Here at 7 News Detroit, we want to make sure you start your day off on the right foot, informed about weather, traffic, the latest news and more. That's why we have the 7 Morning Digest, where we'll get you out the door informed and ready to go.

What's the weather for today? Metro Detroit Weather: Another cold day ahead

Arctic air continues to spill in dropping temperatures into the low teens and upper single digits tonight. Winds will weaken to 5-10 mph, but wind chills will still be near 0 through Wednesday morning.

A clipper system swings through Thursday bringing more light snow across Metro Detroit. Snowfall will be 1/2"-1" across the region, just enough to create some slippery driving conditions, especially for the morning commute. Snow showers will end towards the evening with highs in the low 30s.

Friday will be drier and a little warmer, but another storm system moves in Saturday bringing a pretty good chance of snow, sleet, freezing, rain and rain across Metro Detroit. Travel around the region will likely be slick at times. High temperatures peak in the mid 30s.

Any traffic issues?

So far, no major traffic issues to know about. Be sure to check our live traffic map before heading out.

The top stories to know about Metro Detroit TikTok influencers and users sound off on possible upcoming ban Metro Detroit Tik Tok influencers and users sound off on possible upcoming ban

Michigan-based TikTok influencers and everyday users of the app we spoke with are voicing their concerns about the platform and the possible ban in the United States on Jan. 19, and how it could alter everything from their creativity to their livelihood.

"In regards to overall screen time and time spent on the app i think that is becoming a problem," said Markus Miekle.

"Some people get on there and make money off of it and create an income," said user Donmeva Tolbert.

"People need to see it from a perspective that it's peoples lives that are impacted by it," said TikTok influencer Taylor Dustin.

"Just have to roll with the punches and what happens as far as I am concerned, it's out of my control at this point," said TikTok influencer Derrick Casternholz.

Both Derrick and Taylor have hundreds of thousands of followers, and got their start during the pandemic.

"TikTok has generated a lot of business for me and i am sure for a lot of other small businesses out there they have the best organic reach of any app out there," Derrick said.

"I realized the potential in the marketing and business potential it has behind it and how viral people were going and how fast it was going and how it could literally change your life overnight," Taylor said.

Many users of the app fear that the ban could stifle creativity and connection during a time when social media is more vital than ever.

No resolution was reached at the trustee meeting as Plymouth Township Fire Department calls for more staffing Plymouth Township Fire Department facing calls for more staffing

At Tuesday night's trustee meeting, Plymouth firefighters union president Chris Smith, with a firefighter at his side laid out the department's low staffing issue, saying when two calls come in, they may not have enough firefighters to answer it. Those concerns were met to pushback from board trustees.

"The way youre going about this is wrong," said Treasurer Bob Doroshewitz. "All youre doing is driving a wedge between the firefighters union and the board. Excuse me I didnt hear them say that today."

Conversations between Plymouth township trustees got heated Tuesday night after Smith pleaded for help.

"The issue is the low staffing," Chris said. "Every member of the fire department is a paramedic. . So we do a dual role. We respond to every single medical that comes out. we respond to every single fire that comes out...If the police dont respond to it, the fire department does.

"Staffing a truck is the most important thing we can do for the community," Chris said. "If we have an ambulance in the station, it should be staffed. If we have a fire engine in the station it should be staffed."

Smith's concerns on low staffing were met with questions and even pushback from trustees.

"The issue which was HVA, I know that staffing now is part of - youve said that youve changed the paradigm and now staffing of firefighters if the primary quest," said supervisor Chuck Curmi. "I can show you the screen shots off of social media where your own firefighter called this board a bunch of clowns...you want to work with this board, that is not the way to do it."

The meeting ended without a resolution and Plymouth Township fire department's staffing was put on the back burner.

How to enter for your chance to win free Detroit Lions tickets through Dutch Girl Donuts How to enter for your chance to win free Detroit Lions tickets through Dutch Girl Donuts

Dutch Girl Donuts is hopping on the Detroit Lions giveaway train, giving one lucky customer two lower bowl tickets to Saturday's playoff game against the Washington Commanders.

The iconic Detroit donut shop says all costumers have to do is buy a dozen donuts to get their name in the raffle. The sweet deal also includes free transportation to the game and swag from the shop.

On Friday, the lines never quite fizzled out as excited customers stopped by for their chance at the pair of tickets at the 24-hour shop.

If you buy a dozen, up to four dozen theres a limit you can get a chance to two tickets, we put you in a drawing and well give you a call," chef lead Makala Barnes said.

The raffle will go until Friday, Jan. 17, when Dutch Girl Donuts will pull one ticket and announce the winner live on their Instagram at 6 p.m.

More than a third of Americans are struggling to afford their energy bills, according to a recent study by LendingTree. But rather than dipping into savings, or adding to credit card debt, we found some simple, clear-cut ways to save.

Jessica, who asked that we not publish her last name, owns a large older home, with big utility bills.

"In the coolest months, January and February," she said. "Our bills are usually $800 per month."

Energy audit finds leaks

She turned to Jerry Tarantino of Home Energy Services for a home energy audit.

Using a heat-sensing gun, Tarantino found leaks around her windows.

"You can see the blue coming in around that," he said, pointing to a blue outline around the window on his heat gun.

RELATED STORY | Need a locksmith? Beware of fly-by-nighters who charge hundreds of extra dollars

Her fireplace also showed up as blue on his heat sensor.

"Even with the damper closed," he said, "I have a small gap."

And the blue line was bright and thick under her front door, showing air leaking in under the door.

"You can see it leaching in there," he said.

Tarantino recommended caulking around windows, making sure the fireplace damper is fully shut (when not using it), and adding insulation in the basement ceiling and around the window wells.

Even cheaper, he said, is putting a towel under the front door to eliminate any drafts.

Thermostats, light bulbs, and other easy fixes

On top of an audit, Wael Kanj with Rewiring America suggests switching to a smart thermostat.

"It gives you greater control over the heating and cooling in your home," he said.

RELATED STORY | Car maintenance mistakes that can cost you big money

In the winter, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting the thermostat to around 68 to 70 degrees when you're home and awake, but lowering it while you're out or asleep.

Small purchases, like smart lighting or efficient light bulbs, can make a small difference.

"Places where people buy their electricity from might actually have incentives or offer those devices free of charge," he said.

But larger savings can mean larger upfront costs.

If you have an appliance on the verge of a breakdown, for example, Kanj says to replace it with an appliance that is Energy Star Certified. Lastly, Kanj says tax credits are available for upgrades like insulation, or replacing windows and doors.

That's something homeowner Jessica may be doing in the long term.

"I'm always interested in saving a few extra dollars," she said.

And that way you don't waste your money.

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"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

South Koreas impeached president, Yoon Suk Yeol, was detained in a major law enforcement operation at the presidential compound Wednesday, defiantly insisting the anti-corruption agency didnt have the authority to investigate his actions but saying he complied to prevent violence.

Yoon, the countrys first sitting president to be apprehended, now faces the prospect of a lengthy prison term over potential rebellion charges.

In a video message recorded shortly before he was escorted to the headquarters of the anti-corruption agency, Yoon lamented the rule of law has completely collapsed in this country.

RELATED STORY | South Korean lawmakers impeach nation's president for a second time in December

Yoon had been holed up in the Hannam-dong residence in the capital, Seoul, for weeks while vowing to fight to the end the efforts to oust him. He has justified his declaration of martial law Dec. 3 as a legitimate act of governance against an anti-state opposition employing its legislative majority to thwart his agenda.

The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials said Yoon was brought into custody about five hours after investigators arrived at the presidential compound and about three hours after they successfully entered the residence, in their second attempt to detain him over his imposition of martial law.

A series of black SUVs, some equipped with sirens, were seen leaving the presidential compound with police escorts. Yoon was later seen stepping out of a vehicle after arriving at the agencys office in the nearby city of Gwacheon. Following questioning, Yoon was expected to be sent to a detention center in Uiwang, near Seoul.

Yoon could be held in custody for weeks, possibly even months or longer.

RELATED STORY | South Koreas parliament votes to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol over his martial law order

The anti-corruption agency, which is leading a joint investigation with the police and the military over whether Yoons martial law declaration amounted to an attempted rebellion, has 48 hours to request a court order for his formal arrest on a charge of attempting a rebellion.

If it fails to do so, Yoon will be released. If Yoon is formally arrested, investigators can extend his detention to 20 days before transferring the case to public prosecutors for indictment.

Michigan-based TikTok influencers and everyday users of the app I spoke with are voicing their concerns about the platform and the possible ban in the United States on Jan. 19, and how it could alter everything from their creativity to their livelihood.

"In regards to overall screen time and time spent on the app i think that is becoming a problem," said Markus Miekle.

"Some people get on there and make money off of it and create an income," said user Donmeva Tolbert.

"People need to see it from a perspective that it's peoples lives that are impacted by it," said TikTok influencer Taylor Dustin.

"Just have to roll with the punches and what happens as far as I am concerned, it's out of my control at this point," said TikTok influencer Derrick Casternholz.

The social media platform TikTok has become a cultural phenomenon, inspiring trends, dances and even political movements.

Both Derrick and Taylor have hundreds of thousands of followers, and got their start during the pandemic.

"TikTok has generated a lot of business for me and i am sure for a lot of other small businesses out there they have the best organic reach of any app out there," Derrick said.

"I realized the potential in the marketing and business potential it has behind it and how viral people were going and how fast it was going and how it could literally change your life overnight," Taylor said.

Many users of the app fear that the ban could stifle creativity and connection during a time when social media is more vital than ever.

"There's a lot of people up in arms about it," Taylor said.

The U.S. Government's move to ban TikTok is rooted in national security concerns, particularly regarding data privacy. And now the decision to ban the social media platform is in the hands of the U.S. Supreme Court. TikTok says by banning the app, it infringes on their first amendment right, along with the content creators.

Michigan State First Amendment law professor Nancy Costello explains how the court could rule.

It could be that the supreme court says it's shutting down too much speech, it's just too broad," Nancy said.

TikTok user Austin Schmidt says he spends around an hour on social media per day and gets ideas for home renovations and other DIY projects from the app, but says he can find content in other places.

"To me it's sort of indifferent because there are different avenues you can go down," Austin said.

"Instead of just banning it, lets figure out solutions like what can we do to make it work," Taylor said.

Where Your Voice Matters

Dutch Girl Donuts is hopping on the Detroit Lions giveaway train, giving one lucky customer two lower bowl tickets to Saturday's playoff game against the Washington Commanders.

The iconic Detroit donut shop says all costumers have to do is buy a dozen donuts to get their name in the raffle. The sweet deal also includes free transportation to the game and swag from the shop.

On Friday, the lines never quite fizzled out as excited customers stopped by for their chance at the pair of tickets at the 24-hour shop.

Related video: Lions playoff tickets up for grabs, hundreds visit Rochester bakery plus Amon-Ra St. Brown Lions playoff tickets up for grabs, hundreds visit bakery plus Amon-Ra St. Brown

If you buy a dozen, up to four dozen theres a limit you can get a chance to two tickets, we put you in a drawing and well give you a call," chef lead Makala Barnes said.

The raffle will go until Friday when Dutch Girl Donuts will pull one ticket and announce the winner live on their Instagram at 6 p.m.

A local nonprofit is collecting donations and sending relief to victims of the wildfires in Los Angeles.

Disaster Relief At Work in Waterford has responded to dozens of hurricanes, floods and tornadoes over the years but not many wildfires. However, given the magnitude of the disaster in California, theyve been called to help. They'll be sending a truck full of supplies to Los Angeles Wednesday morning.

"We got a call from our partners in California that said they need reinforcements of supplies," said Greg Martin, executive director of DRAW. "Specifically, the buckets that we give away after disasters.

Inside every bucket are much needed supplies, packed and ready to be on its way to Los Angeles in the morning. Since 2012, the local nonprofit has sent thousands of buckets filled with supplies to help with disasters across the country.

Last year, we were there as dozens of volunteers packed buckets for victims of Hurricane Helene.

Watch our October 2024 report when DRAW helped victims of Hurricane Helene and Milton in the video below: Michigan volunteers, workers head South to help with hurricane relief

Typically, DRAW responds to hurricanes, floods and tornadoes," Martin said. "But were always here to help people after disasters. This just happens to be a different kind.

Martin says these wildfires are unprecedented for the organization. For this disaster, theyll also be sending out tarps along with buckets of outdoor cleanup supplies. Those buckets include items like work gloves and masks to deal with the poor air quality.

A lot of these homes are complete loses, but people still need to clean up their properties," Martin said. "People still need to salvage stuff that maybe didn't get burned in the fire, stuff that might be valuable to them.

Watch our September 2022 report when DRAW volunteers sent relief after Hurricane Ian in the video below: Volunteers at Waterford nonprofit gear up to help Floridians impacted by Hurricane Ian

This first truck leaving Wednesday will arrive in Los Angeles on Friday to be distributed at a local resource center. However, DRAW is also on standby to send more trucks if needed and is taking donations to be ready to respond if so.

It's easy to bury our head in the sand because we all have our everyday stuff, Martin said. This is our act of love, to be able to love the people on the West Coast of the country to take a step back to normalcy.

Some of the items that DRAW collects include bars of soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, deodorant, combs, hairbrushes, towels and washcloths.

You can purchase items and learn more about donating by visiting drawbuckets.org.

A 22-year-old from St. Clair County is facing a long road to recovery after a horrifying snowmobile crash over the weekend.

Michael DEath of Clay Township grew up around the water and loves the outdoors. But he ran into trouble Sunday night on Anchor Bay.

DEath crashed into a dock and was ejected from his snowmobile while out riding with a friend. He suffered multiple broken bones and a closed-head injury.

As a mother and a father and a sister, it totally breaks your heart, rips your guts out because a loved one you love so much is hurting and were just gonna love him through it, DEaths mom Jennifer said.

DEaths family says his friend, first responders and his helmet all made a difference in saving his life. They want to make sure others take that into consideration during these winter months.

Im just thankful that he is okay and some real invaluable lessons can be from this as well too like always have a riding partner with you and never going farther than your lights can take you, Michael DEaths sister Kayla said.

Michael DEath faces many surgeries and doctors say his recovery could take up to a year and a half.

His sister set up a GoFundMe page to help with medical bills, rehabilitation and recovery.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has sued billionaire Elon Musk, saying he failed to disclose his ownership of Twitter stock in a timely manner in early 2022, before buying the social media site.

As a result, the SEC alleges, Musk was able to underpay by at least $150 million for shares he bought after he should have disclosed his ownership of more than 5% of Twitters shares. Musk bought Twitter in October 2022 and later renamed it X.

Musk started amassing Twitter shares in early 2022, and by March of that year, he owned more than 5%. At this point, the complaint says, he was required by law to disclose his ownership, but he failed to do so until April 4, 11 days after the report was due.

Representatives for X and Musk did not immediately return a message for comment.

RELATED STORY | Exploring Elon Musk's emerging influence in US politics

After Musk signed a deal to acquire Twitter in April 2022, he tried to back out of it, leading the company to sue him to force him to go through with the acquisition.

The SEC has said that starting in April 2022, it authorized an investigation into whether any securities laws were broken in connection with Musks purchases of Twitter stock and his statements and SEC filings related to the company.

Before it filed the lawsuit, the SEC went to court in an attempt to compel Musk to testify as part of an investigation into his purchase of Twitter.

The SEC's current chair, Gary Gensler, plans to step down from his post on Jan. 20 and it is not clear if the new administration will continue the lawsuit.

President Joe Biden notified Congress of his intent to lift the U.S. designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism, the White House announced, as part of a deal facilitated by the Catholic Church to free political prisoners on the island.

Senior U.S. administration officials, who previewed the announcement on the condition of anonymity, said many dozens" of political prisoners and others considered by the U.S. to be unjustly detained would be released by the end of the Biden administration at noon on Jan. 20.

The U.S. would also ease some economic pressure on Cuba, as well as a 2017 memorandum issued by then-President Donald Trump toughening U.S. posture toward Cuba.

In taking these steps to bolster the ongoing dialogue between the government of Cuba and the Catholic Church, President Biden is also honoring the wisdom and counsel that has been provided to him by many world leaders, especially in Latin America, who have encouraged him to take these actions, on how best to advance the human rights of the Cuban people, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement.

The Cuban foreign ministry on Tuesday said that the government informed Pope Francis it will release 553 people who had been convicted of different crimes. It said that they will be gradually released, as the authorities analyze the legal and humanitarian ways to make it happen.

The foreign ministry didnt link the release of the prisoners to the US decision of lifting the designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, but in the spirit of the Ordinary Jubilee of the year 2025 declared by His Holiness.

The Cuban authorities didnt say who is among the 553 people who will be released.

RELATED STORY | In foreign policy speech, Biden highlights a term of US leadership

The determination by the outgoing one-term Democrat is likely to be reversed as early as next week after Trump, the Republican who is now president-elect, takes office and Secretary of State-designate Marco Rubio assumes the position of Americas top diplomat.

Rubio, whose family left Cuba in the 1950s before the communist revolution that brought Fidel Castro to power, has long been a proponent of sanctions on the communist island. Rubio will appear before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday for his confirmation hearing and is expected to address his Cuban roots in his testimony.

Trump has also appointed Mauricio Claver-Carone, a former White House National Security Council aide and strong supporter of sanctions against Cuba, to be his special envoy to Latin America.

In the final days of Trumps first administration, on Jan. 11, 2021, the White House reinstated the designation, which had been reversed during the period of rapprochement between Cuba and the United States during President Barack Obamas second term in office. In doing so, the Trump administration cited Cubas support for Venezuelas leader, Nicolas Maduro, and its refusal to extradite Colombian rebels to Colombia, among other issues, including its continued harboring of wanted Americans.

The move to designate Cuba by Trump was one of several foreign policy moves he made in the final days of his first term.

About six months after Trump designated Cuba as a terror sponsor, the Biden administration levied new sanctions on island officials and the national revolutionary police after hundreds of Cubans were arrested during demonstrations in Havana and other cities to protest shortages, power outages and government policies. They were the first such protests since the 1990s.

Human rights groups and activists, including the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, have been pressing the Biden administration to lift the designation to ease the suffering of Cuban people who feel the impact of Cuba's economic isolation.

Cubas government recognized the announcement and expressed its gratitude, although it deemed it as limited.

Despite its limited scope, this is a decision that points to the right direction and is in line with the sustained and firm demand by the government and the people of Cuba, the country's foreign ministry said in a press release.

The decision announced today by the United States, rectifies, in a very limited way, some aspects of a cruel and unjust policy," it added.

Congress and the incoming Trump administration will have the opportunity to review and potentially reverse Biden's actions, though the senior U.S. administration officials said the Biden administration had determined there was no credible evidence that Cuba was currently engaged in supporting international terrorism.

The Cuban foreign ministry said that the government is conscious that the incoming government in the U.S. could reverse the decision, but that it will remain ready to develop a respectful relation with that country, based on dialogue and non-interference in the internal affairs of both countries, despite the differences.

There was no immediate comment from the Trump transition team or from Rubio or his office, but one of his Republican colleagues on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, quickly denounced the Biden administration move.

Todays decision is unacceptable on its merits," Cruz said in a statement. The terrorism advanced by the Cuban regime has not ceased. I will work with President Trump and my colleagues to immediately reverse and limit the damage from the decision.

Rep. Carlos Gimenez, a Florida Republican, criticized the move and predicted that Trump would quickly reverse Bidens decision.

President Biden is a pathetic coward, Gimenez posted on X. Come January 20th, there will be a NEW SHERIFF in town & President Trump alongside Secretary of State @SenMarcoRubio will not only put #Cuba BACK on the list but PULVERIZE the regime once & for all!

Biden in a national security memorandum issued Tuesday certified that Cuba hasnt provided any support for international terrorism during the last six months and had provided the administration with assurances that it wouldnt support acts of terrorism in the future.

The move comes after the administration in May removed Cuba from the State Departments short list of countries that it deems less than fully cooperative against violent groups.

As wildfires rage in southern California, Scripps News spoke with Dr. Omer Awan, a professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, about the health risks involved for those nearby.

Smoke from fires in particular "can have dramatic and devastating effects on your health both in the short term and in the long term," Awan said. "Part of that is related to the effects of particle pollution. What happens when houses, cars, buildings, plastic burn they emit very small particles into the atmosphere. These particles are extremely small. They're smaller than the size of our hairs and they can at as an irritant to many parts of our body."

They can irritate our eyes, cause coughing, shortness of breath, and chest pain.

"There are certain vulnerable populations that will be more affected. We're talking about children particularly those five years of age and younger, and also the elderly population and those that have chronic medical conditions." Awan said. "Young people and elder individuals can't clear particles from their lungs as efficiently as those who are healthy. What happens is that those particles stay in the lungs and it can exacerbate wheezing, chest pain, and for those that are older, even things like asthma or obstructive lung disease like bronchitis."

RELATED STORY | It's not really the right time for nasty California fires. What are the factors that changed that?

The U.S. Centers For Disease Control and Prevention recommends several steps for minimizing risk from wildfire smoke, including tracking air quality advisories for your region, following recommendations from public health and emergency officials in the event of a fire, and using high-efficiency HVAC filters and facemasks or respirators to keep your personal air cleaner.

Extended exposure to wildfire smoke can also increase the risk of more serious conditions such as cancer. Research has shown wildland firefighters are estimated to be at an increased risk of lung cancers and other cardiovascular disease, due to their increased exposure to the fine particulates in wildfire smoke.

Watch the full interview with Awan in the video above.

Country music star Carrie Underwood will perform America the Beautiful at Donald Trump's inauguration next week and the 1970s hitmakers Village People will perform at two inaugural events.

Underwood, who launched her career on American Idol," is to perform shortly before Trump takes the oath of office at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 20, according to a copy of the inaugural program provided to The Associated Press on Monday.

I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the Inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event, Underwood said in a statement Monday. I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future.

RELATED STORY | Speaker Johnson orders flags at US Capitol be flown at full-staff for Trump inauguration

American disco group the Village People made a name for themselves in the late-70s for their chant-along dance-pop hits and their colorful on-stage personas. Their best known hit, Y.M.C.A., is widely considered a gay anthem -- and became a staple of Trumps rallies in the last election, along with their hit Macho Man.

The American disco group is set to perform at one of Trumps inaugural balls and a rally hes holding in Washington the day before hes sworn in.

We know this won't make some of you happy to hear however we believe that music is to be performed without regard to politics, the band said in a post on its Facebook page Monday. Our song Y.M.C.A. is a global anthem that hopefully helps bring the country together after a tumultuous and divided campaign where our preferred candidate lost. Therefore, we believe its now time to bring the country together with music which is why VILLAGE PEOPLE will be performing at various events as part of the 2025 Inauguration of Donald J. Trump.

Other inauguration ceremony performers will include two of the president-elects musical favorites, country singer Lee Greenwood and opera singer Christopher Macchio.

RELATED STORY | Michelle Obama will skip Trump inauguration, but ex-presidents will attend

The pomp and spectacle that comes with the inauguration of a new president kicks off this weekend in Washington with a fireworks show at Trumps golf club in Sterling, Virginia, a campaign-style rally in D.C., a visit to Arlington National Cemetery and glitzy dinners before the former president takes the oath to become the next president.

Trumps second inauguration is expected to be a much different affair than the last time America got a new president. Trump, who refused to accept his 2020 loss, did not attend Democratic President Joe Bidens swearing-in ceremony at the Capitol, where there were still visible reminders of the violent Jan. 6, 2021 siege on the building by Trumps supporters.

The committee planning Trumps inaugural ceremonies released a schedule Monday of four days of events centered around the Jan. 20th swearing-in ceremony, which Biden is planning to attend.

President Trump is dedicated to uniting the country through the strength, security, and opportunity of his America First agenda, Steve Witkoff and Kelly Loeffler, the co-chairs of the inaugural committee, said in a statement.

RELATED STORY | Biden to attend inauguration after Trump skipped ceremony in 2021

Witkoff is Trumps incoming Middle East envoy and Loeffler is a former Georgia senator who is Trumps pick to run the Small Business Administration.

The 2025 inaugural celebrations will reflect President-elect Trumps historic return to the White House and the American peoples decisive vote to Make America Great Again," Witkoff and Loeffler said.

On Saturday, Trump is scheduled to attend a reception and fireworks display at his Trump National Golf Club in Sterling, Virginia. Separately, Vice President-elect JD Vance will attend a reception for the incoming Cabinet members and host a dinner.

On Sunday, the president-elect is to participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery and then hold a campaign-style "MAGA Victory rally at Capital One Arena in downtown Washington. The Village People are scheduled to perform at the rally.

Th Republican's Inauguration Day plans include tea at the White House, the swearing-in ceremony at the Capitol, a congressional luncheon, a parade on Pennsylvania Avenue and a trio of balls.

RELATED STORY | Rev. Sharpton organizes D.C. rally during Trump's inauguration

The inaugural balls include a Commander in Chief Ball focused on military service members, a Liberty Inaugural Ball geared toward Trump supporters that will feature a Village People performance, and the Starlight Ball, focused on high-dollar donors. Trump is scheduled to speak at all three balls.

The presidential parade after Trump is sworn in will include about 7,500 participants including first responders, veterans groups and school marching bands. First responders from Butler County, Pennsylvania, where Trump survived an assassination attempt, will be among the groups participating.

Incoming first lady Melania Trump will join tea with the Bidens. In 2021, the Trumps did not invite the Bidens for a tea before Biden's inauguration, instead leaving town before the next president was sworn in. In November, when Joe Biden invited President-elect Trump to the White House, Melania Trump chose to skip the visit.

Tuesday, Trump's first full day as the 47th president, will include a National Prayer Service in the morning.

Greenwood will perform as Trump walks out to take the oath, according to Trump's inaugural committee. Macchio is Trump's choice to perform the National Anthem at the end of the program.

RELATED STORY | Judge allows Jan. 6 defendant to travel to DC for Trump inauguration

Macchio performed at the Republican National Convention in July, at Trump's return rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in October after his first rally there was marred by an assassination attempt, and during his Madison Square Garden rally that drew blowback for crude and racist jokes from some speakers.

The invocation is scheduled to be delivered by Franklin Graham, son of the late pastor Billy Graham, and New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan.

Trump's first inauguration in 2017 featured performances from the Rockettes, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and 16-year-old Americas Got Talent singer Jackie Evancho.

Beyond the official events that Trump is scheduled to attend, there are a number of satellite and unofficial events being held in Washington surrounding the inauguration where supporters are expected to celebrate and toast the incoming president. Vance is scheduled to attend a ball hosted by the conservative group Turning Point USA. Other groups have announced plans for a Coronation Ball, the All American Ball, the Crypto Ball, and the Legacy of Freedom Ball, which is hosted by the Black Conservative Federation.

Celebrities expected to attend the Legacy of Freedom Ball on Sunday include rappers Waka Flocka and Fivio Foreign, YouTube personality Anton Daniels, former NFL player Antonio Brown, podcasters and YouTubers The Cartier Family.

Rising egg prices may scramble grocery budgets.

Looking at the most recent averages, the cost of a dozen eggs doubled from 2023 to 2024. After a spike early last year, it seemed like the prices stabilized.

Eggs are an essential on many peoples grocery lists, but the high prices and low supply are impacting more than just the consumer.

Robin Jones says she buys them at least once a week for her family.

"I love it in my salads, breakfast, everything," Jones said.

She says she's noticed a recent hike in prices.

"It was maybe about four or five dollars for a carton. Now, it's like 8, 9 dollars," Jones said. "It's scary. It's like what's next?"

Watch our September 2024 report on high egg prices in the video below: Metro Detroit families, business owners feeling pinch of high egg prices

The owner of Martin's Coney Island in Southfield says he's also feeling the burn of the high prices. Sokols restaurant goes through more than 3,000 eggs a week.

"We used to pay about 40 bucks for a case of eggs. Now, we're paying about 110 (dollars)," he said.

We spoke with Sokol back in September about a similar story. Now, a few months later, he says he says he's forced to consider raising his prices.

"It's unfortunate, but we do have to do that in order to survive," he said.

For the grocery store Market Fresh in Beverly Hills, manager Rich Dawdy says it's the low supply of eggs that's impacting them the most.

"We're getting about 20% of what we would normally get," Dawdy said. "We're doing the best we can and we do have eggs."

But why are we still seeing high egg prices and low supply? According to University of Michigan economics professor Ariel Shwayder, it's most likely the bird flu and not the new cage-free egg law that went into effect in the state on Dec. 31, 2024.

"Because we're having to kill off flocks, the supply is down and that's causing the price to go up," Shwayder said.

As for what to expect next, he says consumers can monitor the avian flu outbreak.

"That would be the thing that I would be looking at is keeping track of that and if the number of flocks where this is detected keeps going up, then we should expect egg prices to keep going up. If that starts to abate, then we can see prices start to come back down I think," Shwayder said.

Update on Wednesday, Jan 15 at 6:15 a.m.:

At Tuesday night's trustee meeting, Plymouth firefighters union president Chris Smith, with a firefighter at his side laid out the department's low staffing issue, saying when two calls come in, they may not have enough firefighters to answer it. Those concerns were met to pushback from board trustees.

"The way youre going about this is wrong," said Treasurer Bob Doroshewitz. "All youre doing is driving a wedge between the firefighters union and the board. Excuse me I didnt hear them say that today."

Conversations between Plymouth township trustees got heated Tuesday night after Smith pleaded for help.

"The issue is the low staffing," Chris said. "Every member of the fire department is a paramedic. . So we do a dual role. We respond to every single medical that comes out. we respond to every single fire that comes out...If the police dont respond to it, the fire department does.

"Staffing a truck is the most important thing we can do for the community," Chris said. "If we have an ambulance in the station, it should be staffed. If we have a fire engine in the station it should be staffed."

Smith's concerns on low staffing were met with questions and even pushback from trustees.

"The issue which was HVA, I know that staffing now is part of - youve said that youve changed the paradigm and now staffing of firefighters if the primary quest," said supervisor Chuck Curmi. "I can show you the screen shots off of social media where your own firefighter called this board a bunch of clowns...you want to work with this board, that is not the way to do it."

The meeting ended without a resolution and Plymouth Township fire department's staffing was put on the back burner.

Wednesday, Jan. 14 at 6 p.m.:

The union that represents firefighters in Plymouth Township is sounding a different kind of alarm over staffing.

They are among the departments across the state who say they need more staff and it's getting critical. Chris Smith, President of Plymouth Township Professional Firefighters Union says it's something they've been advocating to increase for years.

I know that theyre hearing it, we just aren't seeing any action," said Smith.

He says the November 13 heroic rescue of a couple who's home caught on fire by Plymouth Township officers was an eye opener.

"That day we happened to have seven firefighters on duty and the station that was in the immediate response district to that fire was in fact out on a medical call so the engine was sitting unstaffed in the fire department, said Smith.

Currently, there are 24 firefighter paramedics between the three stations. Smith says they often only have two firefighter paramedics assigned to each and the call volume has strained their current staffing levels.

Police arrived before the township's other two fire stations further out and armed with hand held fire extinguishers broke down the door. The station assigned to respond to the call was about a half mile away.

"That incident really kind of, forgive the pun, lit a fire under us to really start taking action and letting the community know that this really isn't a safe model," said Smith.

The township has partnered with private company Huron Valley Ambulance Emergency Health Partner (HVA). Smith says the union is not out to end that partnership and just wants their critical staffing addressed.

Supervisor Chuck Curmi says their partnership with HVA has been in place for the past 31 years to respond to medical calls in the area.

The contract was renewed in a 4-3 vote for another 18 months last July.

Curmi says local officials they have been listening to the union's concerns and believes the past election may have something to do with why the conversation is coming up again.

Curmi says he is also conducting a study investigating calls and response times.

They have our attention and we are looking at facts and be data driven. we understand the issues were getting more information like everything else there are two sides and we want to improve service or at least keep it at a level that is acceptable to our residents, said Curmi.

What would need to happen is to garner more public support to fund more staffing.

At least one of the seven trustees has been actively advocating on their behalf and trying to educate the public.

It is a kind of linear process. and so I think were kind of at the point where were making enough noise where people are starting to pay attention weve had tremendous support of course for our firefighters," said Jen Buckley.

Buckley says after spending more time with members of the fire/paramedic team, she feels it's important to listen and be more proactive so that they can respond to the increase in calls they've been seeing year over year.

They have asked supporters to attend the trustee meeting January 14 at 6:30 p.m. where the conversation is expected to come up.

A fire at a beloved bar in downtown Detroit is putting a damper on what was going to be a big weekend for business.

The Detroit Fire Department says Checker Bar in Cadillac Square caught fire early Tuesday morning. No one was injured, but the fire caused significant damage to the building's basement and some damage to the first and second floors.

VIDEO: A look at the damage inside Checkers Bar in Detroit after fire A look at the damage inside Checkers Bar in Detroit after fire

As the Lions take on the Washington Commanders for the first round of the NFC playoffs, many fans are expected in Downtown Detroit on Saturday.

"Ive watched every single game this season. Im excited," said Detroiter Michael Collier.

"Its been the greatest thing ever. I wish my nephew and my dad were here to see it," said Lions fan Letoni.

"Oh, its going to be crazy," said Matthew Vanatta of Clinton Township. "Ive been down here for quite a few events, and so far, every time Ive been down here, its been the same thing every time. We pack it up down here."

The owner at Checker Bar says they were expecting to see hundreds of those fans into their doors. They say recent Lions' game days have brought in sales similar to the 2024 NFL when nearly 300,000 people filled downtown. So, news of the fire was devastating.

"I got a phone call at about 5 in the morning," said Checker Bar owner Timothy Tharp. "The original reports were still gut-wrenching because it sounded like it might be a total loss."

Tharp says he was on his way back to Detroit after traveling at the time of the fire.

"Its heartbreaking. Its really hard. All of our employees depend on this for their livelihood," Tharp added.

Tharp says the fire left behind lots of smoke and water damage. He says, at one point, their basement had about eight inches of water inside. However, some of the quintessential Check Bar decor made it - like the spirit of Detroit Mural and a larger-than-life burger.

Tharp says the damage will likely take a few months to repair. In the meantime, they're planning to move operations to the Whiskey Parlor above Grand Trunk Pub, which Tharp also owns.

"In the meantime, you can come visit us. I know it wont be the same Checker Bar, but well be open. The Checker will live on," said Tharp.

The owners of the Checker Bar are now in the process of putting together a GoFundMe to support the 40 employees who will now be out of work for an undetermined amount of time. More information can be found on the Checker Bar's social media.

Where Your Voice Matters

The top federal prosecutor for the Eastern District of Michigan announced she will be leaving her post before President-elect Donald Trump takes office.

U.S. Attorney Dawn Ison announced her resignation on Monday. Shes spent 22 years working at the U.S. attorneys office, including three years as the leader of the office. She will step down on Jan. 19.

On Tuesday, I sat down with Ison as she reflected on a remarkable journey of public service and the issues shes tackled in her hometown.

Watch more of our conversation with U.S. Attorney Dawn Ison in the video below: Extended interview: US Attorney Dawn Ison reflects on her career as she steps down

As I look back and reflect, I am still so proud of the great talent, the smart people who do the hard work, the heavy lifting in this office, Ison said.

During her time at the U.S. attorneys office, shes accomplished many of her goals.

Rebuilding community trust, restructuring our approach to violent crime and reinvigorating our prosecution of civil rights cases and protecting civil rights, Ison said.

Specifically with a focus on reducing violent crime, Ison went after small groups committing the vast majority of the violence that victimized the community. She also proactively held countless Peacenic events to build bridges and improve trust.

Related video: Detroit deputy mayor, US attorney promote annual Peacenic event to curb violence Detroit deputy mayor, US attorney promote annual Peacenic event to curb violence

I wanted it to be a picnic with a purpose and so that we were engaging with the community in a non-enforcement way. I'm convinced that we cant always be there kicking in their doors, that we need to engage with them and build trust with them, Ison said.

Those efforts include One Detroit and One Eastern District of Michigan violence reduction initiatives, which stress focus, balance and fairness, Ison said.

We had Ceasefire Detroit, we have a faith-based leadership with Bishop Edgar Vann... the Michigan Department of Corrections because we wanted to focus on re-entry, she said.

A native Detroiter, she says combating terrorism and stopping corruption in government also were top priorities.

Im very proud of how aggressive we have been in rooting out public corruption. Because again, thats building public trust as well, Ison said.

Looking back, she says protecting civil rights including those of inmates with disabilities and cracking down on pandemic-related schemes has also made a big difference.

Weve just been very aggressive with that as well in holding people accountable. And then when you hear what the people did with the money designer purses and clothes and not even basic needs then it really makes it just even more egregious, she said.

In the community, I asked a Detroit pastor for his take on Isons journey and resignation.

She made that plug in with clergy and with grassroots activists and did the One Detroit piece with all different chains of command, Maurice Pastor Mo Hardwick said.

Video: U.S. Attorney Dawn Ison talks more about why she's stepping down and what's next Extended interview: Why US Attorney Dawn Ison is stepping down and what's next

The founder of the Arab American Civil Rights League has also felt Isons impact.

Being the first African American, Black female in that role, she was impactful. Reached out to the community and wanted to hear from the community what their issues, what their concerns were, ACRL founder Nabih Ayad said.

As for resigning ahead of the incoming administration, she says it comes down to the new president choosing his own U.S. attorney.

I have served under three Republican presidents and one Democratic president. I was appointed by a Democratic president but hired by a Republican U.S. attorney. Its non-partisan and apolitical. Were just about doing the work. We do the work for the people. We are public servants, Ison said.

Ison says shes still considering her future and next steps, but shell always be standing up for the community and serving in some capacity.

Were getting close. Were getting close. A lot of movement today, said Roseville Police Chief Mitch Berlin.

Thats the message on day two of the search at the Pine Tree Acres landfill in Lenox Township. Investigators did not find Ashley Elkins's remains but are confident they will.

Monday's story: Officials search Lenox Twp. landfill in connection to missing Warren mother case Officials search Lenox Twp. landfill in connection to missing Warren mother case

Over a dozen law enforcement agencies, other departments, as well as over 50 officers are working to find evidence in the disappearance of Ashley Elkins.

I think its moving in the right direction, and were going to continue to our targeted area, said Berlin.

That targeted area is a certain depth below ground. Investigators are using a pair of bulldozers to push away layer after layer of soil and debris on a six-and-a-half acre plot at the landfill. After each pass, a team of officers follows behind the bulldozers, searching the grounds to find Elkins's remains or evidence of it.

Its a lot of work labor intensive, but were up to the task. We got a lot of officers from a lot of departments - not one complaint up there. Just hitting it and getting it done, said Berlin.

Investigators are also putting a pair of Ohio Department of Natural Resources cadaver dogs to work in their search at the landfill. The canines are good to have on board but could be thrown off course.

Theres other flesh in there, theres meat scraps, theres a lot of different things that you have to get through to find the remains that youre looking for, said Bill Petersen.

We talked with Peterson, a retired Detroit Police homicide lieutenant and Oakland County cold case investigator, about the case. He has decades of experience and says the fact police have already whittled down their search area is crucial.

If theyve narrowed it down that much, then theyve got a bit of a head start to finding what they need. Still not going to be easy, but theyve got a headstart, said Petersen. "It's about narrowing that search area down as much as possible and then starting to search and search and search and search without giving up easily. A matter of persistence.

Police say 'significant evidence' recovered during search of Roseville apartment

Meanwhile, Elkins's ex-boyfriend, DeAndre Booker, has been identified as the prime suspect in her disappearance. Hes been charged with lying to police and is behind bars on a $250,000 bond. Those charges could be enhanced if investigators find additional evidence at the landfill.

Ex-boyfriend charged with lying to peace officer in missing mother investigation

The reality is that the popular video-sharing platform TikTok is on track to be shut down in the United States on Sunday unless something happens, like the Supreme Court intervening or TikTok being sold.

Congress passed a bipartisan bill into law in April of last year that banned TikTok from operating in the United States, citing national security concerns. The legislation required TikTok to either divest from its China-based parent company ByteDance, sell the platform to a U.S.-owned company, or face a shutdown on Jan. 19.

RELATED STORY | With a TikTok ban imminent, creators are pushing its sister app Lemon8

The Supreme Court announced Wednesday is a day that opinions from the high court could be released. While that doesn't mean the TikTok decision will come down, it does mean an opinion on at least one case is possible.

However, during oral arguments last week, justices appeared extremely skeptical of the platform's argument that a ban would violate free speech.

If the Supreme Court doesn't save TikTok, another possibility is President-elect Donald Trump could get involved. He campaigned on saving the platform. But he may be too late.

RELATED STORY | Trump reportedly met with TikTok CEO as potential US ban looms

Trump doesn't take the oath of office until Monday Jan. 20, the day after a possible TikTok ban. And so far, repealing the federal law that is calling for the ban has not been a high priority for Republican leaders in Congress.

Therefor, if Trump or the Supreme Court doesn't save TikTok, there are few options left for the company to remain operational in the U.S.

Bloomberg News is reporting that billionaire Elon Musk is being considered as a potential buyer of TikTok. But Chinese officials have called any effort to sell the platform "pure fiction."

TikTok claims if a ban is allowed to take effect, content creators and businesses that use the platform for sales are slated to lose billions of dollars.

One week since multiple fires erupted in Los Angeles, city officials are still working to pinpoint what ignited the blazes.

It's a process that could take some time.

"This process could take multiple weeks, multiple months," Trace Lawless, president of the International Association of Arson Investigators, told Scripps News. "Collecting all the data is the first thing not only talking to people as far as witness interviews, collecting surveillance camera information, whether that be at a resident's or at a business, collecting all the data points, and then going out and physically observing the scene in its entirety."

Multiple lawsuits filed Monday claimed utility company Southern California Edison sparked the Eaton fire.

The company denies that claim but has said fire agencies are looking into whether its equipment may have started a smaller fire that broke out the same day.

RELATED STORY | Pink flame retardants are being used to slow California fires. What do we know about them?

As of Tuesday morning, investigators say they do not know a definitive cause for the start of any of the fires.

Some residents in the Pacific Palisades believe the Palisades fire may have started when remnants of an extinguished New Year's Day fire reignited.

"It's called a holdover fire," arson investigator Ed Nordskog said. "That's a reasonable theory at this point."

But investigators have not discovered a definitive link to that previous fire. While they continue to search for clues into what ignited the fire, it's clear what helped fan the flames.

"The biggest factor for Palisades was the wind," Nordskog said. "It was one of the biggest winds we've ever seen, so that took what would normally be a smaller fire and drove it into this massive event."

In an update Tuesday, officials warned severe weather conditions will continue through Wednesday.

A judge has granted an emergency order requested by the City of Aurora to close the Edge of Lowry apartments the complex that was thrust into the national spotlight amid concerns over gang activity including a recent alleged home invasion and kidnapping of a Venezuelan couple.

The city sought on Thursday of last week the emergency closure order to shut down the complex citing the alleged kidnapping and other violent incidents dating back to Sept. 2023.

Judge Shawn Days ruling found the complex presents an immediate threat to public safety and welfare if allowed to remain open," according to court documents.

"We went ahead and filed that emergency motion that was requested by police chief Todd Chamberlain and our city manager because the police department felt like they really needed to get in control and get a hold of that property, because it is being completely unmanaged," said Aurora City Attorney Pete Schulte during a news briefing following a criminal nuisance case hearing in Aurora Municipal Court between the apartment owner and the city.

City officials said they were working on relocation assistance for residents of the 60 impacted units at Edge of Lowry, which is expected to be completely shut down by the middle of February, according to Schulte.

Sometime in the next week, Schulte said, the city will hire a company to go door-to-door to find legitimate tenants still living in the complex. From there, they will receive help from Arapahoe County in finding new housing.

That help could include financial assistance, according to Aurora's Housing and Community Services Director Jessica Prosser.

"We will not be doing kind of a one-size-fits-all for everyone," she said. "We know that people are in very different situations."

Nate Kassa, a community organizer with East Colfax Community Collective, told Scripps News Denver he's nervous about the closure of the complex.

"I'm reminded of how the process went at 1568 Nome Street when the city decided to close that building because of a very similar situation the habitability conditions and the neglect of CBZ Management," he said.

Kassa said East Colfax Community Collective and other organizations have already started helping families at the Edge of Lowry find new homes.

"We've been able to move out some six to 10 families, and there's still a ton of families here. I'm not sure exactly how many but, you know, every afternoon you can see the building is very vibrant. There's lots of children playing, lots of activity going on. A lot of families still here," he said.

Kassa hopes the management company is held responsible for the conditions in which they've left the complex.

"I hope that CBZ is held accountable. They shouldn't be left off the hook for their negligence," he said. "It's their responsibility that the property arrived in these conditions, that it got to these bad conditions."

Watch the news conference following the criminal nuisance hearing from Monday in the video player below. Aurora officials discuss emergency order to close Edge of Lowry apartments

On Monday, formal charges were announced against nine suspected Tren de Aragua gang members who were accused of the Dec. 17, 2024, home invasion in which a Venezuelan couple was allegedly kidnapped.

The victims of that attack, who spoke exclusively with Scripps News Denver, said they were stabbed, beaten and robbed after returning to their apartment only to be taken by gunpoint to another apartment.

"I thought I was going to die," one of them told Denver7 reporter Kristian Lopez. I started praying silently, telling God if I had to go, to take me to him.The Edge of Lowry apartments has been in the national spotlight since last summer because of a video that went viral showing armed men entering one of the units in the complex, sparking claims that the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua (TdA) had "taken over" the complex.

CBZ Management and the City of Aurora agreed in December to close the Edge of Lowry apartment complex for safety reasons and repairs before the emergency closure order was sought by the city.

"This place is basically a cancer to the community. And we as a group of stakeholders, as community members, as law enforcement, as the city family, decided this is not going to be tolerated in Aurora," Aurora Police chief Todd Chamberlain said during Monday's briefing. "That's why these steps are being taken with the closure of this venue and to get people in different places throughout the city or throughout the metropolitan area."

Claims of a TdA takeover have previously been downplayed by Aurora police. Chamberlain was asked if recent events have made him think "takeover" is an appropriate way to describe the gang's influence on the complex and the community.

I wouldn't say a takeover, but I would definitely say that they had a huge influence in that community," he replied. "I would say that they brought fear to that community. I would say that they definitely have brought victimization.

Chamberlain said he hopes the closure is a much-needed restart for the immigrants living at the complex who have been victims of crime.

"It will give them a new lease on life," he said. "It will give them a new opportunity to explore the things that they hopefully came here to do and not to be victimized, not to be mistreated."

While Chamberlain blamed TdA and the property owners' "mismanagement," he said lax federal immigration policy was "destructive" for the community. He also said the City of Denver should have been more thoughtful in how it moved an estimated 40,000 immigrants to Aurora.

"Think about where you place immigrants," Chamberlain said as his message to Denver and other communities. "Think about the influx of those immigrants and what they need and what they don't need."

Chamberlain warned that in not doing so, cities are "setting it up for people to be mistreated and abused and used."

This story was originally published by Jeff Anastasio and scar Contreras and with contributions by Veronica Acosta and Ryan Fish at

Scripps News Denver.