Dozens of cats rescued from a deplorable home in Redford Township are finally getting the care they desperately need.
The multi-agency rescue effort started two weeks ago.
Watch the video report below: 37 cats now recovering at Michigan Humane after hoarding incident in Redford Township
Michigan Humane is treating 37 cats from the property on Gaylord Street near 8 Mile Road, including two kittens born just after the rescue.
They are each receiving specialized medical treatment and vaccinations.
Animal control continues to monitor the property daily to catch any remaining cats.
Dr. Crystal Sapp shows us where the cats are being cared for below: Web extra: Inside Michigan Humane were 37 cats are receiving care after hoarding incident
Michigan Humane is asking local rescue groups to help find homes for the animals.
"Typically, feral cats are more aggressive and more panic-stricken when they see people. This does not seem to necessarily be the case. We are also providing some medications and some decompression time to allow them to settle in and hopefully start to interact more with us," Dr. Crystal Sapp with Michigan Humane said.
Oakland County deputies are searching for a suspect who took off on foot during a pursuit Thursday night, the sheriffs office said.
The pursuit started in Green Oak Township then traveled through Lyon Township, Milford, Highland Township and ended in Rose Township, where the suspect fled on foot.
Multiple law enforcement agencies including K-9 units, drone teams and the sheriffs offices search and rescue team continued to search in Rose Township near Rose Center Road and Hickory Ridge Drive late Thursday night.
We're told at least two police vehicles were hit during the chase.
Deputies say there is no known danger to the public, but theyre asking residents in the area to remain vigilant and secure their homes and cars.
Anyone who sees anything suspicious should call 911 immediately.
All three remaining members of the federal body tasked with administering elections have been fired or resigned, Scripps News has learned.
Scripps News confirmed on Thursday that Democratic commissioners Thomas Hicks and Benjamin Hovland were fired, while Republican Christy McCormick resigned her post.
The agency's fourth commissioner, Republican Donald Palmer, resigned in April of this year. He later joined the Heritage Foundation.
There are now no commissioners remaining to lead the agency, which is a bipartisan board created to guide and inform states as they administer their elections. Its stated mission is "to help election officials improve the administration of elections and help Americans participate in the voting process."
A White House official confirmed the firings on Thursday:
"The President, and head of the Executive Branch, reserves the right to remove individuals that may not be totally aligned with the important task of securing Americas elections and ensuring every legal vote is counted. The Slaughter decision gives the President precedence to do so," said the official. "The Administration from the start has been working across all agencies and local partners to safeguard elections from fraud and abuse, and investing in a strong infrastructure to sustain that mission especially in the midterm elections."
The move comes days after the U.S. Supreme Court's final Slaughter decision, which expanded the president's power to remove executive branch officials with few exceptions.
That case began with a 6-3 decision in September of 2025. President Trump had fired Rebecca Slaughter, a Democratic member of the Federal Trade Commission. The firing was allowed to stand until the case was decided.
Volunteers at the Elmwood Blessing Box, a food pantry in Westland, are helping people get back on their feet following a major power outage.
Cheryl Presley of Garden City usually donates food to Elmwood. This week, she is on the other end.
Watch the video report below: Elmwood Blessing Box in Westland helps as residents recover from major power outage
"I lost a lot of food and I had just gone shopping," Presley said.
Presley said her power was out for over four days, and she lost everything from condiments to meat to produce.
"I've donated here countless times and this is the first time that I am coming here as a client and it just gives me a new perspective," Presley said.
Elizabeth Freeman of the Elmwood Blessing Box said she has served about 300 people in just three days.
"People are scared because they lost so much food during the power outage. They're trying to recoup and they don't really know how to go about started that," Freeman said.
Freeman said the impact has been especially hard on those who are already working to make ends meet.
"It's devastating. It's devastating for people who haven't used food pantries. But it's even more devastating for the people who work so hard and then still have to utilize resources like mine," Freeman said.
Presley agrees.
"It's really hard times for a lot of people for a lot of reasons and groceries seem to be getting more expensive," Presley said.
July 2025 coverage: Elmwood Blessing Box celebrates new indoor food pantry in Westland Elmwood Blessing Box celebrates new indoor food pantry in Westland
Volunteer Jillian Gamboa said the pantry is space for friendship and food.
"We are here. No one's alone," Gamboa said. "And when you see others just walk through the door and they're so happy even if we have a little, doesn't matter what we have, they're grateful."
The Elmwood Blessing Box is always accepting donations and is currently in need of dry goods to stock its shelves.
The food pantry is located at 27543 Joy Road, Unit A, Westland, MI 48185
Amazon list Monetary donations Donations accepted anytime during open business hours or after hours at 29878 Elmwood Street in Garden City.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.
An intensifying El Nino, nature's heat-releasing thermostat that spikes global temperatures, is heading to historically strong levels, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Thursday.
In its monthly update, NOAA said this year's El Nino, a natural warming of the equatorial Pacific that alters weather patterns across the globe, has an 81% chance of becoming very strong the top category available by fall. It should rank among the most intense El Ninos since the weather agency started tracking them in 1950.
Its biggest impacts from droughts to downpours to heat waves are likely to be most felt in the fall and winter, meteorologists said.
This El Nino, which formed only last month, already zipped past the weak stage and is now considered moderate with no indications of slowing its strengthening, the government forecast said. Ocean temperatures in key parts of the Pacific that help indicate the El Nino's strength are at or near record highs for this time of year, partly because it comes on top of ocean warming from human-caused climate change, meteorologists said.
It's pretty extreme, said Emily Becker, a University of Miami scientist who works with the NOAA El Nino forecast team. Not unprecedented, but very unusual.
Becker said it will rival the 1997-1998 El Nino, while other meteorologists predict this one could be even stronger. The World Bank said the El Nino that started in 1997 led to 23,000 deaths in weather disasters, increased poverty rates in some countries and cost governments as much as $45 billion.
This is not a run-of-the-mill El Nino, said Daniel Swain, a climate scientist with University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. Not only is it already breaking records for the time of year, but unlike past super El Ninos, it is on top of considerable background warming from the burning of coal, oil and natural gas. We might not expect to see the exact same impacts from this event as we have seen in historical ones.
A very strong El Nino based on ocean temperatures in parts of the Pacific does not translate to even more intense extreme weather, but makes those conditions more likely, Becker said.
It increases the chances for most of the southern U.S. to be rainier in the winter, Becker said. It also boosts the likelihood of a warmer winter conditions for the northern United States and Canada.
El Nino usually dampens Atlantic hurricane season. Colorado State University, which pioneered hurricane season forecasts, on Wednesday dramatically reduced its prediction for number of storms due to increased confidence in a strong or very strong El Nino. The forecasters predict overall hurricane activity in the Atlantic will be well below normal.
Global impacts made more likely include a drier Indonesia and a warmer and wetter eastern Pacific, Becker said.
El Nino also acts as a 'thermostat' for global climate by liberating years worth of accumulated heat stored in the subsurface tropical Pacific Ocean and dumping it into the atmosphere, where it eventually dissipatesbut not before warming the entire planet in the meantime, Swain wrote in a blog post.
Many climate scientists are predicting that 2027 because of pent up heat will break the 2024 global high temperature record set by the last strong El Nino.
A strong El Nino would raise the odds of dramatic new climate records over the next 6 to 12 months, said Zack Labe, a climate scientist at Climate Central. It could give a taste of an even warmer world to come, he said.
A man has died after a domestic dispute in Shelby Township Thursday.
Police said they responded around 4:20 p.m. to Sandifer Court in the Dequindre Estates Mobile Home Park near Dequindre and Hamlin roads. They say a possible domestic dispute was reported at the home.
Watch the video report below: Man killed during domestic dispute in Shelby Township
When officers arrived, they found a man, who was later pronounced dead at the scene.
Neighbor Corry Denham said he heard a total of five gunshots and screaming. 7 News Detroit spotted investigators closely examining what appeared to be bullet holes in the side of the mobile home at the center of the investigation.
I heard two gunshots, a scream and then three more right after it. And Im serious, man. Weve got kids like everywhere in this trailer park," Denham said. Im done. Im done with this. Ive got all these kids that Ive got to protect and watch from pedophiles and all this other crazy crap. Im almost 60 years old, bro. I cant do this anymore.
Police are investigating the death as a homicide.
Kim Crutchlow, who lives very close to the home, said she has never met her neighbors who are now at the center of a murder investigation. Many other nearby residents also said they were unsure of the relationships between the occupants of the home.
No, I never really talked to them, and I didnt even see them for a year, so I dont know whats going on. I dont know, but I heard like last week, they argued and yelled," Crutchlow said.
Crutchlow also said there are a lot of kids living in the area.
"Very nice people. Walk around. And very upset and really sad. Really sad," she said.
Shelby Township police said they took a suspect into custody and that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Investigators went on to state they will release more information once the case is turned over to the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office, formal charges have been filed and the suspect has been arraigned.
The defendant in Charlie Kirks killing told his roommate he wishes he hadnt done it the day after the conservative activist was shot in the neck while speaking to a crowd at Utah Valley University, a recording played in court revealed Thursday.
Lance Twiggs, who was also defendant Tyler Robinsons romantic partner, said in an interview with law enforcement that the interaction happened in their apartment in southeastern Utah, more than 200 miles from where Kirk was shot.
Later that same day and only about an hour before turning himself in Robinson posted "it was me at UVU yesterday, in a chat room on the Discord social media platform, according to messages shown by prosecutors.
Defense attorneys unsuccessfully fought the public release of the statements from Twiggs and the chat room messages. They argued prosecutors would characterize the material as a confession, undermining Robinson's right to a fair trial if the statements are broadcast by the media.
But after prolonged debate that included an attorney for Kirk's family arguing for the material to be publicly released, state District Judge Tony Graf allowed a redacted version of the video interview to be played. Some parts were blacked out, with only audio.
Robinson is charged with aggravated murder and has not entered a plea. He turned himself in a day after the fatal shooting of Kirk, a close ally of President Donald Trump credited with helping galvanize young voters for the Republican in the 2024 election.
Prosecutors allege Robinson confessed in a note to Twiggs that read: I had the opportunity to take out Charlie Kirk and Im going to take it. Robinson also allegedly sent a text to Twiggs saying he targeted Kirk because he had enough of his hatred.
State Bureau of Investigation Agent Brian Davis recounted the exchanges between Twiggs and Robinson under questioning by a prosecutor Thursday. They included texts from Robinson worrying about leaving fingerprints on a rifle that belonged to his grandfather, which authorities believe he used to shoot Kirk. Others messages discussed engravings on bullet casings.
Prosecutors said ammunition found in the gun used to kill Kirk had engravings that included Hey Facist! Catch! and If you Read This, You Are GAY.
Robinson appeared to furrow his brow and smirk as the text messages about the engravings were displayed in the courtroom. He was dressed in a jacket and tie with one arm shackled to his waist and appeared to be taking notes with his free hand.
Twiggs spoke to authorities on Sept. 12 two days after Kirk was assassinated while speaking to a crowd of thousands and again on April 20, Davis said. He was given immunity for the statements, meaning what Twiggs said cannot be used against him in a potential criminal case.
Prosecutors contend the shooting endangered others at Kirks campus event an aggravating circumstance that could make the crime punishable by death under Utah law. Robinson also faces possible sentence enhancements based on claims by prosecutors that he targeted Kirk because of his political views.
Twiggs said in the April interview that Robinson sometimes talked about politics, including Trump. But Twiggs said he never heard Robinson talk about Kirk before the shooting. The defendant also did not talk much about gender issues or LGBTQ rights, Twiggs testified.
Graf will decide at the conclusion of this weeks preliminary hearing if prosecutors have enough evidence to bring Robinson to trial.
Robinsons attorneys have not commented on his guilt or innocence but have sought to get the death penalty taken off the table, so far unsuccessfully.
Lawyers for Kirk's widow wanted all of Twiggs' statement made public
Attorneys for the media and for Kirk's widow, Erika, who has attended this week's hearing, had urged the judge to make Twiggs' statements and other evidence public.
To not be transparent, to not be open and let the world see what happened will create doubt and distrust in the judicial system, Kirk family lawyer Jeffrey Neiman said.
Neiman filed a request late Wednesday for all evidence against Robinson to be displayed openly and in real time during this week's hearing. Neiman wrote that Erika Kirk and Kirk's parents had waited 10 months for the hearing but at times have been denied the chance to meaningfully observe it.
The judge said in response that not all evidence would be openly displayed and he needs to protect the rights of both victims and the defendant.
Investigators say Robinson went to a rooftop near where Kirk was speaking and shot him once through the neck as the activist was taking questions from a crowd of several thousand people. Kirk was declared dead after being taken to a hospital.
Investigators found the suspected murder weapon a bolt-action rifle with one spent round wrapped in a towel in a wooded area near where Kirk was shot.
Robinsons parents and two of his brothers sat behind him, in the front row of the courtroom gallery. Charlie Kirks parents and Erika Kirk sat a few rows back. Sen. Mike Lee, a Utah Republican, also was in attendance.
Robinsons mom cried as the Discord messages were read in court. She rubbed the shoulder of one of Robinsons brothers, who listened with his head bowed.
For years, it was extremely difficult for Jeremiah Johnson to eat, speak, and be himself. That changed when he walked out of Royal Chiropractic and Dental Clinic in Pontiac with much more than a smile it was a life-changing transformation.
Watch Jolie Sherman's video report: Man gets new smile in life-changing transformation
"Without having teeth, you shy away from people," Johnson said. "You don't say what you want to say, you don't spend time how you want to spend it. You want to get out of situations instead of really have the moments you know."
Johnson, an Indiana native, lost his identical twin brother, Cody, in a car crash and fell into addiction in the aftermath. He recovered, and what began as a solo escape through fishing turned into something far greater.
"You know, fishing helped me get out of a very dark spot in life, but it also has helped me make friends and brought me closer to people," Johnson said. "Fishing has done more for me than I can explain."
A video of Johnson's aunt gifting him a fishing rod for Christmas caught the attention of West Bloomfield resident Mike McKinstry, host of "The Bassquatch Hunter: Fish out of Water" on the Discovery Channel.
"I got this video sent to me by probably 30-40 people the day it posted," McKinstry said. "I do a lot of pay-it-forward stuff, not only all year long but around the holidays, I do a lot of big ones."
McKinstry invited Johnson out to fish, surprising him with a fishing shopping spree. But the generosity didn't stop there.
"After meeting him that day, I heard about his insecurities with his teeth and all the troubles he went through," McKinstry said. "I was like, you know what, he's done the work, and now he deserves the reward."
McKinstry spent 4 months searching for the right dentist before arranging a $10,000 smile makeover for Johnson. Thursday was the big reveal at Royal Chiropractic and Dental Clinic in Pontiac.
"I told yeah, let's get started," said Dr. Dev Oza of Royal Chiropractic & Dental Clinic. "Let's start working on it right now, and let's get him a new smile."
For Johnson, the moment he looked in the mirror and saw himself again was one he had waited a decade for.
"I know my life is going to change, and it's exciting," Johnson said. "Its also nerve-wracking and scary, but Im ready for it.
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.
Kylian Mbapp had a goal and an assist after missing a first-half penalty kick, Ousmane Dembl scored the other and France beat Morocco 2-0 Thursday in the World Cup quarterfinals.
Mbapp's goal in the 60th minute was the 20th of his World Cup career and came in his 20th match at the tournament, moving him one behind Argentina captain Lionel Messi. Dembl scored his fifth goal of the tournament in the 66th.
Mbapp was taken down in the 76th minute and was taken off for a substitute a minute later. He was then shown sitting on the bench with an ice pack on his right ankle.
After the match and with both shoes on, Mbapp ran and jumped in celebration with his teammates.
France will face either Spain or Belgium in the semifinals in Dallas on Tuesday.
France beat Morocco by the same score in the semifinals of the 2022 tournament in Qatar when the Atlas Lions became the first African team to make it that far. France now remains on track to become only the third nation to play in the final of three consecutive World Cups.
Mbapp got his goal with a perfectly placed shot just inside the far post after Morocco failed to clear the ball. He received the ball just outside the area, took a couple steps forward and then sent his shot sailing into the net. He extended both arms and ran to the sideline to celebrate with his teammates.
France's second goal came after Mbapp took a pass and tapped it back for Dembl. Mbapp kept running forward and took defenders with him, opening space for Dembl's shot.
France held a 21-4 advantage in shots on goal and 8-1 edge in shots on target for the game.
Mbapp also had the first shot on goal of the game, just missing wide right in the fourth minute. Then, in the 25th, he was running up the left side when he was chopped down in the box by Morocco defender Noussair Mazraoui. Referee Facundo Tello quickly pointed to the penalty spot.
Mbapp lined up waiting for his attempt but was held up by a lengthy video review. He was finally cleared to shoot in the 28th minute, but after a hesitation, Mbapp's shot toward the right corner was corralled by goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, who guessed the direction of the shot correctly.
Mbapp made his only other penalty attempt at this year's World Cup in France's 1-0 victory over Paraguay in the round of 16.
Still, France was by far the more active team offensively in the first half, holding a 13-1 advantage in shots on goal.
Morocco's best opportunity came just before the halftime whistle when Achraf Hakimi sent a free kick from just outside the box past the right post.
A free summer program in Detroit is giving middle and high school students hands-on experience with engines while introducing them to career opportunities in motorsports and the automotive industry.
Watch Demetrios Sanders' video report: Powering possibilities for young minds
The National Motorsports Association's Engine Building Bootcamp is being held at the North Rosedale Park Community House on the city's west side. The course is open to children in grades 8 through 10 in metro Detroit and combines classroom instruction with hands-on learning.
Participants work alongside instructors to discover the basic operations of an engine, eventually taking one apart and putting it back together.
Geary Huey, an instructor with the bootcamp, said students get an in-depth look at an engine's components.
"The cylinders, they're going to look at the lifters and the valves, and they're really going to try to understand how everything works together," Huey said.
Carmen Carter, founder of the National Motorsports Association, said the automotive industry offers a wide range of career paths.
"It's 30,000, at least 30,000 parts to every car. So pick a part, and you've got a way to create a career," Carter said.
Instructors say the skills students gain are valuable even for those who don't pursue a career in the automotive field.
Levan Hoskins, an instructor with the bootcamp, said the knowledge can benefit students in everyday life.
"They should be able to go out there and purchase themselves a nice vehicle without a problem, trying to find out if anything's wrong with the engine. If there is something wrong with the engine, they'll be able to repair it on their own," Hoskins said.
For 9th-grader Aaron Williams, who dreams of becoming a diesel mechanic, the bootcamp is building on the experience he already has.
"Small engines like dirt bike engines, mini bike engines, and stuff," Williams said. "I've been practicing and working on those, taking them apart, putting them together."
Williams said he hopes the program will help him build his professional profile.
"I'm hoping that this program will be able to teach me a little bit more about the engine, so I can put this on my resume," Williams said.
Another participant, Jeremiah Johnson, said the bootcamp is helping him work toward his goal of becoming a mechanical engineer.
"I want to help create a new type of engine that's lightweight, goes real fast, and creates enough RPM," Johnson said.
If you're interested in getting involved with the Engine Building Bootcamp, Carter encourages families to sign up.
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.
Eight men were indicted on murder and terrorism conspiracy charges Thursday for their alleged roles in a thwarted drone and sniper attack on the UFC cage-fighting show staged at the White House in June.
The indictment, returned in Ohio, charges all eight in two separate conspiracies, one to provide material support to terrorists and a second to commit murder on federal government territory and to murder a federal government official.
It remains unclear from the court records how close the would-be attackers could have come to being able to carry out the plan had it not been thwarted.
According to the new indictment, the plot began in May, when the group began amassing money, firearms, ammunition, body armor, explosives, drones, medical equipment, communications equipment and other items.
It was on June 10 that law enforcement officials learned about a possible threat to President Donald Trumps UFC cage-fighting show, four days before the mixed martial arts extravaganza was scheduled to take place.
The Justice Department last month announced a series of criminal complaints in different districts across the country in connection with the UFC plot, including from Ohio, Missouri, Washington, Nebraska and California.
The indictment announced Thursday represents an effort by the government to streamline the case and knit the defendants together into a single conspiracy prosecution in Ohio. Officials have said the group members harbored fringe conspiracy theories and hoped the attack would destabilize the government.
One of the defendants told investigators that they planned to fly explosive-laden drones into the event and then shoot panicked crowd members as they fled, according to a federal affidavit.
Tycen C. Proper 19, of Danville, Ohio, and four others were arrested and charged in Missouri, Nebraska and California the weekend of the cage-fighting event, called Freedom 250. Two more defendants were charged and arrested by the FBI about a week later in Washington and Missouri.
The Justice Department said an eighth man was charged this week. He is 21-year-old Chandler D. Scaggs, of Chapmanville, West Virginia, who was taken into custody in that state. Scaggs was allegedly assigned to be one of the snipers in the plotted attack, according to an affidavit.
The affidavit said Scaggs was apparently to be picked up by Proper and taken to Washington but lost contact with him after Proper was arrested, the same as the others. Scaggs allegedly signaled to the group that he was still willing to participate in the attack and arranged to travel to the event with another co-conspirator.
Scaggs' attorney, Eric Brehm, said his office was thoroughly reviewing the allegations and declined to comment further.
Conspiring to provide material support to terrorists is punishable by up to 15 years in prison, and conspiring to commit murder carries a penalty of up to life in prison.
Federal prosecutors allege that the group planned to murder Trump, Vice President JD Vance, other federal officials, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, trillionaire businessman Elon Musk and other high value targets at the event.
Rare, century-old tiles once destined for the landfill are getting a second life and some are headed to a museum in Flint.
Watch Jeffrey Lindblom's video report: Artist using tiles to tell a tale at a Flint museum
Detroit artist and preservationist Tim Burke rescued the historic Flint Faience tiles from the abandoned Highland Towers Apartments, saving 75 pieces before the building faces potential demolition.
"These would have been in a landfill, in a landfill! It just kills me," Burke said.
The Highland Towers Apartments were abandoned in 2009 and suspiciously set ablaze in 2010. The tiles previously lined the building's entrance archway. Flint Faience is a tile made in Flint, Michigan, and popularized in the 1920s.
PREVIOUS STORY: Detroit artist races to salvage historic tiles from Highland Towers Apartments before demolition Artist working to preserve history in Highland Park
"A 100-years ago minus 6, and you can see on the back they're stamped Flint Faience. Barely, but it's there," Burke said.
Burke said he has always had a passion for antiques and collectibles and knew immediately what had to be done.
"I've always loved antiques and collectibles. My thoughts and feelings was, 'Dude, you have to donate those,'" Burke said.
With the right approvals secured and community donations funding his tools, Burke got to work. He had just 5 days to remove the artifacts from the brick.
"I'm like, 'Oh, Dear God,'" Burke said.
Despite the tight timeline and the challenges of removing the tiles from the brick, Burke successfully pulled 75 tiles a career milestone he described as his crowning achievement.
"It was a feather in my cap, so to speak. Like, this is the crowning jewel for me," Burke said.
The tiles together form a rare bird scene, with each image spanning 4 tiles.
The Sloan Museum of Discovery in Flint received 4 of the tiles and said it is grateful for Burke's work to preserve Flint's history and is excited to add them to its collection. Burke said the museum's enthusiasm was immediate.
"Everyone was raising their hands like, we would love some of those tiles! I'm calling it 100 years, full circle," Burke said.
Burke has also offered tiles to other nearby museums. As for the tiles he is keeping, he plans to incorporate them into a bench as he has done with past projects or other smaller creations made from the broken and damaged pieces.
Burke said he hopes the public display will connect the community to the history he worked to save.
"Wow, now the public will be able to view these tiles. Giving back to the community and being a part of the community," Burke said.
Stay tuned for when the tiles officially go on display at the museum.
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.
It looks like John Deere owners can soon feel free to fix their own machines.
The Federal Trade Commission and attorneys general from several states secured a right-to-repair settlement Wednesday with agriculture equipment giant Deere & Co. commonly known as John Deere that requires the company to let farmers and independent shops fix their own equipment.
The Illinois-based manufacturer has faced complaints for years for withholding the software needed for repairs and forcing customers to use authorized dealers instead of independent ones.
This marks the second right-to-repair settlement Deere has reached this year, following a separate $99 million class-action settlement with farmers in April. Though the class-action compensated consumers, the FTC's settlement instead requires Deere to make its repair services available to equipment owners and independent shops.
The FTC and attorneys general from Arizona, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin brought the antitrust lawsuit in January 2025, arguing that Deere had illegally restricted farmers and independent shops that might otherwise service them from repairing farm equipment such as tractors. Deere also makes engines and equipment for forestry, landscaping and construction.
Under the order filed in Illinois, Deere will now be required to make diagnostic and repair tools available to equipment owners and independent repair shops, not only its own network of authorized dealers. It also prevents Deere dealers from retaliating against equipment owners or repair shops who choose to fix their own equipment instead of paying for Deere's services. The order is headed to Judge Iain D. Johnston for his approval.
For too long, Arizona farmers and independent mechanics have been at the mercy of Deeres monopoly over repair tools, forced to wait and pay for authorized dealers just to fix broken tractors and other equipment, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes said in a statement Wednesday.
Deere must pay $1 million collectively to the five states for antitrust enforcement costs and will be subject to strict compliance oversight for the next 10 years.
In the complaint, the FTC argued that Deere provides a service software tool to authorized dealers but does not provide the full version to equipment owners or independent shops. Deere had said the lawsuit was baseless, denied that its distribution of service tools was anticompetitive and argued that it could not monopolize services since it does not directly provide them.
Deere maintained its commitment to independent repair in a statement Wednesday, adding that the agreement with the FTC reinforces its innovation of more flexible repair options.
This is good news for our customers and for the future of how Deere equipment is supported, said Denver Caldwell, vice president of aftermarket and customer support.
Right-to-repair has become an increasingly common issue over the years, especially for tech products, with consumers complaining that even simple repairs can only be done by company-authorized dealers.
Chesterfield Township voters will decide August 4 whether to approve a proposed Parks and Recreation and Senior Services millage that has sparked strong opinions on both sides.
Watch Evan Sery's video report: Chesterfield Township Parks and Rec Millage divides residents over tax burden
The 10-year, 1-mill tax proposal would generate an estimated $2.5 million in its first year for improvements to parks, recreational spaces and senior services. A homeowner with a taxable value of $100,000 would pay $100 per year.
Proposed improvements include modernization of the community center, the addition of pickleball courts, and upgrades to neighborhood and senior parks.
Township Supervisor Brad Kersten said the millage is designed to benefit Chesterfield residents directly.
"This is not an unnecessary tax; this is a tax that stays specifically here in Chesterfield Township. It doesn't leave; this money stays right here and develops ourcommunity and promotes our community," Kersten said.
Kersten acknowledged the burden taxes place on residents but defended the proposal's long-term value.
"We get it, we understand it, nobody likes to pay taxes," Kersten said. "We have a long-term vision and a long-term plan, and again, that was why we focused on 1 mil for 10 years; we believed with that amount of money that generates, we can get to that point where all of our park spaces are developed, are functional, and usable."
Not everyone is convinced. Janice Young, who has lived in Chesterfield Township since the 1980s, said she plans to vote no.
"When you factor in my water rate increases, new taxes, cost of living going up, there's just no more money," Young said.
Young said the financial impact would grow over time.
"Would cost me $103 the first year, and then every year as my taxes get assessed and that value goes up, it'll cost me more," Young said.
Young's position appears to reflect a broader sentiment in the community. When residents were asked to weigh in on the proposal in a popular community Facebook group, only a few of the hundreds of responses indicated support for a yes vote.
Some residents, however, are eager to see the investment made. Allison Lapointe, a mother who plans to vote yes, said the millage is about the next generation.
"I don't think you can ever have enough parks," Lapointe said. "Everybody wants their kids off of their tablets and playing on technology too much. We didn't have this when I grew up, and we used parks. How are we gonna create this for our generations to come? Have more parks."
The township has held 3 community visioning sessions to discuss the proposal. The final session is scheduled for July 23 inside the community center.
Voters will make the final decision on August 4.
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.
As another round of storms approaches the area, Farmington residents are bracing for more power outages and some are asking what can proactively be done to prevent the kind of widespread outages seen just last week.
Watch Ruta Ulciniate's video report: Farmington mayor pushes DTE, state regulators for better power outage solutions
Farmington Mayor Joe LaRussa says power outages in the city are nothing new, although there have been signs of progress. He says Farmington circuits have seen a 65% reduction in outage frequency and an 85% reduction in outage duration for impacted residents, up until this latest storm.
However, as an engineer himself, he has presented ideas directly to DTE and the Michigan Public Service Commission about how they can work together to find long-term solutions.
"The council got together and said we really need to communicate with the state regulators and we need to do it in a constructive way," LaRussa said. "It was important for the whole city to say to our state regulators, these are some things that can be done to make this better."
LaRussa sent a letter also signed by city council to both DTE and the Michigan Public Service Commission in 2022 after a massive storm caused widespread power outages. The letter laid out ways all parties could work together to prevent outages before they happen.
Resident Jules Carvey described the uncertainty many in the city feel.
"It's kind of a coin flip where it's like are we gonna lose power or are we not going to lose power?" Carvey said.
One idea LaRussa proposed a few years ago involved burying power lines when a housing development was being built in the city and the road needed to be redone. He says DTE agreed to do the project since the road was already open but at a cost.
"The first ask was a million dollars to underground probably 380 feet of utility line," LaRussa said.
Watch previous coverage this week when nearly 400,000 were without power after storms: Livonia residents without power for days after storm damages transformer
Under Michigan Code R 460.517, electric facilities are only required to pay for underground lines for the company's own convenience and benefit, or where required in heavily congested business districts. LaRussa believes that should change.
"I do think that there is a need for administrative review for existing rules and really giving local communities a little bit more of a seat at the table," LaRussa said.
September 2023 video report: Burying power lines: DTE testing out pilot program in some neighborhoods to help reduce outages Burying power lines: DTE testing out pilot program in some neighborhoods to help reduce outages
7 News Detroit reached out to DTE for an interview but was denied as crews prepared for the next round of storms.
Meanwhile, the Michigan Public Service Commission told 7 News Detroit it has taken steps to explore moving overhead power lines underground, including launching pilot programs in places like Ann Arbor. In a statement, the MPSC said:
We share in the frustration customers have about power outages, and we recognize theres more work to be done. We are focused relentlessly on improving reliability.
For resident Isabelle Ban, who lost power from Friday to Wednesday and lost hundreds of dollars worth of food, the pace of change is not fast enough.
"I would understand it's expensive but even starting slow by slow. Sometimes, that's what you gotta do," Ban said. "I'm even looking at all these wires in front of my house and it's just ridiculous."
Carvey echoed the urgency felt by many in the community.
"I think something needs to be happening," Carvey 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.
State health officials are tracking a rapidly growing outbreak of cyclosporiasis across Southeast Michigan.
Watch Darren Cunningham's video report: Some shoppers shift to farmers' markets amid rising MI cyclosporiasis cases
As of Thursday, July 9th, the state said 1,251 people have been sickened by the parasite.
While investigators are still looking into the exact source of the contamination, the scare is already shifting how some local families buy their food.
Instead of avoiding fresh produce altogether, some shoppers are skipping the big chains and heading straight to the source, looking for peace of mind.
Danielle Gurak, of Waterford, said, "That's why I came to the farmers market to get vegetables.. cause I feel that its a little safer this way.
Well, Im thinking about some fresh herbs, and then I really came here to buy lettuce, asparagus, onions," she explained.
Gurak added, Im nervous on the lettuce, but I feel like this is the place to get it.
For some at the market, the threat of cyclosporiasis isn't just a headline. It hit right at home.
Miranda Glascock said, Actually, my husband had it a couple weeks ago.
We think it was from some lettuce from a sandwich. So, Im kind of paranoid to go to the grocery store. So, were coming here to the farmers market," the Pontiac resident explained.
Glascock added, Just the fact that its homegrown and not mass-produced and mass-packaged.
I feel much better getting it here than I do from a big grocery chain," she said.
Local growers are feeling the sudden shift in demand as consumers really consider where their dinner is coming from.
Produce farmer Brian Penzein, who owns B & L Gardens, said he's been selling at the market for 25 years. The past week and a half have been unique.
"Ive had quite a few people looking for clean lettuce, as they call it. They want to make sure it doesnt have anything in it, that its not shipped in from somewhere and all of that, and Im like, I grow my own," he explained.
Penzien recalled, We had a scare on spinach a few years ago. Had the same thing. Everybody started coming to the market looking for clean spinach.
Even for those who grow the crops, the widespread reach of the parasite is alarming.
My sister got it. She thought she got it in Chicago, but she had found out she got it before that," Penzien said.
While sourcing locally eliminates the massive mass-packaging distribution pipeline, farmers and health experts emphasize that home defense is still your best defense.
People need to wash their produce very well, even after the vendor they got it from has washed it," Penzien advised.
Glascock said, We got some lettuce that were going to try and grill at home. Some squash too and then we just grabbed some yellow beets, some red beets.
Gurak said of the parasite she's, trying to avoid it. Thats all Im doing.
State health officials are tracking the numbers closely, urging extreme caution with raw greens and fresh herbs across Southeast Michigan.
Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian told 7 News Detroit that all precautions are necessary,
"There's no 100% way to be sure that your leafy green is protected just because you bought it locally. The key is to making sure that you're buying a whole lettuce or whole leafy green, removing that outer layer, because when you are buying things that have been pre-bagged or pre-washed, those salad mixes for example, there are more steps along the way where contamination can occur," Bagdasarian said.
FULL INTERVIEW: Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian on cyclosporiasis and produce FULL INTERVIEW: Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian on cyclosporiasis and produce
A 5-year-old Detroit boy is recovering after police say he was struck by a stray bullet fired by a teen allegedly playing with a gun on the city's west side and a local violence intervention group says it wants to step in before another life is changed forever.
Watch Randy Wimbley's video report: Violence intervention group wants to mentor teen accused of shooting boy
Five-year-old Kayzier was riding his bike in front of his home when he was hit by a stray bullet. Police say the teen was firing a gun at Fargo-Oakfield Park on Detroit's west side Tuesday. Kayzier was struck in the left arm.
PREVIOUS STORY: 5-year-old Detroit boy hit by stray bullet while riding his bike outside his home 5-year-old Detroit boy hit by stray bullet while riding his bike outside his home
His father, who did not want his face shown or his name shared, says his son is traumatized.
"He's still in shock. He don't want to come outside, he don't want to ride his bike, he don't want to do nothing."
Kayzier's father says he doesn't believe the teen intended to hurt his son and says he hopes the suspect receives the help, mentorship, and guidance he needs.
The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office has until Tuesday, July 14, to decide whether to file charges based on the evidence presented by investigators.
Regardless of the outcome, Negus Vu the executive director of the community violence intervention group The People's Action says his team wants to help change the young man's life through an intensive mentorship program, something they've done for nearly 100 other young people in Detroit.
"Why are you dealing with guns? Why are you involved in gun violence? What's going on at home? What's going on internally?" Vu said.
"So when we're dealing with young men who have the highest propensity to commit gun violence or even deal with guns, what we wanna do is find out the root cause," Vu said. "So when we're doing that relationship building, we wanna build a rapport with them. We're spending time, we take them on field trips. We're doing, we're giving them education. We're giving them life skills, financial literacy. We wanna make them functional in society."
FULL INTERVIEW: Executive Director of The People's Action, Negus Vu, talks about shooting response FULL INTERVIEW: Executive Director of The People's Action Negus Vu talk about shooting response
Vu says The People's Action also plans to help Kayzier and his family.
"Also, we're gonna help the 5-year-old, right? Because the 5-year-old has also been victimized. You have the mother and father who've been tremendously impacted," Vu said.
Kurtiez Thompson, a former gang member who served time in state and federal prison, plans to work directly with the teen accused of pulling the trigger.
"Me, myself, being a credible messenger and my coworkers are also credible messengers we have the lived experiences to bring to the youth. We understand how to connect and relate in a unique way through our past experiences," Thompson 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.
Our station editorial and programming about America 250 prompted several comments. Michael Armajo simply said:
Happy Fourth!
Our story about nine original freedom documents from the National Archives making their tour stop at The Henry Ford in Dearborn prompted these comments. Matt Lancaster wrote:
I stood in line for over three hours to see this when it was in Kansas City. Very cool to see such documents/signatures.
Rick Burris added:
I will be taking my grandkids to see the history of our great country.
Karl Lauri said:
Looks very cool!
Another viewer made this comment about our hand-written historical U.S. documents:
Too bad children today will be unable to read the documents since many cannot read or write cursive.
- Norman Woelk
And, if youre wondering which historic documents are on display, Kay Ote shared the list. Heres what youll see.
The Articles of Association, George Washingtons Oath of Allegiance, Alexander Hamiltons Oath of Allegiance, and Aaron Burrs Oath of Allegiance, the Treaty of Paris, Secret Printing of the Constitution, State Delegation Votes Approving the Constitution, Senate Markup of the Bill of Rights, and William Stone Engraving of the Declaration of Independence.
And finally, this comment:
Thank you WXYZ-TV Channel 7 for speaking with historians at the Detroit Historical Museum about Detroit prohibition past (and) how the city kept the drinks flowing during the war on alcohol.
- Sari M. Cicurel
Thats it for now, thanks for writing and watching.
Westland's police department will not renew its contract with Flock Safety, the company behind AI-powered license plate reader cameras.
Watch Tiarra Braddock's video report: Westland police dropping Flock Safety camera contract amid privacy concerns
The city's two-year contract with Flock expires at the end of the month. The cameras capture license plate numbers to help police identify vehicles they believe are linked to crimes and investigations.
Some residents say the cameras help deter crime and keep the community safe, but others worry the technology goes too far and raises major privacy concerns.
Maya Lewis, a Westland resident, said the decision has mixed implications.
"I think it could be bittersweet. I think it's a good thing to have, but I understand where people are at with the privacy part," Lewis said.
Jandrea Kiester, who travels to Westland often, said she supports scaling back surveillance.
"I think we have more than enough surveillance going on. Some should be tamped down," Kiester said.
Westland resident Debbie Olson said she has no objections to the cameras.
"I don't have a problem with it I don't," Olson said. "I think it's probably more good than harm."
Councilwoman Melissa Sampey said city council was divided over whether to keep the camera system, with many residents raising concerns about who can access the data.
"Flock cam can actually be retrieved by anyone across the United States, so a lot of people that came to us were really concerned that their information was going to be accessed by anybody," Sampey said.
Sampey said Police Chief Kyle Dawley ultimately made the decision not to renew the contract after hearing from residents at city council meetings.
"The police chief obviously did his due diligence but ultimately, he was listening to individuals who came to the city council meeting," Sampey said.
Dawley released a statement about his decision:
The current contract with Flock ALPR expires at the end of this month. Police administration has had several conversations with councilmembers, including demonstrating how W.L.P.D. uses the technology, along with our agency specific policy governing its use. During these discussions, it became clear that Council is deeply split on this matter. Police administration and City Council have an exceptionally strong and collaborative professional partnership. Because of this highly valued partnership, the renewal contract will not be sent to Council seeking approval. W.L.P.D. is fortunate to have great support from Mayor Coleman and City Council as we move toward future progress.
Sampey said she is confident the city will remain safe without the Flock cameras.
"I think our officers do an amazing job," Sampey said. "It is an enhancement tool for technology, but our police department is equipped with anything that they need in terms of technology to make sure we are safe here in Westland."
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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.
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