The Republican governor of Indiana said Monday hes scheduling a special session to redraw congressional boundaries after weeks of pressure to back President Donald Trumps bid to add more winnable seats with midcycle redistricting.

Trump has pressed Republicans to draw new maps that give the party an easier path to maintain control of the House in the midterms. While Republicans in Texas, Missouri and North Carolina have moved quickly to enact new districts, Indiana lawmakers have been hesitant.

Republican Gov. Mike Braun called for the General Assembly to convene Nov. 3 for the special session. Its unclear whether enough of the GOP majority Senate will back new maps.

The White House held multiple meetings with Indiana lawmakers who have held out for months. The legislative leaders kept their cards close as speculation swirled over whether the state known for its more measured approach to Republican politics would answer the redistricting call.

National pressure campaign

Vice President JD Vance first met with Braun and legislative leaders in Indianapolis in August and Trump met privately with state House Speaker Todd Huston and state Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray in the Oval Office weeks later. Vance also spoke to state lawmakers visiting Washington that day.

Vance returned to Indianapolis on Oct. 10 to meet with the governor, as well as the Republican state House and Senate members.

RELATED STORY | North Carolina GOP lawmakers approve new congressional map aimed at adding Republican seat

Braun is a staunch ally of Trump in a state the president won by 19 percentage points in 2024. But Indiana lawmakers have avoided the national spotlight in recent years especially after a 2022 special session that yielded a strict abortion ban. Braun previously said he did not want to call a special session until he was sure lawmakers would back a new map.

I am calling a special legislative session to protect Hoosiers from efforts in other states that seek to diminish their voice in Washington and ensure their representation in Congress is fair, Braun said in a statement Monday.

Typically, states redraw boundaries of congressional districts every 10 years after the census has concluded. Opponents are expected to challenge any new maps in court.

State lawmakers have the sole power to draw maps in Indiana, where Republicans hold a supermajority in both chambers. Democrats could not stop a special session by refusing to attend, as their peers in Texas briefly did.

Opposition to redrawing the maps midcycle

A spokesperson for Bray said last week that the Indiana Senate lacked the votes to pass a new congressional map and she said Monday that the votes are still lacking, casting doubt on whether a special session will achieve Braun's goals.

With only 10 Democrats in the 50-member Senate, that means more than a dozen of the 40 Republicans oppose the idea. Some state Republican lawmakers have warned that midcycle redistricting can be costly and could backfire politically.

Republicans who vote against redistricting could to be forced out of office if their colleagues back primary opponents as punishment for not towing the party line. Braun's move to call a special session could force lawmakers who haven't commented publicly to take a stance.

Indianas Republican legislative leaders praised existing boundaries after adopting them four years ago.

I believe these maps reflect feedback from the public and will serve Hoosiers well for the next decade, Bray said at the time.

RELATED STORY | California Democrats release plan to boost party's US House seats

Indiana Senate Democratic Leader Shelli Yoder decried the special session and threatened legal action over any maps passed by the Legislature.

This is not democracy. This is desperation," she said in a statement.

Redistricting balloons

Democrats only need to gain three seats to flip control of the U.S. House, and redistricting fights have erupted in multiple states.

Some Democratic states have moved to counter Republican gains with new legislative maps. The latest, Virginia, is expected to take up the issue in a special session starting this week.

Republicans outnumber Democrats in Indianas congressional delegation 7-2, limiting possibilities of squeezing out another seat. But many in the party see it as a chance for the GOP to represent all nine seats.

The GOP would likely target Indianas 1st Congressional District, a longtime Democratic stronghold that encompasses Gary and other cities near Chicago in the states northwest corner. The seat held by third-term Democratic U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan has been seen by Republicans as a possible pickup in recent elections.

Lawmakers in Indiana redrew the borders of the district to be slightly more favorable toward Republicans in the 2022 election, but did not entirely split it up. The new maps were not challenged in court after they were approved in 2021, not even by Democrats and allies who had opposed the changes boosting GOP standing in the suburbs north of Indianapolis.

Mrvan still won reelection in 2022 and easily retained his seat in 2024.

I believe that representation should be earned through ideas and service, not political manipulation, Mrvan said in a statement Monday.

Republicans could also zero in on Indianas 7th Congressional District, composed entirely of Marion County and the Democratic stronghold of Indianapolis. But that option would be more controversial, potentially slicing up the states largest city and diluting Black voters influence.

The 50th anniversary of the sinking of the S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald is Monday, Nov. 10, and there are special events across the state and Great Lakes region honoring the occasion.

Check out the different events below

Related stories on the Edmund Fitzgerald below

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 FitzgeraldDetroit Historical Society

The Detroit Historical Society is hosting a full weekend of activities to mark the 50th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald.

Friday, Nov. 7

Book talk with Thomas Nelson for "Wrecked" from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle

Saturday, Nov. 8

Curators and docents hosting drop-in tours of the Edmund Fitzgerald exhibit at the Dossin Great Lakes Museum Livonia Amateur Radio Club will be in DeRoy Hall for the Edmund Fitzgerald radio broadcast

Sunday, Nov. 9

Maritime Brunch at the Dossin Great Lake Museum (It is sold out) Museum opens with regular admission at 1 p.m.

Monday, Nov. 10

26th annual Lost Mariners Remembrance from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Watch below: Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald: What makes the gales of November?

Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald: What makes the gales of November?Mariners' Church of Detroit

The Mariners' Church along Jefferson Ave. in Downtown Detroit is the same referenced in Gordon Lightfoot's famous song. There will be several events throughout the weekend.

Friday, Nov. 7

A special tribute to the Edmund Fitzgerald, featuring songs and storytelling from Mike Fornes at 6 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase

Sunday, Nov. 9

Great Lakes Memorial Service at 11 a.m., the annual tradition to commemorate all Mariners lost on the Great Lakes

Monday, Nov. 10

The bell will ring for a special anniversary Eucharist service at 12:10 p.m. on Monday There will be a special luncheon at 1 p.m. at the Detroit Mercy Law School that discusses the legal issues surrounding deadly shipwrecks and honors the 50th anniversary of the wreck

Watch below: New book tells 'the untold story' of the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald

New book tells 'the untold story' of the wreck of the Edmund FitzgeraldGreat Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society at Whitefish Point, MI

The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum has several Edmund Fitzgerald artifacts on display, including the ship's 200-pound bronze bell which was recovered on July 4, 1995.

On Monday, Nov. 10, the historical society will hold the outdoor public remembrance service at 2 p.m.

A ceremony for family members only will take place at 7 p.m. and be live-streamed to the public, but it is not open to the public.

National Museum of the Great Lakes in Toledo, Ohio

About an hour south of Detroit, the National Museum of the Great Lakes will host a full slate of events marking the 50th anniversary of the sinking.

All weekend long

From Friday through Monday, you can do guided tours of the Col. James M. Schoonmaker to imagine challenges faced by the Fitzgerald's crew

Friday, Nov. 7

Fitzgerald Beer Launch and dinner at Quenched & Tempered Brewery - The brewery is serving the same last meal that was served on the ship, and there will be live music and the release of the collaboration beer "The Toledo Express."

Saturday, Nov. 8

Book signing by Christopher Winters, author of "The Legend Lives On: S.S. Edmund Fitzgerald" at the museum

Sunday, Nov. 9

Meredith Moon, the daughter of Gordon Lightfoot, will perform a tribute concert at the Valentine Theater

Monday, Nov. 10

Documentary screening of "A Good Ship and Crew Well Seasoned: The Fitzgerald and Her Legacy" every hour from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the museum At 6 p.m., there will be a guest panel with those personally connected to the Fitzgerald, and then a ceremony marking the moment the ship was lostUniversity of Wisconsin-Superior

The University of Wisconsin-Superior will host a special lecture by shipwreck historian Ric Mixter on Saturday, Nov. 8 and then a musical performance. Mixter is someone who has visited the wreck personally.

Minnesota Historical Society

The Minnesota Historical Society will host its annual Memorial Beacon Lighting at 4 p.m. CST at the Split Rock Lighthouse.

If you have other events you'd like us to include, please email

max.white@wxyz.com

The U.S. Department of Agriculture says federal food aid will no longer be distributed starting on Nov. 1 saying the "well has run dry" and blaming Senate Democrats for the ongoing government shutdown.

"Senate Democrats have now voted 12 times to not fund the food stamp program, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)," a notice reads on the USDA website.

"At this time, there will be no benefits issued November 01," the agency added. "We are approaching an inflection point for Senate Democrats. They can continue to hold out for healthcare for illegal aliens and gender mutilation procedures or reopen the government so mothers, babies, and the most vulnerable among us can receive critical nutrition assistance."

WATCH | SNAP benefits slated to halt

SNAP benefits will end in November if govt shutdown continues

ADDITIONAL REPORTING | SNAP benefits at risk, workers miss pay as shutdown continues

The Trump administration, meanwhile, is refusing to tap $5 billion in contingency funds to sustain SNAP benefits, saying the money is reserved for emergencies such as natural disasters. Some states say they will try to keep SNAP benefits flowing, but the USDA warned they would not be reimbursed.

"There is no provision or allowance under current law for States to cover the cost of benefits and be reimbursed, a USDA memo obtained by Scripps News states.

According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, nearly 62% of SNAP recipients are families with children, and nearly 37% of beneficiaries are households with older adults or people with disabilities. If SNAP benefits are halted, it could leave millions of Americans without critical food assistance.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | USDA wont use emergency funds to cover SNAP benefits, agency says

The government shutdown which began on Oct. 1 is now the second longest on record. At the center of the dispute is health care policy.

Republicans want to reopen the government first and debate health care later, while Democrats are demanding concessions tied to expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies. Democrats argue that without action, millions of Americans could face higher insurance premiums in the coming months.

President Donald Trump revealed that he underwent an MRI during his recent visit to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

The 79-year-old president told reporters aboard Air Force One that the scan was perfect, but he did not explain why the MRI was ordered.

The White House previously said Trump was going to Walter Reed for a routine physical on Oct. 10, but did not mention that an MRI would be part of the visit.

RELATED STORY | President Trump gets updated COVID, flu vaccines during physical

Following the exam, Dr. Sean Barbabella, the physician to the president, wrote, Trump remains in exceptional health, exhibiting strong cardiovascular, pulmonary, neurological, and physical performance.

Comprehensive laboratory studies performed in conjunction with the visit were exceptional, including stable metabolic, hematologic, and cardiac parameters. In preparation for upcoming international travel, he added.

Barbabella also said the president received updated COVID-19 and flu vaccines.

Questions about Trumps health have persisted in recent months, as photos have circulated showing a bruised hand and what appeared to be swelling in his legs.

In July, the White House said Trump was diagnosed with a minor condition that affects circulation in his legs and makes it harder for veins to return blood to the heart.

RELATED STORY | White House: Trump diagnosed with minor vein condition tied to swelling in legs

Importantly, there was no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said at the time.

Leavitt also said the bruising on Trumps hand was consistent with minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin, which is taken as part of a standard cardiovascular prevention regimen.

Air traffic controllers will miss their biweekly paycheck, which would have gone out on Oct. 28, as the government shutdown continues.

It marks the first time during the shutdown now in its 27th day that controllers will go without a full paycheck.

Air traffic controllers are classified as essential employees, meaning they are required to report to work during a shutdown. However, officials say sick calls have noticeably increased in recent days.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | Passengers rate their favorite airlines. Heres who came out on top

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said there were 22 staffing triggers on Saturday, indicating a shortage of controllers.

That's a sign that the controllers are wearing thin, Duffy said Sunday in an interview on Fox News.

Flights at Los Angeles International Airport were temporarily halted on Sunday due to staffing shortages, and airports across the country reported delays and cancellations.

Duffy warned the impact could worsen if the shutdown continues.

You're going to see more delays, you're going to see more cancellations, he said.

RELATED STORY | Duffy: Air traffic controllers could lose jobs for calling in sick during shutdown

Duffy previously told Scripps News that controllers could face discipline including losing their jobs if they call in sick without actually being ill.

If they're sick, they're sick. I'm fine with that, Duffy said. But if they're not showing up to work, and they're calling out for other reasons. And it's coordinated, and they collaborate on it, I don't want those people working in air traffic.

A fighter jet and a helicopter based off the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz both crashed into the South China Sea within 30 minutes of each other, the Navy's Pacific Fleet said.

The three crew members of the MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter were rescued on Sunday afternoon, and the two aviators in the F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet ejected and were recovered safely, and all five are safe and in stable condition, the fleet said in a statement.

The causes of the two crashes were under investigation, the statement said.

President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Tokyo on Monday, said the incidents could have been caused by bad fuel. He ruled out foul play and said there was nothing to hide.

RELATED STORY | Pentagon accepts $130 million donation to help pay military during shutdown

The USS Nimitz is returning to its home port in Naval Base Kitsap in Washington state after having been deployed to the Middle East for most of the summer as part of the U.S. response to attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels on commercial shipping. The carrier is on its final deployment before decommissioning.

Another aircraft carrier, the USS Harry S. Truman, suffered a series of mishaps in recent months while deployed to the Middle East.

In December, the guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg mistakenly shot down an F/A-18 jet from the Truman.

Then, in April, another F/A-18 fighter jet slipped off the Truman's hangar deck and fell into the Red Sea.

RELATED STORY | US is sending aircraft carrier to Latin America in escalation of military power

And in May, an F/A fighter jet landing on the carrier in the Red Sea went overboard after apparently failing to catch the steel cables used to stop landing planes and forcing its two pilots to eject.

No sailors were killed in any of those mishaps. The results of investigations into those incidents have yet to be released.

A Highland Township resident is dead after being hit by the driver of an SUV while riding his bike on Sunday night, the Oakland County Sheriff tells us.

Authorities say that Todd Luark, 53, was heading south on a bike on South Milford Road near Rowe Road just before 7:30 p.m. when he got struck by the driver of a Jeep Grand Cherokee heading in the same direction.

First responders found the man unconscious and lying in the driveway of a nearby home. Paramedics with the Highland Township Fire Department were unable to revive Luark, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators say that the driver of a Jeep a 45-year-old man from Farmington Hills who was not injured in the crash crossed over the solid white line at the edge of the roadway and hit the bicyclist.

Before Halloween, Warren police are sending out a warning to the public after they say a recent investigation led to the discovery of products resembling candy and chips that contain THC and psilocybin mushroom products.

According to police, a warrant was executed at a home in Warren on Thursday, where officers found several bags of chips, snacks and candy that looked to be inside regular packages of well-known brands, but they actually contained THC or psilocybin mushroom products.

Our investigation revealed that certain candies and snacks were deliberately made to look like everyday treats, but actually contained dangerous substances such as THC and psilocybin mushrooms. Were grateful to have removed these items before they could fall into the hands of children. This serves as an important reminder for families to carefully inspect all Halloween treats and to prioritize safety this season, said Warren Police Commissioner Eric Hawkins in a press release.

The Warren Police Department offered these tips for families for trick-or-treating:

Carefully inspect all candy and treats before allowing children to consume them. Discard any unwrapped, loose, or homemade items unless you know and trust the source. Look for unusual packaging, odors, or discoloration that may indicate tampering. Remind children not to eat any treats until they return home and an adult has had a chance to check them. If you discover any suspicious items, do not handle themcontact the Warren Police Department.

Anyone who has questions about Halloween safety or would like to report suspicious items is urged to contact the Warren Police Department.

U.S. President Donald Trump is meeting Monday with Japans new prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, marking his first visit to the country since she took office last week.

Takaichi is welcoming President Trump for talks in Tokyo, just seven days after becoming the nations first female prime minister. During his flight to Japan, Trump told reporters he planned to highlight the great friendship between the United States and Japan.

ADDITIONAL REPORTING | Trump in Japan to meet with new PM

Trump in Japan, will meet with new PM

RELATED STORY | First woman to lead Japan poised to steer country sharply to the right

Takaichi is widely viewed as a protg of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who maintained a warm rapport with Trump during his time in office. Abe and Trump often bonded over their shared love of golf a tradition Takaichi may seek to continue as she builds her own relationship with the U.S. president.

Japan is just one of several countries President Trump is visiting as part of his first Asia trip of his second term, as he seeks trade deals and investments for U.S. factories and other projects countries committed to in return for the easing of U.S. tariffs. Japan's government has floated the idea of buying a fleet of Ford F-150 pickup trucks.

IN RELATED NEWS | Trumps first Asia trip of term pits diplomacy against domestic turmoil

Ahead of their meeting, Takaichi spoke by phone with President Trump while he was mid-flight. She praised him for brokering the recent ceasefire in Gaza between Israel and Hamas.

"I thought (Trump) is a very cheerful and fun person, Takaichi said, according to The Associated Press. He well recognizes me and said he remembers me as a politician whom (former) Prime Minister Abe really cared about. And I told the president that I extremely look forward to welcoming him in Tokyo.

Hurricane Melissa intensified to Category 5 strength Monday as it neared Jamaica, where forecasters said it would unleash catastrophic flooding, multiple landslides and extensive infrastructure damage.

Watch the latest update on Hurricane Melissa from 7 First Alert Meteorologist Mike Taylor in the video below

Breaking down the track of Hurricane Melissa as it heads toward Jamaica

Melissa is forecast to make landfall on the island Tuesday and cross Cuba and the Bahamas through Wednesday.

Early Monday, Melissa was centered about 135 miles (220 kilometers) southwest of Kingston, Jamaica, and about 320 miles (515 kilometers) southwest of Guantnamo, Cuba, the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said.

The hurricane had maximum sustained winds of 160 mph (260 kph) and was moving west at 3 mph (5 kph), the center said.

Category 5 is the highest on the Saffir-Simpson scale with sustained winds exceeding 157 mph (250 kph). Melissa is the strongest hurricane in recent history forecast to directly hit the small Caribbean nation.

Do not venture out of your safe shelter, the National Hurricane Center warned.

Some areas in eastern Jamaica could see up to 40 inches (1 meter) of rain while western Haiti could get 16 inches (40 centimeters), according to the hurricane center. Catastrophic flash flooding and numerous landslides are likely, it warned.

Watch below: The latest coverage from Scripps News on Hurricane Melissa

Melissa intensifies to Category 5 storm

Mandatory evacuations were ordered in seven flood-prone communities in Jamaica, with buses ferrying people to safe shelter.

The slow-moving storm has killed at least three people in Haiti and a fourth person in the Dominican Republic, where another person remains missing.

I want to urge Jamaicans to take this seriously, said Desmond McKenzie, deputy chairman of Jamaica's Disaster Risk Management Council. Do not gamble with Melissa. Its not a safe bet.

The hurricane was expected to make another landfall later Tuesday in eastern Cuba. A hurricane warning was in effect for Granma, Santiago de Cuba, Guantnamo and Holguin provinces, while a tropical storm warning was in effect for Las Tunas. Up to 20 inches (51 centimeters) of rain were forecast for parts of Cuba, along with a significant storm surge along the coast.

A tropical storm warning also remained in effect for Haiti.

A record storm for Jamaica

Melissa could be the strongest hurricane Jamaica has experienced in decades, said Evan Thompson, principal director at Jamaica's meteorological service. He warned that cleanup and damage assessment would be severely delayed because of anticipated landslides, flooding and blocked roads.

It would be the first time in recent history that a storm of Category 4 or higher makes landfall in Jamaica, Thompson said.

He noted that Hurricane Gilbert was a Category 3 storm when it hit the island in 1988. Hurricanes Ivan and Beryl were both Category 4, but they did not make landfall, Thompson said.

In addition to the rainfall, Melissa is likely to cause a life-threatening storm surge on Jamaica's southern coast, peaking around 13 feet (4 meters) above ground level, near and to the east of where the center of Melissa makes landfall, the U.S. center said.

Dont make foolish decisions, warned Daryl Vaz, Jamaicas transport minister. We are in a very, very serious time over the next few days.

A hit on Hispaniola

The storm already has dropped heavy rain in the Dominican Republic, where schools and government offices were ordered to remain closed on Monday in four of nine provinces still under red alert.

Melissa damaged more than 750 homes across the country, displacing more than 3,760 people. Floodwaters also have cut access to at least 48 communities, officials said.

In neighboring Haiti, the storm destroyed crops in three regions, including 15 hectares (37 acres) of maize at a time when at least 5.7 million people, more than half of the countrys population, is experiencing crisis levels of hunger, with 1.9 million of those facing emergency levels of hunger.

Flooding is obstructing access to farmland and markets, jeopardizing harvests and the winter agricultural season, the U.N.s Food and Agriculture Organization said.

Melissa was expected to keep dumping heavy rain over parts of Haiti as it moves northeast in upcoming days.

A hurricane watch was in effect for the southeastern and central Bahamas and for the Turks and Caicos Islands.

More homeowners are staying put in their current homes and remodeling instead of moving.

But those looking to update older kitchens or bathrooms may need to budget for higher prices on essential items.

In effect now is a 25% tariff on imported kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities. The duties double to 50% in the new year, driving up remodeling bills for contractors and homeowners alike.

Watch as contractors explain how to avoid cabinet tariffs:

Tariffs hit cabinets and vanities: How to get around them

Locally-made products may still cost more

While cabinets produced in the U.S. are not subject to tariffs, imported components can still push prices up.

Alan Hendy, owner of Neal's Design Remodel, said most of his cabinets are custom built in American factories, so are tariff-free.

However, the handles and other hardware can be affected by tariffs, "if the hardware on them was produced in China," Hendy said.

RELATED STORY | What happens to revenue brought in by Trump's tariffs?

Ironically, he said cheaper cabinets from big box stores usually imported will be impacted the most.

"If we go to IKEA or order off Wayfair," Hendy said, "some of those options where you're saving money are where you will start to see the impact."

How to save on materials

Jon Grishpul is co-founder of GreatBuildz, a service that connects homeowners with vetted general contractors. His advice for homeowners who want specific cabinets or vanities sourced outside the U.S. is to buy now. Suppliers may have inventory that was imported prior to tariffs taking effect.

"If you can get access to that inventory, you may be able to get a good deal on it," Grishpul said.

Another option is buying domestically made products.

You'll not only save on the lack of that tariff, but you'll also save on shipping costs, Grishpul said.

For bigger savings on cabinets, he suggests homeowners keep the existing boxes, or framework, and paint or replace just the doors.

"If the bones are good, if the cabinet boxes are still structurally okay, the lowest cost option would be refacing those cabinets," Grishpul said.

Homeowners can also opt for less expensive countertop materials like quartz.

"Quartz is very durable; it is non-porous. It is easy to maintain," Hendy said.

Money-saving remodeling strategies

Beyond the materials, Grishpul recommends keeping the existing layout of your kitchen or bathroom. In other words, keep sinks, toilets, showers and other plumbing and electric components where they are.

"There's a lot more costs that are involved with relocating all of those utilities," Grishpul said.

He also recommends homeowners keep changes to a minimum during the remodeling process.

"Make decisions early and keep those set in stone," Grishpul said. "That's going to reduce the cost of labor; of redoing any work."

Finally, Hendy warns against waiting a year or two for lower prices.

"Labor is not getting less expensive," Hendy said. "I don't ever see a year where prices go down dramatically."

If you are thinking about an upgrade, plan for sooner rather than later, so you dont waste your money.

____________________

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.__________________________"Don't Waste Your Money" is a registered trademark of Scripps Media, Inc. ("Scripps").

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For more consumer news and money saving advice, go to www.dontwasteyourmoney.com

Hurricane Melissa rapidly intensified Monday into a Category 5 storm with maximum sustained winds reaching 160 mph as it barreled toward Jamaica.

According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), Melissa is expected to pass near or over Jamaica as a major hurricane early Tuesday morning before striking Cuba later that night. The slow-moving storm could dump up to 30 inches across much of Jamaica and southern Hispaniola, with isolated areas seeing as much as 40 inches.

ADDITIONAL REPORTING | Tracking Hurricane Melissa

Cat 5 Hurricane Melissa targets Jamaica

"Do not venture out of your safe shelter," the NHC said Monday as the storm approached Jamaica. "Catastrophic and life-threatening flash flooding and numerous landslides are likely today through Tuesday. Catastrophic winds in the eyewall have the potential to cause total structural failure especially in higher elevation areas tonight and early Tuesday."

"This will result in extensive infrastructural damage, long-lasting power and communication outages, and isolated communities," the agency added. "Life-threatening storm surge and damaging waves are expected along the southern coast through Tuesday."

IN RELATED NEWS | Peak hurricane season has been quiet heres why that may change

Forecasters said life-threatening and potentially catastrophic flash flooding and landslides are also expected Monday in eastern Cuba. Similar conditions are expected across much of southwestern Haiti and southern portions of the Dominican Republic in the coming days.

"In Haiti, extensive infrastructural damage and isolation of communities is likely," the NHC said. "Tropical storm conditions are expected late Tuesday and Wednesday."

Residents in southeast Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos have been advised to monitor the storm closely as life-threatening storm surge and heavy rainfall are possible on Wednesday.

"Residents should follow advice given by local officials and be sure to have preparations complete by Tuesday night," the NHC said.

Melissa is the 13th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season.

Gas prices in the state of Michigan are up 29 cents from a week ago, according to the American Automobile Association (AAA).

Michigan drivers are now paying an average of $3.08/gallon, which is two cents more than this time last month and five cents less than this time last year.

For a full 15-gallon tank of gas, drivers are paying an average of $46 for a 15-gallon tank of gas, down $11 from last year's highest prices.

Experts say the unexpected rise is because of a fire and power outage at the BP Refinery in Whiting, Indiana, just over a week ago, leaving the Midwest's largest refinery partially idle for several days. BP said operations are back online.

In metro Detroit, the current average is $3.00/gallon, up 16 cents from last week but down 20 cents from this time last year.

Here's a look at the priciest and cheapest gas prices across the state:

Most expensive gas price averages:  Lansing ($3.15), Ann Arbor ($3.13), Saginaw ($3.13) Least expensive gas price averages: Traverse City ($2.86), Marquette ($2.94), Metro Detroit ($3.00)

For more information on gas prices near you, click here.

If you ever felt lost listening to kids talk these days, you're not alone. Generation Alpha is constantly introducing new words into the mix, stumbling up both parents and teachers. But we've got your back.

Today's class is in session and we're learning to speak fluent Gen Alpha.

Watch Christiana's report in the video player below Middle school students in Milford give us a lesson on Gen Alpha slang

Our instructors: Physical Education teacher Aidan Warzecha and Seventh Grader Hadly Lesnew.

"Being the middle school, we got 900 kids here. We have over 50 in every PE class here, so I'm constantly around them," Mr. Warzecha said.

Today's lesson: translating the ever-evolving Middle School Dictionary. According to Mr. Warzecha, the top-tier terms are 'clock it', 'rage bait', 'Huzz', and their ultimate favorite: 'Six Seven'.

"'Six, seven' is the most. I hear 'clock it' now recently a ton I see 'clock it,'" Mr. Warzecha said. "Before you can even instruct. Once you say 'six', you know it's seven, and they are going to erupt."

What does it mean"

"I believe it came from a basketball player, the Ball family, LiAngelo Ball came up with a song of it, and then I heard that they asked how tall he was and they're like 'idk maybe 6 or 7'", Mr. Warzecha said.

"I think it really popped off when a kid, Mason, said '6-7,'" Hadly said.

And just when you thought you had those, the kids hit you with a new one: 41, with the opposite hand motion. And then Bop, that's like someone who's had multiple girlfriends or boyfriends.

"It's like 'you're a bop,'" Hadly said, demonstrating how to say it.

Got it. Don't be a bop. And then there's Italian Brain Rot.

"It's like characters, so if you look up-there's like Brr Brr Patapim, Tung Tung Tung Sahur, Ballerina Cappucina," Hadly said.

Those are random AI characters over Italian music, and then, there's perhaps the strangest one, which means nothing.

"It's just like something people like to say they'll just like go around and be like 'stop digging in ya butt, twin,'" Hadly said. "Random stuff on the internet."

"'Huzz' is like a new one as well. I hear it. I got some mixed emotions. What I think it means is like crush," Mr. Warzecha said. "Maybe next week I'll be told a new one from one of the students but I learn from them, and right now these are the main ones I'm hearing for sure."

Translation: just smile, nod and clock it.

"Advice for the parents, I would say, just if you're hearing any of these different words, let's make sure we kinda ask the meaning," Mr. Warzecha said. "We don't want our kids going around saying things that they don't know the meaning of it and also that the meaning is good, something we want to be sharing out. For sure."

Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting that took place Sunday afternoon in Detroit.

Watch the reports in the video player below: Woman who allegedy tried to drive into Detroit police shot by officers after traffic stop Woman who allegedy tried to drive into Detroit police shot by officers after traffic stop

We're told the shooting happened just after 3 p.m. in the area of McNichols and Sherwood, just west of Van Dyke on the city's east side.

Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison said the situation started with a traffic stop involving a female driver. Police said the woman was pulled over for not having valid license plates, and she wouldn't show her driver's license, registration, or get out of the vehicle.

Bettison said she requested to speak to another officer, and backup units were called.

According to police, another officer arrived and was speaking to the woman, and she got out of the vehicle, but still would not comply with other orders. At one point, police say pepper spray was deployed, but the woman ended up getting back into the vehicle and took off.

Police say she got to Concord and Outer Drive when officers tried to block her in. Police said she tried to drive into officers, and they fired shots at the vehicle. She was shot in the arm and leg while inside the vehicle, police say.

She was eventually stopped in the parking lot of DPD's metro base, police say.

The suspect is expected to be OK and is reportedly stable at a local hospital.

Florencio Davila proudly served in the U.S. Army during World War II, enlisting at just 18 and joining the 632 Tank Destroyer Battalion.

He loved his country; he was a proud veteran. For him to go out without military service, we just couldn't let it happen, said Florencio Davilas granddaughter, Sonya Guerrero.

But after his passing, his family was devastated to learn he might not receive a military funeral a consequence of the ongoing government shutdown.

He wanted to be honored for serving in the military. When we heard about the government shutdown, we did not know what to do, said Davilas son, Irie Cuevas.

Their local Texas community quickly stepped in to help.

Its awesome that a community can come together and believe in something and fight for something, Davilas grandson, Israel Cuevas, said.

Neighbors connected the family with the casualty assistance office at Fort Hood, which worked to ensure the service would take place as planned.

Its what he wanted and he would have never stopped, Guerrero said.

The family describes Davila as their hero a father, grandfather, and soldier whose spirit continues to inspire them.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | Government offers funeral with military honors for Capitol rioter Ashli Babbitt

Though they now hold onto only photos and memories, they say his presence will never fade.

My grandpa is going to get his final wish. He honored us and we are going to honor him by letting his legacy live on, Israel Cuevas said.

Davila himself reflected on military service in a 2022 video, sharing words that now carry extra weight: Old soldiers never die, they just fade away. Thats really nice, Ill always remember that.

The funeral service for Florencio Davila will be held Monday at 10 a.m. at Wilkirson-Hatch Funeral Home in Waco, Texas.

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.This story was originally published by Madison Myers with the

Scripps News Group in Central Texas.

A Michigan family has turned their St. Clair Shores home into a haunted walkthrough that rivals professional attractions, proving you don't need a massive budget to create spine-tingling scares.

Watch the full story in the video below

Halloween enthusiasts transform Michigan home into spine-chilling haunted attraction for neighbors

Jeffrey Goode, his husband Michael, and their friend Mindy Crabtree have transformed their Masonic Street home into "Mayhem on Masonic," a Halloween spectacle that's drawing neighbors and visitors from across the area.

"Each year it's gotten bigger and bigger. We've added a little bit here, a little bit there. It's been trial and error for the last couple of years," Jeffrey said.

The trio has been perfecting their fright-fest for nearly four years, with most decorations crafted by hand. This year's display cost around $120, with pumpkins being the most expensive single purchase.

"The fact that most of it is handmade," Jeffrey said when asked about the attraction's unique elements.

Over the years, the group has invested about $5,000 into their spooky collection, with animatronics being their biggest splurge. Their most expensive piece is a $400 dragon that joins other animated creatures purchased during off-season clearance sales.

For the creators, Halloween represents more than just decoration it's about nostalgia and community building.

"I have very fond memories growing up and trick-or-treating with my friends and my family. And they don't do that anymore," Crabtree said.

The attraction has successfully drawn visitors to a street that typically sees few trick-or-treaters.

"Masonic doesn't get any trick-or-treaters. We want to bring them," Crabtree said.

Area residents Hannah Monteith and Bryonna have become regular visitors, appreciating both the local nature of the attraction and its accessibility.

"I love that it's in the neighborhood and it's local to us," Monteith said.

"Especially because most like haunted things or attractions are expensive," Bryonna added.

The team is already planning next year's theme a Nightmare Before Christmas display. Jeffrey has ambitious goals for the attraction's future.

"My goal is to have a reputation like Tilson Street, like Coleman Street, those things. That's the reputation that we want," he said.

Long-term plans include expanding the display across the street and eventually partnering with a charity, with 100% of donations going directly to the chosen organization.

"My overall goal is to move it across the street. Right over there? And be able to use all of that over there. Once we've gotten that big and we're able to do different things and different scenes like that, we're hoping to pick a charity," Jeffrey said.

Mayhem on Masonic (23106 Masonic, St Clair Shores, MI 48082) is open to the public day or night and can be found on the Macomb County Haunt map.

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

A simple Facebook post from a Wisconsin mother has grown into an effort to help families at risk of losing their food assistance benefits due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.

Rachel Hartberg posted in a private moms group asking if anyone needed food help with SNAP benefits potentially ending. Within hours, dozens of mothers across Waukesha County responded not asking for help, but offering to donate.

"I thought maybe a few families would reach out," Hartberg said.

Then she went to bed, and the next morning found messages from other mothers wanting to contribute to the cause.

"Woke up and was like, 'Oh, people actually want to help,'" Hartberg said.

The Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), sometimes called food stamps, is 100% federally funded. If the federal government remains shut down, benefits will likely not reach families in need. Megan Zintek, one of Rachels friends and among the first to donate, said the situation moved her to tears.

"We were literally tearing up about it, just thinking about kids being hungry. It almost seemed like an impossible feat," Zintek said. "Here we are having these conversations, Rachel does something about it."

Rachel is now spending the day driving around Waukesha County collecting donations from community members. About 30 to 40 people have reached out to offer donations, while 15 families have asked for food assistance.

IN RELATED NEWS | SNAP benefits at risk, workers miss pay as shutdown continues

The need is growing across southeastern Wisconsin. Impact 211, which serves the region, reports an average of 81 requests for food assistance per day since the government shutdown began in October the highest number in two years.

Rachel said the response reflects how women support each other during difficult times.

"I feel like women stick together," Rachel said. "Bringing people together to make sure people don't go hungry."

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.This story was originally published by Rebecca Klopf with the

Scripps News Group in Milwaukee.

Hurricane Melissa strengthened Sunday into a Category 4 storm and could potentially intensify even more as it is projected to bring torrential rain and catastrophic flooding to parts of the northern Caribbean, including Jamaica and Haiti.

According to the National Hurricane Center, Jamaica was already experiencing damaging winds and heavy rainfall Sunday, warning that the storm could bring up to 40 inches of rain and cause life-threatening flash floods and landslides. Forecasters said Melissa the 13th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season could strengthen to a Category 5 storm by Sunday night.

The NHC said the slow-moving storm was undergoing "extreme rapid intensification" Sunday, with wind speeds increasing by 70 mph in just 24 hours. The storm was located roughly 100 miles south of Kingston, Jamaica.

"Extensive infrastructural damage, long-duration power and communication outages, and isolation of communities are expected," the NHC said . "Life-threatening storm surge is likely along portions of the southern coast Monday night and Tuesday morning."

Forecasters said that although winds are temporarily decreasing on Haiti's southern coast, they are projected to increase again across much of western Haiti in the coming days. The NHC said Melissa is also projected to lash the Dominican Republic through midweek, which could produce catastrophic flooding and the potential for life-threatening landslides in the southern part of the country.

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Residents in eastern Cuba, the Bahamas, and the Turks and Caicos has been advised to monitor the storm closely.

"There is an increasing risk of significant storm surge, damaging winds, and heavy rainfall Tuesday and Wednesday," the NHC stated. "In eastern Cuba, the risk of life-threatening flash flooding and landslides is increasing. A Hurricane Watch is in effect for portions of eastern Cuba."