The Waterford Corsairs youth football league is scrambling to find a new practice facility after learning their current home at the Waterford Recreation Center will soon be sold.

Watch Demetrios Sanders' video report below: Waterford youth football league searches for new home as recreation center faces closure

The organization, which has served the community since 1965, provides football and cheerleading opportunities for children ages 5 to 13. The league currently uses the field outside the Waterford Recreation Center for practices, but that will change when the facility closes at the end of the year.

"It's been a joy to coach some of these kids from ages 5 to 13. You develop a lot of relationships," said Rickey Anthony, head football coach with the Waterford Corsairs.

The recreation center closure is part of a cost-cutting measure by Waterford Township.

Township Supervisor Anthony Bartolotta said the center is in poor condition, and moving programming elsewhere will help reduce financial burdens while they wait for a new community center to be built.

"We pay a lot of money for utilities, maintenance, janitorial services. So, we're just basically cutting our costs and we can still do everything at the Leggett facility," Bartolotta said.

The township also plans to sell the recreation center property, with buyers already expressing interest.

"I'm talking with a local business in Waterford Township; I want to keep them here. And then a developer; I don't know what they want to do with it. That property is zoned light industrial," Bartolotta said.

For the Corsairs, this means finding a new practice location a challenge that has proven difficult.

"Waterford has kind of become a concrete jungle," Waterford Corsairs President Dan Bishop said.

The league serves hundreds of families during football season. Bishop said on a typical weekday during their season, roughly 300 to 500 people use the field, including kids, parents and siblings.

Despite searching throughout the community, the Corsairs haven't found a suitable replacement facility. Bartolotta said the team can continue using the current field until the township sells the property, but after that, permission would depend on the new owner.

"You know, we really want to work with the football team, but there's only so much you can do," Bartolotta said.

The uncertainty raises concerns about the future of youth football in Waterford.

"It could be detrimental to football in Waterford," Bishop said.

Coaches emphasize the importance of continuing to provide opportunities for local children.

"It's literally giving the kids a spot to come be themselves, have something to build off of in life," Anthony said.

The Corsairs are asking the community for help and say they're open to all ideas for green spaces where they can practice and play.

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.

Kids across metro Detroit will put on their costumes tonight and head outdoors for a night of trick-or-treating fun.

See the full story in the video below

For cities known for their Halloween spirit, they're preparing to attract thousands of people to their streets, and I went out and checked out the neighborhoods that are known for their candy and over-the-top decorations.

Related: Here are the trick-or-treat times for metro Detroit cities and townships

In Romeo, resident Vicki Lee has always loved Halloween, which is also her birthday.

"My mom decorated for me as a child, and then when I had my boys, I continued it," she said.

Lee's love for dressing up her home on Tillson St. in Romeo eventually caught on with the neighbors in the 1990s. What's now known as Terror on Tillson has become one of the most iconic trick-or-treating spots in metro Detroit.

"Maybe 15,000 people on this street at once. That's parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles," Lee said.

Her son, Mike, says make no bones about it, there's definitely a sense of pride about the tradition.

"The majority of people love it. They love the attention. We love seeing everybody, we float between houses and see each other, it's just a great time.

Moving to Downtown Northville, the skeletons are alive. For the 14th year, the city has positioned hundreds of skeletons throughout the city's downtown area.

"It's a great opportunity to meet up, walk, get a strolling beverage, buy some Halloween merchandise, or gear, in our beautiful downtown," Kate Knight, the executive director of the Northville Downtown Development Authority, said.

It all leads to Halloween night, when some streets are closed and home after home is decked out in decorations, while thousands of kids fill up with candy.

"That's the spice of life. I love seeing them come by. They're all excited, they're all having a great time. We love this time of year," John Wohlgemuth, a Northville resident, said.

In Detroit, one hotspot for families is the Indian Village neighborhood.

"The first year was quite a surprise. Everyone said it was busy, so I went out and bought the big candy bars. I bought 200 thinking we'll be the house with the good candy, and we were out in like 20 minutes," Jacques, an Indian Village resident said.

Jacques has lived in Indian Village for nine years and estimates that nearly 1,500 kids come by each year. He said the number of neighbors getting involved just keeps growing.

"It's amazing, especially having two young kids. It's the best neighborhood to trick-or-treat in," he said.

Where Your Voice Matters

The Detroit Lions hosted their first One Pride Literacy Fest on Tuesday, bringing together dozens of third graders for a day of reading and writing activities at Ford Field.

Reading can take you far in life that's something students at Detroit's Amelia Earhart Elementary know very well.

Watch Demetrios Sanders' video report below: Detroit Lions promote youth reading and writing at One Pride Literacy Fest

"I can learn new words and I can learn new things," Linda A., a third grader at Amelia Earhart Elementary, said.

"Mostly, I read at home because I've got a lot of books at home," Ava M., another third grader at Amelia Earhart Elementary, said.

The school was one of four to participate in the Detroit Lions' new One Pride Literacy Fest. Around 100 third graders gathered at Ford Field in an effort to promote that reading is both important and fun.

"It's tools that they can use each and every day to do better in school, to communicate with friends and to just enjoy life," said Roxanne Caine, vice president of Detroit Lions Foundation and Community Relations.

During the literacy fest, students got to visit different stations to engage in reading and problem-solving activities including trying their hand at being a broadcaster. There were also some former Lions nearby.

"I was one of those kids that would go read the encyclopedia, believe it or not," Cyrill Weems, former Detroit Lion, said.

Weems, a former defensive back, says he was more than honored to be a part of an event helping mold future generations.

"You know, just think about how reading is fundamental, how it's going to help them and then to think outside of the box. Some of these activities we're doing, it's not just sitting down reading it's the pictures, it's the excitement around it," Weems said.

Also at the literacy fest was Johnathan Rand, author of the popular Michigan and American Chillers series, sharing his journey to publishing 145 books.

"Every job that I've ever had, it's always been because really, I've been able to read well and I've been to write well," Rand said.

That's part of the message he passed along to the group of third graders.

"If I can encourage them to look at books and look at writing as something that is really an enjoyable experience, then later on in life when it's time for them to apply those skills to going to college, getting a job, they're going to be way ahead of the game," Rand said.

And it looks like some students are already feeling inspired.

"I was thinking of being a dress designer or hair stylist but maybe an author because I've written stories for myself in my notebook," Linda A. 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.

The Henry Ford Museum is opening "DaVinci The Exhibition," showcasing 65 full-scale reproductions of Leonardo da Vinci's inventions and designs alongside museum-quality reproductions of his famous paintings.

Watch Demetrios Sanders' video report: THe Henry Ford brings Leonardo da Vinci to life

The exhibition, which opens to the public Sunday and runs through May 3, offers visitors an immersive look into the mind of the Renaissance polymath who created masterpieces like The Last Supper, the Mona Lisa, and the Vitruvian Man.

"Leonardo da Vinci, we all know him. But maybe we don't really know him, right?" said Cynthia Jones, Director of Museum Experiences, Exhibition, and Engagement at The Henry Ford.

While da Vinci is widely recognized for his paintings, Jones explains he contributed much more.

"He was someone who was interested in all sorts of things and then constantly learning across this lifetime," Jones said.

This curiosity led da Vinci to create numerous inventions throughout his lifetime. His process involved careful observation and experimentation.

"He would look at birds and study birds and then think about, could I fly? And what took him further is the next step of that. Actually designing an experiment to figure out could he fly?" Jones said.

The exhibition features reproductions of da Vinci's creations and designs from his notebooks, ranging from pulley systems to diving suits to self-propelling carts. Some exhibits offer hands-on experiences for visitors.

"This was someone who was designing ahead of his time, and all around you, inside The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, you can actually see 200, 300, 400 years later, you can see what those ideas became," Jones said.

The exhibition also includes museum-quality reproductions of da Vinci's paintings, offering visitors a unique viewing experience.

"At the Louvre, you're standing many, many feet back from the Mona Lisa. Here, you're able to get inches from the Mona Lisa and also understand his artwork in the sense of how did he make that? What did he do with that? How does that include the golden ratio?" Jones said.

Jones hopes the exhibition sparks the same curiosity that drove da Vinci.

"Am I an artist? Are you an artist? Maybe not, but can we try it? Can we learn from it?" Jones said.

Visitors who have experienced the exhibition say it was eye-opening.

"I was very surprised and informed about things I didn't realize he had done," said Micki Patterson, who visited The Henry Ford Museum.

"It was very cool, it highlights the brilliance of Leonardo da Vinci," said Joshua Cummins, another visitor.

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 10-year-old from West Bloomfield is heading to the World Series not as a spectator, but as a competitor in one of baseball's most prestigious youth competitions.

Matthew Williams II, a shortstop with baseball in his blood, has earned a spot as a finalist in MLB's Pitch, Hit, and Run competition. He will compete at Toronto's Rogers Centre during the World Series, representing one of just 40 kids selected from thousands of participants nationwide.

Watch Demetrios Sanders' video report below: West Bloomfield 10-year-old to participate in youth competition during the World Series

"I'm very excited, I'm going to represent Detroit," Williams said.

The young athlete comes from a family steeped in baseball tradition. Both his father, Matthew Williams I, and grandfather, Michael Williams, played the sport. His grandfather says young Matthew has been passionate about baseball since he was a toddler.

"Doesn't give up. Constantly wants to play, I mean doesn't let grandpa rest," Michael Williams said.

Williams II began his journey to the World Series by competing at the local level before advancing to regionals at Comerica Park. After placing second nationally in his age group, he earned his invitation to the finals.

The news of making it to the World Series created quite a celebration at home.

"He got up and ran around the living room with excitement just because we've been watching it for so long, watching the World Series for so long and the fact we're actually going to be there in-person, feel the electricity, it's going to be really exciting," Matthew Williams I said.

Williams will get to experience Game 2 on Saturday before competing Sunday morning. As he prepares for his biggest stage yet, he has a simple strategy.

"Play how I play in the game and just have fun and stay locked in," Williams said.

His grandfather takes pride in watching the family's baseball legacy continue through his grandson.

"He's an excellent ball player. And we truly enjoy watching him and we try to make every game we can," Michael Williams said.

Matthew Williams I says he cannot put into words how proud he is of his son. When asked about the possibility of seeing his son play in a World Series as a professional one day, he offered a thoughtful response.

"I would love for that to happen, but I just would love for him to want to continue to play the game for as long as he wants to," Matthew Williams I 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.

The Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park along the riverfront in Detroit will officially open to the public this Saturday.

Watch Demetrios Sanders' video report below: Take an inside look of Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park as it nears completion

The 22-acre park has been seven years in the making and features four unique sections.

"It's something truly one of a kind, nothing like it in our entire region," said Ryan Sullivan, CEO of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. "I think everyone's going to be blown away by what they see here."

Check out this drone video of the park courtesy Nadir Ali for Detroit Riverfront Conservancy Drone video over Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park

The park opens Oct. 25 and includes the Delta Dental Play Garden with slides and a splash pad area, the Huron-Clinton Metroparks Water Garden, the DTE Foundation Summit for events like movie nights or winter activities like sledding and the William Davidson Sport House.

The Sport House represents a partnership with the Pistons, bringing two full-sized basketball courts and a pavilion to the park.

"Some people want to be really active and basketball and others just want to relax and have a picnic or read a book. Everybody can do that in one trip here to the park," Sullivan said.

Beyond providing more outdoor recreation opportunities, Sullivan says the park will help bridge the city together.

"Residents of southwest Detroit, Corktown, Mexicantown will be able to get on the Southwest Greenway and go all the way over to the east side, get onto Belle Isle, go up the Dequindre Cut to Eastern Market," Sullivan said. "We have never had the kind of pedestrian connectivity that we're going to have once this park opens."

Detroiter Donna Lindsey-Law serves on the park's community advisory team and says extensive public input shaped the project.

"We go out here and we did surveys from this end of the town, to the north, to the west, to the east, and we asked people what do you want to see in this park," Lindsey-Law said.

She's proud of the result and its potential impact on future generations.

"Looking through the rear-view mirror at our generation of children that will grow up being proud of their city and what it has in it for them," Lindsey-Law 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.

The Detroit Lions return to Ford Field for a Monday Night Football matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and downtown Detroit is preparing to welcome thousands of fans. Some supporters are going the extra mile to show their team spirit.

Watch Demetrios' report in the video player below From custom cars to costumes, Detroit Lions supporters going all out ahead of Monday Night match-up

Growing up in Metro Detroit, Kurtis LaMotte has fond memories of visiting the Silverdome with his grandfather.

"Obviously watching Barry and Scott Mitchell, and the older players, Lomas Brown, just always wanted to be like one of those players," LaMotte said.

Ever since then, through the ups and downs and from Pontiac to Detroit, his support has never wavered.

"Sunday mornings, you wake up and do your same routine, get your Lions gear on and just kind of get ready for the game. It's about family time," LaMotte said.

If you see LaMotte on the streets, you'd have no doubt about where his sports loyalty lies. This is his Dodge Challenger, which was imprinted with all things Lions back in 2021.

"It just shows what Detroit's about. We're about muscle cars, we're about togetherness, we're about true grit football, and getting out there and just pounding it," LaMotte said.

The car named Detroit Pride is complete with the city's skyline, blue interior lighting, and even signatures from former players. LaMotte takes it to car shows throughout the year and says reactions are priceless.

"Whether you're a Lions fan or not, they see the car, and it brings light to them," LaMotte said.

Mike Zanin from Grand Blanc is also a lifelong Lions fan and current season ticket holder.

"I've always loved football, I've always followed football," Zanin said.

During a trip to Kansas City to watch the Lions play the Chiefs in 2023, he decided to take things up a notch.

"I wanted to go big. So I said let me put together a costume or something to represent Detroit and that's where 'Captain Kneecap' was born and it went over really well and I started going to games and I've been to every game since like this," Zanin said.

In addition to the costume, Zanin's basement is decked out with Lions memorabilia, from trading cards to Legos to signed jerseys and helmets.

"It's just fun to go out and find things that not a lot of people have. And just have a nice fun place to relax and watch some away games," Zanin said.

Zanin says over the years he's made many memories through his fandom, including with players.

"Got to see Isaac Tesla recently and came as Captain Kneecap and actually gave him an autographed picture of me, which he kind of enjoyed. So it's good fun, they tend to remember you," Zanin 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 Michigan-based nonprofit is marking a major milestone while continuing to transform the lives of children experiencing hair loss due to medical conditions.

Watch Demetrios Sanders' video report: Helping children with hair loss

Children with Hair Loss, founded in South Rockwood, is celebrating 25 years of providing free hair replacements and care kits to young people who have lost their hair for medical reasons. The organization has helped more than 10,000 families since its inception.

The nonprofit was born from founder Regina Villemure's personal experience when her young niece underwent cancer treatment. As a salon owner and hairdresser from Downriver, Villemure noticed a critical gap in available resources.

"When they were wearing something (a wig), it was something that would be fit for their grandmother, their great-grandmother, it definitely wasn't child-appropriate at all," Villemure said.

The organization serves children with various conditions, including cancer.

"There's so many alopecia children, there's burn children, there's children with a disorder called trichotillomania where they pull their hair out, and they all need us," Villemure said.

Aleena Smith from Dundee experienced this need firsthand when she was diagnosed with alopecia areata at age 5 after a family spring break vacation.

"My mom and my grandma were brushing my hair, and then it started kinda falling out in chunks," Smith said.

The autoimmune disease that causes hair loss was particularly difficult for Smith.

"My hair was a big part of me because my mom's a hairdresser," Smith said.

WEB EXTRA: Aleena Smith talks about Children With Hair Loss WEB EXTRA: Aleena Smith talks about Children With Hair Loss

In 2024 alone, Children with Hair Loss sent care kits to 645 children across every state in the country. The wigs arrive ready to wear, providing immediate confidence to recipients.

"Their hair comes perfectly styled. Ready to just take off the styrofoam and put on their head, and look in the mirror and get that big smile, and the confidence it gives them is amazing," Villemure said.

Volunteers play a crucial role in the organization's success. Carol Orkisz, a former school teacher who volunteers with the nonprofit, understands the impact of their work.

"To come in and have hair on their head and they feel so much better," Orkisz said.

The organization is preparing for its annual charity ball on November 8, which serves as both a fundraiser and celebration for the children they serve.

"That's a whole weekend for and about the kids. Building their confidence, teaching them how to do their hair or their makeup, eyebrows, their eyelashes. It's not always about the hair, it's about the whole package of what we do for them," Villemure said.

For recipients like Smith, the organization's impact extends far beyond providing wigs.

"I'm just grateful they can help other children like me," Smith 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.