Less than 10 days before the end of his administration, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is set to speak later this afternoon on the city's budget surplus.
This is Duggan's last scheduled press conference as Detroit's Mayor. He's running as an Independent candidate in the 2026 gubernatorial race.
Duggan will be recapping the 2024-25 Fiscal Year and speak on the city's budget surplus. Mayor-elect Mary Sheffield will decide what to do with that money.
We plan to stream Duggan's press conference live, on both our website and our social media pages. You can watch later this afternoon (1 p.m.) at the link below.
Watch our previous coveragefrom Duggan's last few months
Spotlight on the News One-on-one with Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan as he prepares to leave office Mayor Mike Duggan proposing Detroit Reserve Fund Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan speaks at food bank
A person has died after being hit by a garbage truck in Westland on Monday.
The incident happened on Akron Street near Venoy and Glenwood Road and involved a Priority Waste truck.
Watch Jeffrey Lindblom's and Brittany Toolis' video reports below: Person killed after being hit by garbage truck in Westland, police investigating Person killed after being hit by garbage truck in Westland, police investigating
Additional details werent available Monday night.
The Westland Police Department Traffic Bureau is investigating.
Its sad, really sad, said Hank Jenkins, who lives nearby.
Jenkins lives across the street from the home the tragedy unfolded in front of, which he calls a group home, a place generally known for housing people needing extra help.
Police have been at that house for the last two or three weeks, I can say that, Jenkins said.
D.J. Boone, another neighbor, says hed just seen the person who he believes was the victim dangerously running through the streets and in front of cars, experiencing what he thinks may have been mental health problems.
Ive been seeing the person who was hit run out in front of the cars and stuff like that like he had a problem or something, Boone said. He is a new member at that house.
Its unclear at this time what services this home may or may not provide and to who. But neighbors agree watching an investigation into the death of someone hit and killed by a day-to-day service like picking up the trash is tragic.
So much death around this time of year is just scary man, Jenkins said.
Boone said, "I hope everyone in his family is OK and keep their heads up.
Priority Waste released the following statement Monday night:
Regarding the Westland pedestrian fatal accident Our thoughts and prayers are with the pedestrian's family, and our crew member at this time. Our truck is at the Westland scene and the crew is cooperating with investigators and emergency services.
A suspect has been charged after allegedly shooting and killing a man working as a Salvation Army bell ringer at a Kroger Store in Westland last week.
Watch Randy Wimbley's video report: Man charged after allegedly shooting and killing Salvation Army bell ringer
The victim has been identified as 47-year-old Alvin Echols, who was shot several times and collapsed inside the store. Officers tried to render life-saving aid, but he succumbed to his wounds.
Rene Miguel Zambrana, a 37-year-old Detroit man, appeared in court today. Per Westland officials, he has been charged with first-degree premeditated murder and felony firearm. Bond was denied for both offenses.
Watch our previous coverage:
Suspect arrested in deadly shooting of bell ringer at Kroger in Westland
Prosecutors say the murder may have stemmed from a "complicated personal dispute." The victim's family tells 7 News Detroit they've had a decades-long connection with the suspect.
Zambrana is set to appear in court next week and then again in January. He offered holiday wishes to a loved one before he was taken to the Wayne County jail following today's hearing.
Sgt. Erik Monson with Westland police says Zambrana confessed.
"Under Miranda, Rene stated he observed Alvin in front of Kroger on Ford Road earlier in the day on the 18th, and he returned with a firearm to shoot Alvin, which he did," Monson said.
"I can't believe you took my brother away. I can't believe you would do this to my mom, somebody who loved you," Echols' sister Amanda Stamper told 7 News Detroit, saying Zambrana was a family friend they've known for decades.
RAW VIDEO: Family speaks out as suspect charged in man's murder RAW VIDEO: Family speaks out as suspect charged in man's murder
"We talk all the time. This man claimed to love us. You knew. I lost my baby, you knew my mama already lost a child, yet you chose to murder my brother at Christmas, so every time we see a Christmas tree, we get to think my brother died around a bunch of strangers who didn't love him, a bunch of people that didn't know him," Yoland Echols said. "He was my brother, and you didn't have the right to steal his life."
Police say Zambrana was identified as a suspect shortly after the shooting last Thursday and was arrested Friday morning during a traffic stop. Following his arrest, officers searched Zambrana's home and, investigators say, found the gun used in the shooting.
Zambrana's family declined to comment on the case.
A Detroit man has been charged after prosecutors say he abandoned three of his dogs, with two of the dogs freezing to death.
Last Thursday (Dec. 18), we're told Detroit Animal Care and Control received information about three dogs that were believed to be dead in a home in the 11780 block of Kennebec. The workers found two dead dogs and another dog that was alive, who had been neglected and abandoned in the cold.
All the dogs were taken to Detroit's Animal Control Unitm, with the living dog receiving urgent medical care. After investigation, the man was arrested the same day.
Martell George, 39, has been charged with three counts of Killing/Torturing animals (second degree, seven year maximum penalty), two counts of Abandoning/Cruelty to One Animal Resulting in Death (one-year misdemeanor) and one count of Animals-Abandoning/Cruelty to One Animal (93-day misdemeanor).
George was in court this past weekend, and was given a $100,000 personal bond. He was set to appear in court again later this month and in the first week of January.
It is alleged that this defendant left his dogs without food or water in the cold and two of them froze to death. Another of his dogs that survived was found emaciate and suffering in the cold. This is a crime," said Prosecutor Kym Worthy via press release. It is a shame that we have to explain this to people. Animals are sentient beings that must be cared for. They cannot withstand the freezing cold. Just like people they must be protected during this extremely cold winter season."
People will be able to get their beloved items returned after a Berkley art and artifact restoration business shuttered its storefront location without notifying customers.
Earlier this week, 7 News Detroit went to House of Renew on Woodward Avenue and found a sign on the door saying all projects had been relocated to the owners home studio to be finished. However, customers say they weren't notified about the move, could not reach the business owner and their valuable possessions were missing.
When calling the business phone number, customers heard a voicemail message stating: "Thank you for calling House of Renew. Please leave your name, your phone number, and your claim number only, and we'll get back to you. The voicemail box is full. Please try again later.
Watch our video report from earlier this week below: Art restoration shop closes, customers' valuables missing
7 News Detroit attempted to contact owner Ruth Peppiatt at her personal number with no answer. We also visited her home, where no one answered the door. A note from Berkley police was posted on her door, indicating they also wanted to speak with her.
The Berkley Department of Public Safety said they received multiple complaints from frustrated customers seeking their items.
On Thursday, Berkley police said after reporting by 7 News Detroit, officers spoke with the owner. They say customers can request their items be returned instead of finished. Customers can make those requests by emailing houseofrenew@sbcglobal.net and including their name, phone number and claim number if thats available.
Items that arent requested to be returned will still be worked on, the owner told police.
Police will update customers who made reports to them.
A man who was working as a Salvation Army bell ringer was shot and killed at a Kroger store in Westland Thursday evening, according to a source.
Police said the shooting happened around 6:20 p.m. at the store on Ford Road near Central City Parkway.
Watch Brett Kast's video report below: Source: Salvation Army bell ringer fatally shot at Kroger store in Westland
It's unclear at this time what led up to the shooting.
The suspect is a teenage boy, Westland Mayor Kevin Coleman confirmed. Additional information about the suspect was not immediately available, including if he is in custody.
The Salvation Army released the following statement:
The Salvation Army is profoundly heartbroken by the tragic incident that took place tonight at the Kroger in Westland. We lift up in prayer all who are affected, especially the individual involved, their loved ones and the Westland community. We are working closely with the Westland Police Department as they investigate the situation. - Lt. Col. Steve Merritt, divisional commander for The Salvation Army Great Lakes Division
Police are investigating.
Kroger released a statement that reads:
We are deeply saddened by the incident that occurred outside of our Westland Kroger located at 36430 Ford Road. We are cooperating with local law enforcement, and will continue to follow their guidance while the police investigation continues. To protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation, we are deferring all questions to Westland Police Department.
The Michigan Public Service Commission has approved a contract for DTE for a massive data center that will be built in Saline Township.
Watch Tiarra Braddock's video report: MPSC approves DTE contract for Saline Township data center project
I know that this conversation is happening in every state in the country right now and I would put the contracts that are in front of us today on par or better with any that have been approved in the country, MPSC Chair Dan Scripps said. "If ultimately this is a bubble, if this is all overblown and the load doesnt materialize, that again even in that worst case scenario, customers are still protected.
DTE issued the following statement on the approval:
We appreciate the Michigan Public Service Commission's review and approval of our special contracts for Oracles data center project. These contracts protect our customers including ensuring that there will be no stranded assets while enabling Michigan's growth. DTE Energy has an obligation to serve any customer, including data centers, that come into our electric service territory in southeast Michigan. Thats why weve been so focused on making sure our broader customer base is protected with these contracts to ensure they will not subsidize data center rates. We acknowledge theres a range of viewpoints and emotions about this decision. We remain deeply committed to supporting our customers and the communities we serve by delivering the safe, reliable energy they depend on each day.
The decision came during a heated public hearing, with some residents walking out after the MPSC made their decision.
Kathryn Haushalter, a mother from Saline Township who attended the hearing, blasted the commissioners following the decision, saying, "I wonder if you guys are parents. I am. I have 4 kids, and they're 4, well, she just turned 5, and 6, and 8, and 10, and 12, and I live .145 miles from the site, I see it from my bedroom window. I know you look at facts, but this is affecting real people, and I wonder if in five years you'll come over to my house and want a drink of water from my well water. Would you drink it? Would you? When the power does go out, and you have to shut off their power, and they're running hundreds of generators, diesel generators, are you going to come over with a gas mask so my kids can still play outside and get fresh air? What you did is hurting real families. You can say and justify it however you want, but I want you to remember my kids and remember me. You're hurting us. You do not serve me."
RAW VIDEO: Public comment following MPSC decision
The meeting included one commissioner noting that DTE is bearing all the risk of the project, should the company behind it, Green Chile LLC, not make payments. It was said during the meeting that that burden won't fall on other customers.
Thursday's meeting was to discuss DTE's contract to provide power to the proposed 1.4 gigawatt data center in Saline Township. The proposed center, which is designed for OpenAI by Oracle and Related Digital, has sparked heated debate in the community over costs, transparency, and its potential impact on residents.
At the last MPSC meeting on December 5, over 100 people showed up online and in person with questions and concerns. The project continues to face pushback from residents.
People that live in this area like the rural environment. We like less traffic and we life the farmland. We like the scenery, resident Patrick Gillay said.
Hear reaction from residents in Carli Petrus' video report below: Residents react after Saline Township data center deal approved
He fears the data center could bring noise and strain an already unreliable power grid and says he's disappointed the project is moving forward.
Theyre not representing properly the will of the people, Gillay said.
Still, not everyone is completely opposed.
Im definitely torn, resident Kimberly Ahrens said. "Obviously, I dont want a data center next door, in my neighborhood, but I understand that we use the technology, so its important for advancement.
Attorney General Dana Nessel has been critical of the project, calling for transparency, after only being given a highly redacted copy of the contract between DTE and developers.
FULL INTERVIEW: Attorney General Dana Nessel on data centers in Michigan FULL INTERVIEW: Attorney General Dana Nessel on data centers in Michigan
A man has been charged with murder after allegedly stabbing another biker to death on a bike path in Kimball Township this fall, according to the St. Clair County Sheriff's Office.
Police say the stabbing happened on Oct. 12, on the Wadhams to Avoca bike trail. We're told the two men got into some sort of fight before one biker stabbed the other.
The victim drove himself to the hospital and died from injuries sustained from the stabbing 16 days later, according to authorities.
Kimball Township man Robert Barr, 60, was arrested for Open Murder earlier this week. He appeared in court, with bond set at $250,000 cash/surety.
Ex-University of Michigan head football coach Sherrone Moore confronted his former staffer as she was preparing to leave town December 10 after filing a report with the university, according to testimony obtained by 7 News Detroit.
Watch Simon Shaykhet's video report: 'Hes here.' Testimony reveals details of Sherrone Moore apartment incident
According to the court transcript, Pittsfield Township Detective Jessica Welker testified on December 12 that the former staffers attorney, Heidi Sharp, called police and said her client called her, saying, Hes here. Hes here. Sherrone is here.
The former staffer had reportedly tried to cut off communication with Moore on December 8, but he allegedly continued to call and text in the days leading up to the incident.
Moore reportedly barged into her apartment before the former staffer could secure the door after she heard footsteps outside.
Related Story: Ex-Michigan coach Sherrone Moore arraigned on three charges Ex-Michigan coach Sherrone Moore arraigned on 3 charges, including home invasion
According to the testimony, the former staffer started backing up as he was approaching her and then Moore grabbed two butter knives out of her drawer, saying you ruined my life.
The former staffer reportedly then called her attorney and when Moore heard the attorneys voice, he backed up and turned the knives on himself, saying he was going to kill himself, according to the court transcript.
Moore eventually left the apartment and was arrested later that day.
According to the testimony, Moore also sent messages on the same date of the incident that read I hate you. My blood is on your hand.
Moore allegedly told investigators after his arrest that he was in an intimate relationship with the former staffer for about two years.
Moore was released on bond last Friday after being arraigned on multiple charges, including felony home invasion, misdemeanor stalking and breaking and entering.
The course's website said it was designed by Brian Huntley, and first opened as a championship public course in 1998.
It features 18 holes and tips out at 6,873 yards, with a practice facility that includes a driving range, 12,000-square foot putting green and chipping area.
Carrington also features a full-service restaurant with year-round service called River's Edge.
The listing said that the course hosted nearly 30,000 rounds per year in 2024 and 2025.
A 16-year-old from Highland Park is being charged after prosecutors say he shot and killed a teen in the parking lot of a Dollar General last month.
We previously reported that Avonte Herring was gunned down near the Dollar General store on Woodward Avenue and Manchester Parkway around 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 25, with stray rounds from the shooting striking neighboring businesses and passing vehicles. Police say that Herring was shot in the back, and was pronounced dead on the way to the hospital.
Watch our previous coverage from Randy Wimbley
13-year-old killed in Highland Park shooting, family and community demand justice
The 16-year-old is not being charged as an adult, but he has been adult-designated. We're told that this means that, upon conviction, a judge can choose to sentence the teen as a juvenile or as an adult.
The juvenile is facing First-Degree Murder charges. He is set to appears in court again next month.
Police in Hamtramck are searching for a missing woman who they believe could be in danger.
Linda Ward, 44, was last seen on Dec. 11 at Whiskey in the Jar in Hamtramck. Investigators say she left the bar around 8:50 p.m. At the time, Ward was wearing a cream colored knit coat and a multi-colored scarf.
Police say family and friends have not been able to contact Ward. She was reported missing on Dec. 14.
Its believed Ward lives in her vehicle, a white 2019 Ford Escape with Michigan license plate EQG0213, with her two Husky dogs.
Police do not suspect any foul play or suspicious circumstances at this time.
Additional details about the case have not yet been released.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Hamtramck Police Department at 313-800-5280 or Sgt. Gonzales at 313-800-5272.
A 52-year-old woman who operated what was supposed to be an animal rescue and sanctuary is now sitting in the Livingston County Jail as part of her sentence after being convicted of animal abandonment and cruelty.
Melissa Borden of The Devoted Barn was found guilty by a jury for the poor treatment of animals that included pigs, llamas, goats and sheep that were found by investigators on vacant land in Tyrone Township. Despite Borden's attempts to defend the care she provided, investigators documented horrific living conditions for the animals.
Watch our video report below: Owner of animal sanctuary sentenced to 60 days in jail, restitution for cruelty
On Thursday, a judge sentenced Borden to six months in jail followed by five years of probation. During her probation period, she cannot have any contact with animals, including her own pets.
After she's released from jail, Borden will be required to wear an electronic tether. She is also prohibited from trying to raise money for legal fees or charity on social media, something she has done for years.
Borden must pay $102,000 in restitution as part of her sentence.
Animal welfare advocates react
Many animal welfare advocates say they are pleased to see Borden finally held accountable for her treatment of animals, but they emphasize the fight for voiceless animals continues.
"We're just really hopeful that this will put an end to how she operates," Anna Peterson said. "But the reality is we're not done. She still has dogs in Genesee County that are warehoused in a kennel there. And we have to see what, if anything, this crime, conviction and sentencing will do for those animals."
January 2024 coverage: Investigation underway after 64 animals are seized from sanctuary director who kept them on vacant land Farm animal fiasco
Peterson spent time volunteering at The Devoted Barn years ago when they were located in Newport in Monroe County. And she's one of a number of former volunteers and others who began speaking out about the poor conditions and mistreatment that were being witnessed while the animals were under Borden's care.
Additional charges pending
Borden still faces another felony charge of animals abandoning and cruelty in Livingston County. That trial is scheduled to begin in March.
Her defense attorney did not respond to requests for comment.
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.
Officials arrested a delivery driver earlier this month wanted in connection with a string of home invasions across multiple townships.
According to the St. Clair County Sheriffs Office, the suspect reportedly broke into more than six homes while on his delivery route starting on November 28.
Deonte King, 32 years old of Redford, was taken into custody after he was stopped in a white box truck not far from a reported home invasion in the area of Werner Road in Columbus Township.
King was arraigned on one count of home invasion first degree and five counts of home invasion second degree on December 9. The judge set a $200,000 cash/surety bond.
St. Clair County Sheriff Matt King is urging the community to keep doors and windows locked. If anyone notices anything suspicious, theyre asked to call 911.
Thank you to the road patrol deputies for detailing each incident, allowing for a thorough description of the suspect and vehicle to be compiled, allowing the detectives to connect the cases. With the help of local and federal agencies in the area, we were able to locate King and prevent further incidents, says Sheriff Mat King in a statement.
OUR Credit Union announced that they were able to collect $4,000 and hundreds of new toys this month in partnership with the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots initiative.
Its the first year OUR Credit Union has collected for Toys for Tots.
The credit union still has one more day of collection, with the final drop off event happening on Thursday, December 11, at the Shelby Township branch at 54870 Mound Road. The credit union is accepting new toys and monetary donations.
We were hopeful this fundraiser would be a success, but being that it was our first time, we didnt know what to expect. We are deeply appreciative of the remarkable generosity shown by our members, said Evita Beadle, Accounting Manager and Care Committee Co-Chair at OUR Credit Union, in a statement.
Detroit police are asking for the publics help to locate a missing 40-year-old woman who has schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
The Detroit Police Department says Sarah Booth left her home on December 8 and did not return. She was last seen in the 1200 block of E. Grand Boulevard.
Booth was wearing a black jacket with green stripes, a white shirt, gray jogging pants and tennis shoes at the time of her disappearance.
Booth is described as 59 and about 200 pounds with brown eyes and black hair with shaved sides. She also has an Old English D on her left inner forearm.
Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to call the Detroit Police Department at 313-596-5740.
Editor's note: Sarah Booth is a relative of a Channel 7 employee
A fourth-grade teacher at Pleasantview Elementary School in Eastpointe Community Schools if facing federal child pornography charges after being arrested in Vermont.
Watch Ruta Ulcinaite's video report: Eastpointe elementary school teacher facing child pornography charges
Martin Waskowski has been charged with transporting child pornography in interstate of foreign commerce and knowingly possesing child pornography that had been transported in interstate or foreign commerce.
Waskowski was arrested on December 3 while trying to enter into the U.S. from Canada at the Highgate Springs Port of Entry in Highgate, Vermont, which is towards the western state border with New York. Officials say he had been flagged for secondary inspection because he was "an exact match" for "a law enforcement records inquiry with suspicion of attempted sexual enticement of a minor."
According to the criminal complaint, during the secondary inspection, a Customs and Border Patrol officer examined Waskowski's phone and found "probably child sexual abuse material." Waskowski was then detained and the Homeland Security Investigations was called for assistance. It was during an examination of Waskowski's phone by the HSI agent that, according to the criminal complaint, images of children under the age of 14 involved in various sex acts were found interspersed with personal photos and videos of Waskowki.
During questioning, officials say Waskowski admitted to "seeking and receiving" child pornography, as well as producing child pornography by recording a spy camera of a 12-year-old boy in a restroom at his Michigan home. Parents at Pleasantview Elementary, where Waskowski has been a 4th Grade teacher for three school years, are frustrated by the alleged findings.
Its awful. Its scary, what do you do? You leave your kids, you think theyre in good hands and then you find out a predator is in the school," grandparent at the elementary school Sharon Smith said.
During a court appearance, Waskowski was ordered to be released to the custody of his father for home detention. He was also ordered to say away from areas where children may be and not contact any minors. He is due back in Vermont Federal Court on December 23.
Eastpointe Community Schools released the following statemtn on their website about the case:
Eastpointe Community Schools was notified on Friday, December 5, 2025, by the Michigan State Police and the Department of Homeland Security that a Pleasantview teacher had been arrested out of state on December 3, 2025, and charged with possession and transportation of child exploitation materials. Prior to this formal notification, the District had no knowledge of, nor had it received any allegations related to, this individual. Eastpointe Community Schools was notified on Friday, December 5, 2025, by the Michigan State Police and the Department of Homeland Security that a Pleasantview teacher had been arrested out of state on December 3, 2025, and charged with possession and transportation of child exploitation materials. Prior to this formal notification, the District had no knowledge of, nor had it received any allegations related to, this individual. Upon receiving this information, the District took immediate action and placed Pleasantview Elementary teacher Martin Waskowski on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. As with all criminal proceedings, a charge is an allegation; the individual is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. However, the safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority. We take this matter extremely seriously, and regardless of the outcome of the criminal investigation, the District will continue to act in the best interest of children at all times. Mr. Waskowski has been employed with Eastpointe Community Schools at Pleasantview for three school years. A long-term substitute teacher has been assigned to the classroom to ensure continuity of instruction and minimize any disruption to students learning. The District is cooperating fully with the agencies involved in the investigation. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) has established a dedicated email for parents or guardians to report any concerning behavior. School social workers are also available to support students who may have questions or concerns. For tips or information related to this matter, please email: <u>HSI-Waskowski-Investigation@hsi.dhs.gov</u>
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