had to read the paper every day and reading about the loss of the Fitzgerald and the general thought was how can that happen because after all, it was just the Great Lakes," Gardner said.

This weekend, the Detroit Historical Society is hosting a special pop-up event at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle to remember the Edmund Fitzgerald and the lives lost.

"The ship is sadly gone. The families have made their peace with it, but the rest of us all keep that at the forefront of our minds," Stone said.

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The Detroit Red Wings are marking their centennial with a four-day fan festival in downtown Detroit, giving fans the chance to meet current and former players while celebrating a century of hockey history.

Watch Peter Maxwell's video report: Detroit Red Wings celebrate Centennial with 4-day fan fest at Motor City Casino

The celebration kicked off Thursday at Motor City Casino, featuring exhibits, autograph sessions and memorabilia from the team's 100-year legacy in Hockeytown.

"It's incredible to see the history of 100 years," said Ryan McIntire, a Red Wings fan attending the event.

Jim McBroom, another longtime fan, was equally impressed by the scope of the celebration.

"It's really mind boggling and touching to see how far back this goes," McBroom said.

The festival showcases Stanley Cup trophies, vintage equipment and jerseys from legendary players, including the Russian Five. Fans can view Red Wings legend Terry Sawchuk's old mask and stick, along with Grind Line memorabilia and other historic artifacts pulled from the team's archives.

"If you're a Red Wings fan, if you're a hockey fan, you definitely want to come down and experience this," said Ron Colangelo, senior vice president of communication for Ilitch Sports and Entertainment.

For many attendees, the event brings back childhood memories of meeting their hockey heroes.

"I remember getting my autograph from Gordie Howe, and I was probably I don't know 12 years old or so," said Greg Best, a Red Wings fan.

The festival features appearances by Red Wings alumni, including Justin Abdelkader, Drew Miller and Greg Stefan, who are excited to reconnect with fans.

"It's just going to be great seeing a lot of fans that I've seen over the years and a lot of my old teammates that I played with," Abdelkader said.

Miller praised the organization's efforts in putting together the celebration.

"I think the Red Wings are putting on a fantastic event here at the Motor City Sound Board. So signing with the fans, get to reminisce with them on some of the memories they have too, so all around it's a fun weekend," Miller said.

Stefan echoed the sentiment about the nostalgic nature of the event.

"I really enjoy weekends like this because it brings back a lot of great memories," Stefan said.

The Centennial Fan Fest runs through Sunday. Tickets start at $35, with VIP packages also available.

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If you think traffic is bad now on I-696, prepare for significant delays as the Michigan Department of Transportation's "Restore the Reuther Project" enters a major new phase.

Watch Peter Maxwell's video report: Major traffic changes coming to I-696 as construction project enters new phase

Starting the weekend of November 15, westbound drivers will be shifted into the eastbound lanes, while the freeway will remain closed for eastbound drivers between Lahser and I-75 for the next year.

The traffic shift will require closing that stretch of freeway from around 4 a.m. Saturday, November 15, until 10 a.m. Sunday. By Monday morning, November 17, commuters will face a dramatically different driving experience.

Several I-696 exit and entrance ramps will be closed as part of this shift, including Evergreen, Greenfield, and Coolidge.

"We're going to close all westbound 696 ramps, which means if you don't get off at 75, you can't get off until M-10 going westbound," said Diane Cross from MDOT.

Cross warned that the changes will catch many drivers off guard.

"So once we shift you the weekend of Friday the 14th, you're only going to be able to exit starting Monday morning at Woodward or at Southfield Road, and that's going to catch a lot of drivers by surprise," Cross said.

Local drivers are already preparing for the impact on their daily commutes.

"I definitely feel like it is an inconvenience," said Barbra McCray of Southfield.

"I mean, it's disappointing as I'm sure it's going to be for everybody who commutes and who have to leave out extra early so that they can make sure that they're on time," McCray said.

However, some drivers are taking a more optimistic view of the construction project.

"It's just one of them things they're getting out there. They're getting it together. It's going to take some time, and we just got to just work with them while they're working," said Joe Jones of Southfield.

Fred Prime of Southfield echoed that sentiment.

"We all wanted it done. It's getting done, and we'll just have to manage the inconveniences as we work through it," Prime said.

The rebuild project is expected to be completed late next year.

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Warren police officers have a new way to patrol their community while connecting with residents: sleek, silent, three-wheeled electric scooters equipped with lights and sirens.

The Warren Police Department will debut four brand new scooters Friday night to assist with Halloween patrols. The scooters are designed to help officers move faster during community events and neighborhood patrols.

Watch Peter Maxwell's video report below: Warren police debut electric scooters for community patrols and Halloween safety

"These scooters, we think, are a game changer for our community policing efforts," said Lt. John Gajewski of the Warren Police Department. "Officers and police departments across the country are always looking for ways to get officers out of the car and connect better with the community."

The scooters were purchased with leftover COVID-19 relief funds, so no local tax dollars were used. Gajewski said traditional foot patrols and bicycle patrols aren't practical due to the size of Warren.

"In our community, foot patrols and bicycle patrols just aren't that practical due to the size of our city. When we saw these and we tested them out, I think all of our hands were instantly up saying this is the vote we have to have," Gajewski said.

Hear more from Lt. John Gajewski below: Warren police lt. speaks on new scooters

The scooters have a top speed of 37 mph and can travel up to 30 miles when fully charged.

Warren residents are supportive of the new patrol method. Robert Pulice believes the scooters will be a great asset, especially for large events.

"It's a good way for crowd control, especially when there is a crowd," Pulice said. "Yeah, I am all for it."

Adam Mecher was setting up for Halloween outside his house and hopes to see one patrolling his street.

"It's good there's not patrol cars to jump in and out of. They're small, so they're not really a danger to anyone else," Mecher said. "They're not a bad idea."

Warren police say if residents spot one of the scooters rolling through their neighborhood, officers would be happy to stop and let them check it out.

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.