❌

Reading view

There are new articles available, click to refresh the page.

Man hospitalized after being shot in Monroe with his kids in the vehicle

A man was hospitalized in Monroe on Monday night after he was shot inside his vehicle, with his kids in the back seat at the time of the shooting, according to the Monroe Public Safety Department.

Officers responded to the shooting in the 600 block of Michigan Avenue just after 8 p.m. on Feb. 9, for a reports of a man who had been shot inside his vehicle.

Investigators say that the shooting stemmed from a confrontation between the victim and the driver of a silver SUV in the same area. The victim told police that when he tried to confront the driver in the silver SUV, two men approached his vehicles and one of the men shot him.

The suspects all fled the scene in the silver SUV.

The man was transported to a local hospital, where he is expected to make a full recovery. His two kids, ages 14 and 11, were inside the vehicle at the time of the shooting, but were not injured.

All three suspects were taken into custody after officers in Adrian spotted the vehicle. Three handguns were found in the SUV when the men were arrested.

We're told that there is no threat to the public at this time. Anyone with more information about this shooting is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Aaron Oetjens at (734) 243-7516 or Detective Adam Zimmerman at (734) 243-7509.

Canada is funding the cost to build the Gordie Howe International Bridge; here's how

On Monday night, President Donald Trump threatened to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, which is being fully paid for by the Canadian government.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said in part that he would "not allow" the bridge to open "until the United States is fully compensated for everything we have given them, and also, importantly, Canada treats the United States with the Fairness and Respect that we deserve."

Watch below: Trump threatens to block opening of Gordie Howe International Bridge

Trump threatens to block opening of Gordie Howe International Bridge

The bridge is the result of a decades-long process between the United States, the State of Michigan and the Government of Canada. On June 15, 2012, the Government of Canada and the State of Michigan signed the "Canada-Michigan Crossing Agreement," which was pivotal in the process of building the bridge.

You can read the entire agreement in the document below.

Canada-Michigan Crossing Agreement by WXYZ-TV Channel 7 Detroit

That 2012 agreement had several stipulations. They were:

The International Authority will be comprised of equal representation by Canada and Michigan. All iron and steel for any bridge component in Canada and for any component of the project in the United States, will be sourced in either Canada or the United States The Government of Canada will pay all costs of the required land acquisition in Canada and Michigan and for the construction of an interchange to provide connections to I-75 Tolls for both Canada-bound and US-bound traffic will be collected on the Canadian side of the crossing and used to reimburse the Canadian government for the funds it advances related to the project The public-private partnership agreement must contain provisions for community benefit plan and for the involvement of the host communities in Canada and Michigan The crossing will be publicly-owned, jointly by Canada and Michigan The International Authority will be comprised of equal representation by Canada and Michigan.

Watch below: AsΒ the Gordie Howe International Bridge nears completion, we visited the site to see the progress

As the Gordie Howe International Bridge nears completion, we visited the site to see the progress

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the bridge is being built through a 36-year "design-build-finance-operate-maintain availability payment concession." That means that the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority pays the private sector concessionaire, Bridging North America, based on performance.

The total project cost of $5.7 billion CAD (4.415 billion USD) is being paid for by the Government of Canada. The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority also said that separate from the contract with Bridging North America, Canada has invested $559 million CAD ($433 million USD) between 2005 and 2018 to get the project to the point where construction could begin.

Of that, $2.9 billion will be allocated for the design-build phase and $1.5 billion allocated for the operations-maintenance-rehabilitation phase, according to the USDOT. The Government of Canada funding is set to be recouped by future toll revenues over 36 years.

In the Truth Social post, Trump also wrote, "With all that we have given them, we should own, perhaps, at least one half of this asset."

Below are the concessionaire's financing during construction, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Construction Progress Payments from WDBA - $2.12 billion Substantial Completion Payment from WDBA - $374.5 million Excluded Design-Build Costs - $26.7 million Capital Payments from WDBA - $29 million Short-term Bank Debt (repaid by construction progress payments, capital payments, and equity) - $454.8 million Medium-term Bonds - $121.7 million Long-term Bonds - $224.1 million Equity - $72.1 million Interest - $0.1 million

This is a similar plan to how the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron was built in the 1930s. According to the State of Michigan, the state legislature approved a law creating a state bridge commission in 1935. That plan was later approved by U.S. Congress and the commission was given permission to sell bonds that would be repaid by the revenue.

Then, the U.S. and Canadian governments agreed to operate the bridge toll free when the bonds were paid off in February 1962.

Woman dies after Dearborn house fire

A woman has died after a house caught fire Monday in Dearborn, officials say.

The fire happened at a home near Lawrence Avenue and Drexel Street.

The fire department at first said that one person was injured. Fire Chief Joseph Murray later told us a woman died after firefighters made efforts to save her.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this time. Fire officials are investigating.

Trump threatens to block opening of Gordie Howe International Bridge

In a post on Truth Social, President Donald Trump turned up the heat on his trade war with Canada, saying he may not permit the Gordie Howe International Bridge from opening.

Watch our report from the 6 a.m. show, including a live interview with Detroit Regional Chamber Trump threatens to block opening of Gordie Howe International Bridge

Here's how Canada is paying for the construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge

The post says, in part, "I will not allow this bridge to open until the United States is fully compensated for everything we have given them, and also, importantly, Canada treats the United States with the Fairness and Respect that we deserve."

Related: Here's how Canada is paying for the construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge

The $4.8 billion bridge is finishing up construction, with the organization that runs it saying all major construction on the project is done and that they have started the process of testing and commissioning the systems that will be in operation at the facility. They have not said when the bridge is scheduled to open. It was expected to be completed last year, but it is now forecasted for sometime in 2026.

This is the busiest trade crossing in North America. The Gordie Howe International Bridge is all about jobs. It's good for Michigan workers and it's good for Michigan's auto industry," Stacey LaRouche, the press secretary for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, said in a statement on Tuesday morning. "As a reminder, Canada financed the construction of the bridge -- which was built by union construction workers from both sides of the border and it will be operated under a joint ownership agreement between Michigan and Canada. This project has been a tremendous example of bipartisan and international cooperation. It's going to open one way or another, and the governor looks forward to attending the ribbon cutting.

The bridge has been in the works for more than a decade, with construction beginning in 2018, during Trump's first term. In his first first year in office, 7 News Detroit reported on how Trump could make the bridge a priority in his push for infrastructure improvements.

PREVIOUS REPORT: Behind-the-scene maneuvering could push new bridge to Canada to front of Trump's first 100 days

But just months later, the owners of the Ambassador Bridge launched a media campaign in an effort to have the bridge blocked.

PREVIOUS REPORT: Moroun family launches ad asking President Trump to stop new Gordie Howe Bridge Moroun family launches ad asking President Trump to stop new Gordie Howe Bridge

We have reached out to the Gordie Howe International Bridge team for comment and will update this story with what they say.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has also not responded to the President's posting.

You can read the full text of Trump's Truth Social post below:

As everyone knows, the Country of Canada has treated the United States very unfairly for decades. Now, things are turning around for the U.S.A., and FAST! But imagine, Canada is building a massive bridge between Ontario and Michigan. They own both the Canada and the United States side and, of course, built it with virtually no U.S. content. President Barack Hussein Obama stupidly gave them a waiver so they could get around the BUY AMERICAN Act, and not use any American products, including our Steel. Now, the Canadian Government expects me, as President of the United States, to PERMIT them to just take advantage of America! What does the United States of America get Absolutely NOTHING! Ontario won't even put U.S. spirits, beverages, and other alcoholic products, on their shelves, they are absolutely prohibited from doing so and now, on top of everything else, Prime Minister Carney wants to make a deal with China which will eat Canada alive. Well just get the leftovers! I don't think so. The first thing China will do is terminate ALL Ice Hockey being played in Canada, and permanently eliminate The Stanley Cup. The Tariffs Canada charges us for our Dairy products have, for many years, been unacceptable, putting our Farmers at great financial risk. I will not allow this bridge to open until the United States is fully compensated for everything we have given them, and also, importantly, Canada treats the United States with the Fairness and Respect that we deserve. We will start negotiations, IMMEDIATELY. With all that we have given them, we should own, perhaps, at least one half of this asset. The revenues generated because of the U.S. Market will be astronomical. Thank you for your attention to this matter! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP

Leaders in Michigan have responded to Trump's statement.

The Detroit Regional Chamber released the following statement:

The U.S.-Canada trade relationship and economies have been successfully intertwined for well over a century, benefiting both sides of our shared border. As Americans, we need to lean into and build off this relationship to maintain our global competitiveness and create jobs and economic growth.The international bridge is the most consequential infrastructure project in the state and region of this generation. It will support economic growth and improve border security, and any effort to block this project would have tremendous consequences for the region, state, and country.We also cannot lose sight of the facts of how this project came about and its importance to our economy as part of one of the strongest cross-border trade relationships in history.Thanks to multiple Canadian national governments, U.S. presidential administrations of both parties, and both Democratic and Republican governors of Michigan, the new bridge is close to becoming a reality and will advance international commerce and accelerate business growth, particularly in automotive, manufacturing, and agriculture.This project would not have been possible without the partnership of the Canadian government, which paid to construct the new bridge. Following the lead of the U.S. in the investment of the Blue Water Bridge, the Canadian government invested in the new international bridge crossing to facilitate the centuries-long trade and economic relationship between the U.S. and Canada and especially Michigan and Ontario for the long term, not for the political dynamics of any given moment in time.Canada is more than a neighbor; it is critical to our economic future. There is no greater example of that than the international bridge.-Sandy K. Baruah, President and Chief Executive Officer, Detroit Regional Chamber

Michigan Democratic Congresswoman Haley Stevens responded saying:

Donald Trump will stop at nothing to undermine Michigans economy. His reckless tariffs have already driven up costs for Michigan families and businesses. Now hes threatening to block one of the Midwests most important infrastructure projects, putting thousands of Michigan jobs and billions of dollars in economic growth at risk.Trumps trade war hurts Michigan, plain and simple. Canada is our longtime partner. Our manufacturing economy depends on the DetroitWindsor corridor, and the Gordie Howe International Bridge is essential to our future.We must move this project forward. I will always stand up for Michigan. Trump needs to drop this threat, let the bridge open, and stop playing games with our jobs and our economy.

Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel released a statement:

The Gordie Howe Bridge is a monumental bipartisan win for Michigans auto industry, economy, and our workersincluding the thousands of union construction workers who have built the bridge. Even Donald Trump previously called it a vital economic link between the U.S. and Canada.Trump started a reckless trade war, punched our states largest trading partner in the teeth, and is now trying to punish Michiganders even further for the chaos he created. Threatening to arbitrarily block the bridge from opening would amount to economic sabotage against Michigan, leading to higher prices, fewer jobs, and greater uncertainty for our states auto industry.Michigan Republicans at every level need to pick a side: Trumps chaos, or standing up for Michigan workers who shouldnt have to suffer because of this disastrous trade war.

Man rescued after being trapped in parking garage that partially collapsed in Dearborn

A person was rescued after being trapped in a parking structure that partially collapsed in Dearborn Friday night, officials say.

The collapse happened around 8:45 p.m. near W. Outer Drive and Garrison Place.

Watch our report from the scene after the rescue: Man rescued after being trapped in parking garage that partially collapsed in Dearborn

A man inside a vehicle became trapped underneath concrete when the parking garage partially collapsed, Deaborn Fire Chief Joseph Murray told reporters at the scene.

First responders at the scene said the man was able to communicate with them during the rescue effort and he told them he did not have any serious injuries. He was taken to the hospital for a medical evaluation.

Murray says crews worked to get the structure sturdy enough to free the victim. The fire and police departments worked with building officials.

The fire chief said there was "a significant amount of concrete, big, thousands and thousands of pounds of concrete, which have collapsed onto his vehicle."

"These type of events can be very complex, a lot of moving parts, especially when you have these collapses and you have a lot of large concrete I-beams that you're afraid that if they shift around that they could cause potentially more damage or hurt firefighters or hurt the victims. So a lot of times, it takes a lot of time, a lot of effort to do it," Murray said.

Teams specialized in collapse rescues also responded to the scene and the victim was rescued much sooner than expected.

"Fortunately, when we had our experts our firefighters are well trained in this, we practice on this all the time with the help of our friends at Western Wayne Mutual Aid, we were actually able to get it shored up a lot quicker than we expected and able to make sure that none of the other pieces would be off-center or move on the victim at that time," Murray said.

A frigid night in Michigan created challenges during the rescue.

"So they were able to feel secure enough with the structure that they were able to access the patient a lot quicker than we initially thought, which is a great thing because it's very cold out today. We were worried about that," the chief said.

Officials asked people to avoid the area as they work to investigate and clear the scene.

The cause of the collapse is unknown at this time.

MiSide's Cupid's Care Diaper Drive helping families in need this February

If you've got little ones at home, you know how expensive diapers can be.

Nearly half of families with young kids can't afford enough diapers. That's where MiSide Community Impact Network is stepping in.

They're running their Cupid's Care Diaper Drive all month long for families enrolled in the EarlyYears program. The goal is to collect 10,000 diapers for local families.

We understand that diapers are a necessity for families, but SNAP and WIC do not provide the funds for families to use those resources to purchase diapers, said Rhonda Mallory-Burns, the director of early head start and head start. With the price of diapers going up, this helps us to support the families.

Diapers in all sizes can be dropped off at 15 locations across metro Detroit through Feb. 28. You can also donate online.

Drop-off locations are listed below:

McKenny Community Center at 19750 Burt Road In Detroit MiSide EarlyYears at 19176 Northrop Street in Detroit MiSide Health at 5716 Michigan Avenue in Detroit MiSide Health at 1700 Waterman Street in Detroit MSUFCU Sashabaw Branch at 6051 Sashabaw Road in Clarkston MSUFCU Auburn Hills Branch at 3220 University Drive in Auburn Hills MSUFCU Berkley Branch at 1833 Coolidge Highway in Berkley MSUFCU Congress St. Branch at 243 W. Congress Street in Detroit MSUFCU Novi Branch at 43420 Grand River Avenue in Novi MSUFCU Brighton Branch at 8510 W Grand River Avenue in Brighton MSUFCU Ortonville Branch at 4 South Street in Ortonville Omega Coney Island at 22501 W. 8 Mile Road in Detroit Java House at 17336 Lahser Street in Detroit Jessica Blair Beauty Supply at 18724 Grand River Avenue in Detroit Vernor Food Center at 8801 W. Vernor Hwy. in Detroit

Lockdown lifted at Oakland University following stabbing on campus

Oakland University was placed under lockdown Thursday night as police continued searching for two suspects after a person was stabbed on campus.

Late Thursday night, the lockdown remained only at Van Wagoner House, a residence hall, while police searched for the suspects. The stabbing happened in front of the building, police said.

RELATED: Read OU's lockdown guidelines here

Overnight, once the building was cleared, the lockdown at the residence hall was lifted, university officials said.

Watch Carli Petrus' video report from the scene below: Oakland University locked down after stabbing on campus, suspects being sought

Police say they responded to Van Wagoner House around around 8:15 p.m. after receiving 911 calls for a fight in front of the building.

According to Oakland University police, a person was stabbed multiple times. The victim was let into the building and received medical help.

The victim was taken to the hospital, but their condition is not known.

Witnesses told police there are two suspects. One is described as a Black male in his early 20s who is between 5-foot-8 and 5-foot 10 and has chin length dreadlocks. He was reportedly wearing a black North Face jacket, black pants and white shoes with blue on the back of them.

The second suspect is described as a Black male in his early 20s with short, curly hair. We're told he was wearing a camouflage jacket and black pants.

The suspects jumped into a dark-colored SUV that went east toward Rochester Hills. Police were unsure if they left campus.

The victim and suspects are not students at Oakland University, police say.

Students say they were notified about the incident around 8:50 p.m. A heavy police presence, including campus police, Auburn Hills police and the Oakland County Sheriff's Office, responded to the campus in Rochester.

"It's really scary just because I thought this was a safe university," a freshman told us. "I'm not saying this one instance defines the university as a whole, but stuff like this shouldn't happen, especially if, not only are we paying to go here, but we're here to not only get our education but feel safe."

Box truck crashes into Fraser auto repair shop after driver has medical emergency

A box truck crashed into an auto repair shop in Fraser Wednesday after the driver had a medical emergency, police say.

Chopper 7 flew over the business on Groesbeck Highway near 14 Mile Road, where there was a giant hole in the wall.

Watch Tiarra Braddock's video report: Box truck crashes into Fraser auto repair shop after driver has medical emergency

Police confirmed that the driver of the box truck had a medical emergency at the time but did not know exactly what that was.

One person, a tow truck driver named Dallas Duckworth, was injured. 7 News Detroit reporter Tiarra Braddock spoke to Duckworth's brother Austin. He says his brother has a broken leg.

Hes going to be in some pain for a while, but as soon as he gets fixed up, hes going to have a short, long recovery to say the least," Austin Duckworth said.

Braddock asked: What was that moment like when you first saw your brother at the hospital?"

It was relieving relieved to know that he was still with us," Austin Duckworth said.

Watch Chopper 7 video below: Chopper 7 shows aftermath of vehicle crashing into Fraser business

Multiple other vehicles were damaged during the crash, police said.

Stephen Gmeiner was driving and caught the crash on his dash camera.

Watch: Dash camera captures vehicle crash in Fraser Dash camera captures crash into Fraser business

"He almost hit a utility pole, hit a snowbank and plowed right into the front of a building, where a flatbed tow truck was delivering a vehicle it looked like," Gmeiner said.

He said he immediately called 911.

First responders were at the scene Wednesday evening. Police blocked off a portion of the road near the building after the crash.

Crews worked to temporarily patch the wall.

Let's hear it: Where are the worst potholes in metro Detroit?

Potholes are appearing earlier than expected across metro Detroit roads and freeways because of the recent temperature fluctuations.

Watch Darren Cunningham's report on Macomb County: Where are the worst potholes in metro Detroit?

We're on pothole patrol, looking for some of the worst problem spots on our area roads.

Watch Mike Taylor explain the current pothole problem: What are potholes and what causes them?

If you want us to check out a pothole near you, email a photo and location to tips@wxyz.com.

Many of you have already started sounding off on problem potholes on our Facebook page.

Remember, you can always report potholes to MDOT for I, M or US routes by filling out an online form or calling their voicemail line.

CLICK HERE TO REPORT A POTHOLE TO MDOT

To report potholes on other roads, reach out to your county road commission or local municipality.

Man dead, woman hospitalized after shooting at party on Detroit's west side

A man is dead, and a woman has been hospitalized in a shooting at a party on Detroit's west side, a spokesperson for the Detroit Police Department tells us.

We're told the police responded just after 1 a.m. Sunday morning at a home in the 17000 block of Quincy, with the shooting stemming from an altercation.

Police arrived at the scene to find a man who had been shot to death. They also say that a woman was hospitalized from the shooting, where she is in temporary serious condition.

The person who fired the shots is unknown at this time, authorities say.

Anyone with information can call our Homicide Unit at 313-596-2260 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-Speak-Up

ICE protests take place in metro Detroit amid 'National Shutdown' movement

Walkouts and protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement are spreading across the country.

WEB EXTRA: Chopper video of ICE protest in Detroit on January 30 Chopper video of ICE protest in Detroit on January 30

At the same time, changes are coming to the White House's immigration enforcement in Minnesota.

The White House border czar, Tom Homan, has announced an eventual drawdown of ICE enforcement in the state.

Homan said officers would be more focused on working in jails and prisons, and less focused on street operations.

The change comes amid heavy criticism of severe and sweeping tactics in recent weeksincluding the deadly shootings of Renee Good on January 7 and Alex Pretti on January 24 by federal agents.

And today, people across the country, and throughout metro Detroit, rallied together for a protest against ICE.

Watch the latest report in the video player below: Local groups call for ICE accountability

Organizers are dubbing it a "National Shutdown," calling for people across the country to not work, not show up for school, and not to shop today.

According to nationalshutdown.org, there were today in Dearborn, Detroit, Novi, Hazel Park, and Superior Charter Township.

Detroit police said in a statement to the newsroom that theyll be monitoring the demonstrations.

We've already seen calls for action throughout Michigan. The main demand in Lansing is accountability for ICE. There are three Senate bills that would restrict where ICE enforcement can take place, prohibit disclosing certain records to ICE without a warrant, and ban law enforcement officers from wearing masks during operations. Testimony was heard by the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday on the package.

"Targeting our neighbors in sensitive locations is not who we are as Michiganders, it is not who we should be as Americans," said State Rep. Mai Xiong, D-Warren.

Shari Rendall from the Federation for American Immigration Reform opposed the legislation.

"Sensitive location legislation creates a bright line that would prohibit immigration enforcement. This bright line is not needed because there is no indication that immigration officials currently conduct general or exploratory raids at sensitive locations," Rendall said.

During the hearing, Sen. Jim Runestad, R-White Lake, the only Republican senator present, frequently clashed with the committee chair, Sen. Stephanie Chang, D- Detroit, calling the hearing a kangaroo court and pushing back on testimony.

"The censorship is ridiculous," Sen. Runestad said during a back-and-forth with Sen. Chang, before holding up a sheet of paper and asking, "These are women who have been raped and murdered across the country by illegal immigrants. Have you testified on behalf of any of them?"

The committee will hold a vote on the legislation at a later date.

The NAACP also held a press conference on Friday to talk about the impact of recent ICE actions.

Watch the press conference in the video player below NAACP Detroit Branch holds press conference following recent ICE actions Where Your Voice Matters

School Closings: List of Friday closures amid dangerous cold weather

Several schools in Southeast Michigan will be closed on Friday as dangerous cold weather continues.

>>Β See the full list here.

View the forecast in the video below: Bitter cold continues to round out the workweek

Temperatures will drop to just below zero overnight and continue into early Friday morning. A Cold Weather Advisory has been issued for some parts Lapeer, Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, Sanilac, and St. Clair counties from midnight to 10 a.m. Friday.Β Wind chills are expected to be around -15.

Former DMC Sinai Grace Hospital nurse given $500,000 bond after being charged in sexual assault cases

A former nurse at Sinai Grace Hospital just faced a judge on new sexual assault charges.

Wilfredo Figueroa-Berrios is accused in eight cases. Today, he was arraigned on four of the newest cases.

Watch our previous coverage

Former DMC Sinai Grace Hospital nurse facing charges in 5 new sexual assault cases Press conference: Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy announces new cases involving former Sinai Grace nurse accused of sexual assaulting patients

He's accused of sexually assaulting four women at Sinai Grace when he worked there as a nurse. One case is from 2024, and three are from 2025. He was arraigned today on several sex crime charges.

The judge set bond in each case at $500,000. If he does happen to get released, he'll have to wear a GPS tether and stay on house arrest. Both he and a hospital spokesperson continue to deny wrongdoing.

Wife of DTE worker imposter charged as accessory in murder of jewelry store owner

The Oakland County prosecutor has announced charges against 34-year-old Amanda Ileana Hernandez, the wife of one of the two men convicted in the 2024 murder of a local jewelry store owner.

Amanda has been charged with Conspiracy To Commit First Degree Home Invasion, Accessory After the Fact, and Conspiracy to Commit False Impersonation of a Utility Worker.

Sam Murray was a beloved father and husband. His family continues to grieve this loss, said Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald in a statement. Im grateful to the investigators who continued to pursue everyone involved in this horrible crime. We will continue fighting for justice for the Murray family.

Joshua Zuazo and Carlos Hernandez were convicted of first-degree felony murder and unlawful imprisonment in separate trials for their roles in the murder of 73-year-old Hussein Murray of Rochester Hills. Judge Yasmine Poles sentenced both men to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Watch the full sentencing in the video below Suspects convicted of killing jewelry store owner in Rochester Hills sentenced to life

Investigators say the two posed as DTE workers to gain entry into his home, then once inside they killed Murray and tied up his wife.

During the hearing, Murray's three sons spoke, and one read a poem that Murray's widow wrote about him.

Hear more from the victim's sons in the video below Sons of Hussein Murray speak during sentencing their father's killers

According to testimony, the suspects took Sam Murray to the basement, where they tied him up and killed him. Linda Murray was upstairs making breakfast when the men came upstairs demanding jewelry and cash.

"I was screaming and Hernandez hits me in the face to cover my mouth," Linda Murray testified when asked about her reaction to seeing blood at the scene.

'He was my best friend.' Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer issues statement on father's passing

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that her father, Richard Whitmer, passed away on Monday evening.

Richard Whitmer, who graduated from Western Michigan University and earned his law degree from the University of Michigan, served in state government in Michigan, including as Commerce Secretary to Governor Bill Milliken. He also worked as CEO of Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan.

The governor issued the following statement about the passing of her father:

"My beloved father passed away last night.He held a lot of impressive positions in his long life. He led major non-profits, sat on statewide boards, and served in the cabinet of one of my predecessors, Governor Milliken. But for me, he was just dad.He was the one who always saw my potential and believed in me, from the first speech I gave in fifth grade to my States of the State as governor. He was always there, whether in the back of the classroom or in the front row of the House Chamber, cheering me on.He was the one who picked me up when I was down or told me to get my act together when I screwed up. When my grades were slacking in high school, he inspired me to live up to my potential. Because of his encouragement, I did.He was the one who suggested I consider public service. As a student at MSU who dreamt of a life in sports broadcasting, he was the one who told me to check out an internship at the capital to see how state government really worked. I havent looked back since.My siblings and I have a ton of beautiful memories and hilarious stories about our dad. And I was thrilled that my girls got to make their own memories with him too. I got to see my dad become a proud, doting grandfather. He was always quick to laugh, happy to offer advice, and proud most of all that his children and grandchildren had grown up with those fundamental Michigan values of kindness, respect, and humor that he taught us and lived up to every day of his life.He was my best friend, most trusted counselor, and next-door neighbor until I moved into the Governors Residence. I would not be where I am and who I am without my dad. Today, Im sad, but Im grateful too. Im grateful for the time we got to spend together, for the things he taught me, and the stories Ill carry with me forever."

Owner of Detroit Free Press, USA TODAY Co., to acquire The Detroit News

USA TODAY Co., the current owner of the Detroit Free Press, has plans to buy The Detroit News.

In a press release Monday, USA TODAY Co., formerly known as Gannett, announced it has agreed to a binding letter of intent with MediaNews Group to acquire The Detroit News.

The acquisition of The Detroit News will be a strategic investment that strengthens the USA TODAY Networks audience and its portfolio of more than 200 local publications nationwide and reinforces our commitment to local journalism in the Detroit metropolitan area, said Michael Reed, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of USA TODAY Co., in a statement. Welcoming The Detroit News

Β 

fully to our network will enable the continued delivery of trusted, high-quality news and content to our audiences and advertisers in the region.

According USA TODAY Co., the plan is to have the Detroit Free Press and The Detroit News continue to publish separately.

Related Story: Detroit Free Press and The Detroit News JOA to end, papers announce Detroit Free Press and Detroit News joint operating agreement to end, papers announce

The news comes just over a month after the dissolution of a joint operating agreement between the papers, which started in 1989. The agreement allowed for both papers to combine advertising, printing and distribution services.

We are pleased to reach this agreement with USA TODAY Co. now that the Joint Operations Agreement has expired after decades of successful operations, said Guy Gilmore, COO MediaNews Group in a statement. Both companies have a mutual desire to ensure that these publications and their distinct journalism continue to serve the greater Detroit area.

Man dead after early morning house fire on Detroit's east side

One man was pronounced dead after being pulled from a house fire on Detroit's east side, the spokesperson for the city's fire department tells us.

DFD responded to the call of a house fire just before 5:20 a.m. at a home the 40 block of W Parkway. We're told that crews were able to knock the fire down and found the man on the first floor.

The spokesperson said the man was transported to the hospital and was pronounced dead when he arrived at Detroit Receiving Hospital.

We're told that no one else was in the home at the time of the fire, and no firefighters were hurt in the rescue.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

❌