A man and a woman were killed after a vehicle crashed into them as they were sitting at a bus stop in Detroit on Friday, police said.
It happened around 7 p.m. near Fenkell Avenue and Evergreen Road.
Police provide information about the incident in the video player below: Detroit police provide information on fatal pedestrian crash
Police said a gray SUV was traveling southbound on Evergreen Road at a high rate of speed. The SUV veered into the northbound lanes and then into a bus stop area.
A man and a woman were sitting at the bus stop and the vehicle hit them. The SUV kept driving into a BP gas station nearby and hit a another vehicle at a gas pump.
Both the man and woman died. No other injuries were reported.
The driver, a female, was taken into custody.
Police are working to determine a cause.
Its a tragedy. We feel for all involved and its just a tragedy, Detroit Police Cmdr. Ryan Connor told reporters at the scene.
President Donald Trump called on Russia and Ukraine to meet and work toward a peace deal Friday.
In comments posted on social media Friday, President Trump said he believes a deal between the two countries is close.
"Success seems to be in the future" he wrote, and later in the day: "They are very close to a deal, and the two sides should now meet, at very high levels, to 'finish it off.' Most of the major points are agreed to. Stop the bloodshed, NOW."
On Friday, special U.S. envoy to Russia Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
An official did not comment on specifics of the meeting, but said "it's long past time for the death and destruction to stop. To move past the failed strategies of the past and for an end to this devastating conflict."
The Associated Press reports the meeting lasted for about three hours and focused the potential for direct talks between Russia and Ukraine.
President Trump on Friday articulated new goals for the peace effort.
"We're going to try and get out of war so that we can save 5,000 people a week. And that's what my aim is. I want to save 5,000 young men. They happen to be mostly Ukrainian, Russian, 5,000 young Ukrainian and Russian men," he told reporters.
But in new comments to Time Magazine published Friday, President Trump said "Crimea will stay with Russia."
Ukrainian officials say a plan reportedly proposed by the U.S. to officially recognize Russian control of Crimea is unacceptable.
And the president has recently re-upped public criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy over a minerals deal that was the focus of a contentious White House meeting earlier this year.
Steelers first-round draft pick Derrick Harmon's mother, Tiffany Saine, died late Thursday night shortly after Pittsburgh selected the defensive lineman from Oregon with the 21st overall pick.
Harmon said after he was drafted that he planned to visit his mother, who he said was on life support at a hospital in the Detroit suburbs. Saine had endured several brain surgeries and a stroke in recent years. Harmon, 21, pointed to his mother as an inspiration for him to keep going as he made his way from Michigan State to Oregon.
Steelers President Art Rooney II extended the team's condolences to their newest star.
Though we are excited to select Derrick in the first round of the NFL Draft, our hearts are heavy as we mourn the death of his mother, Tiffany Saine, Rooney said in a statement. We will support Derrick and his family however we can as he navigates this period of grief. In times like this, we hope Derrick finds comfort in the love and support from the organization and Steelers fans around the world.
The Yellowstone Caldera, a volcanically active region under and around Yellowstone National Park, has long been the subject of research, speculation and science fiction regarding the possibility of a volcanic eruption.
But a new study shows that such an event may be even less likely than we thought: Scientists have discovered a magma cap that may play a role in releasing pressure that contributes to large eruptions.
Scripps News spoke with Michael Poland, the scientist in charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory, for more insight into the new findings and how they affect Yellowstone.
Scientists "were bouncing earthquake waves off of the top of the magma chamber," Poland said. "And that can tell you something about the characteristics of the top. And they found the top was full of bubbles. Now on the surface that might seem more concerning because those bubbles might indicate that pressure could be increasing. But the key was they didn't find that many bubbles. And in fact, the gases that are coming out of Yellowstone that we can measure at places like Old Faithful and Mud Volcano. Those have magmatic composition. So the whole system together seems to be very efficiently moving these bubbles up to the surface. So no pressure is actually building. This cap is sort of allowing bubbles to accumulate and then get transferred up to the surface."
"I think the real take-home message is that we could even see this in the first place," Poland said. "I mean, this is incredible that we have the resolution now to be able to use seismic imaging techniques. It's sort of like taking an MRI of the Earth. And we can see this few hundred foot thick cap to the Yellowstone magma reservoir that's over 2 miles deep. I think that says a lot about our ability to see into the Earth. This same technique, now that it's been tested out in a place like Yellowstone, might be applied in other places. And it could potentially tell us whether or not we might expect eruptions in other locations."
In the meantime, Poland says, Yellowstone is not likely to generate a massive volcanic explosion like those seen in fictional movies.
"The vast majority of eruptions at Yellowstone are lava flows," Poland said. "If you're standing at Old Faithful and you look all the way around, you can see sort of high topography, cliffs and hills. Those are all lava flows that erupted since the last really massive explosion at Yellowstone."
But "even that isn't that common. The last lava flow erupted about 70,000 years ago. Far more common on human timescales in the region are hydrothermal explosions, those sort of really, really energetic geyser eruptions that can throw rocks."
Watch the full interview with Poland in the video above.
Prom is one of the most anticipated milestones in a young girl's life but for many, the cost can be overwhelming. Thats where Jackets for Jobs, a nonprofit dedicated to providing professional attire for job-seeking adults, is stepping in, thanks to a generous partnership with Comerica Bank.
Each year, the initiative grows bigger, offering more than just dresses. The organization provides everything a girl needs for prom night, from dresses to shoes, purses, jewelry and even makeup.
Alison Vaughn, president of Jackets for Jobs, said the goal is to make every young girl feel special.
We want girls to feel like Cinderella, Vaughn said. They walk out feeling beautiful.
For many young girls, the prom experience is about more than just the outfit its about creating lasting memories with the important women in their lives.
For Deonna, a young girl who participated in the program, trying on her dress was an unforgettable moment.
That dress kind of made me want to wear a dress because Im really not the dressy type, but I felt cute in that dress, Deonna said.
For Madison, it was a chance to experience something new.
I just feel like its different because Ive never done it before, she said.
The initiative started small but has expanded significantly over the years. Last year, the organization offered 2,200 dresses. This year, they have 5,000 dresses ready to make young girls feel like royalty on their special night.
As Deonna reflected on her transformation, she couldnt help but smile.
I was just surprised how it fit my skin tone and everything. Then they started putting diamonds on me and the crown, and I just felt so happy, she said.
The impact goes beyond the clothing. The change in the girls posture, smiles and confidence is what makes this event truly meaningful.
By the time they leave, their posture is different, their smile is different. And thats what its all about: making girls feel good, Vaughn said.
If youd like to learn more about the prom dresses available through Jackets for Jobs and Comerica Bank, click visit their website.
Detroit City Councilwoman Gabriela Santiago-Romero is seeking reelection, but Detroit's city clerk says she's disqualified.
So, Santiago-Romero is suing.
Friday afternoon, she addressed a crowd of supporters at Clark Park in southwest Detroit. She and her adviser Charlie Widmaier explained a campaign filing discrepancy with the Wayne County Clerks Office. That discrepancy caused Detroits city clerk to disqualify Santiago-Romero from the primary.
The reason being a fee that was owed stemming back to last October. Were contending the fee should have never been owed," Widmaier told 7 News Detroit.
He said it involves a supposed late fee for a report due in late October.
We submitted a report on October 25th. We have confirmation right here if anyone would like to see it. This is from Wayne County confirming they got the report. Theyre now contending the first time we filed the report was on November 8th, which is incorrect," he explained.
Widmaier said Santiago-Romero called, emailed and went to the county clerks office with no resolve. So, her team has filed a lawsuit against the city clerk to get back on the ballot.
We have our receipts. We have documentation thankfully, but thats what happened. Theres missing information from the county side, and were just hoping that they except our receipts, Santiago-Romero told 7 News Detroit.
If she loses the lawsuit, she'll have to run as a write-in candidate. She said she's prepared to do that.
Im hoping that theyre going to see that the evidence shows what happened and that theyre going to say that she is qualified and get her back in the race, supporter Julie Lindsey said.
Joel Reyes-Klann, a plaintiff on the filing and supporter of Santiago-Romero, said I really would like to see councilmember get back on the ballot, so she can focus on getting the campaign started and not have to do a write-in campaign.
7 News Detroit reached out to the city clerk's office. As of news time, we have not heard back.
Wayne County Clerk's Office spokesman Dorian Tyus told 7 News Detroit: Our office does not have a statement at this time due to pending litigation."
Late Friday afternoon, Widmaier said he did receive a fee waiver from the county clerks office. However, he said it doesnt necessarily resolve the issue.
Some waterfront residents are on the frontlines of a losing battle with an algae clogging their lakes, their canals and limiting their access to the water. One lawmakers bill would streamline the cleanup process.
This all actually used to be sandy beach along here, Hannah Wenzelburger said. We would launch kayaks and canoes, small fishing boats, jet skis off this little ramp here and every year, the muck just comes out and out.
Hannah Wenzelburger shows us the shoreline in the video player below: Web extra: Walk and talk on Lake St. Clair muck
Wenzelburger remembers what one Harrison Township shore used to be. For years, debris and muck in the form of M. wollei, a non-native form of algae, has been building up on Michigan shorelines including lake St. Clairs. Residents there recently added a walkway to keep from sinking while getting to the lake in the winter.
Weve kinda given up on the summer aspect of it, but at least for ice fishing being able to get out, Wenzelburger said.
But no one moves to waterfront communities just to say "at least for ice fishing."
Left unchecked, this stuff could fill up the entire canal? reporter Randy Wimbley asked.
The entire canal. And so all the homeowners here that have boat wells and boats, they cant even get out and go boating on this lake, state Rep. Alicia St. Germaine said.
We walk the area with Michigan Rep. Alicia St. Germaine in the video player below: Web extra: State Rep. on Lake St. Clair muck
St. Germaine introduced a bill to cut through the red tape of more detailed cleanup efforts. Only hand-operated tools like rakes can be used without a permit from Michigans Environment, Great Lakes and Energy department.
Right now, they cannot just hire a contractor and get rid of this stuff. They have to go through a permit process and that can take months. By then, summer is over with and then next year, its going to keep building up, St. Germaine said. My bill is really simple: it only applies to free-floating muck, M. wollei or weeds or even trash, and it will allow a homeowner or condominium association to go in and clean it up without having to go through the permit process.
Hear more from Michigan Rep. Alicia St. Germaine in the video player below: Web extra: Alicia St. Germaine on Lake St. Clair muck
The muck accumulation has gotten so bad it overran a boat launch, prompting the Department of Natural Resources to build another one. If boats go through the muck stuff, operators risk clogging up and overheating their engines.
EGLE provided a statement saying:
EGLE is committed to keeping Michigan waters safe for residents enjoyment as part of its mission to protect public health and the environment. The department is aware of and reviewing Rep. St. Germaines bill.
Margaret Schandvel has lived in this waterfront community for nearly 60 years and says help cannot come soon enough.
If they dont do anything, its just going to grow by the day. Compared to last year, weve probably lost about 10, 12 feet of shoreline as a result of the muck building up, Schandvel said.
During his campaign, President Trump promised to end the Russia-Ukraine war on his first day in office. Almost 100 days later, there's still no resolution.
White House Special Envoy Steve Witkoff was in Moscow Friday for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, amid new urgency in the effort to broker peace in Ukraine.
This week, Russia launched a series of deadly bombings on Kyiv and the surrounding areas.
At least 20 Ukrainians were killed and upwards of 100 wounded in the attacks, according to local officials.
The incident prompted a rare rebuke from President Trump.
"Vladimir, stop!" the president wrote on his Truth Social platform Thursday.
Those comments came just one day after President Trump shared more criticisms of Ukraininan President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, suggesting the Ukrainian leader's refusal to cede territory to Russia "Will do nothing but prolong the "Killing field."
"I thought it would be easier to deal with Zelenskyy, so far it's been harder," President Trump said.
In new comments to Time Magazine published Friday, President Trump said "Crimea will stay with Russia."
Ukrainian officials say a plan reportedly proposed by the U.S. to officially recognize Russian control of Crimea is unacceptable.
The proposed plan also reportedly freezes current battle lines, effectively giving Russia control of about 20 percent of Ukrainian territory.
Earlier this week, Vice President JD Vance suggested the White House could end talks if an agreement isn't reached soon.
"We've issued a very explicit proposal to both the Russians and Ukrainians, and it's time for them to either say yes or for the us to walk away from this process," Vance said.
In a recent interview, President Trump projected optimism about the prospects of reaching a deal soon though Ukrainian officials have expressed serious concerns about the terms laid out by the U.S.
During the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills selected Maxwell Hairston as their cornerback.
Hairston is from West Bloomfield and played on the high school's field as a Laker.
Its amazing to see. Its amazing to see our hometown be put on the map like that. Its great, Hairston's sister Alexandria said. And Im so happy my little brother was able to do that.
I spoke to Maxwell Hairstons mom Robin and his two sisters Alexandria and Madison. They were there by his side as he was picked in the first round of the draft.
I wanted to hear his name called thats all I wanted, Madison Hairston said.
It was such a beautiful feeling. I was in tears because Im seeing him live his dream. He wanted to be a football player, first-round pick to whoever picked him and Buffalo Bills, they saw something in him, Robin Hairston said.
Maxwell Hairston was dubbed the ultimate hype man on draft night after he made sure to cheer on every draft pick that went before him.
Max has always been such a team player and thats always something I really admired. He was so happy and excited for each and every person who got called before him and when it was his turn, they all congratulated him back, Alexandria Hairston said.
Maxwell Hairston graduated from West Bloomfield High School in 2021. He then went on to play football at the University of Kentucky.
I caught up with one of his high school football coaches Zach Hilbers.
Hes always about that real vibrant personality, and Im glad hes the same and he never lost it, Hilbers said.
Hear more from Zach Hilbers in the video player below: Web extra: Zachary Hilbers on Maxwell Hairston
Meanwhile, for the Hairston family, they are currently in Buffalo, New York, supporting Maxwell.
They love him here, Robin Hairston said. They love him so much. They couldnt wait to draft him. Thats what they told him.
On the second day of the 2025 NFL Draft, a Shelby Township family will take the stage in Green Bay to announce the Detroit Lions second-round pick.
It's a moment they say theyre doing in honor of their late son, Christopher Kube, who gave his life in service to the country.
Its a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, said Dave Kube, Christophers father. I think Chris wanted us to do it.
Christopher Kube, a devoted Lions fan and sports enthusiast, enlisted in the Army in 2005 at the age of 17. Because he was too young to carry a weapon at the time, he carried a flag. He served with pride and a renewed love for life.
How was your morning? (he would respond) Outstanding, Dave Kube recalled with a smile. Everything was outstanding to him. He just had a love for life.
Christopher Kube often spoke about one day taking his entire family to a Super Bowl hopefully, one featuring his beloved Lions. But he never made it back.
In 2007 at just 18 years old, Christopher Kube was killed in Iraq when his Humvee was struck by an explosive device.
The loss devastated the Kube family but nearly two decades later, theyre being given a chance to fulfill some of Christophers dreams in his honor.
The nonprofit Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors has arranged for the Kube family to attend the NFL Draft and announce a Lions draft pick on stage. The family says the moment is not just for Christopher but for all veterans who have served.
Chris loved the Lions and all the sports, Dave Kube said.
His stepmother Krista added its a great way to honor him.
This story was reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
Americans continue to have a bleak outlook on the economy.
Consumer sentiment fell for the fourth straight month, according to a survey from the University of Michigan.
The index of consumer sentiment in April was 52.2, down 8% from March and down 32% from January.
"Consumers perceived risks to multiple aspects of the economy, in large part due to ongoing uncertainty around trade policy and the potential for a resurgence of inflation looming ahead," Joanne Hsu, the Director of the Surveys of Consumers at the University of Michigan, wrote.
The data from the survey matches other recent polling on consumer sentiment.
A new survey from the Associated Press and NORC found about 6 in 10 adults disapprove of how President Donald Trump is handling the economy in general.
The survey found 59% of adults believe Trump has gone "too far" with tariffs. Democrats are far more likely to believe that (86%) compared to Republicans (29%).
It also found 45% of adults say they have major stress regarding their personal finances, while 35% admit to having minor stress over their finances.
More than half of adults said they were concerned about the possibility of the U.S. economy going into a recession.
But those sentiment surveys are what economists consider "soft data," and they don't match recent "hard data" figures that show an economy that's relatively healthy.
That's because those hard data figures lag behind consumer sentiment, according to Phillip Powell, the executive director of the Indiana Business Research Center and an associate professor of business economics and public policy in the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University.
"Hard data tells us where the economy has been," Powell said. "Soft data tells us where the economy is going."
Powell worries that given how consumers are feeling, the economy is not headed in the right direction.
"Households spend money based upon how they feel, and so if we can measure how people are feeling before they reach into their wallet, we're going to know how much money they pull out," Powell said. "If tariffs stick, the anxiety is going to stay. ... So not only are we going to see higher prices, but we're going to empty shelves, which makes the fear even worse, which means that we're going to enter a negative spiral, which could take us into a recession."
Americans will get a better sense if the "hard data" follows consumer sentiment in the week ahead. The Bureau of Economic Analysis releases U.S. first-quarter GDP on April 30, and April's jobs report is due out on May 2.
United Airlines said it is flying into the future with a start-up called JetZero that is developing blended wing body (BWB) aircraft technology that promises improved fuel efficiency.
The investment includes a conditional path to order up to 100 of the innovative planes, with an option for an additional 100.
JetZero's design is said to reduce drag and produces lift across the entire wingspan, which could lead to as much as 50% reduction in fuel burn per passenger mile compared to a similar sized aircraft, United said.
The design could improve passenger experience with flexible seating options, larger seats across all classes and dedicated overhead bin space for each seat.
Since the main boarding door is wider, it could streamline the passenger boarding process and its wider aisles and bigger bathrooms make it more handicap-accessible.
Both the airplane's shape and the way JetZero plans to enter the plane into service address industry pain points, said United.
"For instance, a flight from New York/Newark to Palma de Mallorca, Spain would use up to 45 percent less fuel compared to the twin-aisle aircraft that operate that route today," the airline said.
The purchase agreement depends on JetZero meeting specific development milestones and the airline's safety, business and operating requirements including flying a full-scale demonstrator by 2027, United said.
The U.S. Air Force has also invested millions into JetZero to fast-track the development of its full-scale demonstrator, according to United.
This story was reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
California has the fourth-largest economy in the world, surpassing Japan in the global rankings, according to newly released data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA).
Only the United States, China and Germany have larger economies than California when it comes to the global rankings based on gross domestic product numbers.
The state is also outpacing the world's top economies. Last year, Californias growth rate of 6% outpaced the U.S. (5.3%), China (2.6%) and Germany (2.9%).
California leads the country in agricultural production and has over 36,000 manufacturing firms, among other avenues of business and commerce.
California isnt just keeping pace with the worldwere setting the pace. Our economy is thriving because we invest in people, prioritize sustainability, and believe in the power of innovation," said California Gov. Gavin Newsom in a statement. "Californias economy powers the nation, and it must be protected.
Last week, the state sued the Trump administration, challenging the president's authority to impose sweeping tariffs that have set off a global trade war.
On Sunday, April 27, Spotlight will interview Fr. Mario Amore, Director of Evangelization & Missionary Discipleship for the Detroit Archdiocese, about the legacy of Pope Francis and what's next for the Catholic Church. We'll also talk to Dr. Kelli Morgan, Founding Executive Director of the new Black Artists Archive.
Spotlight on the News, now in its 60th season, is Michigan's longest-running weekly news and public affairs television program. It airs every Sunday at 10:00 a.m. on WXYZ-TV/Channel 7 in Detroit, is streamed live on wxyz.com and broadcast at 11:30 a.m. on 23.1 WKAR-HD in East Lansing.
Jack in the Box is closing up to 200 restaurants across the nation as part of a financial plan that includes the potential sale of its Del Taco brand.
A news release issued by the company on Wednesday detailed its JACK on Track plan, which includes shutting down 150-200 locations considered underperforming with 80-120 restaurants closing by the end of 2025.
In a statement, Jack in the Box CEO Lance Tucker said, In my time thus far as CEO, I have worked quickly with our teams to conclude that Jack in the Box operates at its best, and maximizes shareholder return potential, within a simplified and asset-light business model. Our actions today focus on three main areas: addressing our balance sheet to accelerate cash flow and pay down debt, while preserving growth-oriented capital investments related to technology and restaurant reimage; closing underperforming restaurants to position ourselves for consistent net unit growth and competitive unit economics; and, an overall return to simplicity for the Jack in the Box business model and investor story.
When it comes to Del Taco, Jack in the Box officials said it is exploring strategic alternatives for its Mexican fast-food chain, "including a possible divestiture of the business."
When retired FDNY Deputy Chief Richard Alles and Michael Barasch, one of the lead lawyers fighting for the 9/11 community, learned they had cancer they werent surprised.
"It's not a question of if but when you're going to get sick. It's a guarantee. I never had any doubt, Alles told Scripps News Group.
Both Alles and Barasch were at or close to Ground Zero the day of the attacks. Both men now have prostate cancer, a disease that people like them are 25% more likely of being diagnosed with compared to the general population.
My cancer had no symptoms yet was picked up on a simple blood test, Alles said.
That test had been administered through the World Trade Center Health program, a federal program that provides first responders and survivors with free annual health exams and treatment for 9/11-related health conditions.
However, as of February, the program's future remains unclear. Major cuts carried out by Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) threaten to interrupt life-saving care for more than 130,000 people across the country who are enrolled in the program. Advocates like Alles and Barasch, along with other first responders and survivors are fighting to keep the program alive.
The program, which is run by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), lost hundreds of employees as part of the cuts, including its administrator, Dr James Howard, who was appointed during President Donald Trumps first term in office. Howard was reinstated after bipartisan backlash, but that reversal did not include other employees.
"This health program saves lives and by reducing and cutting the great doctors and nurses who work for this health program, you're going cause great delays in getting an appointment," Barasch said.
Barash, whose office is still two blocks from the World Trade Center, has been fighting for programs geared to supporting the 9/11 community. Years after his client James Zadroga, an NYPD officer, died of a respiratory illness that was found linked to the 9/11 attack, the James Zadroga ACT was signed into law, creating the WTC Health Program.
Thousands of people like Zadroga had been exposed to toxins that swirled in the air, Barasch said. Doctors at the WTC Health Program have linked those toxins to at least 69 cancers and other medical conditions. Currently, more people have died from illnesses linked to 9/11 than those who died during the attacks.
"Altogether, there were 500,000 people exposed to the dust, not just on 9/11, but in the eight months that followed when they were still doing the recovery efforts and cleaning up, dust was spewing everywhere," said Barasch, who also has skin cancer.
But both Barasch and Alles told Scripps News Group many civilians are not aware of their potential exposure or treatment they could receive.
"There's a few hundred thousand people that were exposed, may not even be with us anymore and had no idea that this law or these programs exist, Alles said.
While over 85% of 100,000 responders are enrolled in this free nationwide health program, less than 10% of the civilians are enrolled," Barasch added. The most common reasons I hear why people didn't call me earlier is they think the program is just for firefighters and cops. Or they feel guilty, and they don't want to take away from first responders."
The two men travel the country sharing information about the program. They worry that cuts would deter 9/11 survivors from getting the help they may not know they need.
I'm all in favor of cutting waste. I think these budget cuts, when they are deserved, they should be cut. But not on the backs of the 9-11 community," Barasch said.
While the federal health program had one of its biggest breakthroughs in 2015, when former President Barack Obama reauthorized it until 2090, both Barasch and Alles have continued to make countless trips to Washington, urging Congress to approve additional funding. They are pushing for legislation that would ensure long-term funding and a reversal of DOGE cuts.
We have a program that's in effect that took a long time to pass that works, is benefiting Americans. Let's continue the program, Alles said.
The federal government is reversing the termination of legal status for international students after many filed court challenges around the U.S., a government lawyer said Friday.
Judges around the country had already issued temporary orders restoring the students' records in a federal database of international students maintained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE. The records had been suddenly terminated in recent weeks, often without the students or their schools being notified.
A lawyer for the government read a statement in federal court in Oakland that said ICE was manually restoring the student status for people whose records were terminated in recent weeks. A similar statement was read by a government attorney in a separate case in Washington on Friday, said lawyer Brian Green, who represents the plaintiff in that case. Green provided The Associated Press with a copy of the statement that the government lawyer emailed to him.
It says: ICE is developing a policy that will provide a framework for SEVIS record terminations. Until such a policy is issued, the SEVIS records for plaintiff(s) in this case (and other similarly situated plaintiffs) will remain Active or shall be re-activated if not currently active and ICE will not modify the record solely based on the NCIC finding that resulted in the recent SEVIS record termination."
Green said that the government lawyer said it would apply to all students in the same situation, not just those who had filed lawsuits.
SEVIS is the Student and Exchange Visitor Information Systems database that tracks international students' compliance with their visa status. NCIC is the National Crime Information Center, which is maintained by the FBI. Many of the students whose records were terminated were told that their status was terminated as a result of a criminal records check or that their visa had been revoked.
International students and their schools were caught off guard by the terminations of the students' records. Many of the terminations were discovered when school officials were doing routine checks of the international student database or when they checked specifically after hearing about other terminations.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is speaking out after DTE filed a request to increase electric rates by more than $570 million.
The company submitted the rate hike request to the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) as early as Feb. 24, 2026. The total requested hike is $574.1 million.
In the filing, DTE said the rate hike is necessary "in order to recover, among other things, Applicants continued infrastructure investments to improve the reliability of the grid and to sustain the reliability of its generation fleet while moving toward cleaner sources of generation, including the associated depreciation and property tax increases."
In January, the MPSC approved a rate hike of more than $217 million to upgrade aging power lines and improve reliability. Last year, DTE requested the MPSC approve a $456 million rate hike, but many customers sounded off against the plan.
Watch below from 2024: DTE customers slam proposed rate hike
DTE customers slam proposed rate hike
At some point, we have to ask how long utility companies like DTE and Consumers Energy will be allowed to treat customer bills and our energy rates like a blank check," Nessel said in a statement.
According to the company's filing, DTE said a typical customer's average electrical bill may be increased by up to $13.50 per month, which totals $162 per year on average.
In 2023, the company requested a $622 million rate hike. In December 2023, the MPSC approved a rate hike of $368 million, a 40% reduction from the requested total.
DTE released a statement to 7 News Detroit. It reads:
"DTE Energy is making progress on building the electric grid of the future when we invest, it works. Thanks to a combination of factors including strategic work and investment in the electric grid last year, our customers experienced a nearly 70% improvement in time spent without power in 2024 compared to 2023. We must continue to invest to deliver the cleaner and more reliable energy our customers demand and deserve. Todays investment request filed with the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) further supports our ongoing work to improve electric reliability and system resiliency in the face of extreme weather and to generate cleaner energy all while keeping customer bills as low as possible and below the national average. This filing marks the start of a 10-month process, and DTE customers
will not see any adjustments to their bills until the MPSC gives their final order early next year.
Maritsa Georgiou, who hosts the podcast "Grounded" with former Sen. Jon Tester, joined Scripps News to discuss numerous topics from a busy week in politics.
Georgiou had Sen. Chris Van Hollen on the podcast this week to discuss his trip to El Salvador, where he met with Kilmar Abrego Garcia. He was living in Maryland with his wife and children before being mistakenly deported.
"The concern for Senator Chris Van Hollen and others is that if we suddenly start just sending people off without any due process without any phone calls, without any way of defending themselves or even showing papers that that could be a problem for the rest of us because what's going to stop the government from saying, 'Hey, you're guilty,'" Georgiou said.
Another big topic of discussion this week was President Trump's tariff policy and the impact they are having on Americans.
"I've talked to a couple of different business owners here in Montana in the last few days," Georgiou said. "One of them said that they had seen a drastic decrease in their customers from Canada coming down"
Watch the full interview with Georgiou in the video above. And don't forget to listen to "Grounded." You can find it wherever you get your podcasts.
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