Anticipation is building among businesses and locals for what many consider one of the city's biggest events of the year.
The excitement is palpable as the Detroit Auto Show prepares to open its doors to the public Saturday at 10 a.m. For many attendees like Kimberly Phenix, the event holds special significance beyond just seeing the latest vehicles.
Watch Christiana Ford's video report below: Detroit Auto Show brings excitement and business to downtown
"It means a lot to me because my parents always took me for my birthday. Because today is actually my birthday," Phenix said.
The auto show serves as more than just a showcase for automobiles. It's also a spotlight for downtown Detroit's growing restaurant and entertainment scene.
"It's getting bigger and better. Detroit is really building up different restaurants and the auto show is bringing in a lot of people," Phenix said.
Local businesses are preparing for the influx of visitors. At Mootz Pizzeria downtown, manager Barbara Cangialosi says they're gearing up for one of their busiest weekends, with Saturday reservations nearly full.
"It is a really good pizzeria. He mentioned the garlic knots. It's one of our famous appetizers. The garlic knots are huge and you get six to an order and we probably sell hundreds," Cangialosi said.
The restaurant expects to see a significant increase in families attending the auto show and looking for dining options afterward.
"We're always bumping on the weekends. We're always busy, but we can expect more with lots of families coming in with kids and just families coming to the auto show and looking for food afterward," Cangialosi said.
Related video: 2026 Detroit Auto Show: What are some of the auto trends we'll see this year? 2026 Detroit Auto Show: What are some of the auto trends we'll see this year?
For many Detroit residents, the auto show has become a cherished winter tradition that brings the community together during the colder months.
"It's winter there's not much to do for families and I think people our age make it a tradition," Cangialosi said.
Related video: 7 family-friendly attractions at the Detroit Auto Show beyond the cars 7 family-friendly attractions at the Detroit Auto Show beyond the cars
Phenix agrees, expressing her enthusiasm for returning to the event after a brief hiatus.
"I'm excited to go this year. I haven't been a couple years, but this year especially I was excited. I was gonna go to the auto show, me and my husband," Phenix said.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
A proposed townhouse development in Novi could reshape wetlands and woodlands, worrying nearby residents who plan to join environmental advocates at a public hearing next week.
The proposed 161-unit townhomes would be developed on 31 acres of land on Providence Parkway, but residents living nearby are concerned about the impact to wetlands and tree removal and the density of homes.
Watch Christiana Ford's video report below: Concerns growing over impact on wetlands
Ann Nelke, who has lived in Novi for 18 years says The Villas at Stonebrook was her dream spot because of its single-floor layout, but her serene woodsy backyard may soon see changes.
"I've lost sleep over it to be honest," Nelke said.
Developers are looking to transform the woodlands behind her neighborhood into 160 townhome units. The site has nearly 7 acres of wetlands.
"It's very upsetting and Novi is a tree city. It's been that way for 30 years. In the master plan, it talks about sustainability and woodland, wetland preservation," Nelke said.
The developer, Robertson Brothers, says about half an acre of wetlands would be impacted, removing a number of trees. Nelke says she's not against development but even that goes too far.
"I think the fact that they want to take down so many trees, it's too dense for that area. It's not a good fit for the area," Nelke said."The area closest to Grand River, that'd be great, and then maybe a little further so that there's less destruction of the natural features because Novi, again, is very much in favor of the master plan of organized development. Something that would have the least amount of impact and I feel like this would have a great impact on the environment and the surrounding residents," she said.
Nelke isn't the only resident upset about the proposal. Resident Paula Barnes says her family moved to the location specifically for the woods.
"We are not happy about it at all. We never would've moved here if we had known that," Barnes said.
Barnes is among a group of dozens of community members planning to send letters and show up for a public hearing next week, where the planning commission will consider rezoning the area from light industrial to high density multi-family.
"My husband is going to be the talker, so he has a list of things he's gonna say," Barnes said.
Novi City Planner Barbara McBeth says the project is still in the very early stages of the process and officials are thorough.
"Our master plan and our ordinance standards both require review of the natural features that might be on a site for any development, including this one. So the woodlands and the wetlands will be evaluated," McBeth said.
The city says the wetland mitigation areas would be required to be protected by a conservation easement, as would any woodland replacement credits planted on site. Staff has also requested remaining woodland and wetland areas be placed in conservation easements.
McBeth says even with the current zoning, the process of required wetland mitigation would be the same. In this case, Robertson Brothers are proposing to go beyond requirements.
"Wetland mitigation would be provided actually in excess of what the city requirements would be because of the fact that there's an EGLE permit from the state that is also needed, and they're trying to be consistent with the EGLE permit that was previously issued when an industrial medical office building was proposed," McBeth said.
The meeting is the first opportunity for the public to make their voice heard, but there will be no recommendation from the commission that day. If the project moves forward, another public hearing will be held before it heads to the city council.
"For me to think that oh well, it's just going to happen anyway, I couldn't look at myself. I have to feel like I've tried my hardest, and that's why I do all the research and attend all the meetings and I post on Nextdoor and those kinds of things," Nelke said.
McBeth says the citys master plan states that there is a need for housing of varied typologies, from starter home to senior housing, at various price points to cater to the needs of different demographic groups. Survey respondents indicated a demand for more diverse housing types. The most popular housing type remained the detached single-family home, followed by townhomes and senior living apartments.
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.
While public high school enrollment across Michigan has been declining since 2013, one non-traditional program in Oakland County is bucking the trend with remarkable growth that has administrators and education experts taking notice.
The International Academy West in White Lake, a public school of choice within the Huron Valley Schools district, has seen its enrollment double in the past year, with similar growth expected for the upcoming school year.
Watch Christiana Ford's video report below: Huron Valley school see surge in enrollment
"The International Academy West specifically is seeing massive increases in enrollment, specifically a double in last year, and we expect the same in the upcoming school year," said Paul Salah, superintendent of Huron Valley Schools.
The International Academy has multiple locations in the area and ranked U.S. News and World Report #8 Best High School in the U.S. and #1 in Michigan. As far as college readiness, it ranked top national and state for College Readiness & Curriculum Breadth.
Niche.com ranked #1 in Michigan for Best Public High Schools & Best College Prep Public High Schools.
The school offers the International Baccalaureate program and is free. The west campus is open to students from Oakland County and neighboring counties. Classes focus on preparing students for their next steps after graduation, which parents say is a major draw.
Senior Nicholas Marinescu said the program has been rewarding.
"It's definitely been challenging, that's for sure. But I think it's safe to say that this program has armed me with all the tools I need to kind of succeed and know how to orient myself and my day-to-day life," Marinescu said.
Fellow senior Asahi Natsume praised the school's approach to encouraging independent thinking.
"Within classes as well, you're very much encouraged to form your own thoughts, to have an opinion, to speak up about what you may feel is important to you," Natsume said.
Both students have received college acceptance letters and are looking forward to applying International Baccalaureate (IB) credits toward their post-secondary education.
They will also graduate with IB Diploma Programme, which is globally recognized.
Principal Ryan Parrott said the school's collaborative environment sets it apart from traditional high schools.
"The biggest difference is we are a program of choice for students. All of our students are coming in together and understand that they're going to be working all four years together throughout this international baccalaureate program. It is a highly collaborative environment. Students really get to know each other," Parrott said.
Parent Karin Bottomley, whose daughter will be an incoming freshman and third child to attend the program, says she encouraged her children to attend.
"We just kind of realized this was a hidden gem within the Huron Valley school district and we really encouraged our kids to come here," Bottomley said.
The school's success comes as state data shows enrollment at Michigan public high schools has been declining since 2013. Jon Margerum-Leys, dean of the School of Education and Human Services at Oakland University, attributes the overall decline to population changes and increased educational options.
"What was once a monolithic option and a really good option again, I want to say how important community-based public schools are but as we've added these other options inevitably, the main option sees less students, fewer students and in Michigan. That means less money, so the finances get really complicated for the schools," Margerum-Leys said.
According to the Michigan Department of Education, the state's declining birth rate has contributed to enrollment decreases in traditional public schools. The rapid increase of charter schools has also played a role, with the number jumping from a cap of 150 in 2011 to 366 as of the 2024-25 school year.
As Michigans <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.mdch.state.mi.us/osr/natality/tab1.1.asp__;!!FJkDyvWmnr4!c39JK3QUnumtW7qCAb9QpjT4NufwGO1qI4yNj7B5dE4wsGoYGPrzaDXfdEn5MnbdSSvC3iafereXGcCtcELQee4CnjgL$">birth rate has declined [mdch.state.mi.us]</a>, enrollment in traditional public schools has been decreasing slightly in recent years. Local school districts and Michigan are working collaboratively to attract more students in numerous ways, including new laws and other measures to improve student literacy, expanding preschool and secondary school programs, developing and hiring more outstanding and highly qualified teachers, providing better school mental health services and advocating successfully for school funding increases. The state has shown improvements in many metrics that measure progress toward goals in <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.michigan.gov/mde/-/media/Project/Websites/mde/top10/top_10_mi_strategic_ed_plan_promising_practices_1_pager.pdf?rev=10f3f05c8cb140989b91565cc9364ff8&hash=08EF0354AD856A371B5D55C3E0C30C0B__;!!FJkDyvWmnr4!c39JK3QUnumtW7qCAb9QpjT4NufwGO1qI4yNj7B5dE4wsGoYGPrzaDXfdEn5MnbdSSvC3iafereXGcCtcELQeaN0mqgf$">Michigans Top 10 Strategic Education Plan [michigan.gov]</a>, including record-high metrics for graduation rates, participation and success in Advanced Placement exams and participation in Career and Technical Education programs. We support parents right to choose the most appropriate educational setting for their children, however, the proliferation of charter schools in the state has contributed to enrollment losses in traditional public schools along with the declining birth rate. The number of charter schools in the state, which was capped at 150 until a change in state law in 2011, had jumped to 366 as of the 2024-25 school year.
Margerum-Leys, a third generation educator, has had experience interacting with families and administrators of all school types. He believes having options can benefit families but says the decision can be complex involving various factors.
"It's good for each family to have some choices and some positive ways to do what's best for their own kids," Margerum-Leys said.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
From the roads to the skies, the last 36 hours have been a headache for travelers all over metro Detroit. Delays and cancellations are piling up as airlines are still working to catch up after multiple ground stops. The snow-clogged runways prompted the FAA to first issue a ground stop at Detroit Metro on Monday, followed by a ground delay. And this morning, many travelers just want to know if their flights are actually going to leave on time.
As of 7:30 a.m., there have been 17 cancellations and 75 delays this morning, and 93 cancellations in the past 24 hours.
The weather made travel really tough yesterday, and it doesn't look like we're off to that great of a start today either. This is as the busy holiday travel season is in full swing.
Watch Christiana's report below
Travelers still battling delays at DTW amid winter blast
Travelers we spoke with tell us that they're frustrated and just hope they can get home.
"So far so good," said Pontiac resident Linda Walker. "No issues, and hopefully it will stay like that with no delays and no cancellations, and I can get to Florida without any issues."
"I knew there would kind of be a spillover," said Annette Muller from Algonac. "This got a little bit crazy, but I think everyone is going to make it through, you just got to pack your patience and hurry up and wait like we always do, I'm staying positive."
Airlines are working to keep things moving, but with weather like this, even small delays can have a ripple effect throughout the day.
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan delivered his final report on the city's residential blight removal program, marking the near completion of one of his signature campaign promises. The program has dramatically reduced abandoned homes owned by the Detroit Land Bank from 47,000 to fewer than 1,000.
Watch Christiana Ford's video report: Detroit's blight removal program reduces abandoned homes from 47,000 to under 1,000
A recent University of Michigan study shows total home values have increased from $4.2 billion in 2014 to $8.8 billion in 2023.
"It was unbelievable, the conditions the neighborhoods. One out of every five houses in the city of Detroit was vacant. The city had been demolishing houses at the rate of 25 a week," Duggan said.
PREVIOUS STORY: Detroit homeowners are gaining $1.4 billion in wealth in 2024, with a focus on neighborhoods growing. Detroit home values rise by 19% in 2024, increasing nine years in a row
When Duggan took office, Detroit faced a massive blight crisis with more than 47,000 abandoned Land Bank-owned homes scattered across the city.
"I ran on a platform that every neighborhood had a future and that we could erase blight," Duggan said.
12 years later, that number has dropped to just 942 homes. The city demolished more than 18,000 homes and sold more than 9,000 during Duggan's tenure.
"Since 2020, we've actually sold more vacant houses in this city than we have knocked down. That was a tipping point for the city," Duggan said.
Of the remaining homes, 240 are scheduled for demolition within the next six months, and more than 700 are expected to be sold by the end of next year.
The mayor recapped the two phases of the successful demolition effort: Phase 1, with $265 million in federal funding under the Hardest Hit Fund program, and Phase 2, with the $250 million Proposal N bond approval.
Hardest Hit Fund Phase (2014-2020)
FundingDemolitionsHome Sales/Renovations
$265 Million 18,701 9,043
Proposal N Phase (2021-2025)
FundingDemolitionsHome Sales/Renovations
$250 Million 8,277 (8,000 promised) 10,037 (8,000 promised)
Duggan highlighted the Marygrove-Fitzgerald community as one area where transformation has been particularly dramatic.
"That was where we started. Those were beautiful homes. That neighborhood was probably 35-40% vacant when I started. Those houses are now going for $150,000 to $250,000, and if you go talk, go find any neighbor in Marygrove that lived there in 2014 and talk about the transformation of that neighborhood. It is a beautiful neighborhood again, as it was when I was a kid. I remember it when I was a kid," Duggan said.
Cailyb Jordan, who has lived in the Marygrove neighborhood his whole life and now owns a home there, can attest to the changes.
"As a kid, it wasn't your best neighborhood to - I only had corner to corner to ride your bike from, essentially, from like the gardens, the community parks that we have built up, just giving the opportunity more to our neighborhood than we had before, and the upkeep of it has just been top tier," Jordan said.
As Duggan prepares to leave office, he says funding is secured for the work to continue, even as the city investigates and tests potentially contaminated backfill.
To successfully close out Proposal N environmentally, Duggan says the city must remove contaminated soil from every site at which contractors used unacceptable and possibly contaminated backfill.
The City has retained the environmental consulting firm Mannik & Smith Group and says it is testing every single site with a suspicion of contaminated backfill. Mayor Duggan outlined the two investigations underway:
<ol start="1"><li>Iron Horse of Michigan, Inc. supplied several City contractors with soil from its sand and gravel pit in Milford Township that it represented was undisturbed, native soil. Soil from Iron Horses Milford facility has been used to backfill 424 demolition sites in Detroit. City testing has shown elevated levels of contaminants in soil at multiple sites supplied by Iron Horse, suggesting the strong probability that Iron Horse supplied contaminated and recycled soil. The City issued an order on November 3 suspending Iron Horse as an approved backfill source and has turned the matter over for investigation to EGLE, the State environmental agency responsible for environmental regulation and enforcement of sand and gravel pits. While the State investigation is ongoing, the City continues to test each one of the Iron Horse sites and is promptly removing any soil found to have contaminants at unacceptable levels. While earlier media reports characterized this issue as attributable to one demolition company Gayanga the investigation has shown that all City contractors using Iron Horse backfill have experienced the same level of elevated contaminants. </li><li>The Detroit Office of Inspector General (OIG) reported this summer that demolition contractor Gayanga Co. LLC may have intentionally used backfill from unapproved sources. In September, Mayor Duggan asked the Detroit Police Department to open a criminal investigation into whether such activity occurred, who was responsible, and whether there was a basis for pursuing potential fraud charges against any individual. So far, 24 Gayanga sites have been found to have unacceptably high contaminant levels (not including sites where Gayanga used soil supplied by Iron Horse). The soil from all of these sites has already been removed by the City. Including sites where Gayanga used soil from Iron Horse, the City has removed soil from 58 sites to date, and the work is ongoing. In addition, in the 3-month investigation to date, DPD has identified 49 other suspect Gayanga sites, all of which are now being tested.</li></ol>
The Mayor indicated that the City has retained $15 million in the Proposal N Closeout fund.
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.
Residents in Lyon Township say they were blindsided by the approval of a massive data center project, claiming local officials failed to notify the public about the development that could transform 172 acres near their homes.
Watch Christiana Ford's video report: Proposed AI data center in Lyon Township draws controversy
The controversy centers around "Project Flex", a six-building data center complex proposed by California-based company Verrus. The project was conditionally approved by the township's planning commission in September, but many residents say they only learned about it recently through neighbors and social media posts.
"A neighbor notified all the neighbors, and then we've been finding out piecemeal on Facebook as well, which is unfortunate," said Kimberly Killian, who lives nearby.
The industrial zone sits just 300 feet from their residential zone, making Killian and her neighbors among the closest residents to the proposed facility.
"I'm extremely upset, I'm heartbroken, nobody wants that in their backyard," Killian said.
Planning commission documents show Verrus submitted a site plan application on August 7, which the commission approved on September 8 with conditions. The approval process happened without public hearings, as data centers are permitted uses in industrial zones under township regulations. The planning commission is not made up of elected officials but appointed.
Mike Kazy, who serves on the Downtown Development Authority board, discovered the project through his official role and took it upon himself to inform neighbors.
"I felt that was my obligation, my first step was to notify my neighbors so they knew, and things have kind of picked up from there," Kazy said.
Community members have since flooded social media with questions and concerns about the project, particularly regarding its potential impact on water resources, electricity infrastructure, and property values.
"Everyone understands, and living in this community, there's developments popping up everywhere. Right, you can't restrict somebody's ability to sell their property. I think everyone understands that. I think the biggest frustration here is nobody knew anything about it," Kazy said.
When contacted for comment, township officials declined an on-camera interview but later issued a press release.
The statement explained that data processing and computer centers are allowed in the I-1 light and I-2 general industrial zones without requiring public hearings or board votes, and noted that township proposals and documents are available online for public viewing.
RELATED STORY: Saline Twp. data center proposal sparks fears over energy costs and transparency Saline Twp. data center proposal sparks fears over energy costs and transparency
The response did little to satisfy concerned residents.
"It answered no questions, and it basically told me we don't care what you guys think," Killian said.
Kazy says he knows many leaders care about the community, but takes issue with how the information was communicated.
"I understand that they're saying be involved, show up to every meeting, that's not realistic for everybody, and that's why we have representation," he said.
We reached out to Vladimir Dvorkin, Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Michigan, for an engineer's perspective on the site plan. According to the website, Verrus says its system is to help data centers, big buildings full of computers, use electricity in a smarter way, combining micro-grids powered by advanced, high-capacity batteries with intelligent software to allocate energy optimally.
"We have a preliminary results we're bound to publish where we actually show what is the value of energy storage in distribution systems for smoothing the impacts of data systems and what our results show that this technology is so fast enough and it can be optimized so efficiently that residential, commercial and all other customers will see almost no impact on distribution system operations, on power quality, provided that there is a right amount of energy storage units placed on site," said Dvorkin. "So it is indeed possible, but as we all say, Devil is in the details. We need to always make sure that we procure enough energy storage, that the software that we use is actually optimized, and it's fast to respond."
He expressed optimism about the technology involved, despite some concerns about water and electricity used, water for cooling, and electricity for computations.
As engineers, were very hopeful. We know how to control this technology, and we are very optimistic. These data centers can bring solutions that make everything sustainable, said Dvorkin.
He emphasized potential benefits for the township, county, and state with smart design.
"Data centers might seem like a strain on communities, but because of their commitments to decarbonization, we might see a lot of innovation like new sites for solar generation and energy storage that will significantly enhance our grid infrastructure," said Dvorkin.
The project cannot move forward until Verrus submits updated plans addressing all conditions set by the planning commission, including completion of a sound study. The company has not yet provided those updated documents.
Once the township finalizes approval, the plans will be valid for 2 years, until September 8, 2027.
The township says once the final site plans have been submitted for review, the applicant must apply for a detailed engineering review, and the applicant will have to receive approvals from all applicable agencies (Drain Commission, EGLE, etc.) prior to commencing construction.
Once pre-construction requirements have been met, the development team can schedule a pre-construction meeting and, thereafter, commence construction
The Lyon Township controversy follows a similar situation in Washington Township, where residents packed a township hall meeting to voice opposition to another proposed AI data center development.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Macomb County residents pack zoning meeting to oppose proposed data center Macomb County residents pack zoning meeting to oppose proposed data centerThis 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.
Detroit's Senate Theater, a nearly 100-year-old community landmark powered entirely by volunteers, faces mounting financial pressures as costly repairs threaten its future operations.
Watch Christiana Ford's video report: Nearly 100-year-old Detroit Senate Theater needs community support for repairs
The nonprofit Detroit Theater Organ Society, which owns and operates the Southwest Detroit venue, needs approximately $150,000 for building maintenance despite recent Giving Tuesday fundraising efforts.
"We're maintaining one of the few movie theaters that are left in the city of Detroit," said John Lauter, secretary of the board of directors for the Detroit Theater Organ Society.
The theater's story began with a beloved pipe organ that needed a home after being displaced during Fisher Theatre renovations in 1961. What started as a private club has evolved into a public theater hosting movies, concerts and shows for the community.
"The grand mission is to keep a roof over the head of this instrument, which we really want to preserve. It's a very historical piece. It's a very significant piece to Detroit and to this type of organ," said Lauter. "We also want to keep being a theater for the neighborhood and for the city."
However, the building's age presents increasing challenges for the volunteer-run organization.
"Time is constant. The clock ticks every moment the building gets older," Lauter said. "We're getting to the point where some of the physical demands of the building are becoming pressing."
Current priorities include masonry repairs, stage support improvements and fire safety system upgrades. The organization relies on raising money from programming and on donations to fund these essential projects.
"We need more donors in this. We're getting into six figures in these projects all told," Lauter said.
The theater previously faced a similar challenge when its original attraction sign deteriorated to the point where its structure was declared unsafe. Donors raised over $140,000 to replace it with a new LED sign.
"We were able to raise that money and defray that cost," Lauter said.
The organization hopes end-of-year contributions will help bridge the current funding gap and preserve the theater's unique community role.
"We're keeping alive this building and this tradition of going to the theater to see films together with people, and it's a different experience," Lauter said.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
A chance encounter at Detroit's tree lighting ceremony led to an unexpected act of kindness that brought three strangers together on Friday.
Dave Hillyard lost his wallet during the crowded downtown Detroit tree lighting event attended by thousands. What happened next restored his faith in humanity.
Watch Christiana Ford's video report below: Couple meets woman who returned lost wallet to their home after Detroit tree lighting
Sierra Williams, a Detroit resident working at a pop-up bar during the tree lighting, was given Hillyard's wallet by a coworker and couldn't locate a lost and found. Instead of leaving it behind, she made a decision that would surprise everyone involved.
"I'm like I want them to have their stuff because I know how it is on the weekend when you need your ID or even if you want to go out that night, so I'm like I'm just gonna take it to them when I get off. No worries," Williams said.
After her shift that same night, Williams drove from downtown Detroit to Farmington Hills to return the wallet to Hillyard's front door. Their security camera captured her dropping off the wallet with all cards and cash still inside.
"I mean, it was delivered back to the house that's just wild," Hillyard said.
What Williams didn't realize was that she had been caught on camera, and the couple was trying to find her to say thank you. Their social media post went viral.
"I was like who's looking for me because it never crossed my mind that I was on camera. Like I pressed the doorbell hoping that somebody gonna catch it," Williams said.
On Friday, Hillyard and his girlfriend Shelby Lukas met Williams at a Coffee and Bark in Berkley to express their gratitude in person.
"I greatly appreciate it," Hillyard told Williams during the meeting. "You saved a lot of heartache, that's for sure."
For Williams, the gesture came naturally.
"I just wanted them to get their stuff back. I did the right thing because that's what I was taught to do," Williams said.
Previous report: 'We owe her a lot': Stranger returns lost wallet to Farmington Hills couple's doorstep 'We owe her a lot': Stranger returns lost wallet to Farmington Hills couple's doorstep
The experience reinforced her belief in helping others.
"It feels good to be able to help someone. I feel like we're always on the go or we're always busy and it just feels good to really help somebody, actually have a community," Williams said.
Hillyard hopes their story inspires others.
"I just hope this is a good message for everybody that good people are out there still. We are surrounded by good people still. It's not all negativity," Hillyard said.
The reunion proved that sometimes, small acts of kindness can create lasting connections between strangers.
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 Taylor mother is pleading for help identifying the driver who slammed into her car and fled the scene, leaving her with thousands in medical bills and no transportation.
Kristina Sinclair was turning into the driveway at her workplace on Nov. 23 when a dark-colored SUV struck her vehicle and sped away. The entire incident was captured on her employer's security camera.
Watch Christiana Ford's video report below: 'You didn't care': Taylor mom seeks answers after hit-and-run crash caught on camera
"Next thing I know, there's somebody running into me," Sinclair said.
Sinclair, who works caring for seniors, said she frequently drives down the street where the crash occurred. But this time was different.
"Suddenly, out of nowhere comes this vehicle. It moved like it was going to try to go around me on the left side and instead, it basically T-boned me and side swiped me," Sinclair said.
The driver immediately fled the scene without checking on Sinclair's condition.
"For all you know, there could've been something wrong with me and you took off and you didn't care. I can't imagine doing that to anybody," Sinclair said.
A coworker who witnessed the crash through a window immediately called police after coming outside to help.
Taylor police say they are investigating the incident but have not been able to identify a suspect so far.
Watch surveillance video of the hit-and-run crash below: Surveillance video shows cars crash during hit-and-run in Taylor
Sinclair believes the vehicle was a dark-colored SUV that sustained a flat tire and damage to the front end and passenger side following the collision.
"The hope is that because it's on camera, somebody, somewhere would know something or be like, I know that car or I know that person or this person was acting suspicious and I saw this or, you know, anything. Like every little bit, every little thing helps," Sinclair said.
The crash totaled Sinclair's car, leaving the working mother struggling financially. She says she now faces thousands of dollars in emergency room bills from the incident and has no reliable transportation to get to work.
"I can't afford a new car right now. Like this wasn't in the plan. Now I can't afford Christmas, like getting to and from work you know? I have to catch rides and things," Sinclair said.
Sinclair hopes sharing the security camera footage will help bring the hit-and-run driver to justice.
"Somebody out there has to know who did this," Sinclair said.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Taylor 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.
Three children found their forever homes during Washtenaw County Trial Court's Adoption Day celebration, marking a heartwarming conclusion to National Adoption Month.
The courthouse opened its doors to media for the first time since 2019, allowing cameras to capture the emotional moments as families finalized their adoptions.
Watch Christiana Ford's video report below: Three children find forever homes during Washtenaw County Adoption Day celebration
Sam Collingsworth officially adopted his wife's daughter Airi, describing the feeling as overwhelming joy.
"I'm finally adopting my wife's daughter Airi, my daughter," Collingsworth said.
For Jessica and Layne Hurd, the day represented the end of a 13-year journey. The couple brought Miles home just two days after he was born in June and couldn't imagine life without him.
"We are very excited. It feels like Christmas morning," Jessica Hurd said. "It's a testimony of Jesus and God like that's our biggest thing. Like it's his story to tell, it's not ours and when he does, we hope it points to him (Jesus)."
Despite the long wait, the Hurds said every moment was worth it.
"Bringing him home within the first two days, you forget about those 13 years of waiting. It's like if somebody told me would you do it all over again, I'd be like yeah. It's a hard 13 years, but this guy's worth it. He's totally worth it," Hurd said.
Judge Arianne Slay, who presided over the adoptions, emphasized the significance of the legal proceedings.
"The legal step where it is final and permanent and we are solidifying these relationships legally," Slay said.
According to state data from last year, more than 10,000 children are in foster care in Michigan alone, with more than 100,000 nationwide.
Slay decided to allow media coverage to raise awareness about adoption and foster care opportunities.
"This is just an amazing opportunity to bring awareness to fostering and adoption as a possibility to just grow all the love in your home," Slay said.
The judge hopes the public celebration will inspire others to consider adoption.
"I think it's time for us to get back to making sure that our families are strong and that no child is left feeling alone or not feeling secure and having the love of a family. This is an opportunity to do that," Slay said.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
This year, as more people are thinking about what to buy for the holidays, they're also thinking about how much it's going to cost them, and one study shows it could cost an extra $132 on average because of tariffs.
Watch Christiana's report in the video player below Tips for saving money on Christmas shopping amid tariffs
Joann Kerber is out holiday shopping early, as she always does.
"I'm searching for gifts for my two little grandsons, who are three and five," she said. "I like to shop early. I think there's a better amount of things then."
The owners of Toy Box in Utica say this year, it's a good thing she did while there's still pre-tariff inventory and pricing.
"When the tariffs were first announced, everybody was freaking out," said co-owner Ron Manoviec. "I mean, us included. We were scared. We didn't know what was going to happen, so we started just buying. We started buying pre-tariff pricing. We started stockpiling and getting ready. We still have some of that stuff here, so prices have not gone up as much as they could have. It's coming. I mean, we're running out of stock.
Ron and Tracey Manoviec have been in the toy business for 17 years. 80 percent of their product comes from China.
"A lot of our vendors, luckily, they've eaten a lot of the increase in cost," Ron said.
They say price increases of $1-3 on some items are much more modest than expected.
"We're seeing maybe a 9 to 15 percent surcharge on some things," Tracey said. You have to manage that, you know, it could have been worse, it could have been a lot worse."
Dr. Jeff Rightmer, an expert in Global Supply Chain Management with Wayne State University, said shoppers are beginning to see more of the tariff impact.
"As we get closer and closer into the Christmas season, and I know we're already here, you're gonna see some of that inventory get worked off, and you're gonna see prices rise," Dr. Rightmer said.
Each dollar is adding up. A recent Lending Tree study estimates that tariffs could add $40.6 billion to Holiday spending, an extra $132 per shopper.
I asked Dr. Rightmer if that estimate sounded right and if it was drastic.
"I have read several studies like that that say that the prices are going to go up, and it could be an extra hundred, two hundred, three hundred dollars depending on what you're buying," Dr. Rightmer said.
"It doesn't shock me, I mean, the price of everything has gone up, groceries, everything like that," said shopper Samantha Hunter.
The rise in prices has mom Samantha Hunter getting out early and shopping local with a plan. 'Tis the season to be prepared.
"I was planning on probably spending the same as I have the past few years, but this year as a parent, I've kind of tried to lessen what I'm spending and what I'm kinda getting the kids just to kinda keep the spending down"
A 91-year-old Korean War veteran received a tribute from his hometown during Southfield's annual Veterans Day celebration Friday.
Watch Christiana Ford's video report: Southfield honors 91-year-old Korean War veteran at annual Veterans Day ceremony
James Elias Jackson, who served as a Marine from 1952 to 1954, was honored with a certificate of appreciation from Mayor Ken Siver in front of friends and family at the ceremony hosted by the city's Veterans' Commission.
"The Marine Corps was my teacher," Jackson said. "When I went to the Marine Corps at the early age, I knew very little of the world and how to deal with people."
Jackson served as a combat infantry trainer, flamethrower, and bazooka operator during the Korean War. The veteran has learned much since his battlefield days, carrying lessons of leadership throughout his life as a dedicated husband, father, and UAW representative.
"I'm blessed to be a proud Marine. I served from '52 to '54," Jackson said.
Barbara Selton of the Southfield Veterans' Commission emphasized the harsh conditions veterans like Jackson endured during the Korean War.
"Many of our soldiers came back with frozen fingers from frostbite, frozen toes, just all many and all kinds of ways. He's one of those who survived," Selton said.
The ceremony was part of Southfield's annual Veterans Day tradition, bringing together local leaders, veterans, and families to honor service and sacrifice.
"So we wanted to celebrate him. Let him know that we love him, we thank him, and we will never forget the sacrifice that he made for all of us," Selton said.
Mayor Siver presented Jackson with an official certificate, reading: "In grateful appreciation and recognition for your service with the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War, issued this seventh day of November 2025."
"Thanks, everyone, for being here. I will cherish this day for the rest of my life," Jackson said.
Jackson's daughter, Sonia Jackson Myles, expressed her pride in seeing her father finally receive recognition.
"My deep appreciation and dedication for service. My deep and profound love for humanity came from my father. That's who he is. And to see him receive this recognition today is such a dream come true. It is such an honor to see him receive his flowers at the ripe old age of 91," Jackson Myles said.
The Veterans Day celebration featured a 21-gun salute by the local VFW post and a wreath placement at the war memorial. MSC Industrial Supply partnered with the Michigan Disabled American Veterans nonprofit to donate socks and personal hygiene products for veterans in need.
Veterans in attendance place a rose into a vase in honor of a veteran.
Selton encouraged year-round support for veterans beyond the annual ceremony.
"Let us not wait until this day. Let us do a lot in between and then culminate in this day," Selton said.
Jackson shared the most important lesson he learned during his military service, which he has passed on to his children.
"My passion, I teach my daughters and all of my kids, is to be kind to everybody, help somebody if you can," Jackson said.
James worked for General Motors for 49 years and retired in 1996 as an International Representative for the UAW. During his tenure, he negotiated several national agreements between GM and the UAW. He was also the Chairman of Local 668 from 1970 to 1980 in Saginaw, MI. James was an avid golfer, winning many championships with his golf club, The Saginaw Travelers. He has been the President of the Sr. Usher Board for 30 years at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Southfield, MI. He was married to Nella D. Jackson for 59 years before she passed in 2019. James is a proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Spending time with family is one of his favorite pastimes, in addition to watching his favorite game shows, Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, Family Feud, and Raid The Cage.
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.
Waterford police have arrested a 36-year-old ex-convict in connection with a series of home break-ins that targeted residents along the Waterford-Pontiac border over three weeks.
Watch Christiana Ford's video report: Man arrested in string of home invasions
Prentice Slaton was charged Monday by the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office with one count of second-degree home invasion, a 15-year felony. Police believe he is connected to at least five additional home invasions, with more charges pending.
The arrest came as part of what police called Operation "Kicked In," a joint investigation by special operations detectives from Waterford and White Lake townships.
"Same thing would happen, unscrew the light bulb over the door, and then they would kick the door in," Waterford Police Chief Scott Underwood said.
The break-ins typically occurred in the early morning hours. Slaton allegedly targeted homes near the Waterford-Pontiac border, taking advantage of the area's accessibility.
"It was easy to cross Telegraph and to get back to Waterford and to get into Pontiac back to Waterford as well," Underwood said.
One victim, Ashley Bruske, discovered someone had broken into her home after reviewing footage from her security cameras. The video, captured around 5:45 a.m., showed someone dressed in all black walking across her front lawn.
"Heart was racing, the officer was, like, just wait in your car. It was almost like I just want to drive away and be down the road, but at the same time, it was my house," Bruske said.
The surveillance footage helped lead to Slaton's arrest the following morning.
"The surveillance crew happened to spot him getting into this car. We were able to make a traffic stop with the help of the Oakland County Sheriff's deputies, and he was taken into custody," Underwood said.
"Between the video, the witnesses' statements, and like I said, some other investigative techniques, we were able to piece that all together, and that's what led to the arrest," he said.
Another Waterford resident, Michael Tollison, believes his family's home was also targeted.
"They ransacked our daughter's room, they ransacked our bedroom, broke the window in my son's room, and they stole some rings, they stole piggy banks of my sons, and pretty much ransacked the whole house," Tollison said. "I'm glad they were able to arrest them and get him off the streets."
Slaton has an extensive criminal history with multiple arrests for similar offenses, including home invasion and larceny, dating back to 2008. He was released on parole in August.
A second suspect who was originally arrested with Slaton as the driver has since been released pending further investigation.
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.
Food pantry lines stretch for blocks across Detroit as the federal government shutdown has cut SNAP benefits.
See the full story in the video below
At the New Bethel Baptist Church's Forgotten Harvest Mobile Pantry on Detroit's west side, the line extended down the street and around the parking lot on Tuesday. The pantry typically serves around 250 people, but organizers estimate they saw more than 300 visitors.
"I got to be out here doing the footwork for my family, which is two houses, and I will do that. If it takes me three, I been up here three and a half hours, I'll do it again," Sonya Wilkins said.
Wilkins arrived early Tuesday morning and waited hours to reach the front of the line. Her daughter is among 1.47 million Michiganders who rely on SNAP benefits.
"They need to get together and end this. Put this food back in these babies' mouths," Wilkins said.
Local food banks and pantries report demand was already elevated this year, but lines have grown even longer since the shutdown began.
"It was a lot of people, you know, it just blew my mind," client Larry Breeden said.
Eric Bell, the director of the New Bethel Baptist Church Mobile Pantry, confirmed the increased demand and says volunteers are needed.
"In Detroit, politics has to step aside when we take care of the needs of our residents," Duggan said in a Facebook video with council members.
Since issuing a call for volunteers Friday, more than 800 people have signed up to help at pantries across the city. You can sign up to volunteer here.
Bell expressed appreciation for the city's support.
"I'm very happy with that. I'm pleased with that and I just hope that they keep up the good work," Bell said.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
Waterford police have arrested two people believed to be involved in a series of break-ins after a Pontiac woman's security cameras captured one of the suspects on video.
Ashley Bruske discovered her home had been burglarized Thursday morning when she returned from the gym. Her side door was damaged, and a light that should have been on was off, which immediately raised red flags.
Watch Christiana Ford's video report below: Waterford PD arrest 2 in string of break-ins, Pontiac woman's cameras capture a suspect
"I had already backed out at this point, but you can see the door is cracked and that light was off and that's what triggered in my head, that's unusual," Bruske said.
When she checked her security cameras, she saw footage time-stamped at 5:45 a.m. showing someone dressed in all black walking across her front lawn.
"That's when it became real. Like there's a real person that is doing something inside my house, outside of my house, I don't know where they are right now," Bruske said.
The video shows the suspect possibly carrying items in their hands. The thief had kicked in her door and rummaged through her bedroom, stealing cellphones, a work bag and jewelry that belonged to her late grandmother.
"I couldn't even go out and buy it again, or it's just something that directly correlates to how she carried herself and it's something I was proud of to have because I knew when she was wearing those items she was proud," Bruske said.
Waterford police announced Friday morning just one day after Bruske's cameras captured the break-in that they had arrested two people possibly involved in multiple break-ins in the area. Police believe one of the arrested suspects is the person seen in Bruske's security video.
"The video I have of him, I think it'll trigger something for someone. Clearly he dressed to break into houses," Bruske said.
While she waits for charges to be filed, the arrests provide some peace of mind.
"Hopefully, it never happens again," Bruske said.
Bruske's dog safely slept through the entire incident. Her cat was also safe.
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.
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