It's hard not to get into the holiday spirit when you step into downtown Detroit.

Detroit celebrated its 22nd annual tree lighting Friday night, drawing thousands of people to Campus Martius to witness the festive transformation of downtown into a holiday wonderland.

With the flick of a switch, downtown Detroit turned on the holiday cheer as the big Christmas tree lit up for all to see, accompanied by cheers from the excited crowd.

Watch our full "Light Up The Season" special in the video below

Watch the full WXYZ Light Up The Season special from Detroit

"It's beautiful, it's great to see the camaraderie and the families that come together, it is very, very nice," Mills said.

Joseph Mills brought his family down to see the tree lighting, continuing what has become an annual tradition for them.

"It's a family event that we try to do every single year, this and the parade, we try to get both incorporated," Mills said.

While seeing the tree lighting is a family tradition for the Mills family, I caught up with some people who said it was their first time experiencing the event.

"We're so excited to be down here, we watched it on TV like our whole lives and this is the first year we've come down," Meghan Brown of Byron.

"I love it, this is what Detroit is all about, I love it this is my first time actually," Diamond Hogan of Detroit said.

Besides the tree lighting, people came downtown to enjoy other holiday festivities Detroit has to offer, including holiday shops, live music and food trucks.

"The music, the smell, the sound, the people, I love it," Yolanda Russell of Detroit said.

"The thing that I think that keeps making me coming down here is how much fun it is, how much new people you meet and like how much great opportunities you have," Braelynn Hines of Detroit said.

When I asked young attendees about their favorite parts of being downtown, 10-year-old Ryleigh Hendon and 11-year-old Skylar Liddy had simple but enthusiastic responses.

"The tree, and the food.. the food!" they said.

If you're looking for a place to feel some holiday cheer, downtown Detroit offers plenty of festive activities throughout the holiday season.

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State officials have suspended the license for a Detroit child care center after allegations of safety violations and inadequate supervision.

Watch Tiarra Braddock's video report: Detroit's New Beginnings Child Care license suspended Watch Christiana Ford's video report State suspends Detroit child care license over supervision, injury concerns

The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential suspended the license of New Beginnings Child Care and Academy on Southfield Freeway in Detroit. The facility, operated by PBA Royal LLC, can no longer care for children, effective immediately.

According to MiLEAP, New Beginnings violated several state laws, including leaving children unsupervised and incidents where children suffered injuries while in the facility's care.

The state agency documented multiple incidents where children were left without proper supervision, including cases where children escaped the facility and were found in the parking lot. Officials also reported that children were injured at the child care center, with staff providing conflicting explanations about the incidents.

New Beginnings owner Pageant Atterberry denied the allegations in a statement.

"New Beginnings is committed to the health and safety of the children entrusted to it," Atterberry said. "We deny the allegations and do not feel they deserve the extreme action taken by the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential."

There are multiple New Beginnings Child Care and Academy facilities located throughout metro Detroit.

Atterberry said an appeal of MiLEAP's decision will be submitted in the coming days to contest both the allegations and the license suspension.

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More than a week after Election Day, the Hamtramck mayoral race remains undecided as officials work to resolve ballot disputes that could determine the winner.

Watch Tiarra's story in the video player below Hamtramck mayoral race remains undecided over a week after election

The Wayne County Board of Canvassers voted Friday to reject 37 absentee ballots found in the city clerk's office after the election, meaning they will not be counted in the final tally.

"I will make a motion to reject the 37 ballots that are in question," a board member said during the meeting.

According to unofficial results, Adam Alharbi was elected as Hamtramck's new mayor, defeating City Councilman Muhith Mahmood by just 11 votes. However, 120 cured ballots ballots that needed minor corrections still need to be counted, which could swing the election results either way.

7 New Detroit reporter Tiarra Braddock spoke to Alharbi on Saturday about the remaining 120 votes.

"I think it's a matter of time that we will get an answer from Wayne County," Alharbi said. "I think they will probably be split and I will still have the lead."

7 News Detroit reached out to Mahmood and his attorney multiple times via email and phone. I even stopped by his house in Hamtramck, where his wife answered and said he wasn't home. Mahmood previously spoke to us about the ballot situation.

"We know that voting is a constitutional right and if somebody voted and made a mistake, they should not pay for it," Mahmood said. "They have a right to choose their future leader whether it's me or Adam Alharbi, I don't know who's going to win."

Per state law, the Board of Canvassers must canvas and certify the election results no later than two weeks after Election Day, which is November 18. The winner of the highly contested race should be known soon.

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Detroit's I-375 construction project is set to resume after being paused for several months due to community concerns about the original design.

Watch Tiarra Braddock's video report: Detroit's I-375 construction project to resume with new design after community input

The Michigan Department of Transportation postponed the I-375 Reconnecting Communities Project that was scheduled to begin construction this fall. The project aims to transform the nation's shortest highway into a street-level boulevard.

MDOT decided to pause plans due to community pushback about the specific redesign plan. On Thursday, the department unveiled a new rendering of the boulevard design that addresses many resident concerns.

"My very first reaction was this is big, this is transformative," said Dr. Rebecca Chung, a Detroit resident who lives in the Lafayette Park neighborhood near I-375.

When the freeway was originally constructed in the 1960s, neighborhoods and residents were displaced.

MDOT hopes this project will update the freeway's aging infrastructure while also bringing some restorative justice.

"I also want the community to feel made whole because this piece of real estate seized, remade and redeveloped for over a century," Chung said.

In August, MDOT paused the I-375 project to reevaluate how to move forward in a way that is more community oriented. The project faced pushback from residents regarding the original design of the boulevard from Jefferson to Gratiot avenues.

"I didn't think it was walkable and many of my neighbors pointed out well, these intersections aren't safe for people to cross," Chung said.

Some residents also expressed concern that the project would leave the area in a long-standing construction zone.

"The entire area would be covered with dust and construction traffic for years," Chung said.

Rob Morosi, a spokesperson for MDOT, said the new design is smaller and construction will be broken up into phases.

"So, what we're looking at is a phased approach to build a boulevard south of Gratiot Avenue, north of Gratiot and into the interchange will be, we'll look at that at a later date as funding becomes available, but right now, our focus more so is south of Gratiot down to Woodbridge," Morosi said.

Hear more from Rob Morosi in the video player below: Web extra: MDOT spokesperson Rob Morosi talks about I-375 project resuming with new design

Chung said she feels like residents were listened to in the redesign process.

"I feel like they heard us finally. I'm very proud of the people in Lafayette Park and people this side of the city who organized," Chung said.

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More than 1.4 million Michiganders are left in limbo as SNAP benefits remain paused due to the government shutdown. Families don't know when the next payment will hit their cards and some are unsure where their next meal will come from.

Watch Tiarra Braddock's report in the video player below Detroit restaurant steps up to help SNAP recipients stuck in limbo as government shutdown continues

Detroit resident Symone Wilkes is a mom of two who receives SNAP benefits.

She typically receives a payment on her EBT card to buy food on the 13th of the month. Right now it's looking like her card will be empty.

"It has been a struggle, it really has, some nights, I go without already so it's just like, what am I gonna do?" Wilkes said.

"So I just been really having like a difficult time. Luckily my son go to school so he got school lunches, but the baby be with me 24/7, so I got to, like, portion out stuff that he can eat," Wilkes said.

Many metro Detroiters have been turning to their local food banks and pantries for help. Wilkes said she went to a local food bank and the line was three blocks long.

"When we finally got up there, they're like, we don't have nothing left. Only thing we can give you is 3 Powerade juices and some cabbage," Wilkes said.

After seeing how high the demand is for food amid the SNAP benefits shortage, Tina Motley, the owner of Le Petit Dejeuner in Detroit decided she would step up and help out those in need.

"We just want to make sure if you need help, come in here and get it," Motley said.

Motley is offering 2-3 free meals for families who rely on SNAP benefits.

"The holidays are coming up. It's just not right, so I think it's so important to help the community make sure that no child is left hungry," Motley said.

As for Wilkes, she has this message for lawmakers on Capitol Hill.

"Think about your families. Think about how many people that y'all really have out here starving especially children," Wilkes said.

Mayor Mike Duggan announced that 96 emergency food distribution locations will be active and fully staffed throughout this upcoming week.

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Travelers at Detroit Metro Airport are maintaining positive attitudes despite widespread flight cancellations and delays caused by the ongoing government shutdown affecting air traffic controllers.

Watch Tiarra's report in the video player below Detroit Metro Airport travelers stay positive despite government shutdown flight disruptions

The Federal Aviation Administration ordered U.S. airlines to reduce flights at 40 major airports across the country as air traffic controllers continue working without pay during the government shutdown.

Canton resident Vicky McKernan experienced firsthand the disruptions when her Thursday flight from Detroit to Philadelphia was canceled.

"Thursday night, I got an email and notification from American Airlines, saying that my flight from Detroit to Philadelphia was canceled and they would re-book me," McKernan said.

McKernan had to reschedule her Pennsylvania trip for Saturday, but remained optimistic about the experience.

"It really wasn't a big deal for me, the TSA lines were fine, no issues there," she said.

McKernan expressed surprise at the duration of the government shutdown's impact.

"I didn't expect this government shutdown to shut down that long," she said.

Detroit Lions fan Matthew Soltysiak from Traverse City faced multiple delays on his flight from Detroit Metro to Washington D.C. for Sunday's Lions versus Washington Commanders game. After several delays, he successfully switched flights and arrived in D.C. early Saturday morning.

"I spent some time at DTW kind of debating, 'Should I go to that flight, which is going to probably be very filled up, or should I stay on the flight I'm on, which is going to be much later?'" Soltysiak said.

Despite the travel challenges, Soltysiak noted the positive atmosphere among fellow Lions fans on his flight.

"I think this talks about the dedication and the excitement that there still is around this team, because, you know, there were obstacles in the journey, right? But it was like, well, we still wanna get there, we still wanna go to this game, and find any way we could make it happen," Soltysiak said.

Travelers are advised to check their flight status frequently to stay informed about potential cancellations and plan accordingly.

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About 4% of flights were canceled at Detroit Metro Airport on Friday as the Federal Aviation Administration announced it is reducing flight capacity due to the ongoing government shutdown.

Watch Tiarra Braddock's video reports: Flight cancellations hit Detroit Metro amid government shutdown Travel troubles grow nationwide and at Detroit Metro Airport

The FAA is cutting flights to relieve pressure on air traffic controllers who have not been paid since the shutdown began and to maintain safety for travelers. A shortage of controllers has developed over the past month.

I spent the day at Metro Airport checking in with travelers about their concerns amid the uncertainty.

"This is our first trip with the kids, so hearing that flights might be closed today was stressful," said Kara Lougheed, a traveler from Rochester who is heading to Disney World in Orlando with her children.

Lougheed said she's more worried about her return flight from Florida.

"I like being in control, and it's out of our control, so we are just going to get there and see what happens," she said.

Detroit resident Jennifer Velker, who travels frequently for her medical sales job, expressed concerns about work-related delays.

"I travel with a large team of 52 all over the country, and my whole team was pretty worried that we would have some delays or cancellations," Velker said.

"We are on a strict timeline when it comes to work, can't exactly be late to the hospitals," she added.

The president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association said in a statement on Friday that controllers are working under intense conditions.

"Many controllers work mandatory overtime, up to 6 days a week and 10 hours a day. While their intense schedules leave little room to take on second jobs, some find themselves considering gig work to pay their bills," the statement read.

Some travelers are taking proactive measures. Janet Firestone moved her flight from Metro Airport to Charleston, South Carolina, by one day.

"I got an alert from Delta that they're may be changes with flights, and I was supposed to fly out tomorrow, so I talked to the agent, and they suggested I fly out today to beat the craziness that may happen," Firestone said.

A Delta spokesperson said the airline intends to notify passengers at least one day in advance if their flights are canceled. Travelers are advised to check their flight status before coming to the airport.

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The ongoing government shutdown is forcing airlines to reduce flights due to a shortage of unpaid air traffic controllers, with Detroit Metro Airport among 40 airports nationwide expected to face significant disruptions.

Watch Tiarra Braddock's video report: Detroit Metro Airport travelers brace for impact ahead of anticipated flight cuts

The Federal Aviation Administration ordered airlines to cut flights because air traffic controllers have not been paid since the government shutdown began. Controllers have now missed two paychecks, and union leaders say working without pay is not sustainable.

"We'll be here an extra hour. Hopefully, we'll get there on time," Susan Jackson said.

Jackson traveled from Lansing to Detroit Metro Airport on Thursday with her husband for a trip to California. Their flight was delayed.

"I'm more concerned about coming home cause I have to work the next day and I'm not sure how that's going to go," Jackson said.

The anticipated flight cancellations have Jackson reconsidering her holiday travel plans.

"Honestly with all the delays, we're probably just going to somewhere local," Jackson said.

Jackson expressed sympathy for federal workers affected by the shutdown.

"It breaks our heart for the families and the people who are having to work without any pay and not knowing when this is going to end. I cannot imagine that," Jackson said.

Detroit resident Barbara Jean Stallworth Dixon is planning to travel to Los Angeles for Thanksgiving and hopes her trip goes as planned.

"A little nervous about the flying because you don't have all the guys you need to fly," Stallworth Dixon said.

Delta Air Lines told me they intend to cancel flights a day in advance to give customers more options before heading to the airport.

Travel agent Sheri Langwald from The World of Travel in Bloomfield Hills offered advice for travelers to keep their trips on track.

"The first thing I tell my clients is before they leave the house is to check the status to the flight. Number two is to look for other options just in case their flight is canceled or delayed. Like let's say you're flying to Miami, you can also look into flying into Fort Lauderdale," Langwald said.

Langwald also recommends travel insurance.

"This is one of the perfect reasons in case of any delays or cancellations, usually one of the things that's covered," Langwald said.

With no deal in sight to end the government shutdown, the impact could be severe as people travel to see family and friends for the Thanksgiving holiday.

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The FBI conducted raids at multiple locations in Dearborn and Inkster on Friday, with Director Kash Patel announcing on social media that the agency had thwarted a potential terror attack planned for Halloween weekend in Michigan.

Federal agents raided homes on Horger and Middlepointe streets in Dearborn, along with another location in Inkster. Multiple people were arrested during the operations, which left local communities in shock.

Related: Michigan lawyer says a Halloween terror plot that FBI Director Kash Patel described never existed

7 News Detroit spoke with Former FBI assistant director Daniel Roberts who is also a retired Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Michigan Division to understand what goes on behind the scenes in terrorism investigations like this one.

"Most of the time, they involve what's called the Joint Terrorism Task Force or JTTF, which is the FBI working in partnership with many state and local police departments such as the Michigan State Police, Detroit Police, and others," Roberts said.

Roberts explained that terrorism investigations are complex and time-consuming operations.

"Those cases tend to go on for a lengthy period of time, and they involve a lot of very sophisticated investigative techniques. A lot of it like technical coverage, maybe even informant usage, and things like that," Roberts said.

Holly Kemp, who lives near one of the raided homes in Dearborn, described the dramatic scene that unfolded Friday morning.

"My husband jumped of bed because he heard a bang sound and all of a sudden he heard bang, bang, bang so he thought it was a shotgun and he looked out the window and saw a bunch of cop lights," Kemp said.

At least two suspects were arrested, and three others were taken in for questioning. The individuals reportedly ranged in age from 16 to 20 years old.

A defense attorney for one of the suspects has stated there was never a plot to carry out a terror attack.

Roberts noted that having minors involved in the case could create additional legal complications.

"There really is no ability for the federal government to charge a minor, someone under the age of 18 years old. So that's why the JTTF that I mentioned before is so important because one of the partners, one of the state or local law enforcement partners, is likely gonna have to deal with charges in that case," Roberts said.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to examine the details of the alleged plot.

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Metro Detroit families who depend on SNAP benefits are turning to food banks and pantries as government assistance remains uncertain during the ongoing federal government shutdown.

Diamonique Wright, a Detroit mother of four who works part time and receives Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, knows the daily struggle of making ends meet.

Watch Tiarra Braddock's video report below: Metro Detroit families turn to food banks as SNAP benefits remain in limbo during shutdown

"You just have to make it work and day by day, minute by minute, hour by hour, you just have to do what you have to do," Wright said.

For Wright and her family, SNAP benefits provide essential support that extends far beyond just food assistance.

"It is a plus for me being a mom of four and it does goes a long way. It truly goes a long way it gives my children the food that they need, it gives me a peace of mind at the end of the night knowing that they do have food to eat," Wright said.

Wright is among more than 1.4 million Michiganders who rely on SNAP each month for food assistance. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which oversees SNAP, stated in a memo that no benefits will be issued on Nov. 1.

List: Food resources in metro Detroit as pause in SNAP funding expected

The impact extends beyond individual families, affecting entire communities and support networks.

"For a lot of people who don't understand it, saying it doesn't really hurt them, it may not hurt you, but you have to think about your family members that it does hurt, grandparents, aunts, uncles," Wright said.

Adrian Lewis, CEO of Forgotten Harvest, reports seeing increased demand across their 200 food pantries. The organization has experienced a combined 15% increase in demand.

"Inflation has definitely driven that demand for quite some time. When you compound that with removing SNAP benefits, of course that's going to be as much as double, I believe," Lewis said.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced that $4.5 million will be going to the Food Bank Council of Michigan, helping organizations like Forgotten Harvest.

As the political stalemate continues in Washington D.C., Wright has a direct message for lawmakers.

"Just make a decision, people are out here really suffering, you know, hungry," Wright said.

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