Charges were suddenly dropped against a Tennessee man who had been jailed for more than a month for posting a meme featuring President Donald Trump.

Larry Bushart, 61, of Lexington, had been locked up since Sept. 21 for posting a meme that quoted President Trump, saying "We have to get over it" in response to a shooting in Perry, Iowa. Bushart was arrested for threatening mass violence at a school because some interpreted the meme as a threat to shoot up Perry County High School.

Perry County Sheriff Nick Weems texted the Scripps News Group station in Nashville just before 2 p.m. Wednesday, "Charges were nolled about 15 minutes ago."

Nolle prosequi is a Latin term for charges being dismissed.

That sudden move came a day after the Scripps News Group station in Nashville aired an exclusive interview with Weems and investigative reporter Phil Williams. During the interview, Weems admitted that investigators knew that the meme was not about Perry County High School, but investigators were responding to the fears of people in the community who misinterpreted it.

RELATED STORY | Tennessee sheriff defends jailing liberal activist for posting Trump meme about school shooting

The station also obtained new video that raised questions about the sheriff's explanation.

Weems initially said Bushart was arrested after officers in his hometown went to his house to let him know that his meme was being interpreted as a threat to shoot up Perry County High School in Linden and Bushart refused to take it down.

'What kind of person does that?" Weems asked. "What kind of person just says he don't care?"

But video from that initial encounter on Sept. 21 shows the Lexington officer appeared to be unsure about why a Perry County investigator wanted him to visit Bushart.

"So, I'm just going to be completely honest with you. I have really no idea what they are talking about. He had just called me and said there was some concerning posts that were made...."

"On Facebook," Bushart interjected.

"On Facebook, yes, sir," the officer agreed.

"And they sent you guys?" Bushart asked with a laugh.

"They did," the Lexington cop continued. "They wanted me to come make contact with you and let you know that they may be in contact with you and see if you still live here. I don't know exactly what they are referring to you."

Bushart replied, "Oh, I do Charlie Kirk."

The officer said he had no idea of what had caused police to be interested. "They said that something was insinuating violence," he continued.

"No, it wasn't," Bushart scoffed, adding: "I'm not going to take it down. Go look!"

"I don't care," the Lexington officer answered. "This ain't got nothing to do with me."

Sheriff Weems told the Scripps News Group that, while some in the community worried about the post, investigators knew it was a reference to Perry, Iowa. The sheriff said his agency would not have charged Bushart if he had simply agreed to take the post down.

"We try to de-escalate the situation or try to find an easier solution," Weems insisted, explaining that was why his investigator asked Lexington police to "go out and have a conversation with the guy, tell him, 'This is what it is causing in our community.'"

"And he admitted to making the post and advised that he was not taking it down," Weems continued. "So, therefore, he was showing the intent."

The sheriff continued, "At that point, the investigator conversed with the district attorney and myself, and charges were brought on Mr. Bushart for the threat of mass violence because of the fear that he had created in our community."

In fact, the video shows the Lexington officer never mentioned anything about the post possibly being interpreted as a threat to shoot up Perry County High School.

Reached Wednesday by text, Sheriff Weems said he was simply reflecting what his investigator wrote in his report.

"I've not seen the Lexington bodycam footage," Weems said. "My investigator has requested it and their report."

Bushart had been in jail for more than a month, unable to post a $2 million bond set by a Perry County judge. As a result, sources tell the Scripps News Group that Bushart had lost his job doing medical transport.

Buckingham Palace said Thursday that King Charles III has begun the formal process of stripping Prince Andrew of his royal titles and honors.

In a statement, the palace said, His Majesty has today initiated a formal process to remove the Style, Titles and Honours of Prince Andrew.

The announcement also confirmed that Andrew has been ordered to surrender his lease on the Royal Lodge, the residence on the Windsor estate where he has lived for years.

Formal notice has now been served to surrender the lease and he will move to alternative private accommodation, the palace said.

While the statement did not specifically say the decision was tied to Andrews past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, it appeared to allude to it.

RELATED STORY | Prince Andrew says he's giving up the royal title of Duke of York after Epstein allegations resurface

These censures are deemed necessary, notwithstanding the fact that he continues to deny the allegations against him, the palace said, adding that Their Majesties wish to make clear that their thoughts and utmost sympathies have been, and will remain with, the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse.

RELATED STORY | Virginia Giuffre's memoir alleges abuse at the hands of Epstein and others

Earlier this month, a posthumous memoir by Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre was released and named Prince Andrew. Giuffre wrote that he abused her on multiple occasions and that he acted as though having sex with me was his birthright.

Prince Andrew has long denied Giuffres allegations that he sexually abused her when she was 17.

More than half a million bottles of blood pressure medication have been recalled for containing higher levels of a carcinogenic substance than allowed.

Teva Pharmaceuticals USA of New Jersey originally issued the recall earlier this month for capsules of prazosin hydrochloride that it distributed.

Now, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has classified the recall as a Class II risk level, meaning consuming it may cause "temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences."

RELATED STORY | 140,000 bottles of cholesterol medication recalled because it may not dissolve properly

The recall applies to 1-milligram, 2-milligram and 5-milligram capsules of the medication that was distributed in 100-capsule, 250-capsule, 500-capsule and 1000-capsule bottles with expiration dates ranging from Oct. 2025 through Feb. 2027.

Testing found levels of the impurity N-nitroso Prazosin impurity C that were higher than the safety limit established by the Carcinogenic Potency Categorization Approach (CPCA), according to the FDA enforcement report.

Specific instructions on what to do with the medication if you have it were not given.

Airbnb said it will use its anti-party technology to block certain bookings over the upcoming Halloween weekend.

The system uses automation to detect potential party risks based on factors such as the length of a reservation and last-minute booking requests.

Last year, Airbnb deterred about 38,000 bookings in the United States and about 6,300 in Canada using the technology. This is the sixth year Airbnb has used the system, and the company said party-related reports have declined.

Higher-risk bookings may be blocked, and guests will have the option of reserving alternative accommodations, such as a private room where a host is present.

RELATED STORY | Airbnb rolling out new 'Reserve Now, Pay Later' feature for US travelers

Airbnb requires all users to be at least 18 years old, and minors must be accompanied by a registered adult. Parents, grandparents and others should not book for anyone else, as third-party bookings are prohibited.

If anyone breaks these rules, their account could be suspended or banned, the company said in a statement. This means we may cancel their upcoming trips, and they wont be able to use the platform to make future bookings, potentially putting winter holiday or summer vacation plans at risk. Importantly, they could also be held financially responsible for any property damage that occurs during the stay. We urge users to be vigilant: Do not share access to your account, monitor for unexpected bookings or payments, and reach out to Airbnbs customer support team in the event of any concerns.

Abby Zwerner, a former school teacher in Virginia, testified on Thursday that she thought she had died when she was shot in her classroom by her 6-year-old student in 2023.

"I thought I was dying. I thought I had died. I thought I was either on my way to heaven or in heaven, but then it all got black. And so, I then thought I wasnt going there. And then my next memory is, I see two coworkers around me and I process that Im hurt and theyre putting pressure on where Im hurt," Zwerner said, recalling the day a bullet pierced through her hand and chest where it remains lodged to this day.

The 28-year-old took the stand during the fourth day of a trial for the $40 million lawsuit she filed against the Newport News School Division and former assistant principal at Richneck Elementary School, Ebony Parker.

Zwerner and her attorneys claim negligence led to the events that unfolded on Jan. 6, 2023, and accuse Parker of failing to act after several people voiced concerns hours beforehand that the student may have had a weapon at school.

A judge previously dismissed the districts superintendent and the school principal from the lawsuit, leaving Parker as the only defendant.

Parker's defense team claims the tragedy was unavoidable. She faces a separate criminal trial related to the case in which she is accused of eight counts of felony child neglect, punishable by up to five years in prison if convicted.

The students mother was sentenced to nearly four years in prison for felony child neglect and federal weapons charges. Her son told authorities he got his mothers handgun by climbing onto a drawer to reach the top of a dresser, where the firearm was in his moms purse, The Associated Press said.

The boy had a history of behavior issues, according to court documents, but was not charged in this case.

"The moment went by very fast," said Zwerner when reflecting on the shooting. "The look on the student's face is a large memory that I have. I do remember. It was like a very blank look, but it wasnt a blank look at all on his face."

"Is that why you lifted your hand? Did you know what was about to happen?" Zwerner's legal team asked her, to which she responded, "Yes."

After she was shot, Zwerner spent weeks in the hospital, suffered a collapsed lung and required six surgeries on her hand. The doctor who treated her hand demonstrated during the trial that she still lacks full mobility and strength in her left hand.

The bullet remains in her chest as doctors have said it was more dangerous for them to try and remove it.

Parker's defense team questioned the limited abilities of Zwerner's injured hand, asking how she was able to complete cosmetology school since the shooting took place. She was also asked about concerts she attended following the shooting, despite claiming she found it difficult to be in public.

Before Zwerner testified, the jury heard from forensic psychiatrist Dr. Clarence Watson, who treated her following the shooting. He told the court he had diagnosed Zwerner with post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD), anxiety and depression.

Watson testified that Zwerner said she has suffered suicidal thoughts, has nightmares of being killed and ongoing fears of the shooter following her and coming back to "finish the job."

Watson said, based on records from Zwerner's longtime family physician and current therapists, she had a normal, healthy life up until her father passed away unexpectedly in 2020.

First responders describe an unusual school shooting scene

On Wednesday, shocking police bodycam footage from an officer who responded to Zwerner's classroom after the shooting was shown. The footage, which the Scripps News Group station in Norfolk has chosen not to release, depicts a frenzied, bloody scene, with Zwerner lying on the ground while officers perform life-saving measures.

Thomas Blyth, a retired corporal with the Newport News Sheriff's Office, also responded to the shooting. He testified about how long it took for law enforcement to be let into the school.

"We immediately went to the front door of the school, hit the buzzer, knocked on the doors, couldn't get in. Didn't see anybody moving around, not what we expected to be responding to a situation like this," noted Blyth. "It seemed like an eternity for us. It was probably about a minute of banging on the door til, I think, a janitor or a security person opened the door for us."

Watch: Abby Zwerner's twin says her sister's "light has dimmed" since the shooting

Abby Zwerner's twin sister testifies

Another unexpected factor, Blyth stated, was the shooter's age: "We were quite taken aback. We didn't expect to see so young of a suspect."

As Blyth testified that he found the gun on the floor, pictures of Zwerner's classroom and the weapon were shown in the courtroom.

The first day of testimony on Tuesday was an emotional one, with witnesses including Zwerner's mother and colleagues who were at Richneck on the day of the shooting.

Watch: Zwerner's mom Julie takes the stand

Julie Zwerner recalls seeing her daughter in the hospital following Richneck shooting

Amy Kovac, a reading specialist at Richneck, took the stand and described hearing the gunshot coming from Zwerner's classroom, then entering the room and seeing blood on Zwerner's leg.

She said she then walked to the shooter, who was referred to only as "JT" in the court, and attempted to subdue him.

"He was standing there with his legs kind of spread open, arms crossed and cocky, and when I got to him, I didn't say anything," Kovac said. "I took his wrist because I knew he shot with his left hand. I walked to Abby's desk where her phone was. I put him in between my legs, put my arms around him."

The final testimony on Tuesday was delivered by Zwerner's mother, Julie, who told the court her daughter loved teaching and was becoming a great educator before her career was cut short by the bullet that pierced her hand and went into her chest.

Watch: Trauma surgeon describes Zwerner's injuries from the shooting

Trauma surgeon testifies on Zwerner's hospitalization following Richneck shooting

A key moment on Tuesday was when Dr. Nina Farrish, the director of human resources for Newport News Public Schools, took the stand. She testified that Parker admitted to her two or three days after the shooting that it was reported around 12:20 p.m. that the student had a gun in his backpack. That was more than 90 minutes before the shooting.

The trial kicked off this week with jury selection on Monday, with all testimony thus far being provided by witnesses called to the stand by Zwerner's team. The trial is expected to last no more than eight days.

Any verdict against Parker in the civil case is expected to be paid by the Virginia Risk Sharing Association.

This story was originally published by the Scripps News Group in Norfolk.

Even when we're working hard to bring you the news of our communities each and every day, there's really just one thing on our minds: Gardner White's annual Twinkle Town tree decorating competition.

Watch the full piece in the video player below: WXYZ decorating tree to benefit Forgotten Harvest in Gardner White's Twinkle Town competition

That's right, we're back for another year of tree decorating for a good cause.

For years, we have toiled, we have tinsledand yet, we still fell short of victory.

From last year's event: WXYZ decorates tree to benefit Forgotten Harvest in Twinkle Town competition WXYZ decorating tree to benefit Forgotten Harvest in 2024 Twinkle Town campaign

But as they say, we're hoping the third times a charm.

This year, we're pulling out more stops and secret weapons. We teamed up with local designer Jon Gerych of Gerychs in Fenton to make our theme stand out, representing a fondness for yesteryear. Our theme this year: Hudson's Nostalgia.

Gardner Whites annual tree decorating competition pits 24 teams against each other, all in the name of charity.

The winning tree will win $10,000 for their charity of choice, and once again, we picked Forgotten Harvest as our charity for the competition.

Now, we can't show you our tree just yet. A holiday kick-off event will happen on November 6 at Gardner Whites flagship store in Warren, when the voting will open up for best tree.

And all we want for Christmas this year ... is a win for local families.

Eli Lilly announced a partnership with Walmart that will make the retailer the first to offer in-store pharmacy pickup of single-dose vials of its weight-loss medication Zepbound for self-pay customers.

Beginning in mid-November, Walmarts 4,600 pharmacies will offer discounted prescriptions of Zepbound. Eli Lilly said customers will pay $349 for a 2.5-milligram dose, while higher doses will cost $499.

The company said the prices represent more than a 50% discount compared to the list price of other GLP-1 drugs for obesity. The discount is available to anyone with a valid prescription, regardless of insurance status.

Many insurers have declined to cover weight-loss medications such as Zepbound, citing high costs. Lilly said 35% of new Zepbound prescriptions are filled through its LillyDirect self-pay option, which offers medicines not covered by insurance directly to consumers at a discount.

A study found patients taking the highest dose of Zepbound lost an average of 12% of their body weight if they had Type 2 diabetes and were obese or overweight. Those without diabetes lost an average of 18% of their body weight.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, GLP-1 drugs help manage blood sugar by prompting the pancreas to release insulin. They also slow digestion, which reduces the amount of glucose entering the bloodstream, and affect satiety so patients feel full after eating.

RELATED STORY | Weight loss drugs aren't just changing how people look they're also changing how they shop

Managing a chronic disease like obesity can be a significant and ongoing burden physically, emotionally and financially, said Jennifer Mazur, senior vice president and general manager of LillyDirect. This collaboration with Walmart is designed to reduce that burden by streamlining access to prescribed treatment.

Zepbound has a list price of more than $1,000 per dose before discounts.

The rising use of expensive weight-loss medications has fueled concerns over health care costs. While GLP-1 drugs have long been covered for treating diabetes, insurers typically do not cover them for weight-loss purposes.

An acclaimed restaurateur and chef from New York City will open a new restaurant in Downtown Detroit next year.

Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG) announced that the restaurant from Danny Meyer will open inside the Hudson's Detroit building.

The group was founded in 1985 with the opening of its flagship restaurant, Union Square Cafe, and has since expanded to a collection of restaurants that have earned 28 James Beard Awards.

Detroit is brimming with culture, creativity, and pride,"Meyer said in a statement. Expanding here and joining such a dynamic neighborhood gives us the opportunity to grow and innovate alongside a city thats constantly in motion. As a proud native Midwesterner, I couldnt be more excited to plant our flag in Detroit.

Bringing USHG to Detroit reflects our deliberate, value-driven approach to growth, USHG CEO Chip Wade added. This opening, and our partnership with Bedrock, represents more than just a new restaurant; its an opportunity to invest in and contribute to a great American city.

Watch below: Take a look inside Hudson's Detroit office building

Take a look inside Hudson's Detroit office building

"Detroit has the best restaurants and chefs in the country, and the arrival of Union Square Hospitality Group signals that the world has taken notice, Bedrock Senior Vice President of Hospitality Andrew Leber, Senior Vice President of Hospitality added in a statement. Hudsons Detroit is creating new and unforgettable experiences for everyone, further solidifying the city as a must-see destination.

Officials expect to announce more information about the partnership soon.

Our Grant Me Hope child this week is 11-year-old Braydon, who goes by Scott. He tells us that he loves playing with friends and using his imagination.

"My friends would describe me as smart, intelligent and kind and very creative," Scott said, according to the Michigan Adoption Resource Exchange.

Scott also loves building things with Legos, and also Toga Blocks, where he builds "lots of cool stuff."

Scott enjoys being the center of attention and will pride himself on creating a game for everybody to play, says one of the adults who cares about him most. He is very playful and will go out of his way to try and make people laugh. He is helpful, creative, strong and resilient. He wants to change the world someday, and I think he has all the power to do it!

According to MARE, Scott enjoys activities that activate his brain power and give him a chance to shine.

"I want to have nice parents that have lots of fun games and always want to play with you. I want a brother and sister, and I want a cat because their also one of my favorite creatures," Scott said.

For more information on Scott, visit the Michigan Adoption Resource Change website, and view a list of waiting children there. You can also learn more on our Grant Me Hope page.

The Detroit Police Department is looking for a man who they say sexually assaulted a 5-year-old at a McDonald's on the city's southwest side.

We're told that the incident happened at the McDonald's in the 6800 Block of Michigan Avenue on Wednesday, just after 8 p.m.

Police tell us that a family was inside the restaurant when a five-year-old girl in the family needed to use the bathroom. Authorities say she entered the restroom, when a man entered a short time after and inappropriately touched her before fleeing the scene.

Police believe the man, pictured above, is between the ages of 35-45, stands at just under 6-feet tall. He was last seen wearing a red flannel shirt and black pants.

If you recognize this man, please call the Detroit Police Departments Special Victims Unit at 313-596-1950, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-Speak Up, or DetroitRewards.tv.

Police are searching for three people accused of stealing about $3.2 million worth of jewelry and a safe from a Queens, New York, home earlier this month.

Surveillance video from Oct. 16 shows the suspects approaching the home near 160th Street and 84th Drive dressed in construction uniforms, according to the New York Police Department.

WANTED FOR A BURGLARY: On 10/16/25, three unknown individuals entered a home located in the vicinity of 160th Street and 84th Drive by forcibly opening the rear door. Once inside the location the individuals removed a safe and jewelry, valued at approximately $3,200,000. pic.twitter.com/2eYn9jn5Is

NYPD Crime Stoppers (@NYPDTips) October 28, 2025

Investigators said the individuals forced open a rear door, then removed the safe and jewelry. A blue vehicle was later seen backing into the driveway before the suspects got inside and drove away.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | Arrest total rises to 7 in Louvre jewelry heist; key DNA match found

Police have not said who the home belonged to or why the victims were keeping that amount of jewelry inside. But no one was home at the time of the burglary, and no injuries were reported.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the NYPDs Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).

Detroit City Clerk Janice Winfrey is encouraging Detroiters to get out and vote in the 2025 municipal election, reminding them of the many ways they can vote.

Related: See your 2025 Michigan election guide here

According to Winfrey, there are 519,000 registered voters in the City of Detroit, but she anticipates turnout to be between 18% and 23% for the election next week. That breaks down to between 94,000 and 119,000 ballots cast.

You can watch Winfrey's full press conference in the video below

Detroit City Clerk speaks ahead of 2025 municipal election

Winfrey said the city expects to have about 60,000 absentee ballots returned for the election, about 3,000 early votes and 56,00 voters on election day.

Early voting in the City of Detroit began on Saturday, Oct. 25, and goes through Sunday, Nov. 2. There are eight early voting sites across Detroit. They are:

City Clerk's Office - 2 Woodward Ave. Clark Park - 1130 Clark WCCCD Eastern Campus - 5901 Conner Department of Elections - 2978 W. Grand Blvd. Adams Butzel Recreation Complex - 10500 Lyndon Northwest Activities Center - 18100 Meyers WCCCD Northwest - 8200 W. Outer Dr. Farwell Recreation Center - 2711 E. Outer Dr.

"You have no excuse not to cast your ballot. There are no excuses or barriers to the process in the City of Detroit," Winfrey said.

The Detroit Department of Transportation is also providing free rides on Election Day.

Winfrey also said that the department has partnered with community groups, sororities, fraternities and even influencers to get the word out about voting.

"If you want this community and this society to look and operate in the way in which you want it to operate, then get up off your couch and vote," Winfrey said.

Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley is asking the Federal Trade Commission to investigate the popular wedding planning website The Knot, accusing the company of fraudulent and deceptive business practices.

Grassley claims The Knot misled small businesses that advertise on the site, and that his office has received nearly 200 complaints from wedding vendors claiming the company failed to honor advertising contracts, sent fake leads and falsely promised discounts.

The Republican senator first contacted the FTC chair in March about these allegations. Grassley said his office has received more reports since his initial letter.

"One small business owner informed my investigative staff that she contacted a supervisor on The Knots customer support team to discuss why her business continued to be advertised in the wrong section of the website and hadnt received substantive leads. The small business owner told my office that the supervisor said she hadnt received legitimate leads because her small business didnt have any reviews on the website," Grassley wrote in his letter to FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson. "The small business owner alleges that the supervisor then turned off the call recorder and told her that she should create fake accounts and leave her own business fake reviews to boost the credibility of her profile which would in turn help her receive a higher number of legitimate leads."

ICYMI | Brides seek budget-friendly alternatives amid rising wedding costs

The Knot denies the allegations, saying it's committed to transparency and helping wedding professionals grow their businesses.

According to The Knot's website, the platform links more than 4 million users with over 900,000 small businesses in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia.

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

The historic Dearborn Inn in Dearborn has revealed its new Colonial Homes, offering a new way for guests to stay at the property.

According to Dearborn Inn, the five colonial-style homes are replicas of historically significant homes, commemorating figures that were notable in American and literay history.

Those people are: Edgar Allan Poe, Walt Whitman, Barbara Fritchie, Patrick Henry and Oliver Wolcott.

Henry Ford envisioned these homes as living tributes to American heritage, and its an honor to carry that vision forward and create a unique sense of place for todays modern guests, said Jim Dobleske, Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Ford Land. The Colonial Homes expand on Dearborn Inns unique offerings, spotlighting the storied pasts of luminaries of American and literary history with a fresh purpose.

This is the latest addition to the property after the hotel reopened in March 2025 following an extensive restoration.

Watch below: Historic Dearborn Inn reopens after extensive restoration project; see inside

Historic Dearborn Inn reopens after extensive restoration project; see inside

According to officials, the homes were designed in collaboration by the Ford Land Design team, global design firm Saguez & Dash and Detroit-based Kraemer Design Group.

The homes serve as replicas of the real-life residences of each of their namesakes.

Henry Ford envisioned these homes as living tributes to American heritage, and its an honor to carry that vision forward and create a unique sense of place for todays modern guests, said Jim Dobleske, Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Ford Land. The Colonial Homes expand on Dearborn Inns unique offerings, spotlighting the storied pasts of luminaries of American and literary history with a fresh purpose.

You can see information and photos for each of the homes below

Edgar Allan Poe

"His replica home, inspired by Poes real-life Fordham, New York City cottage that was once described as having taste and gentility despite its humble design, is a 986 square foot two-floor cottage now reimagined as a Colonial King Suite. With one bedroom and a spacious main floor living area and kitchenette, the replica pays homage to Poes quiet seclusion and his most renowned work his globally known poem,

The Raven

through artful touches, such as bird figurines and a moody color palette featuring forest greens, onyx, and ochre balanced with unexpected patterns and gold accents. The space is completed with a Writers Den housed with a convertible Murphy Bed and adorned with time period-inspired writing utensils, in case guests are inspired to try their own hand at poetry," the Dearborn Inn said.

Walt Whitman

"His replica home is that of his Long Island farmhouse, which was surrounded by fields, open sky, and the hum of rural life, a light-filled residence with 1,759 square feet and four separate guest rooms that honors his pastoral legacy. Airy interiors, natural textures, and abundant greenery echo his love of the outdoors while layered books, botanical artwork, and inviting seating areas, inspire moments of reflection and creativity. The space is completed with a screened-in porch, encouraging guests to enjoy their natural surroundings just as Whitman did. The reproduction is grounded in the simplicity and natural beauty that informed his cornerstone work, offering guests a serene retreat that channels Whitmans enduring spirit of exploration," the Dearborn Inn said.

Barbara Fritchie

"A replica of her one and a half story home with cozy dormer windows that she shared with her husband in Frederick, Maryland, the residence offers three guest accommodations spanning 1,578 square feet, two of which offer private living spaces. The space embodies her resilience and patriotism through bold design touches such as rich textiles in shades of red and blue an homage to the Union flag she proudly waved out the second-story window historical prints, and warm wood accents. Guests are greeted upon entry with a cozy sitting area centered around a fireplace that blends comfort with character, creating a welcoming environment that honors Fritchies fearless legacy while offering a sense of home for modern travelers," the Dearborn Inn said.

Patrick Henry 

"While his original dwelling in Red Hill, Virginia, tragically burned down in 1920 after remaining in the family for over a century, the homes legacy lives on through its replica at Dearborn Inn. The grandest of the five colonial residences at 4,285 square feet, the space features six separate guest rooms, including king and queen suites that reflect Henrys fiery oratory spirit through stately design details. Textures such as velvet and plaids, along with a custom-designed tartan-patterned stair runner, nod to Henrys Scottish heritage, while animal-inspired decor speaks to his being an avid huntsman. A grand staircase and spacious entryway greet guests upon arrival while deep leather furnishings, framed speeches, and refined colonial-era motifs lend the home an air of gravitas. The result is a space that balances Henrys revolutionary fervor with timeless hospitality," the Dearborn Inn said.

Oliver Wolcott

"Modeled after his 1754 home in Litchfield, Connecticut, which once held pivotal conversations among the eras important figures, such as Alexander Hamilton and George Washington, the 2,704 square foot replica home offers four separate keys and celebrates his contributions with design touches rooted in craftsmanship and tradition. Historic-inspired furnishings, archival artwork, and layered Americana details create an atmosphere that honors Wolcotts legacy of service and civic leadership, while spacious common areas such as a screened-in porch invite guests to gather, just as Wolcott once did with his peers in the pursuit of independence," the Dearborn Inn said.

People across the northern Caribbean were digging out from the destruction of Hurricane Melissa on Thursday as deaths from the catastrophic storm climbed.

The rumble of large machinery, whine of chainsaws and chopping of machetes echoed throughout southeast Jamaica as government workers and residents began clearing roads in a push to reach isolated communities that sustained a direct hit from one of the most powerful Atlantic storms on record.

Stunned residents wandered about, some staring at their roofless homes and waterlogged belongings strewn around them.

"I dont have a house now, said a distressed Sylvester Guthrie, a resident of Lacovia in the southern parish of St. Elizabeth, as he held onto his bicycle, the only possession of value left after the storm.

I have land in another location that I can build back, but I am going to need help, the sanitation worker pleaded.

RELATED STORY | Jamaica begins sorting through damage after Hurricane Melissa's direct hit

Emergency relief flights began landing at Jamaicas main international airport, which reopened late Wednesday, as crews distributed water, food and other basic supplies.

The devastation is enormous, Jamaican Transportation Minister Daryl Vaz said.

Some Jamaicans wondered where they would live.

I am now homeless, but I have to be hopeful because I have life, said Sheryl Smith, who lost the roof of her home.

Authorities said they have found at least four bodies in southwest Jamaica.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness said up to 90% of roofs in the southwest coastal community of Black River were destroyed.

Black River is what you would describe as ground zero, he said. The people are still coming to grips with the destruction.

More than 25,000 people remained crowded into shelters across the western half of Jamaica, with 77% of the island without power.

Death and flooding in Haiti

Melissa also unleashed catastrophic flooding in Haiti, where at least 25 people were reported killed and 18 others missing, mostly in the countrys southern region.

Steven Guadard, who lives in Petit-Gove, said Melissa killed his entire family.

I had four children at home: a 1-month-old baby, a 7-year-old, an 8-year-old and another who was about to turn 4, he said.

Haitis Civil Protection Agency said Hurricane Melissa killed at least 20 people in Petit-Gove, including 10 children. It also damaged more than 160 homes and destroyed 80 others.

Officials warned that 152 disabled people in Haitis southern region required emergency food assistance. More than 11,600 people remained sheltered in Haiti because of the storm.

It is a sad moment for the country, said Laurent Saint-Cyr, president of Haitis transitional presidential council.

He said officials expect the death toll to rise and noted that the government is mobilizing all its resources to search for people and provide emergency relief.

Slow recovery in Cuba

Meanwhile, in Cuba, people began to clear blocked roads and highways with heavy equipment and even enlisted the help of the military, which rescued people trapped in isolated communities and at risk from landslides.

No fatalities were reported after the Civil Defense evacuated more than 735,000 people across eastern Cuba. They slowly were starting to return home.

The small, iconic town of El Cobre in the eastern province of Santiago de Cuba was one of the hardest hit by Hurricane Melissa.

Home to some 7,000 people, it is also the site of the Basilica of Our Lady of Charity, patron saint of Cuba and deeply venerated by Catholics and practitioners of Santera, the Afro-Cuban religion.

We went through this very badly. So much wind, so much wind. Zinc roofs were torn off, some houses completely collapsed. It was a disaster, said Odalys Ojeda, a 61-year-old retiree, as she looked up at the sky from her living room where the roofing and other parts of the house were ripped off.

Even the Basilica was damaged.

Here at the sanctuary, the carpentry, stained glass and even the masonry suffered extensive damage, Father Rogelio Dean Puerta said. The town was also badly affected. Many people lost their homes and belongings. We need help."

In the more rural areas outside the city of Santiago de Cuba, water remained accumulated in vulnerable homes on Wednesday night as residents returned from their shelters to save beds, mattresses, chairs, tables and fans they had elevated ahead of the storm.

A televised Civil Defense meeting chaired by President Miguel Daz-Canel did not provide an official estimate of the damage. However, officials from the affected provinces Santiago, Granma, Holgun, Guantnamo, and Las Tunas reported losses of roofs, power lines, fiber optic telecommunications cables, cut roads, isolated communities and losses of banana, cassava and coffee plantations.

Officials said the rains were beneficial for the reservoirs and for easing a severe drought in eastern Cuba.

Many communities were still without electricity, internet and telephone service due to downed transformers and power lines.

A historic storm

When Melissa came ashore in Jamaica as a Category 5 hurricane with top winds of 185 mph on Tuesday, it tied strength records for Atlantic hurricanes making landfall, both in wind speed and barometric pressure. It was still a Category 3 hurricane when it made landfall again in eastern Cuba early Wednesday.

A hurricane warning remained in effect Thursday for Bermuda. An earlier warning for the central and southeastern Bahamas was lifted but the U.S. weather agency warned of additional rainfall up to 10 inches.

Hurricane conditions were expected to continue through the morning in the southeastern Bahamas, where dozens of people were evacuated.

Melissa was a Category 2 storm with top sustained winds near 105 mph Thursday morning and was moving north-northeast at 21 mph according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami.

The hurricane was centered about 295 miles northeast of the central Bahamas and about 605 miles southwest of Bermuda.

Melissa was forecast to pass near or to the west of Bermuda late Thursday and may strengthen further before weakening Friday.

Generation X is next in line to retire after baby boomers, but many of those workers are being hit with a harsh retirement reality check as experts warn working adults that many are falling short on the savings they'll need to retire comfortably.

According to Gallup, four in 10 Americans don't have money tucked into a retirement savings account like a 401(k) or IRA.

A separate survey from Bankrate found that three in five people feel behind on retirement savings.

RELATED STORY | Is there a 'magic number' Americans need to retire comfortably?

"There is a high degree of awareness about the challenge, then comes the question, well, what are we going to do about that?" said Mark Hamrick, senior economic analyst at Bankrate.

If you have an employer-sponsored savings program, Hamrick says to take advantage of an employer match.

"Perhaps try to make even larger contributions because that's money -- if you don't take advantage of that -- you're truly leaving on the table," Hamrick said.

Investment management company Vanguard recently released its retirement outlook. According to the Vanguard report, "42% of all Americans are expected to retire successfully, with the remaining 58% expected to fall short of their current lifestyle in retirement."

"We believe we're seeing strong progress and that's mostly because of access to 401(k) plans," said senior financial advisor Sabino Vargas.

He adds there's room for improvement for baby boomers and Gen X-ers approaching retirement age.

RELATED STORY | Changing jobs? Don't let hidden 401(k) fees derail your retirement savings

"What I would encourage them to begin to analyze is how do catch-up contributions fit into their plan, eliminating any high-interest debt, potentially unlocking the equity of their home as they think about maybe downsizing as part of their retirement plans," Vargas said.

Consumer and money-saving expert Andrea Woroch encourages parents to shift their priorities even if that means putting less money in their child's college fund.

"Your children could take a loan out for college, and you can help them pay that off later. But you can't take a loan out for retirement," Woroch said.

To put away extra money for retirement, she says, look for every savings opportunity to cut your monthly bills, like bundling your insurance, dining out less and evaluating your cell phone plan.

"Start figuring out where you can cut back," Woroch said.

Feeling ready for retirement and being ready are two different things, so experts recommend working with a financial advisor to prepare a game plan. If you still feel behind, consider working a few years longer or even part-time.

"Do you have a hobby or a skill that you could promote? Even your professional skills, you can post for freelance on sites like Upwork," Woroch said.

If you don't have a 401(k), open an IRA, or individual retirement account. Even if you're a year away from retiring, Hamrick says there's always an opportunity to do better.

"Every bit of incremental improvement that you make in this process is going to make a difference," he said.

On top of not having enough money saved up, there's additional fear that workers won't receive Social Security benefits. Bankrate found that every generation is increasingly concerned that promised benefits won't be paid to them in retirement.

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

The 2025 Michigan high school football playoffs begin this week, with teams competing in the district semifinals.

Teams will compete to move on to the district finals, then regionals, the semifinals and the state championships at Ford Field on Nov. 28 and Nov. 30.

Watch below:

WXYZ High School Game of the Week: Howell holds off Brighton to claim Little Brown Jug WXYZ High School Game of the Week: Howell holds off Brighton to claim Little Brown Jug

You can see the schedule for the district semifinals below by division.

Division 1

Jenison at Hudsonville Grandville at Rockford Kalamazoo Central at Howell Grand Ledge at East Kentwood Hartland at Detroit Catholic Central Brighton at West Bloomfield Davison at Clarkston Oxford at Grand Blanc Salem at Saline Brownstown Woodhaven at Belleville Northville at Detroit Cass Tech Dearborn Fordson at Farmington Rochester at Rochester Adams Utica Eisenhower at Stoney Creek Sterling Heights Stevenson at Romeo Macomb Dakota at Utica

Watch below: WXYZ High School Game of the Week: Dakota Guerrant shines in Harper Woods win over Saline

WXYZ High School Game of the Week: Dakota Guerrant shines in Harper Woods win over Saline

Division 2

Muskegon Mona Shores at Muskegon Traverse City Central at Traverse City West Lansing Everett at Portage Central Portage Northern at Byron Center Waterford Mott at Midland Dow East Lansing at White Lake Lakeland Brother Rice at Walled Lake Western Orchard Lake St. Mary's at North Farmington South Lyon East at South Lyon Livonia Franklin at Dexter Lincoln Park at Gibraltar Carlson Temperance Bedford at Allen Park Warren Mott at Birmingham Groves Birmingham Seaholm at Warren Cousino Roseville at Grosse Pointe South St. Clair Shores Lakeview at Port Huron Northern

Watch below: Catholic Central, Chippewa Valley football face off in High School Game of the Week

Catholic Central, Chippewa Valley football face off in High School Game of the Week

Division 3

Bay City Western at Mount Pleasant Marquette at Gaylord Coopersville at Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills Cedar Springs at East Grand Rapids Zeeland West at Niles Zeeland East at St. Joseph Coldwater at Lowell Middleville Thornapple Kellogg at Hastings Owosso at DeWitt Linden at Mason Ypsilanti Lincoln at Adrian Holly at Fenton Riverview at Detroit Martin Luther King Redford Thurston at Trenton Warren De La Salle at Warren Fitzgerald Marysville at Port Huron

Division 4

Freeland at Escanaba Big Rapids at Ludington Holland Christian at Hudsonville Unity Christian Spring Lake at Wyoming Godwin Heights Grand Rapids Christian at Battle Creek Harper Creek Grand Rapids South Christian at Portland Three Rivers at Paw Paw Vicksburg at Edwardsburg Lansing Sexton at Williamston St. Johns at Haslett Lake Fenton at Goodrich Fowlerville at Chelsea Tecumseh at Dearborn Divine Child Redford Union at Madison Heights Lamphere Macomb Lutheran North at Harper Woods Center Line at Harper Woods Chandler Park

Division 5

Negaunee at Ogemaw Heights Gladwin at Kingsford Clare at Saginaw Swan Valley Howard City Tri County at Whitehall Wyoming Kelloggsville at Grand Rapids Catholic Central Muskegon Oakridge at Grand Rapids West Catholic Hopkins at Kalamazoo Hackett Catholic Prep Dowagiac at Berrien Springs Detroit Cody at Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard Romulus at Michigan Center Detroit Voyageur College Prep at Romulus Summit Academy North Flat Rock at Monroe Jefferson Hazel Park at Notre Dame Prep Detroit Denby at Detroit Southeastern Yale at Frankenmuth Armada at Richmond

Division 6

Calumet at Kingsley Boyne City at Traverse City St. Francis Sanford Meridian at Reed City Montague at Central Montcalm Ovid-Elsie at Belding Kent City at Olivet Flint New Standard Academy at Montrose Durant at Flint Hamady Onsted at Jackson Lumen Christi Buchanan at Napoleon Adrian Madison at Ecorse Dearborn Heights Robichaud at Ida Detroit Central at Detroit Edison Warren Michigan Collegiate at Detroit Pershing Clinton Township Clintondale at Almont Clawson at Marine City

Division 7

Manton at Menominee McBain at Charlevoix Morley Stanwood at Harrison Shebly at LeRoy Pine River Ravenna at Pewano-Westphalia Saranac at North Muskegon Ithaca at Saginaw Valley Lutheran Cass City at Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Laker Galesburg-Augusta at Schoolcraft Constantine at Lawton Union City at Hanover-Horton Jonesville at Bronson Leslie at Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central Ottawa Lake Whiteford at Clinton

Division 8

West Iron County at Bark River-Harris L'Anse at Iron Mountain Mancelona at Maple City Glen Lake Franfort at East Jordan Mt. Pleasant Sacred Heart at Beal City Saignaw Michigan Lutheran Seminary at Saginaw Nouvel Catholic Central Reese at Harbor Beach Genesee at Unionville-Sebewaing Centreville at Hudson White Pigeon at Decatur Manchester at Springport Fowler at New Lothrop Auburn Hills Oakland Christian at Madison Heights Madison Clarkston Everest Collegiate at Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes Riverview Gabriel Richard at Melvindale Academy for Business & Tech Southfield Bradford Academy at Allen Park Cabrini

8-player Division 1 Regional Semifinals

Bessemer at Norway Pickford at Indian River Inland Lakes Breckenridge at Blanchard Montabella Central Lake at Merrill Marcellus at Martin Climax-Scotts at Gobles Bay City All Saints at Kingston Capac at Brown City

8-player Division 2 Regional Semifinals

St. Ignace at Felch North Dickinson Powers North Central at Lake Linden-Hubbell Hillman at Onekama Gaylor St. Mary at Mio Marion at Portland St. Patrick Mendon at Grand Rapids Sacred Heart Pittsford at Birtton Deerfield Morrice at Deckerville

A Senate hearing for President Donald Trump's surgeon general pick, Dr. Casey Means, has been postponed because she went into labor, a spokesperson for the Senate health committee said Thursday.

The news came just hours before the 38-year-old Means, who has been pregnant with her first child, was set to appear virtually with the committee for her confirmation hearing. It was not immediately clear when the hearing would be rescheduled.

Everyones happy for Dr. Means and her family, said Emily Hilliard, deputy press secretary for the Health and Human Services Department. This is one of the few times in life its easy to ask to move a Senate hearing.

Means, a Stanford-educated physician who rose to popularity as a wellness influencer after becoming disillusioned with traditional medicine, was expected to share a vision for ending chronic disease by targeting its root causes, an idea that aligns with the Make America Healthy Again message of her close ally, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The author and entrepreneur was also expected to defend her credibility amid concerns surfaced about her qualifications and potential conflicts.

As the nation's doctor, the surgeon general is a leader for Americans and health officials on public health issues. If confirmed, Means will represent an administration that has already transformed the public health landscape by calling for increased scrutiny of vaccines, the nation's food supply, pesticides and prescription drugs.

RELATED STORY | Donald Trump taps wellness influencer close to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for surgeon general

Means has no government experience, and her license to practice as a physician is inactive. Though she went to medical school at Stanford University, she dropped out of her surgical residency program at Oregon Health and Science University in 2018. She later cited her belief that the health care system was broken and exploitative as the reason for her withdrawal.

Means then turned to alternative approaches to address what she has described as widespread metabolic dysfunction driven largely by poor nutrition and an overabundance of ultra-processed foods. She co-founded Levels, a nutrition, sleep and exercise-tracking app that can also give users insights from blood tests and continuous glucose monitors.

Financial disclosures show she has made hundreds of thousands of dollars promoting health and wellness products, including specialty basil seed supplements, teas and elixirs, probiotic products and a prepared meal delivery service.

An Associated Press investigation found that while recommending these products, she at times failed to disclose that she could profit or benefit from the sales.

In an ethics filing, Means said that if she is confirmed for the post by the full Senate, she will resign from her position with Levels and forfeit or divest stock options and stock in the company. She also pledged to stop working for Rupa, a specialty lab work company for which she developed an online course. While she may continue receiving royalty payments from her book Good Energy, she will not promote it, the filing said.

RELATED STORY | President Trump's surgeon general nominee is a fierce critic of processed food

The filing also noted she will not acquire any direct financial interest in entities listed on the Food and Drug Administrations prohibited holdings list.

As surgeon general, Means would oversee 6,000 U.S. Public Health Service Corps members and could issue advisories that warn of public health threats.

She would be tasked with helping promote Kennedys sprawling MAHA agenda, which calls for removing thousands of additives and chemicals from U.S. foods, rooting out conflicts of interest at federal agencies and incentivizing healthier foods in school lunches and other nutrition programs.

She'd also be free to use the office to advocate on issues related to vaccination though she would have no role in creating or implementing vaccine policy. Means has mostly steered clear of Kennedys controversial and debunked views on vaccines, but she has called for more investigations into their safety.

The nomination for President Donald Trumps first pick for surgeon general, former Fox News medical contributor Janette Nesheiwat, was withdrawn after she came under criticism from the Republican president's allies.

A Chicago-based investment firm has purchased Project BarFly, which owns and operates HopCat, with plans to grow the company.

In a press release Thursday, Uncommon Equity announced the purchase.

HopCat, which was founded in Grand Rapids in 2008, has 12 restaurants across Michigan and a restaurant in Lincoln, Nebraska. The bars offer a variety of beers from across the country.

"We are excited to be acquiring HopCat at this pivotal point in time and to partner with Chairman Ned Lidvall, CEO Craig Stage, CFO Andrew Woodruff and their leadership team to carefully grow the HopCat brand while continuing their maniacal focus on great, value-priced food served in a friendly, neighborhood atmosphere," Uncommon Equity co-founder and CEO Dan Keipp said in a statement.

Project BarFly CEO Craig Stage said the transition is not a change of direction, but a "continuation of what HopCat does best."

In metro Detroit, HopCat has locations in Detroit, Livonia, Royal Oak, Southgate and at Partridge Creek.