Travelers at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport experienced relatively smooth operations Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving, despite concerns about a looming winter storm that could impact return flights over the weekend.

Watch Peter Maxwell's video report below: Detroit Metro Airport sees minimal delays as Thanksgiving travelers eye weather

I spent the day at Detroit Metro speaking with passengers flying out and arriving for the holiday. While delays have been minimal so far, the approaching winter weather system has many keeping a close watch on their return travel plans.

"We're willing to accept any weather issues that occur," said Raed Albuliwi, who was traveling to New York City.

Jason Moran, another traveler, described his experience as manageable despite some turbulence.

"A little bumpy, but it was pretty simple," Moran said.

Some passengers arriving in Detroit had already encountered delays due to weather and air traffic control staffing issues in other parts of the country. Andrew Calhoun, traveling from Milwaukee, experienced a delay when his plane needed deicing.

"Had to deice the plane, so it ran a little late," Calhoun said.

Robert Tomsyck faced a different issue with his flight.

"Got delayed because they were saying because of the controllers. There wasn't as many or something," Tomsyck said.

Departing passengers also faced some challenges. Heidi Guyer and her sons had their original flight to South Carolina canceled, forcing them to rebook on a later departure.

"This morning, woke up to an alert that the flight was canceled and we would go out on the 4:23 flight this afternoon," Guyer said.

However, it's not Wednesday's departures from Detroit that have travelers most concerned. Many are worried about the potential winter weather later this weekend that could impact their return home.

Albuliwi said he has a backup plan if weather disrupts his return flight.

"You know, worst case, it's New York City. We could always grab a rental and drive home," Albuliwi said.

Dr. Monisola Olatunde, traveling to Washington, expressed cautious optimism about her return journey.

"We are a little bit worried, just a little bit. But we are hoping that the weather will change because we can't really say. So yeah, just a little bit worried," Olatunde said.

John Olatunde, also heading to Washington, emphasized the need for flexibility.

"We just have to play it by ear. Go ahead have a great holiday with the family and come home and pray that everything is good," Olatunde said.

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

A Farmington Hills couple is calling it their own Christmas miracle after a kind stranger drove from downtown Detroit to return a lost wallet right to their doorstep after the Christmas tree lighting.

Dave Hillyard and his girlfriend Shelby Lukas were among the tens of thousands who attended Detroit's annual Christmas tree lighting last Friday. After grabbing drinks at a pop-up bar in Campus Martius, they enjoyed the downtown festivities.

"Neither one of us had ever been before. So we thought hey, let's check it out," Hillyard said.

It wasn't until the end of the night that Hillyard realized his wallet was missing.

"That's when the heart sank," Hillyard said.

The couple suspected the wallet was left at the pop-up bar, which had already closed for the night. They searched for hours and even returned the next morning.

"It's gotta be down there somewhere. It's gotta be," Lukas remembered saying to herself.

That's when Lukas decided to check their Ring doorbell notifications and discovered something amazing. The security camera had captured footage of a woman at their front door the night before holding Hillyard's wallet.

Watch the surveillance video below: Web Extra: Doorbell video shows woman returning wallet

"It was his wallet in her hand. I'm like, 'Oh my God. It's in her hand. It's at home!'" Lukas said.

The kind stranger had driven from Detroit all the way to Farmington Hills where the couple lives to return the wallet, leaving it full of cards and cash in the couple's mailbox.

Now the couple is putting out a call to find this Good Samaritan, so they can thank her properly and give her a gift for her troubles.

"We just want to find out who she is," Lukas said.

"Yeah, so we can repay her," Hillyard added.

Losing the wallet right before the holidays would have set the couple back significantly. They say it's what the season of giving is all about, and they're grateful someone lent them a helping hand when they didn't need to.

"We owe her a lot," Hillyard said.

______________

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 push for a Russia-Ukraine peace deal by U.S. President Donald Trump continues, but more clarity on Russias position may not come until next week.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Trump face consequential decisions in the days ahead that could determine whether the largest and deadliest war in Europe since the end of World War II extends into another calendar year.

"We won't know for a little while, but we're making progress," President Trump said Tuesday night.

ADDITIONAL REPORTING | A deal to end Russia's invasion of Ukraine is taking shape, but critical details are still in the dark

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, the president expressed optimism, noting Zelensky appears more receptive than ever to the undisclosed terms apart from a few details. Attention now turns to Moscow to see if Putin will agree to recent changes in the peace proposal.

President Trump said senior adviser Steve Witkoff likely will meet with Putin next week to learn more, while Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian officials at the same time to get immediate feedback on any changes.

"They're going to be meeting with President Putin, I believe, next week in Moscow," President Trump said. "...You know what the deadline for me is when it's over. And I think everybody's tired of fighting at this moment."

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | Trump, Rubio see hope after Swiss peace talks on ending the Russia-Ukraine war

One possibility for the deal is the creation of a demilitarized zone land kept neutral to prevent future fighting. While the DMZ separating North and South Korea is one of the most well-known, many have been established to halt violence after wars.

President Trump has said he wants to meet with Putin and Zelenskyy in person again, but only when the parties are extremely close to finalizing an agreement.

Officials are warning horse owners about an ongoing outbreak of equine herpesvirus after horses across multiple southern states have tested positive following two rodeo events earlier this month.

According to the Equine Disease Communication Center, the outbreak originated at the Womens Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) World Finals in Waco, Texas on Nov. 5 through Nov. 9, and a barrel racing event that took place in Guthrie, Oklahoma, last week.

Officials said horse owners at either event should consult with their veterinarian, as well as isolate and quarantine the horses for at least 14 days.

Over a dozen cases have been confirmed in horses across Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, New Mexico, Arizona, South Dakota, Washington and Colorado.

A handful of those cases have developed into equine herpes myeloencephalopathy (EHM), which is a severe neurological form of equine herpesvirus type-1 (EHV-1).

EHV-1 is spread directly through nose-to-nose contact, and infected animals can release particles when they cough or sneeze. Indirect transmission is also possible through shared water or feed buckets, tack, and travel in the same trailer, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Horse owners should increase biosecurity measures, including disinfecting things like tools and buckets, and monitor horses for symptoms, including fever, nasal discharge and cough, stumbling, hind end weakness or any neurological issues.

Veterinary experts said if you notice any symptoms, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.

There is no risk to humans from EVH-1 or EHM.

The USDA said EHV, also known as equine rhinopneumonitis, is a family of highly contagious viruses found in horses worldwide. Of the nine known herpesviruses, EHV-1, EHV-3, and EHV-4 pose the highest disease risk to U.S. horses.

A 13-year-old boy was fatally shot Tuesday afternoon in Highland Park, leaving his family devastated and the community searching for answers in what police describe as another senseless act of violence against youth.

Avonte Herring was gunned down near the Dollar General store on Woodward Avenue and Manchester Parkway around 3:45 p.m. Tuesday. Stray rounds from the shooting struck neighboring businesses and passing vehicles.

I spoke with Avonte's mother, who said she did not get a minute of sleep after learning her son was murdered. The family was too shaken up for an interview Wednesday but is hoping and praying his killer is brought to justice.

"Children need a village. They need a village because these streets and being out here, you know, it's nothing nice," said Liletha Poe, a neighbor, reflecting on the tragedy.

Neighbors like Poe are stunned by the loss. She said Avonte was a familiar presence in the community who looked out for younger children.

"Definitely going to miss his presence around here. Like I said, I'd see him every morning and to wake up and not see him, that's definitely going to be a stint in my routine," Poe said.

Watch our previous coverage the night of the shooting below: Teen fatally shot near Dollar General store in Highland Park, police say

She described how Avonte would help watch her young children and even give her son money.

"He used to give my son like a dollar or two. He would see them on the bus," Poe said. "First he would come and see me or if they were not listening as they say they're supposed to, he would know that and let me know."

Investigators have not disclosed a possible motive in the shooting. Highland Park Police Chief James McMahon believes the suspect, like Avonte, is a young teenager.

"I've had community leaders reach out to me, residents that are offering to help in any way. Whenever you hear something like this, it's horrible," McMahon said.

Hear more from Chief James McMahon below: Web extra: Highland Park police chief has message for community after teen fatally shot

The chief issued a stark warning to parents about knowing what their children are doing.

"As parents, as teachers, as the community, as law enforcement, we gotta do a better job of getting control of these kids. We suspect our suspect is very young as well and I also suspect that their parents know what they're into and knowing who they're hanging out with," McMahon said.

"For the parents out there who know what their kids are up to, your kids are going to end up in prison or dead if you don't get control of them."

The case has been handed over to Michigan State Police, which is actively investigating.

Anyone with information about the shooting should contact Highland Park Police or 855-MICH-TIP or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP. Callers can remain anonymous.

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 Detroit Zoo announced the passing of beloved Bactrian camel Tula on Wednesday.

According to a post on the Detroit Zoos Facebook page, the 6-year-old camel passed away on November 24 following a decline in her health in recent weeks.

The Zoo said the animal care teams helped to support Tula for more than a year with a degenerative ligament condition that impacted her mobility. According to the Zoo, Tula had responded well to treatment up until recently; they decided to euthanize her after her stability and comfort had declined.

Tula was deeply loved by those who cared for her and by many guests who visited her over the years. She will be profoundly missed. Please keep the animal care staff in your thoughts as they continue supporting the rest of the camel herd with the same dedication and compassion, the Zoo wrote on Facebook.

Tula was born at the Detroit Zoo in 2019 and was described as having a bold personality and sharp intelligence.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has just over three weeks to release documents tied to the investigation of disgraced, late financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The deadline follows President Donald Trump signing a bipartisan bill into law that requires the DOJ to make the files public despite months of calling the controversy a Democratic hoax.

RELATED STORY | These loopholes in the Epstein file law could block full release of records

Congress moved swiftly to pass the measure, which mandates the DOJ to provide all records, with redactions only if necessary. Under the law, each redaction must be accompanied by an explanation for why the information is withheld.

Bipartisan Concerns Over What Could Be Revealed

Members of Congress from both parties are voicing uncertainty about the potential fallout. FBI Director Kash Patel recently said the agency is reviewing what can be made public, but Rep. Thomas Massie criticized Patels comments as deflective.

Some Democratic sources allege the White House is engaged in a cover-up claiming President Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi are directing efforts to limit disclosure. The House Oversight Committee recently sent Bondi a letter reminding her of an existing subpoena that requires the DOJ to turn over unredacted Epstein files to the committee, including classified materials.

Grand Jury Testimony Dispute Resurfaces

The long-running battle over grand jury testimony in the case is also back in focus. Earlier this year, judges in New York and Florida ruled against releasing such testimony, saying the content was minimal and already included in other case files.

Now, in light of the new law, the DOJ is formally asking those judges to reconsider their rulings so the testimony can be included in the document release.

Victims and Maxwell to Weigh In

In a new court filing Tuesday night, a New York judge ordered convicted Epstein accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell and his victims to submit letters by Dec. 3 outlining any concerns about the release including requests for specific redactions. The judge emphasized the urgency of the process, given the 30-day deadline set by law.

The release of the Epstein files, including any grand jury testimony, is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched disclosures in recent years with implications that could reach the highest levels of government.

More Americans are ditching the kitchen this Thanksgiving as restaurant reservations surge 13% compared to last year, according to OpenTable data.

The shift away from home cooking comes as tariffs, immigration crackdowns and extreme weather drive up both grocery and menu prices across the country.

RELATED STORY | Some families are 'adopting' turkeys for Thanksgiving instead of eating them

Food prices climbed at their fastest pace in three years this summer, putting additional pressure on household budgets during the holiday season.

While eating out may reduce the stress of holiday meal preparation, it's unlikely to save money. Restaurant prices are rising faster than grocery costs, making dining out an expensive alternative to traditional home-cooked meals.

Some families are finding a middle ground by choosing takeout options, which can offer convenience without the full cost of restaurant dining.

RELATED STORY | Your turkeys pop-up timer is lying to you heres what to trust instead

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.

Two members of the West Virginia National Guard were shot about a block away from the White House in Washington, D.C., officials confirmed Wednesday.

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey initially said Wednesday afternoon both victims had died from their injuries following the shooting.

But in a follow-up message, he then said "We are now receiving conflicting reports about the condition of our two Guard members and will provide additional updates once we receive more complete information."

Both Guardmembers were critically injured in the shooting, FBI director Kash Patel said at a press conference Wednesday.

"This will be treated at the federal level as an assault on a federal law enforcement officer," Patel said. Federal agencies will work with local law enforcement to investigate the incident.

The shooting appeared to be targeted, Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser said.

The scene was secured and a single suspect was taken into custody by other members of the National Guard, officials said. The suspect sustained gunshot injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening.

Officials provide update on 2 National Guard members shot near White House

The Guardmembers were deployed to Washington D.C. as part of President Donald Trump's emergency order to address allegations of crime in the U.S. capitol. Hundreds of National Guard members from D.C. and from several other states, including West Virginia, mobilized to D.C. in August.

A federal judge last week ordered an end to the deployment, saying the Trump administration's use of the National Guard in such a manner was in violation of the Constitution and an illegal override of local law enforcement authority.

That ruling allowed three weeks for an appeal.

On Wednesday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said President Trump planned to send additional National Guard troops to the capital in response to the shooting.

"President Trump has asked me and I will ask the Secretary of the Army to the National Guard to add 500 additional troops National Guardsmen to Washington, D.C. This will only stiffen our resolve to ensure that we make Washington, D.C. safe and beautiful."

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Trump had been briefed about the incident. He was at his golf course in Palm Beach, Florida, on Wednesday at the time of the shooting.

In a message on social media, the president said the "animal" who carried out the shooting would "pay a very steep price."

"God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement. These are truly Great People. I, as President of the United States, and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency, am with you!" the president wrote.

"My heart breaks for the victims of this horrific shooting in Washington DC near the White House," Sen. Chuck Schumer wrote on social media. "I am closely monitoring the situation and am praying for the wounded National Guardsmen and their families."

This is a breaking news story and will be updated.

A third infant has died from whooping cough in Kentucky this year, marking the latest victim in what health officials are calling the worst outbreak since 2012.

The unvaccinated baby's death comes as Kentucky has reported at least 566 cases of whooping cough so far this year.

Nationally, more than 25,000 whooping cough cases have been reported in 2025, representing the second straight year of high numbers after cases dropped during the pandemic.

Health experts say falling vaccination rates are driving the surge in cases across the country.

Pennsylvania has seen the most activity with 3,500 cases and two infant deaths reported this year.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, whooping cough also known as pertussis is a very contagious respiratory illness that may begin like a common cold. But unlike a cold, the coughing can last for weeks or months.

Babies younger than 1 year old are at the greatest risk of getting whooping cough and having severe complications from it, the CDC said.

The bacteria that cause whooping cough spread easily from person to person through the air. People can spread the bacteria from the start of symptoms and for at least two weeks after coughing begins.

Many babies who get whooping cough are infected by older siblings, parents, or caregivers who don't know they have it, the CDC said.

Symptoms appear 510 days after exposure to the bacteria. Early symptoms include a runny or stuffy nose, low-grade fever, and mild cough. Babies may experience apnea instead of coughing, which can cause breathing trouble or turning blue, according to the CDC.

About one to two weeks later, severe coughing fits develop, lasting anywhere from one week to 10 weeks. These fits can trigger a whoop sound when inhaling, vomiting, extreme fatigue, breathing difficulties, broken ribs and sleep disruption. People often describe it as the worst cough of their lives, the CDC said.

Experts say it's crucial to start treatment for whooping cough early with antibiotics.

The best way to prevent whooping cough is to getvaccinated. CDC recommends whooping cough vaccination for everyone.

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 National Park Service is rolling out major changes, adding digital passes and new fees for foreign visitors.

Starting Jan. 1, visitors will be able to buy digital park passes on their phones and use them instantly.

The annual pass will cost $80 for U.S. residents and $250 for nonresidents.

Foreign visitors will also pay an extra $100 fee at the 11 most popular parks.

The changes include new patriotic designs for passes and more free entry days for residents.

Motorcycle riders will get a bonus one pass will now cover two bikes.

The extra revenue will go toward park improvements and maintenance, according to the National Park Service.

President Trumps leadership always puts American families first, said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. These policies ensure that U.S. taxpayers, who already support the National Park System, continue to enjoy affordable access, while international visitors contribute their fair share to maintaining and improving our parks for future generations.

Law enforcement is searching for a Virginia high school football coach who has been missing since last week and is wanted on multiple child pornography charges.

Virginia State Police announced that Union High School head football coach Travis Turner, 46, is wanted for five counts of possession of child pornography and five counts of using a computer to solicit a minor.

Authorities discovered Turner was missing when they went to his home in Appalachia on Thursday. The southwestern Virginia town has fewer than 2,000 people.

The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges are pending, according to a Virginia State Police spokesperson.

Turner, who is also listed as a physical education teacher at Union High School, was last seen wearing a gray sweatshirt and sweatpants. Police have not shared details about when or where he was last spotted.

Authorities have deployed search and rescue teams, drones and police dogs to locate Turner, who is now considered a fugitive.

The school district's superintendent said Turner remains on leave and is "not permitted on school property or to have any contact with students."

In a statement through her attorney, Turner's wife said they are praying for his safe return and "any allegations should be addressed through the proper legal process not through speculation or rumor."

Before Turner's disappearance, his football team was undefeated and headed toward a potential state championship.

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.

Its an 800-number. The phones are staffed by experts.

Fans of The West Wing may recall the scene in which President Jed Bartlet is surprised to learn there is a hotline for turkey preparation questions. Decades later, the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line has evolved into more than a phone help line.

Andrea Balitewicz, supervisor of the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line, shared some of the most common questions her team gets around Thanksgiving.

One involves the debate between brining a turkey or salting it.

RELATED STORY |Some families are 'adopting' turkeys for Thanksgiving instead of eating them

Butterball turkeys are already deep-basted with a light salt solution, so its not necessary, she said. All you need to do is unwrap it, place it on a rack in your roasting pan and roast it at 325 degrees Fahrenheit. But if you do want to brine, reduce the salt so your gravy and turkey arent too salty.

Most turkeys have a pop-up timer, but Balitewicz said not to trust it.

A pop-up timer is definitely not accurate and its not deep enough in the meat, she said. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature so you know its done for food safety. Deep in the breast and deep in the thigh should reach 170 degrees Fahrenheit. She added that stuffing should reach 165 degrees.

And if you forgot to thaw your frozen turkey, its not too late to cook it.

Refresh the water about every 30 minutes and itll thaw one pound for every 30 minutes, she said.

The hotline (800-BUTTERBALL) still exists, but there are now more ways to get turkey questions answered. Home cooks can use an online chat on Butterball.com, ask Alexa, ask Butterball... on Amazon Alexa, email experts using Butterballs online form, or text questions to 844-877-3456.

At least 36 people are dead and nearly 300 others are missing as a massive fire continued to burn Wednesday at a high-rise apartment complex in Hong Kongs Tai Po district, in the New Territories.

Firefighters said they are struggling to reach residents trapped on upper floors because the heat is too intense, though they vowed to keep trying. Officials confirmed they are in contact with some trapped residents, advising them to seal doors and windows to keep smoke out.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | Hong Kong's baby pandas finally have names. Meet Jia Jia and De De

The blaze has engulfed seven of the complexs nine towers. The apartments were undergoing renovations at the time of the fire, with bamboo scaffolding and green mesh covering the buildings material that may have accelerated the flames.

At least 33 people were injured in the fire, and more than 700 evacuated. The complex houses about 4,000 residents in roughly 1,900 flats.

Authorities have called it Hong Kongs deadliest fire in nearly three decades. The cause remains under investigation.

On Sunday, November 30, Spotlight on the News will look inside the 2025-2026 annual campaign for the United Way of Southeastern Michigan. What's the goal and what impact will it have? Guests will include Dr. Darienne Drive Hudson, President & CEO, United Way and Liz Door, Ford Supply Chain Officer & Co-Chair of this year's campaign. We'll also introduce you to Heidi Pfannes, President of The Albert Kahn Foundation. Find out what her organization has been up to for the last 5 years.

Spotlight on the News, now in its 60th season, is Michigan's longest-running weekly news and public affairs television program. It airs every Sunday at 10:00 a.m. on WXYZ-TV/Channel 7 in Detroit, is streamed live on wxyz.com and broadcast at 11:30 a.m. on 23.1 WKAR-HD in East Lansing.

A Rochester bakery owner who gained national attention for creating a life-sized cake of Detroit Lions star Amon-Ra St. Brown is now competing on a Food Network baking show centered around the wizarding world of Harry Potter.

Watch Meghan's full piece in the video player below: Rochester bakery owner competes on Food Network's Harry Potter baking show after viral Lions cake

Heather Tocco, owner of The Home Bakery in downtown Rochester, was selected to compete on "Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking" after the Food Network reached out asking her to audition. The show, which is currently airing, features bakers competing on actual Harry Potter movie sets in London.

"We were actually in London doing it on the Harry Potter sets in the Grand Hall, and I still get goosebumps thinking about that I even had the opportunity to do it," Tocco said.

The opportunity came about a year after Tocco's bakery made waves with its life-sized Amon-Ra St. Brown cake display, which brought her national recognition. Since then, she has continued building her reputation with elaborate, fully-edible window displays.

Related Story: Home Bakery owner grateful for support surrounding Amon-Ra St. Brown cake The Home Bakery owner grateful for support surrounding Amon-Ra St. Brown cake

"I started an in-home business that grew to the point where I could purchase this business," Tocco said.

This holiday season, Tocco is celebrating her Food Network appearance by creating a Harry Potter-themed Christmas window display at her bakery. The fully-edible display showcases the wizarding world, reflecting her passion for the franchise.

"Harry Potter, that universe is right up my alley," Tocco said. "Being a huge Harry Potter fan, why not celebrate it in our Christmas window this year as well."

The Home Bakery has become well known in the Rochester community for its life-sized displays, having created everything from Frozen characters to Beauty and the Beast scenes, in addition to the famous Lions player cake.

"It's so fun to be able to see people's faces, seeing us do what we do, and really being able to show off on the talents," Tocco said. "It brings me so much joy that we're a part of other people's memories."

Viewers can watch Tocco compete on "Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking" on the Food Network and HBO Max.

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.

Joan Branson, the wife of British billionaire Richard Branson, has died at age 80.

Richard Branson announced her death Tuesday on Instagram and LinkedIn. No other details were disclosed.

Heartbroken to share that Joan, my wife and partner for 50 years, has passed away, he said. She was the most wonderful mum and grandmum our kids and grandkids could have ever wished for. She was my best friend, my rock, my guiding light, my world.

Richard Branson is the founder of the Virgin Group, which includes businesses like Virgin Atlantic airline, space tourism company Virgin Galactic and satellite launcher Virgin Orbit.

FROM THE ARCHIVES | Richard Branson's Virgin Orbit space company files for bankruptcy

In a 2020 blog post, Branson said he met Joan in 1976 at The Manor, a recording studio in Oxfordshire, England.

Joan was a down-to-earth Scottish lady and I quickly realised she wouldnt be impressed by my usual antics, Branson wrote.

He said she worked at an antique shop that sold old signs and advertisements.

I hovered uncertainly outside the shop, then built up the courage to walk in. ... Over the next few weeks, my visits to Joan amassed me an impressive collection of old hand painted tin signs, which advertised anything from Hovis bread to Woodbine cigarettes, Branson wrote.

The couple had three children, Holly, Sam and Clare Sarah. Clare Sarah died shortly after birth in 1979.

A DraftKings Casino customer in Michigan won the largest U.S. online casino jackpot in history on Wednesday.

According to DraftKings, the Michigan customer won more than $22.4 million on a 20-cent bet on the game Huff N' Even More Puff. The total win was $22,407,248.55.

The previous record was set this past February when a Michigan customer won $9.28 million.

Setting another record for the largest U.S. online casino jackpot is a major moment and it speaks to the incredible experiences were creating for our customers. Topping $22 million is a milestone were proud of, and it reinforces our commitment to delivering a best-in-class gaming experience. Congrats to the winner!" DraftKings Executive Vice President and General Manager of iGaming Christian Bogstrand said in a statement.

Comedian John Oliver's HBO show "Last Week Tonight" raised more than $1.5 million for PBS through a charity auction featuring unusual items and artwork.

The auction's star lot was a Bob Ross painting titled "Cabin at Sunset," which sold for more than $1 million. The sale set a new record for a Bob Ross artwork at auction.

The fundraising event also featured bizarre items that have appeared on Oliver's show over the years, including Russell Crowe's jockstrap and a sculpture of President Lyndon B. Johnson's scrotum.

RELATED STORY | Bob Ross paintings to be auctioned to support public TV stations after federal funding cuts

The money raised will support local public television stations across the country. The funding comes after Congress cut PBS funding earlier this year, creating financial challenges for public broadcasting stations nationwide.

Oliver's auction demonstrates how entertainment figures can leverage their platforms to support public media during times of reduced government funding.

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.