In the aftermath of Tuesday's fiery explosion at the Keatington New Town Condominiums, thousands are talking about a mystery Amazon delivery driver who ran into the danger.

Resident Paul Kastran said, "Hes a hero. Hes the first guy who jumped in."

Young Chris Deluca told 7 News Detroit that he saw the man carry a victim out of the fire, "It was pretty heroic."

His mom Lauren Deluca said, "To go into that, not knowing if anything else was going to explode? He definitely put his life on the line."

No one knew exactly who he was, but they knew how his heroic actions made them feel.

Young Leighton Mcameer said, "My mom had to run back in and get her purse, and the Amazon person was standing right there and I was crying because I was really scared and then he came over and held my hand and told me it would all be okay."

After a day of searching, 7 News Detroit did find the hero.

Too humble to go on camera, Christopher Bissonnette agreed to talk over the phone. He shared that he was delivering packages to the neighborhood when he saw the explosion around 7 p.m. Tuesday. He looked up and saw an older gentleman, clothes half-burned off, standing in the middle of the disaster.

Chopper video shows aftermath of explosion at Orion Township condo complex

"I moved some debris around and picked him up by one leg, grabbed his back and carried him out of there and got him to the side of the curb," said Bissonnette. "Then I ran around trying to help the other lady."

Bissonnette said he does remember seeing Leighton Mcameer, "Her brother and her were standing there in the middle of the yard, and she goes Im so scared Im like Come here, come here, I got you.'"

After making sure everyone was okay, he said he tried to drive off unnoticed, "Thats when the other residents saw me and started talking to me. I told them what happened and they started calling me a hero."

When asked how that made him feel, he responded, "Awkward, I didnt know how to accept it, and it felt weird."

However, extremely deserving.

A day later Bissonnette, like many of the residents, is still working through the catastrophe that happened at the condominiums.

In the end, he said he simply did what he knew was right.

"God keeps putting me in weird conditions, the right spots I guess," said Bissonnette.

Where Your Voice Matters

A Detroit family sprang into action to save their elderly neighbor after a fire broke out inside her home early Tuesday morning.

The fire happened around 3:30 a.m. on the city's east side on Hickory Street near Linnhurst Street, which is near Gratiot Avenue and 7 Mile Road.

Jennae Williams, who lives on Hickory Street, told 7 News Detroit she woke up to the smell of heavy smoke. Then, she looked outside.

"I heard someone screaming help me. Help me! Im screaming at my brother like we have to help. We have to help! He wakes up out of his sleep. We run over here and shes almost out the door, but we literally had to pick her up and get her out of the house," Williams said.

Williams said her and her brother were able to carry their neighbor, 90-year-old Miss. Louise Harris, out of her home and to safety.

Detroit firefighters took the elderly woman to the hospital to be checked out.

Demetrious Washington lives across the street and told us that Miss. Harris has lived there since 1974.

"We all look out for Miss. Harris," Washington said. "Everybody knew her, she looked out for the community, she loved the kids, she loved everybody, shes a beautiful woman."

The majority of the damage to Miss Harris' house is on the back of it, but it does not appear livable.

The Detroit Fire Department said the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Norma Black attends Galilee Missionary Baptist Church with the victim and said Tuesday afternoon that Miss. Harris is physically unharmed.

"Shes tired and shes resting. Shes still feisty and she was thanking everyone for what theyve done for her," Black said.

Black also said that Miss. Harris has nowhere to go when she leaves the hospital.

"The house is not livable, so were looking for somewhere for her to reside," Black said.

Without a home right before the holidays is a heartbreaking situation but together, the many who know and love Miss. Harris say they will work to ensure that she is safe.

"I think thats what neighbors are for we all gotta have each others backs," Williams said.

On Monday afternoon, Hamsa Daher showed us around the building that was St. Vincent Middle School in Detroit's Corktown.

It's the building she and her co-founder Paul Spiegelman are now working to turn into Kintsugi Village.

"This is going to be a community hub," Daher explained.

Kintsugi Village is a nonprofit.

Daher told 7 News Detroit that the first floor of the building will be an early childhood education center for 3-year-olds to 5-year-olds.

The second floor will be home to an artist incubator and a retreat center.

"It will be a collaborative sort of space, so well have a residency program that will support up and coming artists, where they can hone their skills and also learn the business side of things," Daher said.

The third floor is planned to be an event space and have a culinary kitchen.

Daher said the idea is that those working and learning on each of the floors will co-exist and support each other.

"So the kitchen will serve food for the kiddos at the school. It will also serve food for any groups in the building," Daher said.

Bobby Jones lives next door to the building and told 7 News Detroit, "Our neighborhood's really cool, but especially for people who have lived here a long time, there isnt a whole lot of important community things that youd expect to have."

It's because of this that Jones said he's really excited about the building concept.

"Its going to be really awesome. You wouldnt think it, but there is a lot of children in this neighborhood, so its going to be a good benefit," Jones said.

Longtime Detroiter Nadia told 7 News Detroit she enjoyed the idea of the artist incubator.

"As an artist, we like having those safe spaces because a lot of times, we feel like we have to go abroad to those spaces," she said.

Daher said Corktown community members have informed her that parking has become a problem since the Detroit neighborhood has spiked in growth. For this reason Daher said Kintsugi Village will have on-site parking, as well as a greenhouse and community garden.

"Thats really an opportunity to invite the community in, so they feel like this is all sort of theirs and they can participate in that," Daher said.

Kintsugi is a Japanese art, which means to join with gold, to piece broken shards together again and create a more beautiful object.

That's exactly what Daher hopes to do with Kintsugi Village.

"Detroit has been through a lot and is resilient but when we all come together, were stronger, were much more supportive of each other and thats really the metaphor for this sort of work we are doing here," Daher said.

Kintsugi Village's childhood center is planned to open in September 2025. Daher said the second and third floor will open in the months that follow.

They plan to hold a Corktown community meeting on Dec. 2 to show the community their plans and hear any ideas.

On Thursday afternoon, Halie Conyers invited us into her beautiful jewelry store, Halie & Co.

When asked what it means to her to have it, she replied "honestly, it means the world to me."

According to Conyers, she opened the Eastern Market location, her first brick-and-mortar store, this past June.

She said that being able to open it is largely due to the client base that she grew at what is a holiday tradition for many, the Downtown Detroit Markets.

She remembers applying to be a vendor in 2022.

"I honestly thought it was too high scale for me," Conyers said. "I was just doing this on the side on the weekends, but I applied anyways."

She was accepted, both in 2022 and 2023.

With that temporary hut in Campus Martius Park, Conyers' business started to take off.

"Its unreal," she said, "I always joke that its like the Willy Wonka golden ticket to have your business be in the market because youre unstoppable."

When asked how many customers she thinks she may have gained being a part of the markets, she replied "probably a few thousand."

This year's downtown markets include 17 local creators.

Many of them also hope the markets give their business a jump.

Scott Boateng, owner of Preva Hair and Body, is one of those creators.

"A lot of us have quit our jobs to pursue our business," Boateng said. "This is everything for us."

According to the Gilbert Family Foundation, in 2023, over 160,000 people visited the markets.

More than 145 vendors have participated over the last seven years and collectively, the markets have generated more than $5 million in sales.

"Honestly speaking, this is like, this is gonna be about 90% of our income for the year because its a lot of traffic down here," Boateng said.

So yes, the downtown markets are a fun holiday tradition for many local families, but while shopping, remember they're also a life- changing opportunity for our local creators.

To all those who shop, Conyers says "firstly, thank you. Because youre truly supporting someones dreams. These are not corporations that are popping up at these markets. These are individuals, families, couples that have a dream."

The Downtown Detroit Markets are open every Wednesday through Sunday this season, and select Mondays and Tuesdays.

Happy shopping!

This Veterans Day, we're shining a light on a remarkable veteran in Lapeer who has provided housing for hundreds of our community members.

It's really an astounding story. In 2013 Vietnam veteran Patrick Bell created Caroline House, a home in Lapeer where he has about 20 people  primarily veterans staying at a time, completely free, as they work to get back on their feet.

I visited Caroline House to learn how Bell got started providing a home for those without and see the lives he's changing.

Driving by the big house house, it's unassuming. There's nothing too abnormal, but inside every day, something incredible is happening.

Bell is a Vietnam veteran, and he's lived to see quite a lot. He showed me around Caroline House.

"Why is it named Carolines house?" I asked.

"Because that was my daughter who died, 6 years old, 44 years ago," Bell said.

He bought the 10-bedroom, four-bathroom farmhouse back in October 2013. He was spending his weekends that fall in the Cass Corridor of Detroit, handing out food to people who had nowhere to live.

"A guy came up and told me he knew I was a farmer and he said, Id work on your farm for free if I could stay in your barn, and thats when the light went off," Bell said.

See my full interview with Patrick in the video below One-on-one with Patrick Bell, the founder of Caroline House

Rather than just feeding people without a home, Bell tells me he thought he could do more.

He served as a U.S. Marine in the Vietnam War in 1969 and 1970, and noticed that many fellow veterans in particular were without housing.

Pat started inviting those he met to come live at Caroline House for free.

"How many people have come to stay here with you?" I asked.

"I think Im about 360 something right now," he said.

He tells me about 22 people can stay here at one time.

"Its not a shelter, its a home," he said.

He also pays for everything himself, and prioritizes creating a family atmosphere.

"We have two big tables where we all sit and eat dinner together, like a family," Bell said. "If you could take all the homeless and string them together, the one thing they dont have is family. Now you develop a family."

Aurora Harmon and her little girl, Rosie, are part of that family. She isn't a veteran, but she was leaving an abusive relationship and was almost nine months pregnant when Bell told her she could come stay at Caroline House. Her bubbly daughter, Rosie, was born while they were living there.

"Ive had my own apartment for about three years now, and its been great knowing that I went from not having my own home to now having my own apartment, my own family," she said.

Art Phillips served in the Navy from 1974 to 1976. He and his wife are currently living at Caroline House after being evicted and sheltering at their storage unit.

"He sees a need and puts an effort forth to solve the problem," Phillips said. "The owner of the storage unit stopped by said we couldnt stay there overnight, but was a really nice guy, and told us about Pat. Pat was up the next day, then we were here. It was remarkable."

Like any functioning household, Bell says he does have rules.

"Well, first and foremost is no alcohol and no drugs, and theres no forgiveness in that," he said.

"We pitch in together as a group for items that we need, but Pat always keeps the freezer full," Phillips said.

"Family over everything at this point and its like you can improve from going from nothing to something," Harmon added.

While people live here, Pat works to help find them a job and affordable housing. In the 11th year of Caroline House, he tells me he has about a 97% success rate.

"People from all over the state call me now," he said.

He still spends many weekends giving out food in the Cass Corridor, and he's still dreaming. He told me he's working on a plan to help better the lives of children in foster care.

"Youre a very special human being, you do a lot for a lot of people," I said.

"Yeah, well its like that sign in the hallway here, it says leave nobody behind, so thats what I try to do. When I was in the Vietnam War, we never left anybody behind," he said.

Where Your Voice Matters

The National Weather Service confirmed that a weak EF-0 tornado briefly touched down in Holly on Sunday night as storms moved through the area.

According to the National Weather Service, the tornado had an estimated peak wind of 70 mph with a one-mile path and 50-yard width.

WATCH BELOW: American Legion Post in Holly suffers "significant structural" damage after storm American Legion Post in Holly suffers "significant structural" damage after storm

It touched down at 6:56 p.m. about one mile southwest of Holly and lifted two minutes later.

"The tornado began in a wooded marshland southwest of Holly and continued northeast into the Village of Holly before dissipating just east of the center of town near the intersection of Martha St. and Washington St. Sporadic concentrated small tree and large limb damage, loss of roofing material on several facilities, construction site damage, and minor siding and fascia loss were observed along portions of Tenny St., Lock St., Legrande St., Sherman St., Saginaw St., Church St., Martha St., and Washington St.," the NWS said.

American Legion Post `149 in Holly suffered significant structural damage after the storm.

According to the Legion Post's Facebook page, the damage came after the storm hit Holly around 7 p.m. on Sunday evening. A large portion of shingles got blown off the roof, with a horizontal crack forming in a major section of the hall.

"Really, it has to happen on Veterans Day?" said Stephen Striggow, Finance Officer with the Holly American Legion. "I was sad, this post was built on our sweat and with our backs and its terrible to see the part we ourselves built being, basically demolished."

Legion Commander Tina Thurlow says dozens are community members are already reaching out.

"The Village said we could use their place for our meetings, The Moose actually reached out and offered us their place as well, again just a lot friends saying what can we do? Can we come over and help clean up? Can we do this, can we start a fundraiser for you? How can we help you get through this?" said Thurlow.

Striggow says, "it was unfortunate the reason for the attention, but it shows how much the community really cares, and makes us feel really proud."

Holly Fire Chief and Building Official Chief Jeremy Watson says theyre still assessing the damage, but miraculously not one war article, flag, or mural was damaged.

"Here we are celebrating Veterans Day and we can probably say that all the memorabilia was saved," he said.

The Legion has been getting messages asking how community members can help, they ask that you follow their facebook for updates and any fundraisers.

"For safety reasons, entry into the building is strictly prohibited as we address these structural concerns," the Post said via social media. "While initial observations suggest that strong winds may have lifted the soffit, causing the roof to shift and break a mortar joint separating it from the wall, these are only early speculations. A professional assessment is necessary to determine the full extent of the damage."

The Legion Post also thanked the Holly Fire Department for their prompt response to the storm damage, saying in part that "their professionalism and support mean so much to us."

Thankfully, no one was injured during this event. With the Post temporarily closed, all rentals and gatherings at the building are suspended until further notice.

Saturday evening, Kim VanHorn, her husband Sam and their 18-year-old son Alex were at Ford Field in Detroit.

The three were volunteering at Alex VanHorn's brother's band competition.

On the way home afterward, their lives would change forever.

"We remember fire and we remember screaming for each other," Kim VanHorn said.

Around 11:42 that night, Michigan State Police say a semi-truck with a trailer came up on stopped traffic along I-96 in Webberville. Police say the semi didn't see the backup, didn't stop in time and created a fiery 15-vehicle crash.

Kim, Sam and Alex VanHorn were in one of the cars. None of them remember the initial impact.

"The next thing I know, I woke up and I had my head to the left, and I remember feeling like a big rush over my head," Kim VanHorn said. "I looked up and saw a lot of fire and I remember screaming help, and I couldnt find my husband and I could hear my son screaming that he couldnt get out."

Four people were killed and 17 were injured.

4 dead, 17 injured after semi crashes into several vehicles along I-96 near Webberville

"My husband was in the ditch and he doesnt remember how he got there. A police officer brought him to me, and I remember hugging him and I remember hugging my son and my son had blood all over his face. The man that rescued me was hugging us and telling us everything was gonna be OK and telling us we were loved," Kim VanHorn said.

As of Monday evening, the driver of the semi and Sam VanHorn remain in the hospital.

Kim VanHorn said that Sam is suffering from a traumatic brain injury and "he has a possible broken neck, multiple broken ribs, a lung contusion, possible spine injury."

Kim VanHorn's sister has started this GoFundMe for the family.

She says the family wasn't sure how they would make ends meet while they recovered, but they are already astounded with the communities generosity.

"The band community, the state of Michigan," Kim VanHorn. "I cant even describe the overwhelming support we have from all of them. Its just, its been amazing."

Where Your Voice Matters

Governor Tim Walz traveled the state of Michigan Friday making campaign stops in Lansing, Traverse City, and Taylor.

In Taylor, Walz spoke directly to a room of union members, citing his own past as a union worker.

Walz campaigns in Detroit 4 days before Election Day

"Im not poor, but I lived on a teacher's salary," said Walz. "Thank God I had a union that helped me."

Walz started his remarks speaking about the opposing party's recent comments; "Donald Trump was caught on tape chatting with Elon Musk, as they were laughing about, if a group of folks go on strike, just fire them."

He went on to say that a vote for him and Vice President Harris will boost the economy, as well as bring support for union rights, women's rights, and pensions.

"During the time Donald Trump was president we lost 2.7 million jobs, 280,000 in Michigan alone, 9,000 in the auto industry when six plants closed," said Walz.

Union members in attendance told 7 News Detroit that they felt Walz's comments hit the nail on the head as far as what they were looking to hear.

Union member Jessica Smith said; "He talks to us like hes our neighbor, like he understands us, and I feel like him coming from a middle-class lifestyle, he can relate to what our struggles are."

"Its proven that union wages lift all wages all around, so to have someone up there that understands that, thats wonderful," said union member Andy Kozicki.

Union member Steve Rinaldi noted, "Definitely the pension part was big because a lot of people that we have come across and talked to really really rely on pensions."

Union member William Pitts said he was encouraged to hear about women's rights, "The empowerment of women, he let you know how critical it was, this election its very important for our future."

Team Trump sent out this statement in response to Walz's visit:

Tim Walz and Democrats closing pitch is that Americans who dont want another four years of inflation, unlimited illegal immigration, and wars abroad under Kamala Harris are garbage, and the women are stupid. Thats why Michiganders are going to kick both Walz and Kamala to the curb on November 5 when they re-elect President Donald J. Trump.

Walz closed his remarks Friday saying that he knows voters are tired, but their energy is needed in these final hours leading up to election day.

"One or two votes in the precinct of Michigan could win this thing for all of us," said Walz.

Where Your Voice Matters

The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential is suspending the licenses of 4K Learning Center Detroit and 4K Learning Center Southgate with the intent to revoke them.

According to an order from the state of Michigan, on Oct. 24, the bureau received a complaint that included three videos that reportedly show the owner of the centers, Isatou Whitfield, in a van, hitting, kicking, strangling and screaming at a child.

The document then goes on to detail the horrendous abuse including Whitfield allegedly stomping on a child curled into a ball, yelling "You like that (redacted), do you like that?"

Whitfield allegedly strangled the 12- or 13-year-old child screaming, "Do you know I will kill your (redacted)?" while the child screams.

The document says the videos were taken three years ago and two child care staff members were also in the van.

It says that one of them is the child's mother, and the child is autistic. 7 News Detroit attempted to reach out to Whitfield but was unable to reach her.

Our team did speak with Asia Boynton, mother to 4-year-old CJ, who told us that her son was abused by 4K Learning Center Southgate workers in May.

"I walked in and saw it. He was in the back of the classroom. He had tables around him, so nobody else would see, and he was strapped to the table leg." Boynton said. "When he heard my voice, he jumped up and tried to run to me, but he couldn't."

Boynton said that CJ is autistic, and multiple times when she or her boyfriend would come to pick him up, they would find him restrained to chairs or tethered to desks.

"So the next morning, I called the owner and she was telling me 'I would never. Would never do that to your child, especially a kid with special needs,'" Boynton said.

She said she also witnessed workers aggressively grabbing children. There were cameras, but every time she asked to see them, she was brushed aside.

"I feel like if you guys have cameras, I should be able to see the video," Boynton said.

A single mom with a job as a medical assistant, Boynton, like many other parents, said she feels forced to put her faith into day care centers while she works.

She filed a police report with Southgate police and put CJ into a different therapy center, which she said he love. But he still flinches and acts nervous some days.

"I still think about it when I drop him off every day," Boynton said. "Personally and honestly, I think somebody needs to be in jail."

State officials say the investigation into Whitfield's child care centers continues.

Two days before Halloween, Jocelyn Ho gave us a tour of her store and lab, Rare Plant Fairy, in Detroit.

"This one we won an award for, we named it the Philodendron Belle Isle," said Ho, referring to one of their plants.

Her and her team care for thousands of different rare and exotic plants, which is interesting enough in itself. However, we're spending the day with her because of specific work her team is doing working to clone a plant.

What plant? The famous, and nearly extinct, ghost orchid.

"Weve been working on these ghost orchids for about 2 years," said lab director Deb Sweeney.

"Its a plant that is very well known in pop culture," added Ho.

Watch the video below where Jocelyn walks us through the lab Walking through Rare Plant Fairy Detroit where they try to grow rare plants

There are books and movies all about the ghost orchid, named for its white, delicate flower.

They are native to the Everglades, people travel from across the world hoping to find just one.

"Even though theres only 1,000 in the wild, theres a couple hundred here already," said Ho.

She's referring to the baby ghost orchid clones they have growing.

To clone, or propagate the ghost orchids, Sweeney puts pieces of the plant into a pink jelly-goo full of nutrients called synthetic media.

After a few years, they grow into the baby roots the team has now.

Ho said that their baby roots now need to be "hardened out," planted in soil, and in a few years, under very specific conditions. Ho said that the cloned ghost orchids will bloom right here in Detroit.

"Us humans, weve done so much harm in the world," said Ho. "This is my little way of trying to help that."

For all of the rare plant lovers out there, Ho also said that their potted ghost orchids will most likely be available for sale in about a year.

Britney Carucci shared with us a video taken on an iPhone by her 6-year-old son Zaiden in Roseville on October 17th.

Zaiden has autism, is nonverbal, and loves to sing.

In the video, you can hear a few notes from Zaiden as he runs out of his grandmother's home, directly into a neighbor's house.

"He ran out of his grandmothers home, and the neighbors front door was unlocked, and he didnt stop for a second, he literally ran out of his grandmothers home and right into their house," said Carucci.

No person was home at the neighbor's house, but you can see in some of the video that two dogs were.

Carucci said that when Zaiden ran into the neighbor's house, he shut the door behind him, and was brutally mauled by the two dogs inside.

Zaiden still had the iPhone and was still recording, in the video Carucci said, "You see the dogs jumping on him, hes screaming, a scream I havent heard since hes been born."

Carucci said Zaiden was staying with his grandma when this happened, his grandma was busy giving one of his siblings a bath and realized Zaiden was missing within minutes.

She then quickly called 911.

"The police actually found him," said Carucci. "They did find my iPhone and his location was pinging up across the street."

Once in the hospital, Carucci said; "He also had to be intubated for two days because of his pain, so he also was on a ventilator for two days because of how extensive the pain was."

We're not sharing all the photos of Zaiden's injuries because they are extremely graphic and upsetting.

"He does have fake tear ducts because they ripped down his eyelids," said Carucci. "He also has 80-something bite wounds all over his arms."

She shared that Zaiden will now need extensive long-term medical care including lifelong skin grafts, physical, and occupational therapy.

Carucci said she is leaving her job to care for him full-time at home. Loved ones have started this GoFundMe to help pay the medical bills.

"If you cant contribute to the GoFundMe, just share," said Carucci. "Share Zaidens story so it gets out there, for even other parents that have autistic children. They know their children elope and to the extent that something could happen like this."

Zaiden running away like this is called elopement behavior. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the National Autism Association (NAA), 49% of autistic children elope or run away.

Carucci shared that she has special locks at her home to help keep Zaiden safe, and they will now be installing them at his grandma's house.

"He will make a full recovery, its just when and how long," said Carucci.

Eventually, she plans to slowly reintroduce Zaiden to animals, on his terms, "Just so its not a lifelong thing, because he really does love dogs."

Thursday Carruci shared another video with us, one of Zaiden in the hospital recovering.

In the video, you can hear that he has started to sing again.

A survivor, Carucci hopes Zaiden's story will raise awareness for other parents of children with autism.

"Just to be more aware of the surroundings of our autistic children and we know that we cant keep our eyes off them," said Carucci. "For not even a second."

At mile 24, Kalamazoo runner Patrick Vanderbush said the 47th Detroit Free Press Marathon was shaping up to be absolutely perfect.

"I was focusing on my time and I was landing them, it seemed effortless," said Vanderbush.

He said it was his 13th marathon and his 60th birthday.

"I was looking at my watch and just comforting myself saying Im right where I want to be, I have an easy two miles left, and in less than an hour Ill be celebrating my 60th birthday with the family,'" he says.

Right then is when Vanderbush said everything went black, "Everything that happened beyond that point is a complete mystery."

Vanderbush had a heart attack, he was rushed to DMC Heart Hospital in Detroit where a team of medical professionals immediately sprang into action working to save him.

DMC Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Amged Abdelaziz was on that team.

"We really have to be really quick," he told 7 News Detroit. "He came back from basically death."

The team said that Vanderbush had an almost 100% blockage to a significant artery in his heart. They put two stents in to help his blood flow and were able to save him.

DMC cardiology fellow Amanda Sandles said his survival is also thanks to first responders on the scene at the marathon.

"I know they had to shock him at least four times before he got to us and they had to do compressions before he got to us and if they hadnt done that quick and fast work, he wouldnt have been able to get to us to do our job either," said Sandles.

Vanderbush said, "Infinitely grateful just doesnt seem like it scratches the surface of what I really want to convey."

Feeling good now, Vanderbush said he does plan to run another marathon one day, he also joked that after everything, he did get two stents for his birthday.

In fact, he said he named them, "They are Windsor and Ambassador."

At the end of Thursday, he was also given a marathon finisher's medal from the Director of the Detroit Free Press Marathon.

After Vanderbush joked, "So my previous PR took me over 5 hours to earn, this one breaks the record by another 67 hours."

Friday was the first day Hussein Murray's Hamtramck pawn & jewelry shop, Gold and Glitter, was open following his murder.

Inside you could feel the weight of the community's grief as life-long customer after customer stopped by to offer their condolences.

"Ive known him since I was like 13 and Im 33," said one customer named Darren. "Sams like my uncle for real, different color, different race, but thats like my uncle for real."

David Pitts who has been a customer for 45 years said, "He would give you anything you ask for, if you didnt have any money for something and you needed it, Sam would help you out."

Ivette Gonzalez, who has been a customer for 25 years said, "Hes just an amazing person, kind-hearted."

She said when going to talk to Murray's family, "I didn't even know how to talk to them because its overwhelming."

72-year-old Hussein, called "Sam" by the many who loved him, opened his Hamtramck shop in 1988 and through it built close relationships with hundreds of people.

His brother Ali Murray tells me Sam would frequently help many people out with medical bills, whatever was needed.

"The greatest man Ive ever known," said Murray.

On October 11 police said two men came to Sam's house in Rochester Hills pretending to be DTE Energy workers, and saying they needed to check a gas leak.

Suspects posing as DTE workers kill man, duct-tape woman at home in Rochester Hills

They then allegedly murdered Sam when he led them down to the basement.

Police say they also tied up Sam's wife upstairs and one of them allegedly hit her.

Murray said he knows his brother was not around to see that, "Anyone who knew my brother knew he would eat them alive before he watched that."

37-year-old Carlos Hernandez and 39-year-old Joshua Zuazo from Dearborn have now both been charged with Sam's murder and denied bond.

RAW VIDEO: Arraignment in murder where suspects posed as DTE workers

Investigators believe the family was targeted because they owned the jewelry store.

Sam Murray was a husband, a brother, a father to three, and a grandfather to 12.

"He was the most generous, kindest man in the world," said Ali Murray.

Customers and family say he was a father to the fatherless.

A man who will not be remembered by this senseless crime, but by the hundreds of lives he made better.

"My mentor, my hero," said Ali.

Last Thursday, 21-year-old Jarrett Burkhalter was pulling out of Humbug Marina in Gibraltar, getting ready to take his boat to his favorite small island and relax, when he heard a loud boom.

Just around the corner he saw a boat in the water, engulfed in flames.

Related Video: Videos show different angles of boat on fire in Gibraltar Videos show different angles of boat on fire in Gibraltar

"It was pouring out smoke," said Burkhalter. "Tremendously!"

Burkhalter told 7 News Detroit that he then started to hear cries for help.

He said the wind was blowing hard and it was a cold day, so without a second thought: "I flung my boat around here, I put my nose against the side of his boat."

Once next to the boat, Burkhalter said he found an elderly couple on board.

"They were shaken up," he said, "The guy said he just filled the tanks up too, so when I heard that I said we gotta get off.'"

7 News Detroit asked Burkhalter what he was feeling during the whole experience.

He said, "Well theres not much thinking going on when that happens, its just you gotta think fast, you cant freeze up."

He said he quickly helped the couple off the boat and back to the dock, just in time, and unharmed.

Since the rescue, the couple has reached out to thank Burkhalter.

He said he would do the same for anyone.

And at the end of the day he finally made it to his favorite island, and cracked "a nice cold beer."

The Gibraltar Police Department is aware of Burkhalter's actions.

They told 7 News Detroit that plans are in the works to honor him with some kind of citizens award in the future.

It was an exciting day full of fresh veggies for fourth- and fifth-grade students in Hazel Park.

On Tuesday, the district hosted its first-ever "farm to school" farmers market, introducing students to fresh produce that may be unfamiliar to them.

I visited the market on Tuesday morning to get an inside look at what it provided and talk to students at Webb Elementary about what they learned.

"Today we bussed in 350 4th and 5th graders throughout Hazel Park School District," Dan Wrobbel, the food service director for the school district, said.

On a sunny and brisk Tuesday, hundreds of Hazel Park students flooded Webb Elementary in Ferndale for the district's day. It was a hands-on opportunity for children to learn about fresh produce that may be unfamiliar to them.

"Im seeing apples, lettuce," Ryelee Dockery, a fourth grader, said.

"There was corn, there was peppers," Arlo Germain, another fourth grader, added.

"I have some broccoli," Maelyn Lazar, a fifth grader, said.

Students aren't just learning about raw vegetables. They're learning about planting and cooking them.

"The best part is we get to try vegetables thats healthy," Sammie Milton, a fourth grader said.

"You said the best part is getting vegetables, why is that?" I asked Sammi.

"Because you need vegetables to help your body so your body wont melt down from sweetness," Sammie said.

Wrobbel worked to make the opportunity happen for students using grants, and a partnership with the National School Lunch project.

He tells me at this farmers market, they're giving away over 120 cases of fresh produce using Veggie Bucks that were distributed.

"In spending time in the cafeteria, I know that when I walk through with a leak or deacon radish, I get a lot of wide eyes in instances where children arent familiar with those produce," Wrobbel said.

According to Baker Institute, in 2023, over 17% of U.S. households with children were food insecure, with kids lacking affordable nutritious food.

It's a statistic that Hazel Park Schools Superintendent Amy Kruppe has seen first-hand.

"Food is expensive and its really rough for many of those in our community, so this opportunity again, we want our kids to have every opportunity that every other student has," Kruppe said.

At the farmers market, they're getting just that.

"Whats your favorite vegetable?" I asked fourth-grader Joey Wearing.

"I would say a jalapeo," he said.

"My favorite vegetable is a tomato," Ryelee said.

"Theres a lot of cool stuff," Arlo added.

The district said they hope to put on a market similar to this in the future.

"First thing I did when I came in is I walked over to the tables and said How was it? And the kids said Dr. Kruppe, its so good!'" Kruppe said.

"I learned that theyre healthy for you and healthy for your stomach," Sammie said.

Where Your Voice Matters

While campaigning in fellow battleground state Wisconsin, vice presidential candidate Tim Walz took time out for a 1-on-1 interview via Zoom with 7 News Detroit reporter Sarah Michals.

Both the Trump and Harris campaigns have been making weekly visits to Michigan, a battleground state, as the presidential election nears.

You can watch the full one-on-one interview in the video player above. The full Q&A with Walz can be found below my report:

Tim Walz tackles Detroit growth, Middle East, economy & more in WXYZ 1-on-1

Sarah: "Hello, Governor Walz. How are you doing today?"

Tim Walz:

I'm great. Thanks for having me.

Sarah: "Oh yes. Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today. I really appreciate it."

Tim Walz:

Absolutely. Go right ahead.

Sarah: "Thank you very much. So in preparation for this interview this morning, I put a call out on social media asking Michigan voters what they would like to hear from you today. One voter asked, what specific opportunities do you see for the federal government to help with Detroit's continued recovery and growth?"

Tim Walz:

Yeah, well, first of all, we're excited about it. I said as a fellow Midwesterner, to watch the Renaissance in Detroit. And it comes in contrast to Donald Trump putting it down. I think the investments in the Infrastructure Act was - the infrastructure law was a huge piece of this. I think the CHIPS Act - making sure we're seeing the resurgence of the auto industry and high-tech industry that's coming due to Michigan. I'm really concerned. And because Donald Trump has made it clear and Senator Vance has made it clear that they would pull back those opportunities. Senator Vance called the investment that we made in Lansing and the new plant there, those 650 jobs, table scraps. Those are out of these programs that are in place. There is so much more in those three acts that we put forward that can continue to invest. And look, Detroit is - I've said this - Michigan's not a state that fears the future, you've invented the future. And I think, once again what we're seeing is, now is not the time to pull back on these major investments. And then, I think, coupled with, ways to make life more affordable for folks, whether it's housing downpayment assistance, whether it's some of the price gouging around, whether it's groceries or pharmaceuticals, and then tax credits that are aimed right at the middle class. The last thing we need to do is add tariffs that Donald Trump is proposing that would add about 20% to everything you buy. Those slow down the growth because, look, Detroit's attracting people there, housing's more affordable. All of those things will make for these new industries just to take off. And I, for one, look for the next century of Detroit's leadership. It's exciting.

Sarah: Thank you. Here in Michigan, many of our community members have family and loved ones in the Middle East. What would you do differently than the current Biden administration to put an end to the violence that we're seeing in the Middle East?

Tim Walz:

Yeah, it's unacceptable. As we passed the one year anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attack and the hostages that need to be returned and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as we've seen this, I think it comes to the leadership that Kamala Harris has shown that she can bring forward. I think it's been very clear, especially over the weekend with former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley saying Donald Trump is the most dangerous person to our country and global stability. I think what we do is we make sure we lead with our values. We do not abandon our allies and we do not coddle dictators, as Donald Trump has done. I think that's the first thing that sends a strong message that our allies unify together and we bring stability to the region. And I think Kamala Harris is the person who can do that.

Sarah: Is there any action that the two of you would take together that would be different than what we're seeing right now?

Tim Walz:

Well, I think the leadership style that she will bring to this is one that gives us that opportunity. I think you see our allies are nervous at this point of Donald Trump. They know that he can't be trusted. And that's whether it's in the Middle East or whether it's in Ukraine or quite honestly, whether it's in the Pacific, where Donald Trump tends to cater towards folks who are not with us. And I think that type of relationship building starts to strengthen our allies because this is going to take a broader effort. And Kamala Harris has proven - she's met with over 150 world leaders - when she's in the Situation Room, the experts know that she's the right person to be there. When Donald Trump's in the Situation Room, Secretaries of Defense, his own national security advisers, Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, say he can't be trusted. And that's a big difference.

Sarah: Thank you. Just recently, I interviewed Senator JD Vance and I asked him about some of the Democratic campaign ads that we're seeing here in Michigan. And if you don't mind, I'd like to ask you about some of the Republican ads that we're seeing here.

Tim Walz:

Sure.

Sarah: So in Michigan, there are local Republican campaign ads essentially saying that a vote for the Democratic ticket is a vote against local law enforcement. You yourself have faced some criticism in the past for what some have called your lack of support for law enforcement. What do you say to people who believe that if you and Vice President Kamala Harris take office, local law enforcement will lose funding and their ability to protect communities?

Tim Walz:

Well, that's false. Vice President Harris funded more than President Trump's proposals did during his budgets. In Minnesota, I had made the largest investment in state history into law enforcement - community safety. I've been there with them every step of the way. We also know that crime is at a 50-year low now, while murder rates were the highest and had shot up the highest under Donald Trump. Look, Donald Trump talks a tough game and Donald Trump tries to divide us. The fact of the matter is that we've invested and communities want to have a say in what community safety looks like. And so that's simply what they do. They go on fear. They don't look at the facts. Again, if you fact-check many of these things, they simply don't put their money where their mouth is. Whether it's law enforcement or simple things like cutting Social Security, Donald Trump will continue to say he stands there, but he doesn't. So I think folks recognize community safety is a top priority. But I will tell you this, the Republicans, led by Donald Trump and J.D. Vance, inability to deal with gun violence, the ability to write them off as simply as 'we should get over it' or 'it's a fact of life' is absolutely abhorrent. As a father, as a former teacher, as a governor, we will tackle gun violence. And those are things that - this isn't about the Second Amendment. I was out hunting this weekend, it's about protecting our children, and they're not going to do anything about that. So I think your listeners, whether it be in rural, you know, rural across the state, in Michigan, or in the urban areas, we can do something about gun violence and that is the biggest thing on people's minds when it comes to crime. Law enforcement in Minnesota, were the ones who supported the measures I took on background checks and extreme risk protection orders. Those are things that Kamala Harris wants for the rest of the country. Doesn't infringe on your right to gun ownership, but protects our children.

Sarah: The economy continues to be a top issue for so many voters. When I go out in the field, everyone tells me that is what they are worried about this election cycle. If you are to be elected, what is one tangible act that you would take to turn the economy around?

Tim Walz:

Yeah. Ithink making sure that Donald Trump is not elected to put the tax cuts in for billionaires and to add his tariffs to us. I think the first thing we'll do is make sure the middle class receives those tax cuts. 100 million Americans will see tax cuts. If you make $400,000 or less, you'll see no increase. But those investments will go right to families like childhood tax - child tax credits. I think that coupled with downpayment assistance on home ownership, thinking about a place like Detroit where you can get into homes, that sets a whole new tone for people. And we're seeing where inflation is cooling, prices are starting to come down. We still need to tackle price gouging. 37 states have this in place. Republicans have it, too. We saw an example of this when people were trying to fly out of Florida and airlines tried to raise the prices on on flights. That's not how the economy is supposed to work. So I think the biggest thing is, is to make sure this economy works for everyone, not just the wealthy.

Sarah: Thank you very much. I'm seeing that that is our last question. Am I correct?

Off Screen: Correct. 

Sarah: Governor Waltz, thank you so much for taking the time to speak to Michigan and Detroit voters.

Tim Walz:

Yeah, I hope we get to be back with you again. Thank you.

Sarah: Thank you.

Sandbags by doors, boarded up windows, tarps over glass: they're all images shared by Lisa Reinthaler during a FaceTime call with 7 News Detroit Wednesday afternoon, showing her Bradenton, Florida, neighborhood.

"I'm very anxious, very scared. I dont know what to think," Reinthaler said.

The native Michigander moved to Florida three years ago.

She said Hurricane Milton will be her first hurricane, and she's right in the storm's path living in Bradenton.

"Walmart is shut down. They all closed down at 2 o'clock. The stores are decimated. Theres no gas," Reinthaler said.

Although residents have been urged to evacuate, Reinthaler said she is choosing to hunker down at home for the hurricane because she's caring for her mother who is on oxygen and disabled.

As she spoke to us Wednesday afternoon, winds were already picking up.

"Its just really scary," Reinthaler said. "Everyone is leaving and Im not."

RELATED VIDEO: Volunteers load up trucks with supplies for hurricane victims in North Carolina, Florida Volunteers load up trucks with supplies for hurricane victims in North Carolina, Florida

Some of the many residents who have evacuated Florida are fleeing to Michigan.

Linda Sue Dingel is one of them. She made the drive to Warren from Delray Beach.

"Its very emotional. It creates anxiety because if its not coming toward you, its coming toward someone you know," Dingel said.

She showed 7 News Detroit photos of her home back in Florida that her neighbors shuttered up for her.

"So these are door walls that are shuttered up," Dingel said. "You can see we put bricks on anything we think might fly."

Dingel said she evacuated Florida during Hurricane Erma in 2017 as well.

She decisively did it again this week as the National Weather Service has warned that Milton could be the worst storm to hit Florida in more than a century.

"Its going to be catastrophic and unimaginable," Dingel said.

Reinthaler said, "This is no joke. This is serious business. Lives can be lost. We are very scared. And please pray for us."

One day before he was planned to testify in court, a Detroit man was killed.

His sister, who would like to be referred to as "Twin," spoke with 7 News Detroit.

"Oh this is a lot. Were so shook up. We dont know whats going on," she told us.

She said her brother Webster Cooper was ambushed and fatally shot when he was returning home from work early Sunday morning.

Detroit police said it happened around 12:25 a.m. on Stansbury Avenue near W. McNichols Road.

Twin said that Cooper was a father and grandfather.

"An all around great man, 55 years old. When I say great man, you couldnt ask for anyone better, living his life as a role model," she said.

So one might think that it would be shocking to the family that Cooper was allegedly murdered but unfortunately, Twin said that is not the case.

According to Twin and other family members who did not want to be named, Cooper had been living in fear since Oct. 18, 2023, which was the day he was shot in the parking lot of Lou's Deli off McNichols Road in Detroit.

7 News Detroit obtained surveillance video of the incident. In the video, a man appears to be shot by someone off camera.

Looking at the video, Twin said the man shot was Cooper.

"Thats him right there," she said.

Twin said the deli parking lot shooting happened about an hour or two after Cooper accidentally ran into someone walking into the deli.

"It was like two people passing through a doorway, maybe a little brushing up against one another," Twin said.

She said it was nothing big, but the suspect waited for Cooper to finish eating inside, waited for him to come back outside and then allegedly shot him.

According to Twin, the suspect was identified by investigators using city police cameras, and Cooper was set to testify against the suspect on Monday.

She says Cooper was nervous leading up to the court date but wanted to do what was right. One day before then, he was killed.

"He was standing up for himself and he lost his life because he was going to stand up for himself," Twin said.

Twin said family still plans to testify in court.

Even though their brother, father and grandfather was killed, they won't let justice for him die here.

"We lost a very great man in his prime for no reason just standing up for himself," Twin said.

If you know anything about this case, you're asked to reach out to the Detroit Police Department at 313-267-4600.

Monday Night Football roared through Detroit to start the week.

Renee Vanpelt, a Seahawks fan in town for the game, admitted to 7 News Detroit that "Lions pride is the best pride. Ive been to 16 out of 32 stadiums and this by far has been the best."

Everywhere our teams walked, fans cheered and broke out in "Jared Goff" chants.

From people in Lions suits, Monday Night Fever suits and even Lions wrestling suits, there was no telling what you would see downtown, but it was definitely full of Lions passion.

"Oh, its over the top. Everybody is so excited in Detroit about a lot of things, especially about our teams right now," Lions fan Miriam Martin said.

Fellow fan Stephanie Whitfield added that her favorite part of Monday Night Football is "just being in the mix of everything in the stadium because we have the best fans in the world."

The "best fans in the world" filled Detroit in a sea of Honolulu Blue. Some were there for their 50th time and some, like Bryant Bolyard, participated for their first time.

Bryant told our team he was most excited to see Amon-Ra St. Brown.

"He even got a new bunny yesterday named Amon-Ra St. Bunny, so its perfect timing," Bryant's dad Robert added.