Unemployed workers in Michigan will now receive a payment increase in their benefits.

This increase comes days after the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics named Michigan as the state with the highest increase in unemployment rates in the last year. Its the first increase in over 20 years and some workers say the hike is long overdue.

"So this year, benefits go from a maximum of $362 a week to a maximum of $446, said Nick Assendelft, a spokesperson for the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency.

Hear more about the changes from Assendelft in the video below: Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency spokesperson speaks on changes

Detroiter Alex Robinson said he has been laid off since December as a contractor for one of the automakers. While he said the increase is appreciated, he thinks it should be more.

Eighty-two dollars for over 20-plus years what was the increase per year, Robinson said.

Robinson said he currently receives the maximum benefit of $362 a week in unemployment benefits, but that is not what he brings home.

They also take child support out of mine, he said. So, mine is $207.

Robinson said he brings home a little over $400 every two weeks from unemployment.

Four hundred and 14 dollars two times a month doesnt even pay my rent, Robinson said.

But he is looking forward to the bump.

Currently, the unemployment rate in Michigan is at 5.4%.

Wayne State University economics professor Kevin Cotter said one reason we are seeing an increase in the unemployment rate is because of the slowdown in hiring.

Especially in the last few months with the uncertainty about the future trade policy, Cotter said. We're (Michiganders) still very dependent on the automobile industry and Michigan is especially vulnerable to the effects of tariffs."

Cotter said the inconsistency in the imposing of tariffs has been making companies especially automakers think twice before hiring.

 

But, there has been employment growth in other industries.

Our biggest growth industry has been health care, Cotter said. We have an increasing number of elderly people needing more care. So thats been a continued growth industry.

The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency said unemployed workers will also qualify for up to 26 weeks of unemployment with the new changes instead of the current 14 to 20 weeks.

But for Robinson, while he says the increase in benefits across the board will be helpful, hes hoping his days of being out of work come to an end very soon.

Man, Im begging. I swear Im begging to go back to work, Robinson said.

The Senate passed a resolution Wednesday night that would thwart President Donald Trumps ability to impose tariffs on Canada, delivering a rare rebuke to the president just hours after he unveiled sweeping plans to clamp down on international trade.

The Senate resolution, passed by a 51-48 vote tally with four Republicans and all Democrats in support, would end Trumps emergency declaration on fentanyl trafficking that underpins tariffs on Canada. Trump earlier Wednesday announced orders his so-called Liberation Day to impose import taxes on a slew of international trading partners, though Canadian imports for now were spared from new taxes.

The Senates legislation has practically no chance of passing the Republican-controlled House and being signed by Trump, but it showed the limits of Republican support for Trumps vision of remaking the U.S. economy by restricting free trade. Many economists are warning that the plan could cause an economic contraction, and GOP senators are already watching with unease as Trump upends the United States relationship with the rest of the world.

Trump earlier Wednesday singled out the four Republicans Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Susan Collins of Maine, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and Rand Paul of Kentucky who voted in favor of the resolution.

In a statement following the vote, McConnell, the former Senate Republican leader, said, As I have always warned, tariffs are bad policy, and trade wars with our partners hurt working people most.

To justify the tariffs, Trump has argued that Canada is not doing enough to stop illegal drugs from entering the northern border. Customs and Border Protection seized 43 pounds of fentanyl in its northern border sector during the 2024 fiscal year, and since January, authorities have seized less than 1.5 pounds, according to federal data. Meanwhile, at the southern border, authorities seized over 21,000 pounds last year.

This is not about fentanyl. Its about tariffs. Its about a national sales tax on American families, said Sen. Tim Kaine, the Virginia Democrat who initiated the resolution, at a news conference Wednesday.

RELATED STORY | Trump announces baseline 10% tariff on imports for all US trade partners

Democrats argued that Trump is using the tariffs to pay for proposed tax cuts that would benefit the wealthy, but will also make it more expensive to build homes, buy cars and pay for imported grocery products. Kaine pointed to aluminum imported from Canada that is used by businesses ranging from pie makers to shipbuilders.

Today, Donald Trump takes a sledgehammer to the American economy and even to the American dream, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said in a floor speech.

On the heels of election results in Wisconsin and Florida that delivered early warning signs to Republicans about the popularity of Trump's agenda, Schumer said that the president is particularly vulnerable when it comes to the economy.

Once the American people say, I dont want to embrace somebody, I dont want to vote for somebody, I dont want to support somebody who embraces Trumps policies, things are going to change," he told reporters. Public sentiment is everything."

At the White House on Wednesday, Trump singled out Canada as a beneficiary of unfair trading practices with the U.S., though his latest order did not add to tariffs already in place on Canada and Mexico.

Why are we doing this? I mean, at what point do we say, Youve got to work for yourselves and youve got to? This is why we have the big deficits," Trump said.

For their part, Republican leaders tried to hold their members in line not by talking about the impacts of tariffs, but by emphasizing that Trump was acting to address fentanyl trafficking and border security.

Majority Whip Sen. John Barrasso argued in a floor speech that former President Joe Biden had also thrown open the northern border. The criminal cartels noticed and they took advantage.

"There are unique threats to the United States at our northern border," the Wyoming senator said. President Trump is taking the bold, decisive, swift action that is necessary to secure that border as well.

Republicans lined up on the Senate floor Wednesday afternoon to underscore the need to act to halt fentanyl trafficking, including at the northern border. However, it was not enough to persuade a key group of Senate Republicans who objected to the tax on Canadian imports.

In a floor speech Wednesday, Collins said she would support the resolution and noted, The fact is the vast majority of fentanyl in America comes from the southern border.

Collins said that Canada is already beefing up border security to address drug trafficking, yet she was concerned about what tariffs would do to businesses and households in Maine. She pointed to a paper mill in her home state that pumps paper pulp from Canada.

A tariff placed on this pulp would jeopardize the financial wellbeing of this vital paper mill, which employs more than 500 people in rural, northern Maine. There is not another big employer in that area that can possibly compensate for the loss of those 510 direct jobs, Collins said.

Paul, a Kentucky Republican who often supports libertarian economic views, also delivered an impassioned floor speech, arguing that the president should not be given unilateral authority to impose taxes on imports.

Every dollar collected in tariff revenue comes straight out of the pockets of American consumers, he said. Conservatives used to understand that tariffs are taxes on the American people. Conservatives used to be uniformly opposed to raising taxes because we wanted the private marketplace, the private individuals to keep more of their income.

While a younger group of Republicans closely aligned with Trump has spoken out in favor of the president's plans to aggressively reshape the economy, a sizable portion of the Republican Conference voiced concerns about the tariff impacts on farmers and other industries. Still, most wanted to give Trump room in hopes that he would negotiate better trade deals.

North Dakota Sen. Kevin Cramer said that he has been in constant talks with both Canadian officials and businesses in his state, like Bobcat, which does a significant amount of its sales in Canada. He voted against the resolution. Instead, he hoped that Trump's order would just be a starting point for negotiations to mutually drop tariffs.

The Republican added: Im not overly concerned about it, but obviously it occupies a lot of attention and time and a lot of political anxiety."

Democrats planned to keep pressing into that anxiety. After Trumps announcement, Rep. Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said on social media he would also force a similar vote in the House on the tariffs.

Republicans cant keep ducking this its time they show whether they support the economic pain Trump is inflicting on their constituents, he said.

In a Rose Garden speech Wednesday, President Donald Trump announced sweeping new tariffs on nearly all goods imported into the U.S.

The tariffs will begin at a baseline of 10%, but many countries with relatively large trade deficits will see higher rates due to reciprocal tariffs, which will tax their imports to the U.S. at roughly half the rate of their own tariffs on U.S. goods.

The orders also begin a 25% tariff on foreign-made automobiles imported to the U.S.

"This is one of the most important days, in my opinion, in American history," President Trump said. "For years, hardworking American citizens were forced to sit on the sidelines as other nations got rich and powerful, much of it at our expense. But now it's our turn to prosper, and in so doing use trillions and trillions of dollars to reduce taxes and pay down our national debt."

During his comments, President Trump said a tax deduction may be enacted for Americans who buy a car built in the U.S.

But the president said he "couldn't care less" if foreign automakers increase their prices in response to the new tariffs.

RELATED STORY | Trump announces baseline 10% tariff on imports for all US trade partners

The White House says the tariffs will raise hundreds of billions of dollars and spark more companies to produce their goods domestically.

But many economists say consumers will pay the price including economics professor Keith Maskus.

"In the end, it is pretty much always the domestic consumers that pay almost the full share these tariffs. And again, it's just the way tariffs work," Maskus said.

That could mean higher prices for cars, groceries, housing and other goods impacted by the tariffs.

And those who can afford them the least may feel the pinch the most.

"The share of consumption that low-income households pay for tariffs is much, much higher than it is for middle-income or higher wealthier consumers," Maskus said.

Farmers are expected to bear the brunt of these trade tensions. According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, Canada and China were the second and third-largest destinations for U.S. agricultural products in 2024.

Retaliatory tariffs could decrease demand for U.S. goods, impacting production and farmers' bottom lines and increasing prices in stores.

RELATED STORY | Lawmakers weigh in on Trump's sweeping new tariffs

Small business owners shared many of those concerns on Wednesday in interviews with Scripps News.

"The only way we can really respond is take an even bigger hit on our margins, which have already been decimated due to inflation and COVID; B, lower the quality of our products, which is not something we want to do; or C, have to increase prices," said Alfred Mai, founder of ASM Games, a card game manufacturer. "None of these are things we want or want to do. But at some point, these tariffs have to go somewhere."

"I think looking at trade imbalance is a really important issue, but not on the backs of small businesses," said Sarah Wells, the founder and CEO of Sarah Wells Bags, a Virginia-based small businesses that makes handbags and apparel. "In fact I think we really need to think of businesses as not a monolith. Small businesses just don't have the cash and resources for unpredictable international tariffs."

Markets sank in after-hours trading following President Trump's announcements, which came after trading had closed for the day.

An ETF that tracks the S&P 500 dropped more than 2.3% and the ETF that tracks the NASDAQ 100 also dropped about 3.1%.

Loyola High School in Detroit, a private Catholic school for boys, is seeing some major improvements including a new chapel.

Its big news for the city as it marks the first new Catholic place of worship in Detroit in more than 60 years.

On Wednesday, students, school leaders and community members gathered together to celebrate the grand opening of the new St. Peter Claver Chapel and the new Wayne and Joan Webber Welcome Center.

Both spaces are extensions of Loyola High School.

VIDEO: Take a walk-through tour of the new chapel VIDEO: Walk-through tour of the new chapel

It feels wonderful for me to still be in my initial weeks here and to be able to do something this joyful," said Detroit's new Archbishop Edward Weisenburger, who led Wednesday's service in the new chapel.

Related video: Detroit's next Archbishop talks about the future and the challenges he faces Detroit's next Archbishop talks about the future and the challenges he faces

Students now not only have a new entrance to the school, they also have a new facility for daily prayer and reflection whereas before, services were held in the gym.

What this chapel means to me is I get to grow in my faith and my beliefs in God more," Rommell Murry said.

The Archdiocese of Detroit told 7 News Detroit like many other dioceses around the country, they too have experienced a decrease in the number of parishes and church buildings.

This is going to be a blessing not just for a 100 or 150 young men at a time; this will be a blessing for the whole community," Weisenburger said.

Deborale Richardson-Phillips, Ph.D., Loyola High School's first female school president, agrees.

Loyola High School is part of the revitalization of the Detroit area," she said. "This chapel, and certainly our welcome center, will give people the opportunity to welcome people into our home in ways that we havent before.

Everything in the chapel the chairs, piano and pieces on the chancel was donated, and school leaders say its the communitys support that made it happen.

This remarkable addition to our campus would not have been possible without the generosity and vision of those of who supported Empower Loyola," Richardson-Phillips said.

A campaign generated more than $9 million in donations. Cynthia Webber Helisek was one of those donors.

It took no thoughts whatsoever to say yes to the projects, she said.

The welcome center is named after her uncle Wayne and aunt Joan Webber, who were big supporters of school and so is she.

Most importantly, I want the boys to know they are very valued in this space, and they deserve a beautiful space to learn," Helisek said.

All eyes were on President Donald Trump today as he announced a 10% tariff on all imports. It's been branded as 'Liberation Day" by the White House.

In the Rose Garden, Trump invited Brian Pannebecker, a Macomb County man and the founder of Autoworkers for Trump 2024, to the stage.

"My entire life I have watched plant after plant after plant in Detroit sitting idle, under-utilized," Pannebecker said, just moments after Trump made this announcement.

"Effective at midnight, we will impose a 25-percent tariff on all foreign-made automobiles," Trump said.

Local auto manufacturers have already been navigating the new tariffs, and I went to talk to one in Sterling Heights. We're also getting new analysis about what consumers can expect to pay if they're in the market for a new car.

FULL INTERVIEW: John McElroy of Autoline discusses the possible impacts of tariffs FULL INTERVIEW: John McElroy of Autoline discusses the possible impacts of tariffs

Citic Dicastal is the largest manufacturer of aluminum wheels in the entire world, and because their products are made of aluminum, they're already feeling the effects of those tariffs.

For Dale Hadel, the Director of Sales, the tariffs have already been a reality.

"We're paying it on aluminum wheels. We'll be paying it on imports from Mexico. We'll be paying it on imported material from Canada. We'll be paying it on the final product coming in from China," he says.

Hadel tells me Citic Dicastal is headquartered in China.

"When you think about a 25% tariff, and let's say aluminum, just is $1 a pound, now it's $1.25 a pound, and that's a 30-pound wheel, you can do the math," he says.

I asked him what his biggest concern is right now.

"My fear is that this will slow down vehicle sales if there's a big bump in pricing that the automakers need to pass on to the consumer," Hadel says.

So, let's talk about that. Lansing-based Anderson Economic Group published a new report showing major increases per car.

"For American cars, and I'm talking about cars assembled in North America, $2500 the low end, $10,000 at the high end," says Patrick Anderson, CEO of the Anderson Economic Group.

And he says these are conservative estimates. For imports, it could reach $20,000 per car. And how does Michigan fare compared to the rest of the states in the US when it comes to these tariffs?

"There's no state that's more exposed than Michigan to tariffs on automobiles," says Anderson. "Now we're, we are - literally the epicenter of tariff effects is probably in the middle of the Ambassador Bridge between Detroit and Windsor."

"The auto industry spent the last 20 years trying to find low-cost countries or low-cost content locations where they can have a competitive advantage by manufacturing, which has been enhanced by USMCA and all the incentives to locate there," says Hadel.

One of the theories right now is that there will be pain in the short term, but in the long term, there will be benefits. I asked Hadel if he agreed with that.

"I don't see that. I see there'll be, at least for the 5 to 7 year duration in front of us, I think you'll see some very significant pain," he says.

There's a new microbusiness in Berkley this one was started by students.

Hoppy Puppy has brought in hundreds of dollars the past couple of months. Berkley's adult transition programs for students is behind it all.

Spent grains from the bottom of the tank at Dog and Pony Brewing to the kitchen at Berkley's Adult Transition Program (BAT) are the main ingredient in their dog treats.

BAT is currently housed at Berkley First United Methodist Church while construction happens at their permanent home.

"We usually make the dough from scratch, and we do a very good job with that," Derek Van Wormer said.

They mix the ingredients, roll the dough and cut it into shapes for baking.

Watch the process of students making dog treats in the video player below: VIDEO: Inside the process: How the students make the dog treats

The treats then go to their other partner Our Neighborhood Academy for packaging. Some students also work there.

All 17 students ages 18 to 26 in the BAT program are business partners and owners in the Hoppy Puppy microbusiness.

"This truly is a student-developed startup, and the students have their hand in every single part of the company and including the development of the company, from choosing the name, choosing our logo, creating and designing our logo, interim Administrator Sharon Berke said. They researched packaging and chose our packaging, everything from the bag that we used to the labels, all of it, every single piece of it. They research and we meet together and as a complete company team, we make decisions and move forward.

Some students have never baked dog treats before.

"It's not always easy, but it's not too bad once you get the hang of it," Van Wormer said.

Its a business theyre proud to play a big role in.

"I feel proud and an accomplishment to do my own business, Isabelle Moss said.

Student Elisheva Tobi balances the books.

"It started as a microbusiness, but I feel like it's more than a microbusiness. I feel like it's a major business to me, Tobi said. "It's an amazing opportunity to grow and learn about different things."

She hopes to learn more about finance and sell her own products one day.

That's what Berke says BAT and this program is all about. A key part of the program is work-based learning and job readiness, helping students develop independence in the community.

"It's a wonderful community collaboration but even more importantly, it's been just such a valuable entrepreneurial experience and pre-vocational experience for our students," Berke said.

The last two months racked in sales over $500. Because of the growth, they're now using the profits to branch out into dog shirts.

"We are in this for the long haul," Berke said.

They're grateful for their community and are hopeful for their continued support.

You can purchase Hoppy Puppy at these locations:

Monarch Market Cafe in Huntington Woods Coffee & Bark in Downtown Berkley Dog & Pony Show Brewery in Oak Park Our Neighborhood Academy in Downtown Berkley

A devastating car crash involving an elderly driver left a Canton man with life-altering injuries.

The road to recovery is marked by many steps, and for Garrett Biesiadecki, each step feels like a mile.

I dont want to do this, but they make me fight, Biesiadecki said through tears while pointing to his trainers at Team Rehab in Livonia. I want to keep going.

The 52-year-old concrete worker lost his leg and nearly his life and livelihood when an SUV barreled into him while he was on a job in Canton last September.

Biesiadecki spent the past several months in grueling physical therapy as he adjusts to life as an amputee.

This is the beginner, Biesieadecki said, pointing to his prosthetic leg. Supposedly tomorrow Im going to get my updated one, because this hurts real bad.

Extended interview: 'I'm going to fight.' Man hit by elderly driver talks about recovery journey Extended interview: 'I'm going to fight.' Man hit by elderly driver talks about recovery journey

The woman behind the wheel, 81-year-old Judy Kamm, first struck that garage before coming through a backyard, hitting Garrett, and then striking a house.

I remember laying on the ground, looking at my leg, Biesieadecki said.

Biesieadecki was losing blood and fast. He believes he wouldve died had a nurse who lives nearby not come to his aid, using a shoelace as a tourniquet.

She said, Im sorry about this, but this is gonna, whoosh to the tourniquet. And then she said, Im really sorry about this, but youre not gonna die on my watch. Went to my artery and grabbed it, and I screamed so loud, and I passed out, Biesieadecki said.

Biesieadecki spent a month in the hospitalhis left leg amputated. His body broken.

Kamm was charged with reckless driving and a moving violation causing serious impairment of a body functionboth misdemeanors. Her lawyer declined to comment, saying he still needed to review the case.

Michigan has no restrictions on elderly drivers, but State Senator Rosemary Bayer is considering legislation to change that, in hopes of protecting both elderly drivers and other motorists.

Democratic leader Ranjeev Puri from Canton released a statement saying:

It goes without saying that it is incredibly unfortunate for anyone injured in these car accidents or anyone hurt in a car accident, for that matter. As state representatives, we are here to uplift the will of the people and keep people safe, and I take that responsibility seriously. There are always important factors to consider when placing age qualifiers and other such limitations in the law; however, it is essential to consider that older folks need to get around just like anyone else. It is important to support all sorts of transportation forms and options, so when elderly individuals and their families decide that it is time to stop driving.

Everyone is running, running over people, and its gotta stop. This has gotta stop somehow, and its terrible what people are going through, Biesiadecki said.

Meanwhile, Biesiadecki is hoping his rehab will allow him to get back to work and help run Action Concrete, the family business.

My dad was born and raised a Marine; he brought me up as a Marine, so you fight, and Im going to fight. Fight like he fought, and Im not going to give up, Biesiadecki said.

President Donald Trump announced sweeping new tariffs on nearly all goods imported into the U.S. Wednesday.

The tariffs will begin at a baseline of 10%, but many countries with relatively large trade deficits will see higher rates due to reciprocal tariffs, which will tax their imports to the U.S. at roughly half the rate of their own tariffs on U.S. goods.

The orders also begin a 25% tariff on foreign-made automobiles imported to the U.S.

Reaction on Capitol Hill has been mixed. Republicans have largely backed President Trump's plans, or are willing to allow him the chance to to see how the measures play out.

"The experts think they're always right," Louisiana Sen. John Kennedy told reporters earlier on Wednesday. "They're almost always wrong. Some of these guys I've listened to for the last two weeks, and gals, talking about what the impact on the economy is. I know them. I've read their materials. I've looked at their past predictions. They make those late-night psychic hotlines look respectable."

"Nobody knows. Nobody knows. But we'll find out pretty soon," he said.

RELATED STORY | Trump announces baseline 10% tariff on imports for all US trade partners

But there is some pushback. Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul spoke on the Senate Floor Wednesday shortly before President Trump's tariffs announcement, warning that the emergency declaration used to implement the tariffs represented executive overreach.

"You can't have a country ruled by emergency. You can't have a country without a separation of powers, without checks and balances," he said.

"Tariffs are a terrible mistake. They don't work, they will lead to higher prices, they are a tax and they have historically been bad for our economy."

A number of Senate Republicans voted along with all Democrats in the chamber Wednesday night to pass a measure intended to stop the emergency declaration President Trump declared concerning fentanyl trafficking from Canada, which formed the basis of new tariffs on the country.

The vote passed 51-48, but it has little chance of making it to the House floor for a vote.

Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer on Trump's tariffs

Scripps News spoke with Delaware's Democratic Governor Matt Meyer after the president's announcement.

"A tariff is a tax," Gov. Meyer said. "The first sentence defining tariff in any dictionary. This is a 10% tax on every American. It makes no sense. It's an economic theory that was disproven 95 years ago when Smoot-Hawley was passed. Look back in 1930. Herbert Hoover, it was his great policy. What did it lead to? The Great Depression."

"It's not a matter of which sector is going to see it and which sector is not going to see it. The president was clear. This is a tax on everyone."

This is a developing story and will be updated.

As the rain pours in Southeast Michigan, Southfield resident Ed Fournier invited us inside his "man cave," built for exactly this.

"We built this because we knew we wanted to stay here, we love the area, but we didnt know how much we were going to lose power," said Fournier.

According to him, their Southfield home loses power "a couple times a year, maybe four, maybe five times for sure."

Inside his man cave, Fournier has a wood burner, a generator, extension cables, and more supplies to stay safe during a power outage.

He told us that Wednesday's storm has created a double whammy for his family.

While they wait to see if they'll lose power in Southfield, their home in Mancelona, up north, has already been hit by Sunday's ice storms.

Related Story: Governor Whitmer deploys National Guard as northern Michigan recovers from devastating ice storm Gov Whitmer deploys National Guard as northern Michigan recovers from devastating ice storm

In fact, Fournier spent the beginning of his week in Mancelona, securing their home there, before coming back to Southfield for this storm.

"I dont think people really realize how bad it is up there," said Fournier. "And that people really need a lot of help up there."

Amid the severe weather DTE told 7 News Detroit that they are preparing.

On Wednesday afternoon, our team was invited inside their Systems Operation Center.

There, DTE Vice President of Distribution Operation Brian Calka said, "This is an overlay of the electric grid, it shows all of our substations."

Calka said that inside the center, DTE teams can operate 24 hours a day, remotely addressing homes and businesses that may lose power.

He also said that they have additional crews traveling to Michigan to help: "We have 2,000 line workers that are here on our property right now, we are augmenting them with over 600 line workers that are coming from out of state."

According to Calka, this storm is especially worrisome to them because rain preceding high winds increases the likelihood of trees falling.

He asks all concerned residents to contact them at outage.dteenergy.com.

As we wait to see how many will be affected, residents like Fournier continue to prepare.

"You get your generator, you get your firewood, you get your supplies, you have everything ready," said Fournier. "That way when that time comes, you dont have to worry about yourself, you can help your neighbor out, and thats most important."

On what the White House has dubbed as "Liberation Day," President Donald Trump announced a spate of new tariffs on all U.S. trade partners, as well as additional tariffs on dozens of countries that his administration has described as the "worst offenders."

Speaking Wednesday afternoon during a "Make America Wealthy Again" ceremony from the Rose Garden, President Trump said baseline tariffs of 10% will go into effect April 5th, while the higher reciprocal rates will take effect April 9th amounting to about 50% of what other countries tax U.S. exports.

WATCH | President Trump's full speech on reciprocal tariffs

President Trump announced sweeping new tariffs on US trade partners

In addition, President Trump said that beginning at midnight Thursday, the U.S. will place a 25% tariff on all foreign-made automobiles.

RELATED STORY | 'Couldn't care less': Trump not concerned if car prices rise due to tariffs

"This is one of the most important days, in my opinion, in American History," he said. "It's our declaration of economic independence. For years, hardworking American citizens were forced to sit on the sidelines as other nations got rich and powerful much of it at our expense. But now it's our turn to prosper."

President Trump said his sweeping tariffs are in response to what he called a U.S. "national emergency" arising from economic security concerns and trade deficits. Other countries, however, have indicated they are preparing for retaliatory responses or reserve the right to respond, including Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, the European Union, China and Japan.

RELATED STORY | US farmers expected to bear the brunt of retaliatory tariffs

Trump administration officials said if any countries announced retaliatory measures in response to President Trump's tariffs, it would be seen as undermining the protections of the president's executive order and the White House would respond.

President Trumps trade policy has sought to address what his administration views as unfair trade with other nations, boost manufacturing, raise revenue, and pay down the national debt.

WATCH | Peter Navarro on Trump's tariffs addressing 'chronic trade deficit'

Peter Navarro on Trump's tariffs addressing 'chronic trade deficit'

"Jobs and factories will come roaring back into our country and you see it happening already," President Trump said. "We will supercharge our domestic industrial base. We will pry open foreign markets and break down foreign trade barriers, and ultimately more production at home will mean stronger competition and lower prices for consumers."

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | More swerves hit Wall Street as Trump's "Liberation Day" nears

Despite recent swings in the stock market in anticipation of the president's tariffs, the White House has maintained that the market is a snapshot in time." Earlier this year, President Trump said there could be a "little disturbance" from his proposed tariffs, but added that his administration will "be okay with that," citing long-term benefits.

Some economic experts, however, have warned that the new tariffs could place a larger burden on low and middle-income families.

I think fundamentally families are going to face higher costs," said Brendan Duke, senior director of federal budget policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. "Businesses have made clear they plan on raising prices in reaction to these enormous tariffs hes talking about."

The Biden Administration faced a lot of political heat because of rising prices and this is just pouring gasoline on that fire of too high a prices, Duke added.

Flooding has been an issue in Detroits Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood since the 1950s.

When theres severe weather, residents know theres always a chance of flooding.

We got to stay in a mode of potential flood or sewage backup in our basements, said Jocelyn Fitzpatrick Harris.

Fitzpatrick Harris knows all too well about the risk of flooding in the Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood. Shes lived there her whole life.

She says she learned to stay prepared after the major flood that happened in the area back in 2021.

I dont put anything valuable in the basement, said Fitzpatrick Harris. Im thankful for having a boiler, a washer, a dryer and those kinds of things are necessities, but other than that, I put nothing valuable in the basement.

Fitzpatrick Harris also has a sump pump and shes not the only person in the neighborhood with one.

We were burned a few years ago, we had like over a foot of water in our basements, ruined everything, so we decided to get us a sump pump, said Detroit resident Carleton Smith.

Smith says now that he has a sump pump, he isnt as worried about heavy rain.

Im ready, let it come and it probably will with this rain theyre anticipating, said Smith.

The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department is also on high alert when it comes to the heavy rain expected in the area.

The department sent this message to residents on Tuesday:

We urge all customers to reduce water usage during the rain event to provide more capacity in the sewer system, and take safety precautions by not driving or walking into standing water. DWSD crews are ready to respond to potential flooding.

The Great Lakes Water Authority is also keeping an eye on the area.

A spokesperson from GLWA says they are: 

Maintaining and optimizing existing infrastructure to ensure current drainage systems operate at peak efficiency. Coordinating with local agencies to enhance stormwater management and emergency response during heavy rainfall. Implementing operational strategies to manage Dry Weather Flow at the existing Freud Storm Pump Station, ensuring it remains functional and reliable until the new station is completed.

When its rainy weather, we just accept it, said Jocelyn Fitzpatrick Harris.

The city is also encouraging residents to report flooded streets and basements.

 

You can do so by using the Improve Detroit app or contacting the water and sewerage department at 313-267-8000.

A relative newcomer to politics is running in Michigan's 2026 gubernatorial election.

Republican Anthony Hudson tells me he believes he has the right formula to lead Michigan forward. His top priority, he said, is shrinking the size of the state's government.

"Tell more about your background and why youre in this race," I told Hudson.

Originally from Texas, I moved to Michigan 13 years ago. Average people talk about whats bothering them and their concerns. Here we are. Weve gained momentum. Over 2 million hits on social media. Ive lived and seen what happens based on our representation out of Lansing," Hudson said.

As a proud father and Michigander, Hudson worked as a truck driver and said he believes making our state government smaller is a must.

Watch our full interview with Hudson in the video below

One-on-one with Republican Anthony Hudson, who is running for Michigan governor

What is your platform? Jobs, economy?" I asked.

"Our government in Lansing for our state is too big. Its huge and you and I have to pay for that," he said.

What would you do to bring jobs and business here?" I asked.

"Give people full ownership of jobs and businesses. When you bring jobs people come back. Eliminate property and state income tax. We want people to keep their money," he said.

He said he is anti-abortion, pro-Second Amendment and also fixing our roads, but not in the way we've seen before.

Youve seen roads up close. What do you want to do differently?" I asked.

"Take money and allocate it for our roads. Driving a truck I feel every bump. Take $8.1 billion from MDOT, disperse to counties. Let road commissions do their jobs and have funding," Hudson said.

Hudson said he also supports President Donald Trump on public safety and education and believes we need to be safer and do more to help young people learn.

I grew up with two uncles that were cops 31 years. My father was a police chief. Theres a lot of passion for law enforcement," Hudson said.

President Trump has talked about restructuring the Department of Education. Where do you fall and how do you agree with his position?" I asked.

" I believe states should have control. What were doing in Michigan isnt working," he said.

Names like Duggan. Sheriff Swanson. Benson. How do you compete when theyve had a lot of time to get the message out?" I asked.

"Im not here to target and attack them. I need to focus on me. How do you work with both sides? We have to have a level of aggression, to go in. Someone who can go to bat on other side of the aisle, the policies dont just help Republicans or Democrats. They help all of us as a society," Hudson said.

He also said he wants to see safety courses for people who own guns but doesn't agree with laws telling people how to store them.

Watch more of our interviews with gubernatorial candidates in the videos below

Republican Aric Nesbitt

FULL INTERVIEW: Aric Nesbitt talks about running for Governor

Democrat Jocelyn Benson

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson talks with 7 News Detroit after announcing gubernatorial run

Democrat Chris Swanson

Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson talks about gubernatorial run

Independent Mike Duggan

Interview: Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan talks about running for Michigan Governor

Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist has also announced a run for governor as a Democrat. We hope to interview him in the future.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday that Israel is establishing a new security corridor across the Gaza Strip to pressure Hamas, suggesting it would cut off the southern city of Rafah, which Israel has ordered evacuated, from the rest of the Palestinian territory.

The announcement came after Netanyahu's defense minister said that Israel would seize large areas of Gaza and add them to its so-called security zones. A wave of Israeli strikes, meanwhile, killed more than 40 Palestinians, including several women and children, according to Palestinian health officials.

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Israel has vowed to escalate the nearly 18-month war with Hamas until the militant group returns dozens of remaining hostages, disarms and leaves the territory. Israel ended a ceasefire in March and has imposed a monthlong halt on all imports of food, fuel and humanitarian aid.

Netanyahu described the new axis as the Morag corridor, using the name of a Jewish settlement that once stood between Rafah and Khan Younis, suggesting it would run between the two southern cities. He said it would be "a second Philadelphi corridor " referring to the Gaza side of the border with Egypt further south, which has been under Israeli control since last May.

Israel has reasserted control over the Netzarim corridor, also named for a former settlement, that cuts off the northern third of Gaza, including Gaza City, from the rest of the narrow coastal strip. Both of the existing corridors run from the Israeli border to the Mediterranean Sea.

We are cutting up the strip, and we are increasing the pressure step by step, so that they will give us our hostages, Netanyahu said.

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In northern Gaza, an Israeli airstrike hit a U.N. building in the built-up Jabaliya refugee camp, killing 15 people, including nine children and two women, according to the Indonesian Hospital. The Israeli military said it struck Hamas militants in a command and control center.

The building, previously a clinic, had been converted into a shelter for displaced people, with more than 700 residing there, according to Juliette Touma, a spokesperson for the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, the main aid provider in Gaza. No U.N. staff were wounded in the strike.

She said U.N. staff warned people about the dangers of remaining there after Wednesday's strike but that many chose to stay, simply because they have absolutely nowhere else to go.

Two Michigan chefs from Traverse City have been named a finalist for a James Beard Award, the James Beard Foundation announced on Wednesday.

Jennifer Blakeslee and Eric Patterson from The Cooks' House in Traverse City are finalists for Best Chef: Great Lakes, which includes Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio.

The category is for "chefs who set high standards in their culinary skills and leadership abilities and who are making efforts to help create a sustainable work culture in their respective regions."

The finalists for the awards were announced on Wednesday.

In January, 10 Michigan restaurants and chefs were named semifinalists for the awards, but only Blakeslee and Patterson moved into the finalists. The winners will be announced in June in Chicago.

The Cooks' House is located near Downtown Traverse City and was started by Patterson and Blakeslee.

According to the website, both worked in Las Vegas before returning to Traverse City, where Blakeslee is from.

"We take most of our focus from the actual ingredients themselves, Patterson said, according to the website. My food is a bit simpler, whereas Jen likes to work with more complex flavors from her travels in India, Mexico and Southeast Asia.

Americans are racing to buy cars in an apparent effort to act before tariffs cause prices to go up.

Major car companies saw sales spike sharply in March with nearly 1.6 million vehicles sold, according to Motorintelligence.com.

General Motors reported a 17% increase in its first-quarter sales.

Kia and Hyundai also reported double-digit first-quarter sales gains, at 11% and 10%, respectively.

Last week, President Trump announced 25% tariffs on all foreign-made vehicles and some car parts set to begin April 3.

The White House hopes the tariffs will spur auto companies to produce more cars domestically.

RELATED STORY | Trump announces US automakers will get a month's reprieve from tariffs on imports

But consumers worry it will cause prices to go up, and many want to buy before that happens.

Karen Pettke told Scripps News Group Detroit that she was originally planning to buy a car in June but pivoted upon news of the tariffs.

"I had to hustle and get a car before the Trump tariffs come into being," Pettke said. "I didn't want to take a chance that this car could go up thousands of dollars."

Pettke is not alone.

John Giasullo owns a car dealership in Florida and Told Scripps News Group West Palm Beach that he's seen more buyers coming in who ready to buy fast.

"Just this past weekend we were slammed on Saturday, no time for the guys to eat lunch, just constantly busy," Giasullo said. "I popped in Sunday to help one customer; we ended up selling four cars in a three-hour period. So, they're nervous."

As sales jump ahead of the tariffs, it's unclear the exact impact they'll have once they're imposed. Last week, Cox Automotive revised its 2025 forecast to predict 700,000 fewer cars will be sold in the U.S. this year.

The National Football League is replacing its on-field "chain gang" crew with a new innovative technology to decide ball placement and first downs during games next season.

During the league's annual winter meetings, the NFL announced that beginning with the 2025 season, it will do away with its traditional human-operated chain measurement system, opting instead for Sony's Hawk-Eye technology to measure the line to gain. The NFL said the new method was "tested extensively last season" and has proven more accurate and efficient.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | This NFL team is pushing for an end to the infamous 'tush push' play

"The NFL and Sony are integrating world-class on-field officiating with state-of-the-art technology to advance football excellence," said Troy Vincent, executive vice president of football operations at the NFL. "Combining the art of officiating with Sony's trusted Hawk-Eye system is a healthy recipe for success in our commitment to raising the standards of accuracy, consistency and efficiency. Replay technology and data-driven insights from Sony's Hawk-Eye Innovations aid us in advancing our efforts toward the future of football."

The NFL said the new Sony Hawk-Eye technology will be deployed across all 30 NFL stadiums and international venues that also host games. The new system consists six 8K, high resolution cameras and will be monitored by the NFL's Central Officiating Center in New York where the league's existing replay system is located.

However, the league's "chain gang" operators aren't gone for good. The NFL said a human chain crew will still remain on the field as a secondary option to the new Sony Hawk-Eye system.

LOOKING AHEAD | NFL will play regular season games in Australia for the first time in 2026

The NFL's shift toward technology, however, is in line with many other major sports leagues, which increasingly rely on computer and camera analysis to reduce the chance for human error.

"We have always been passionate about working with the leading global sports to pioneer change. Our ultimate ambition is to make sports fairer, safer and more engaging," said Rufus Hack, CEO of Hawk-Eye, Pulselive at Beyond Sports. "We're incredibly excited to extend our partnership with the NFL on the important virtual measurement initiative, to continue to enhance the game for players, officials and most importantly fans."

Though construction began a couple of weeks ago, community leaders, business owners and more gathered for a groundbreaking of the Monroe Streetscape project in Greektown.

The project aims to reimagine four blocks of Monroe Street through Greektown, one of the most popular streets in Downtown Detroit, into a safer and more walkable public space.

See the latest renderings in the video below

Monroe Streetscape renderings for web

It's being branded as "A New Greektown: Honoring History, Embracing the Future" and will include wider sidewalks, greenery, flexible curbless lanes and more. The hope is to increase public safety, boost events and celebrate its history.

This is a transformational project for Greektown that will help it remain a premier Detroit destination for another 100 years, Greektown Neighborhood Partnership Board Chair and President Athina Papas said in a statement. After extensive community engagement and overwhelming support, were proud to move forward with a vision that truly honors the history and Greek heritage of the neighborhood while reflecting what residents, businesses, and visitors want for the future of Monroe Street.

Officials are reminding visitors that all businesses in Greektown remain open and pedestrian access is available to Monroe Street while the road is closed to traffic. Nearby parking in surface lots and garages are open, as is the Greektown People Mover stop.

Construction is set to be complete by the summer of 2026.

A federal judge ruled late on Tuesday that the Trump administration must temporarily restore funds to a nonprofit group that provides legal and other services for tens of thousands of unaccompanied migrant children.

Judge Araceli Martnez-Olguns order runs through April 16 and requires the Trump administration to resume funding for the Acacia Center for Justice and other nonprofit groups.

Martnez-Olgun determined that nonprofit groups have legal standing to sue the government to preserve funding. Plaintiffs are arguing that theyre entitled to funds through the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008.

Martnez-Olguns order prevents the termination of funding for legal representation for these children, allowing the Acacia Center for Justice to continue its services while legal proceedings continue.

RELATED STORY | Here's how migrants are contributing to the US economy

On March 21, the Trump administration announced it would stop funding the Unaccompanied Children Program. The program provides services and legal representation for thousands of children who are in the U.S. without a parent or legal guardian.

Acacias Unaccompanied Children Program provides legal representation to more than 26,000 children in and released from Office of Refugee Resettlement custody, Shaina Aber, executive director of the Acacia Center for Justice, said. These independent childrens rights attorneys protect children from trafficking, abuse, and exploitation, helping vulnerable kids engage in a confusing and often tumultuous legal process and pursue their legal interests and options in a rapidly evolving immigration system.

Groups like the Acacia Center argued that the loss of federal funds would force them to lay off attorneys providing legal services to unaccompanied migrant children. A judge agreed that the termination of funding would be detrimental to these organizations, stating that terminating funding for direct legal representation for unaccompanied children, without any plan to ensure continuity in representation, potentially violates Congresss express directive.

The Court additionally finds that the continued funding of legal representation for unaccompanied children promotes efficiency and fairness within the immigration system, wrote Martnez-Olgun, who was appointed to the district court in 2023 by President Joe Biden.

The Detroit Free Press Marathon has been voted the best marathon in the United States as part of the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards.

The results were released on Wednesday with the Detroit race being named the top marathon.

Watch below: Ferndale couple crowned Detroit Free Press Marathon Champions

Ferndale couple crowned Detroit Free Press Marathon Champions

Over the past few years, the has continued to grow in popularity. 2024 was the first year the race sold out with the sell-out taking place three months before.

This year, the race sold out within just a couple of months, the fastest sell-out in the race's 48-year history.

Watch below: Runner in Detroit Free Press marathon survives heart attack during the race

Runner in Detroit Free Press marathon survives heart attack during the race

The 26.2-mile route is an international marathon that crosses into Windsor over the Ambassador Bridge and then back into the United States through the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, officially known as the underwater mile.

It also goes through several historic neighborhoods in Detroit, including Eastern Market and Indian Village.

We are thrilled to be recognized by readers and runners alike who help make our international marathon the pride of the Motor City, Vice President and Race Director Aaron Velthoven said in a statement. This is a testament to the hard work and passion of our team, volunteers, and participants each and every year.