For many families of children with special needs, finding places that feel welcoming and inclusive can make all the difference.

In Bloomfield Hills, one local favorite isn't just serving cider and donuts it's creating a space where every child can feel at home at Franklin Cider Mill.

Kim Kerwin loves bringing her two kids to Franklin Cider Mill every year after the Labor Day weekend. Her 7-year-old son, Bennett is on the spectrum, and for Kim, working with her son's challenges is always top of mind.

"Safety. A lot of kids on the spectrum like to elope," Kerwin said when asked about her concerns.

"It's relatively small and familiar. I think it's just easily accessible," Kerwin said about why she prefers Franklin Cider Mill.

But there's more to this cider mill than just tradition. Cider mill co-owner Melanee Peltz Radner says the family business is designed to welcome individuals with special needs.

"We have handicapped ramps. We have a lot of benches around, especially the river. I feel that autistic children or children with special needs they love to come. They love to run around. They love to sit on the bench," Radner said.

The mill also offers private tour times when it's less crowded giving kids space to enjoy at their own pace.

"So I always recommend like a Monday through Friday, usually either in the morning or after the lunchtime, and we give them special tables and special chairs," Radner said.

Autism Alliance of Michigan's Jamie Zavier says more attractions are embracing inclusivity.

"If an attraction doesn't have any kind of specific accommodations, you can definitely ask what the busiest days or times are and plan around that. Again, we know a lot of kids get overwhelmed and very crowded or overstimulating places. You can also bring your own supplies with you," Zavier said.

However, Zavier also says parents and guardians should always have a plan B.

"Certain attractions may have a quiet space or like a sensory room or something like that. And if not, you can identify a safe location and say we can go back to the car and take a break," Zavier said.

Kerwin has developed her own strategies for managing challenging situations.

"For Bennett, like waiting in line is really difficult for him. Something that we found that works really well is we take two cars. That way, if Bennett is having a moment, I can leave with him, and if my daughter wants to stay, she can stay with my husband or whoever else might be with us," Kerwin said.

When asked how a parent takes a break, Kerwin emphasized the importance of self-care.

"You have to find, you know, sometimes it might be like small little pockets of time during the day, and if you're able to just step away for a few minutes, take a breath, take a moment, because it's challenging and it's exhausting and being a parent is exhausting as is and then when you add the level of someone with higher needs, it's a lot," Kerwin said.

That's also where the non-profit Autism Alliance of Michigan's upcoming Autism Hero Walk at the Detroit Zoo aims to make a difference.

"We have a ton of wonderful vendors who are going to be there, autistic individuals themselves and families. It's a great time to just come out and get dressed up and support the cause," Zavier said.

Parents and organizations can get in touch with the Autism Alliance of Michigan for more resources including how to make work spaces more special needs friendly. They also have a walk coming up on September 20th.

To learn more, visit the Autism Alliance of Michigan website.

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 Southwest Detroit man in his 60s was taken from outside his home, beaten and left inside a burning SUV on the city's east side in what police say was a targeted attack.

Detroit Police responded around 6 a.m. to reports of a vehicle fire in an empty field near Mount Elliott and Nevada Street. When officers arrived, they found the victim inside the burning SUV.

See the full story from Faraz Javed in the video below

Detroit man kidnapped, beaten & left inside burning SUV in targeted attack

"I heard that it was an attempted robbery, they tied a man up, threw him inside and lit it on fire," said Simon Jarjis, who owns a liquor store two blocks from the scene.

The attack began around 5 a.m. when suspects took the man against his will from outside his home in Southwest Detroit near Vernor and Lawndale. The attackers drove off in the victim's black SUV, traveling nearly 20 minutes across the city before pulling into the empty field.

Security footage captured the scene where police found the victim beaten and left inside the burning vehicle. The man's wife was also tied up inside their home but was unharmed, police confirmed.

The victim was rushed to the hospital and is currently in stable condition.

"To hear the story behind it that's even worse. He and his wife being tied up, and then left the way he was, that's someone's father, brother, grandfather, friend," said Karri Pnzak, who lives a block away from where the SUV was found burning.

Pnzak was awakened by fire trucks rushing to the scene.

The location where the SUV was abandoned appears to have been deliberately chosen by the suspects, according to residents.

"Oh yeah they had to, from you to come from Southwest Detroit, to all the way over here... Why over here?" Pnzak said.

The area is typically quiet during morning hours, residents said. The investigation is ongoing and police are searching for the suspects.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Detroit Police.

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 bakery that started in a family garage 16 years ago with a single piece of donated equipment is now winning hearts across metro Detroit, thanks to one woman's perseverance and an unexpected act of kindness.

Watch Faraz's video report in the video player below Lebanese bakery in Garden City thrives after 16-year journey from garage to brick-and-mortar success

Fatme's Bakery on Middle Belt and Ford Road in Garden City has become a destination for authentic Lebanese cuisine since opening in March. The success story began when Fatme Fouani moved to the United States from Lebanon in 1999 to seek medical treatment for her youngest daughter's heart condition.

"She did many surgeries for her heart condition. She had her last surgery in 2022. My dad also had a back condition at work, so he had to stay at home for a couple of years," Zahra Dabaja said.

Dabaja is Fouani's daughter and helps run the family business alongside her three siblings.

To support her family during difficult times, Fouani began volunteering at Zaman International, an Inkster-based nonprofit that empowers women to break the cycle of poverty. It was there that founder Najah Bazzy heard about Fouani's struggles and made a life-changing decision.

"Haji Najah heard the story that my mom needed help and she was like I'm going to gift her the saaj and let this lady do what she needs to do. She is here to support her family," Dabaja said.

Bazzy purchased a saaj maker for Fouani without ever meeting her. The saaj is a traditional Lebanese thin bread that has become the bakery's signature item.

"This brought all the blessings," Fouani said.

For 10 years, Fouani sold saaj from her home garage, building a loyal customer base. Hassan Chami was one of those early supporters who followed the business to its new location.

"During Ramadan, I was here every night," Chami said.

"The family all works together, and before she opened up, we used to eat at her garage," Chami said.

Customer Kahodor Batir has been bringing his family to the bakery since it opened and says he's heard nothing but positive reviews. For Malak Wazne and her husband, the authentic taste reminds them of home.

"Honestly as if our grandparents in the south made it," Wazne said.

The bakery represents more than just a business success story. When Bazzy recently visited the bakery, she discovered the impact of her 16-year-old gift.

"Haji Najah didn't know about this at all. After 16 years when she came here, my mom reminded her of the story," Dabaja said.

"The idea that this would break the cycle of poverty for herself and for the next generation, it's incredible," Bazzy said.

"I took away in that moment, for myself, that every human being has potential, and this woman did it. She really is a testimony for so many of us," Bazzy said.

Fouani opened her brick-and-mortar location using financial support and money earned from a decade of home-based sales. Today, all four of her children work in the family business, continuing the tradition of authentic Lebanese cuisine in metro Detroit.

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 annual Michigan Lottery Arts, Beats and Eats Festival, presented by Flagstar Bank, has returned to downtown Royal Oak, bringing together local and national artists, musicians and food vendors spanning across an 18-blocks.

Watch Faraz's video report below Arts, Beats and Eats vendor turns personal tragedy into sweet business success

For one business owner, the festival marks more than just another successful weekend it represents a turning point where incredible success was born from a moment of deep personal heartbreak.

Inside one of the busiest dessert stands at Arts, Beats & Eats, orders keep flowing for Lekker Choco Treats, owned by Nakija Mills and known for decadent chocolate-covered strawberries and artfully crafted sweets.

"She's crushing it quality food, beautiful presentation, fast service. She's now one of our top dessert vendors," said Jon Witz, producer, Arts, Beats and Eats.

A former esthetician, Mills launched her business during the pandemic, but it was her debut at this festival in 2021 that truly put her on the map.

"Let me say it was huge, it was a huge success. You know, they were amazing, you know, they showed me so much love and I mean it just kind of pulled in my business," Mills said.

Success from that event led to the opening of her brick-and-mortar location in Livonia.

Tragedy strikes during breakthrough moment

But Mills' 2021 festival debut was overshadowed by devastating personal news. She hadn't seen her father, Ronald Mills, for 20 years when they reconnected shortly before the festival.

"I told him after Arts, Beats and Eats I'll take the first flight out and I'll come see you. But what happened was he ended up passing away the week before Arts, Beats and Eats and his funeral was the day after Arts, Beats and Eats," Mills said.

"The last conversation I had with him was the Monday before he passed on Wednesday. I told him the last thing I told him was make sure you get right with God and he was like, 'Don't worry man, daddy got this, daddy got this,'" she said.

Drawing strength from her father's memory, Mills keeps the only photo of him right by her side, channeling his hard-working spirit into her business.

"My dad was a hard-worker, and when I did Arts, Beats and Eats, I felt like I got all my strength to push through that. I felt like that's the day I found out how strong I am," Mills said.

"He would tell me, 'You got this,'" she said when asked what her father would say seeing her thriving business today.

While crafting each order with love and seeing happy faces enjoy her desserts, Mills believes her success is putting a smile on her father's face.

More than 200 food vendors are participating in this year's event, each with their own unique story to share.

Arts, Beats and Eats wraps up Monday. To learn more, head to https://artsbeatseats.com/

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 comprehensive investigation report substantiates several serious allegations against Hamtramck Police Chief Jamiel Altaheri, including driving a city vehicle after drinking alcohol and handing a loaded gun to a civilian volunteer with instructions to put it to someone's head.

Watch Faraz Javed's report: Fallout possible following release of Hamtramck report

The 59-page report, conducted by law firm Miller Johnson and hired by the city, also alleges Altaheri pressured officers to help in a custody dispute and reduced another officer's discipline in exchange for the destruction of evidence.

PREVIOUS REPORT: Investigation finds Hamtramck police chief violated policies Investigation finds Hamtramck police chief violated policies

"Those are very serious allegations, and, if true, I would imagine the Wayne County Prosecutor's office is going to take a deep dive into these things," said Todd Flood, a former Assistant Wayne County Prosecutor.

Flood praised the investigation's thoroughness.

"Thorough, detailed, excellent!" Flood said. "They give corroborating evidence to the extent that they can."

The report also found Officer David Adamczyk abused overtime, violated stolen property policies, and recorded other officers. While most allegations against City Manager Max Garbarino weren't substantiated, the report shows poor judgment, including delaying action on misconduct claims against Altaheri and Adamczyk.

All three individuals are currently on administrative leave.

Attorneys dispute report's validity

Representing Altaheri, attorney Amir Makled alleges that leaking the confidential report on the city's website before it was removed was a political move that prevents his client from due process.

"The chief tried to raise some awareness to some of the misdeeds that's happening within the department. And the moment he raised the issues to the city manager about an officer named David Adamczyk, he was placed on administrative leave instead of the other guy," Makled said.

Attorney Jon Marko, representing both Garbarino and Adamczyk, argues the report is incomplete.

"These reports are done at the request and the payment of the employer, and when we get into litigation, and we actually start putting people under oath, taking depositions, the report doesn't hold up as a litigation process," Marko said.

Makled criticized the report's scope.

"That report is very one-sided; it doesn't say one positive thing about what he did for that department and how he has improved it," Makled said.

Broader implications for the department

Flood believes the report may question the police department's integrity during Altaheri's tenure.

"This has opened up Pandora's box to look into the department. And I can imagine all of the people that have been convicted of crimes, potentially, are going to look into who investigated the case, was the chief involved or one of his colleagues, and did he put the finger on the scale, and tip it one way or the other," Flood said.

The Hamtramck City Council is expected to address the investigation findings during its meeting. Mixed opinions persist in the community about whether Altaheri will be reinstated following the report's release.

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.

Dearborn police arrested a 27-year-old man after he allegedly posted threats against peaceful marchers participating in an Islamic commemoration in the city.

Anthony James Young was apprehended Saturday around 7 p.m., about five hours after allegedly threatening peaceful Ar'baeen marchers in Dearborn over the weekend.

Watch the video report below: Man arrested after allegedly threatening Dearborn religious marchers on social media

Body camera footage exclusively obtained by 7 News Detroit shows Dearborn police officers arriving at Young's home in Garden City to make the arrest.

"I got into an argument with some people on Facebook," Young can be heard saying in the footage.

Young was arraigned Monday at the 19th District Court for posting a message on Facebook that read: "Someone should show up and let a couple of clips out."

Watch Anthony James Young's arraignment below: Watch the arraignment of the Garden City man who allegedly threatened to shoot religious marchers

Judge Mark Somers read out two misdemeanor counts of malicious use of telecommunications services.

"I understand you got charged as a misdemeanor, not a felony this is not child's play. In this day and age where every third person has an assault rifle, talking about emptying their clips into people, this is not child's play," Somers said during the arraignment.

Young responded to the charges saying, "I understand the charges, and I'm completely regretful."

Police say no weapons were found on Young, but if found guilty, he faces up to one year in prison.

Massar Alkhudair, 29, who attended the march with his family, expressed relief about the arrest.

"It was pretty scary. I was just glad that Dearborn police got hold of that suspect," Alkhudair said.

Alkhudair was among tens of thousands of people at the march marking the end of Ashura, an annual Islamic commemoration of Imam Hussain.

"At the end of the day, we just got to take it on the chin and just got to be thankful for our police force," he said.

Dearborn Police Chief Issa Shahin praised the community for bringing the threat to the department's attention and his officers for their quick response.

"Yeah, we don't waste any time when there is a threat made against our community," Shahin said.

"It's entirely unacceptable and there is no room for that in Dearborn. Whenever these do occur, we will spare no expense. We will work with our local, state and federal partners and hold those folks accountable."

Young will return to court on Sept. 17. The judge issued a $5,000 bond, along with a GPS tether if released, and prohibited access to the internet.

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.