As metro Detroit commuters prepare for construction chaos, drivers are expressing their concerns over the upcoming closure of eastbound I-696.

Beginning Monday at 9 a.m., the eastbound lanes are expected to shut down for two years, creating a ripple effect of inconveniences for hundreds of thousands of drivers.

I feel terrible for people who have to take it or they have no other choice but to take it," said Carmen Nissan, who no longer takes I-696 due to the conditions of the freeway after hitting a pothole herself.

Terry Fradl, who takes I-696 five to six days per week, is preparing for the new commute and detour that is expected to take her longer.

I know it's going to be a much longer of a drive home and a lot more gas, she says.

Gary was pumping gas into his car at Lahser and I-696. He typically takes the Lodge Freeway but says there's going to be frustration, especially from drivers who are not prepared for the detour.

"It's going to be a lot of inconvenience and a lot of wasted time, he said.

Despite the detour, Carmen is ready for the repairs to take place: I am ready for it to be fixed, but it's something they should have done long ago.

For those planning their routes, the suggested detour is expected to add significant time and distance to commutes.

I would say it's a good 20 more miles, says Terry

In an effort to gauge the impact firsthand, I set out to calculate the typical drive from Lahser to Dequindre Road, which usually takes about 7 minutes under ideal driving conditions. However, with the eastbound lanes closing, that time is expected to double, with drivers taking the M-DOT detourrouting them from the Lodge to the Davison to I-75 and back onto I-696.

Gary expressed concern about the new detour, I hope it doesn't take too long again. Everyone is going to be rerouted, so again, it's probably going to extend your driving time by 30 minutes at least.

With the new detour in place, drivers can expect to add approximately 10 miles to their daily commute, translating to an additional 50 miles a week.

Nashwan Ralesh, a clerk at a local gas station right at Lahser and The Lodge, says he's noticed more customers.

The traffic increased over here so far, he says.

For those calculating the costs, if your vehicle averages 25 miles per gallon and gas prices hover around $3 per gallon, you can expect to pay about an extra $6 per week just for gas due to the detour.

When asked about the potential wear and tear on their vehicles, Terry says she has not yet calculated that factor.

No, I am not [ready], and maybe my insurance is going to be going up because I am driving further, she says.

If drivers are adding an additional 50 miles per week and taking the detour five days a week for 40 weeks, that amounts to an extra 2,000 miles on their vehicles over the course of the closures.

As the new work week approaches and drivers prepare over the weekend, Carmen has some advice for fellow drivers starting on Monday: Find alternative routes before you have to be somewhere. Pay attention, and good luck if you have to take it because you're going to need it.

Where Your Voice Matters

The economy is a topic that's still on everyone's mind as we head into March. A new report shows consumer confidence dropped sharply in February and Americans are becoming more pessimistic about the economy with fears over tariffs and inflation.

The Consumer Confidence Index is now at its lowest mark since August 2021, and we wanted to know why. I spoke with a local economist and metro Detroiters to see how they're feeling.

"I do not have any confidence right now. I am one of those pulling back," Desha Johnson of Detroit said.

"Just a little worried. You got to protect yourself and look out for yourself," Gilbert Lee said.

"It is what it is. Hopefully, things will get better in the near future," Ronnie Elzie said.

Economic uncertainty and rising inflation are weighing heavily on the minds of Detroiters.

Johnson is just one person I spoke with who is feeling the financial strain and trying to save money.

"You can't go out shopping, you can't go out to restaurants, you have to eat at home. You even have to be careful of the price of groceries because of the cost of groceries right now," Johnson said.

While many are feeling the pinch in their wallets with the rising costs, Lee is another person who is cutting back to save money.

The report shows that overall consumer confidence is down across all age categories, caused by uncertainty surrounding President Donald Trump's tariffs, immigration and other policies.

"When tariffs were put into place back in 2018-2019, the economy was in a much stronger position and certainty the consumer was in a much stronger position," Michigan State University Supply Chain Management Professor Jason Miller said.

Miller said consumers won't see relief right now.

"Prices are very unlikely to decline unless we go into a steep recession, at which point the prices and the potential minor deflation is a moot point," Miller added.

Sterling Harrison said he is optimistic but is still pulling back.

"We just got to get through the hard times and we'll get through this," Harrison said. "Budgeting more, cutting back on lunches downtown, unfortunately just trying to survive."

Where Your Voice Matters

In a major step in addressing the affordable housing crisis in Detroit, two major housing projects have officially opened in the Brush Park neighborhood. A grand opening ceremony took place on Tuesday, with Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, city leaders, developers, and community members.

After years of development, the Brush Park Apartments and the MLK on Second developments are open and welcoming residents. Both projects are celebrated for being 100% affordable, with a collective total of 86 housing units available at rents starting as low as $430 per month. These developments are strategically located in the heart of downtown Detroit in Detroit's prime entertainment district.

Its good to have a home. I have a home now, expressed Irvin Leverette, a resident of the Brush Park Apartments.

Those who work in the neighborhood of Brush Park, like Crina Arbelean, say she's excited, I dream of having an apartment here.

Addressing the growing concerns surrounding affordable housing in Detroit, Mayor Duggan acknowledged the pressures that new residents moving into the city have placed on rental prices.

We know the pressure that people who are moving into the city have put on rents, Mayor Duggan said.

The opening of these new housing units comes at a time when Detroit is nearing $1.2 billion investment in newly constructed affordable housing across the city. This ambitious initiative has been a priority for the Mayor and the City Council for over a decade.

Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield said, Every Detroiter, no matter their income, should have quality affordable housing in every sector of this city.

Residents like Irvin Leverette are already experiencing the benefits of these developments.

He described the positive impact of having his own place, saying, I am more stable now. It is strengthening me.

Crina Arbelean praised the accessible location, Its a walkable distance to downtown, and I like the houses. And I like the old houses that are very pretty.

The revitalization of Brush Park serves as a beacon of hope, illustrating how neighborhoods can transform from blight to a beacon of hope.

Its great to see the prioritization of making sure Brush Park is accessible to all walks of life, said Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II.

For most of us, tax season is a time filled with anxiety, confusion, and deadline pressure, but there are ways to manage that stress while filling out those forms.

"What is (the deadline)? April 15th? I hate it it's the worst day of the year," said Lindsay Sammons.

"I hate it," said Matt Wagner.

"My taxes are already done. It's kind of a miracle," said Mary Deady.

Navigating tax season is not popular; it's a mixed bag of emotions, and for some, it can feel more like a horror movie rather than a financial reward.

"I get natious, start to feel queezy and say they're taking more even though I am giving them more every month," Lindsay said.

Matt, a business owner, says when that IRS envelope comes in the mail, he wants to run for the hills.

"Business taxes, all the llc requirements all the write-offs keeping track of all that. It's a lot man," he said.

While he has a CPA file his taxes, it still feels like a mountain filled with obstacles.

"I've got my tax guy but I feel like is he doing the right thing? Is he finding a loophole that's illegal or is he doing the right thing?" Matt asked.

"The first thing to do is get organized," said tax expert Chris Willbratte.

Willbratte says to make sure you have all your tax documents, like your W-2's, 1099's, 1098's and your 1025 forms, along with any other income documents, which will make tax season less stressful.

"You want to have all of your information organized and available when needed when you're having your return done," Chris said.

But with the recent firings of IRS workers, there could be a delay in getting that refund.

"There is a potential for some impact but we don't anticipate wide spread delays," Chris said when asked about the firings.

While some dread tax season like Matt and Lindsay, others like Mary and Rick say it's not that stressful, and both them file their own and don't wait to get it done.

"I don't wait until the last minute. I used to because I owed a lot more," said Rick Klien.

"I did them over the weekend I think, easy peezy," Mary Deadly. "I did a free file online they make it easy with a guide step by step, I use the same system every year."

From stressing over numbers to celebrating refunds, tax season truly brings out a variety of emotions.

"I just want it done and over with," said Lindsay.

Where Your Voice Matters

As spring break approaches, many people are planning their getaways to sunny destinations. But this year, travelers are facing a steeper price tag when it comes to airfare.

According to data from AAA, the average roundtrip ticket for a domestic flight is now $820, up 7% from last year. If you're flying internationally, expect to pay an average of $1,440, an increase of 2% from 2023.

I spoke with travelers at Detroit Metro Airport to see how people are coping with the rising cost of travel ahead of spring break and how you can find the lowest airfare prices.

"I think our ticket prices were close to $500 a piece," Catherine Lent told me.

"I believe it was around $800 to $850," Randy Parton said.

"I think it's about $750 to fly," Lenny Brooks said.

AAA said nearly 41% of Michiganders plan on traveling for spring break, with Orlando and Fort Lauderdale being the top destinations.

"If you haven't booked yet, you will start seeing some crazy rates in order to get to Florida, Punta Cana, Cancun," David Fishman with the Cadillac Travel Group said.

Fishman said most spring break flights sell out 330 days before the trip, and the more demand and little supply of seats can cause prices to spike.

"Depending on the destination, that will dictate the availability and pricing," Fishman said.

Travelers like Amanda Betere and her family are headed to Austin, Texas for a soccer tournament, and they're still going on spring break. But, they'll be driving for that trip.

"By the time you pay for gas and stay at a hotel for one night and get food, it's still less than flying," Betere said.

We flew over Christmas and flew to Florida out of Detroit and tickets were expensive back then," Lent said. "About $800 per person."

Fishman said the best way to save money would be to be flexible with days and times to travel in order to find the best deals.

"Be really flexible and you might be able to save money, otherwise the fees are going to be very high this year," he said.

Where Your Voice Matters

Ford Motor Co. is introducing an innovative insurance reimbursement of up to $2,500 for owners of select F-Series trucks, including the iconic Ford F-150 of the 2024-2025 models.

This initiative offers to cover the cost of insurance deductibles if these vehicles are stolen, as Ford says it's committed to making their customers feel more secure.

As part of an upgrade to the FordPass app, the Ford Security Package is designed to turn heads in the automotive industry. The company is prepared to invest thousands of dollars to ensure that truck owners have peace of mind in the face of rising vehicle thefts.

Matching this up with the F-150 is a solid move on behalf of Ford, automotive analyst David Zoia said of the importance of the initiative in today's market.

The launch of the insurance reimbursement plan comes during an increase in vehicle thefts affecting Ford's popular F-Series trucks. Zoia says other manufacturers will likely be observing the impact of Fords Security Package closely, indicating a potential shift in industry standards.

In 2021, Ford launched the service in the European auto market.

The reimbursement plan is part of Ford's Advanced Security Package, accessible through the FordPass app, which requires a $7.99 monthly subscription. The first year of the service, however, is free.

The comprehensive package is equipped with features designed to deter thieves including technology and a special 24/7 hotline that allows owners to disable their vehicles if suspicious activity is detected.

"One thing about Ford is they're always one step ahead and always looking out for their customers," said Joseph Rippolone Jr., a product specialist at Suburban Ford in Sterling Heights.

Despite these advancements, the threat of theft is still high. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, nearly 16,000 F-150s were stolen in 2023, with some vehicles taken directly from factory lots in metro Detroit.

Rippolone also knows from experience. He and his wife had their Ford Explorer stolen right from their driveway in Oakland County.

Ford hopes that with this new Ford Security Package and up to a $2,500 deductible reimbursement program, it will set a precedent in the U.S. Automotive market. Rippolone says other automakers should follow suit, enhancing security measures across the industry.

Baseball season is right around the corner! Spring Training is about to get underway for the Detroit Tigers in Lakeland, Florida.

The Tigers are roaring into the new season with a mix of seasoned pros and fresh faces, and fans can't wait for that first preseason pitch.

"We are extremely excited to go to the first baseball game of the season," said Tigers fan Brandon German.

"I think they're going to make the playoffs. I hope they're going to win the Division," said Tigers fan Marc Clark Paul.

"Everyone has to experience it, whoever is a Tiger fan," said Tigers fan Tony Lalomia.

Tigers fans are excited for this upcoming season, especially when it comes down to Spring Training, like Brandon and Nicole German, who are headed to Lakeland, Florida, tomorrow.

"I love baseball i watch every single game," Nicole told me. "When it's winter it's very sad"

While Comerica Park is still snow-covered, it's paradise with sun and warm weather in Lakeland. And for Tigers fans, Spring Training means sounds of a new season, with the crack of the bat, and the roar of the crowd. They say it's an experience like no other!

"it was so much fun and it was all different generations and I can remember the first time we went when Justin Verlander and Alex Avila walked out onto the field and Tony yells 'the dynamic duo!' and the whole stadium was cheering," Mary Lalomia said.

And for Tigers fans, there's nothing quite like seeing your favorite players up close, practicing their swings, getting ready for the season and trading the snow for sun.

"We have kids that are 11 and 12 that are coming with us and they wanted player interaction and because the facility is smaller we hope they get to see some of the players up close," Nicole said.

Marc Clark Paul has Lakeland and preseason baseball on his bucket list and really wants to go to see something special.

"We have a brick down there with all of our names on it and someday id like to do it maybe if I hit the lottery," Marc said.

Whether it's the camaraderie, the sunshine or just the love of the game, spring training in Lakeland is a trip every Tigers fan should experience.

"It's fun to be down there," Mary said. "It's a small-town feel with big-time talent."

"We're super excited for baseball this year and excited to see what they come up with," Nicole said.

Where Your Voice Matters

Love is in the air and on Valentine's Day, the age-old question is, what do you get your significant other?

According to the National Retail Federation, more than $14 billion will be spent for Valentine's Day gifts, and more than $4 billion will be spent on family members. 1/3 of Americans even plan on buying a gift for a friend.

Whether you're enjoying a romantic dinner or debating if a box of chocolates, flowers or a card is enough, I went out to find those thinking of their special someone.

"It's a love day, not only just with flowers but to love each other," Annie Foss said.

"The pressure, the fear when I go home. It's not that great," Jason Cummings said.

"They always say nothing, but she expects a little something. A little card, a little thing. I'm thinking about her just to say, 'I think you're pretty cool and I love you,'" George Gribbin said.

Sometimes it could be a last-minute rescue mission, just so you don't get in trouble.

"You better get it right. Right?" Cummings said.

"Not get a card, not get flowers, not do anything special. That would be a problem," Kendra Cook said.

"Please don't place your orders last minute. Do it early so everything will be done in a timely order," Foss said.

Loves comes in all shapes and sizes when it comes to gifts, but really, it's the thought that counts. Cheryl Hudson was picking out a few cards for those special in her life.

"I picked the cards that say, 'I really appreciate you as a person and I am really grateful that you're in my life," Hudson said.

"I just buy my wife stuff for Valentine's Day every year, a card, flowers and take her out for dinner," Ed Harpster said.

I also spoke with a love expert to find out what makes the perfect Valentine's Day gift.

"She may be appreciative of a handwritten card. People don't often understand that a handwritten note goes a long way," Erica Arrechea said.

Where Your Voice Matters

In a remarkable act of bravery and quick thinking, two employees from the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department saved lives during a dangerous situation In January.

Earlier today, they were reunited with the grateful father and children they rescued and were awarded for their heroic efforts by Mayor Mike Duggan.

DWSD workers honored for saving family from fire

Department of Water and Sewerage technicians Steven Stockman and Julian Bethune were returning to their office when they spotted smoke billowing from a window of a house. They stopped, parked their truck, and jumped into action.

"I started screaming, 'Get out of the house! The house is on fire! The house it's on fire!'" Stockman recalled.

Anthony Nelson, the homeowner, was grateful to see them today, "I was just glad I was able to get the kids out."

Last month, Nelson and his two young children were downstairs, unaware that an electrical fire was rapidly spreading on the second floor of their home on Van Dyke, located on Detroit's east side.

"I didn't hear anything. All I heard was a voice saying, 'Get out! Your house is on fire,'" Nelson said.

The timely warnings from Stockman and Bethune made all the difference. The two workers, upon noticing the smoke, stopped their vehicle, called 911, and took action to ensure the family's safety.

"I was glad they heard me because they didn't hear the knocks on the door," Stockman added, highlighting the critical role he and Julian played in preventing a potential tragedy.

Bethune reflected on the gravity of the situation, saying, "Thinking about it, you don't realize someone was in there and something could have happened."

Fortunately, everyone escaped unharmed, with Nelson quickly ushering his children into Stockman and Bethune's work truck for safety.

Cell phone footage captured the aftermath inside the home moments after the fire department extinguished the blaze, showing the extensive damage caused by flames and smoke, as well as the water used to combat the fire.

During today's ceremony, Mayor Mike Duggan and other city leaders recognized the courage of Steven Stockman and Julian Bethune, commending their quick thinking and actions, which ultimately saved the lives of Anthony and his children.

"We were lucky; we were lucky. They were lucky," said Stockman, reflecting on the fortunate turn of events.

Bethune added, "I am very happy to see that they are safe and sound."

A Yale, Michigan, veteran-owned and operated non-profit organization is making significant strides in improving the lives of local veterans.

Cars 4 Vets, founded by Retired Master Sergeant Mark Rebeaud, is dedicated to providing reliable cars and SUVs to those who have served the country, enabling them to access essential services, job opportunities, and much more.

Rebeaud, who dedicated over two decades of his life to the military, understands the challenges veterans face upon returning to civilian life.

"These are my brothers and sisters. These are the people who defend us. That defend our nation," Rebeaud said.

Rebeaud's passion for cars and helping other veterans inspired him to create this initiative.

"I've always been into classic cars, and I'm a decent mechanic and body man. I thought about maybe giving a car to a veteran maybe once a year," Rebeaud shared.

However, personal reasons held him back until 2021. After battling COVID-19 and reflecting on his life while in the hospital, Rebeaud felt compelled to act.

"One thing that COVID taught me is you can be here one moment and then dead the next," he explained.

Once he was released from the hospital, he was determined to turn his ideas into reality.

"All of this came to me at 4 in the morningthe Cars 4 Vets and the whole thing," he recalled.

By 6 o'clock that morning, he was so excited about his vision that he donned a set of coveralls and began working on his first car.

Cars 4 Vets was born from Rebeaud's desire to help others. Initially, he purchased and refurbished cars himself, but soon, donations started pouring in. To date, he has helped over 72 veterans get back on the road, including Retired Marine Corporal Kevin Ferguson.

Ferguson was medically discharged after being diagnosed with skin cancer and faced numerous challenges after his service and diagnosis.

"As a Marine, it was extremely hard to ask for help," he admitted.

After experiencing a divorce and a rollover accident that left him homeless for a year, he struggled to find stable employment due to his lack of reliable transportation.

"I didn't have a reliable vehicle, so it was tough to find employment," he shared.

With encouragement from his VA representative, Ferguson reached out to Rebeaud and got on the waiting list for a vehicle. His perseverance paid off. Kevin then got that life-changing phone call from Mark.

"Within one week of getting a vehicle, I had two jobs," he says.

The vehicle provided by Cars 4 Vets became a pivotal lifeline for Ferguson, "He saved my life. It was a lifeline that I needed.".

Rebeaud's mission goes beyond just providing cars; its about offering hope into society.

"You matter. Welcome home. Welcome home," he declared, reaffirming his commitment to supporting veterans in need.

Through Cars 4 Vets, Rebeaud is not just giving away cars; he is transforming lives and instilling a sense of purpose in those who have bravely served the nation.

As the organization continues to grow, so does the impact it has on the lives of Michigan veterans, providing them with the essential resources they need to thrive in their post-service lives.

https://www.facebook.com/Cars4VetsMi/

Those who commute on I-696 could expect to add an hour extra to their commute time when construction starts on March 1.

"Two years 696. That's a big deal," said commuter Joshua Mahoney.

"I am concerned about the amount of traffic that is going to be bypassing right where I live," said Steven Merandi, who lives on the service drive nearby.

For many commuters, starting on March 1st, their drive to work may take longer once construction begins on the final phase of the Restore the Reuther.

"I am concerned but it has to be done," said commuter Bernard Davis.

This project will impact hundreds of thousands of drivers per day when 969 between M-10 and I-75 is shut down.

"It's going to be a rough couple of weeks as everyone tries different routes but once people figure out what's going to work best for them it will settle down," said MDOT spokesperson Diane Cross.

While Westbound traffic will be open, with only two lanes of eastbound traffic, drivers will face a massive detour via southbound M-10, eastbound m-8 and back onto northbound I-75, before returning to eastbound I-696.

"We are going to rip up what is there which is old it has to be 25 years old and we are reconstructing the entire freeway from the base up," Cross said.

60 overpasses will also be repaired, including the rebuilding of the Church Street plaza.

"I take 696 like everyday, two to three times per day," said driver Adam Stein.

Drivers and residents have mixed feelings about how long the project will last, with Stein being shocked at how long the project will take.

"It's par for the course," Adam said. "I am not happy about it but at the end of the day it is what it is."

"Two years is a long time to have to wait for a project to impact especially directly in the neighborhood," Steven said.

Where Your Voice Matters

Do you remember the last time you wrote in cursive? Do you still know how to read it? If so, the National Archives is looking for your help.

They are looking for thousands of volunteers who can read it in order to transcribe historical documents. The problem is, using and reading cursive is turning into a lost art. We spoke to Metro Detroiters to see how often they write in cursive, and put them to the test.

"The last time I wrote in cursive was the other day when i signed a check," said Detroiter Shabalis Johnson.

"Signing my name," said Rennee Peterson. "When I'm writing really fast or shorthand."

"Only when I need to sign a check," said Victoria Myles.

From the United States Constitution to the Bill of Rights, many historical documents are written in cursive. But as we continue into the digital age and use computers and our phones for taking notes or even writing a letter electronically, reading and writing cursive is becoming an art of the past and people are having a hard time even reading it.

"Writing makes your area brain fire," said Calligrapher Julie Fournier. "Whereas typing on a key board it's silent and shrinking."

Fournier is an artist and professional calligrapher. From pin-striping cars to personalized wedding invitations, you can say she's a Connoisseur of cursive.

"That's how people used to write," Julie said. "It's faster. It's easier when you know how to do it. Printing is slower even the key board you can write a lot faster."

That's why the National Archives need help from nearly 5,000 volunteers who can read historical documents written in cursive so they can transcribe nearly 300 million digitized objects within their system. The documents range from Civil War field notes to immigration documents of the 1890's, but you have to know how to read cursive.

"That's why the national archives (are) having trouble I encountered when I was trying to decipher documents someone had mistranscribed it and turned an h into an s and l because somebody couldn't read it properly," Julie said.

"My teachers would probably be very upset because that's all I was taught to do in elementary school," Shabalis said.

"I still have a few friends that's their natural way of writing out things but as far as myself using it you might be right about the third grade," Victoria said.

But I wanted to know if people still use cursive at all. I asked the people I interviewed to write 'Good Morning Detroit' in cursive, and pretty much everyone passed with an A.

"I miss it sometimes so I think I am going to write in cursive a little bit more," Shabalis said.

Where Your Voice Matters

A former Michigan high school athlete is taking a stand to raise awareness about heart health among youth.

At West Bloomfield High School on Thursday, 20-year-old pre-medical student Alex Bowerson shared his life-changing experience after suffering sudden cardiac arrest during a wrestling practice.

"It's shocking to think that high school students could be at risk for cardiac arrest, Bowerson explained. I never thought people could have heart problems at young ages. I didn't know things like this existed."

Hear more from Alex Bowerson in the video below: INTERVIEW: Alexander Bowerson talks about heart health and his cardiac arrest

During his time as a high school athlete, Bowerson was actively involved in football, baseball and wrestling. However, everything changed when he collapsed shortly after lacing up his shoes for a run at wrestling practice.

"I first went down and had a cardiac arrest with seizure-like symptoms," he recalled.

Fortunately, the high school cheerleading coach, who is also an emergency room nurse, was nearby. Her quick thinking and training kicked in as she recognized Bowerson was experiencing cardiac arrest. While someone began CPR, she retrieved an AED, or automated external defibrillator.

"Within two minutes, I got one shock from a defibrillator AED, and a couple of minutes later, I had a pulse again," Bowerson said.

After being rushed to the hospital, Bowerson was diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, a heart condition that affects about 1 in 500 people, with many cases remaining undiagnosed. HCM can be a leading cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes, underscoring the importance of awareness and screening.

To address this issue, Corewell Health will host a free heart screening at West Bloomfield High School on Feb. 1, coinciding with the first National Youth Heart Health Day.

"Parents can bring their kids aged 13 to 18 years old if they have an appointment. They can get a free blood pressure check, learn CPR, learn how to use an AED, get an EKG, along with a limited echo with our cardiologist," Jen Shea, the Corewell Health Children's Student Heart Check manager said.

West Bloomfield high student and event organizer Matilda Edvardsson emphasized the unpredictable nature of heart conditions.

"Sometimes, you don't even have any symptoms, and it can happen out of nowhere," Edvardsson said.

Along with fellow student Amarina Kriko, Edvardsson played a key role in organizing Bowerson's visit to their school, encouraging classmates to register for the upcoming heart screening.

"I think by getting that heart check, you can be aware that you have some sort of condition that can put you at risk," Edvardsson added. "Sometimes, you know and sometimes, you don't, and that's the scary part."

Kriko also stressed the need for preparedness in case of emergencies.

"If someone drops on the floor and has sudden cardiac arrest and no one knows what to do, that person could end up not surviving. We should be making sure we know what to do in events like this, locate an AED and know how to do CPR," Kriko said.

After his near-death experience, Bowerson hopes that sharing his story will save lives and encourage teens to take their heart health seriously.

"Know where your AEDs are," he advised. "If you're feeling something weird in your chest, weird feelings or chest pains, advocate for yourself get an EKG and an echo."

If you'd like to sign up for the heart screening with Corewell Health, you can register online.

Big changes are coming to Netflix, with the streaming giant announcing another price increase for it's standard subscription plan.

Starting next month, the standard plan will rise to $17.99 per month, up from the previous price of $15.49.

This latest price hike is stirring up a lot of conversations among its millions of subscribers, and some of those conversations taking place at the Maple Leaf restaurant in Troy.

"They all seem to be going up along with basic cable. It's getting to be ridiculous," said Tony, a Netflix subscriber.

"I've got the Disney package, I have Apple, I have Amazon, I have Paramount, and then I have Netflix," said Rick Krupske.s

"We like Netflix at our house. We use it quite a bit," said Ben Rybiski.

Netflix has been known for its diverse range of content, which has kept viewers like Rick and others tuning in.

"With the series that they have, they had the fight, and they have sports on it now. There's a lot more options," Rick said.

The company is banking on its original content and strategic investments to keep viewers engaged and willing to pay more. With these price increases starting next month, streaming services like Netflix are pushing their subscribers towards the lower-priced ad-supported plans to increase their profit.

"Netflix said a good majority of their sign-ups came from their ad-based plan," said CNet Senior Editor Kourtnee Jackson." I think that says a lot that people are willing to sacrifice having to watch commercials in order to save a few bucks every month."

Jackson says during the last quarter of 2024, Netflix added 19 million new subscribers. The latest price hike comes after the latest earning report for the streaming giant.

"Some of the pricing is getting comparable to cable packages, so this is a good time for people to start auditing their bills to see what you want and need, and what you're willing to pay every month," Kourtnee said.

Some think these streaming services are becoming expensive. I asked the question: what's the cut-off price point before bailing?

"I like their service, I just don't know what I'd be willing to pay," Ben said.

"I think we are spending more than we ever have. But it's hidden because it's a monthly subscription type thing," Tony said.

"It's insignificant. They've got a lot more now with the expanded catalog," Rick said.

Where Your Voice Matters

Many in Metro Detroit are feeling the winter blues and are ready to escape the frozen Midwest tundra and sub-zero temperatures.

"I am going to Orlando, Florida, then into a lovely cruise ship to the Bahamas," said Artavia Epperson.

"We wanted to go to Cancun and get a little bit of a sun kiss," said Michael Davis.

"It's freezing, my hands are frozen," said Ashley Crowley.

Crowley and her family are headed to Aruba.

"Walked outside today and I can think about is two weeks I get to go to Aruba! It's something I look forward to the last five years since we started the tradition and what I am most excited for is I am bringing my grandmother with me," Crowley said.

And it's no surprise with these sub-zero temperatures that many are looking to escape to a warmer climate for a week of sun and sand.

"There is no doubt that anytime the bad weather hits in the Midwest and northeast people immediately start top think about going to warmer climates," said travel expert Bill Pedlar.

Pedlar says the short warm destinations , like Florida and the Caribbean, those who book last minute usually are out of the cold for about a week.

"At this time of year you always see a mass exodus from the northeast to the Midwest to the warmer climates," Bill said.

Michael Davis, his wife, and their daughter Ava are headed to Cancun, Mexico, and are thrilled to jet out of the cold and into the sun.

"It was total lucky timing we planned it two months ago all details are figured out and it just so happened to be the coldest day of the year," Michael said.

"This can be very depressing time not only the cold but what are you looking at? We're looking at trees with no leaves," said Jennifer Coppola, who is headed on a cruise.

I also spoke with Jennifer Coppola, who is headed on two trips in March to excape the cold, and is already counting down the days until these two trips.

"It's important to go get the heat into your bones and get that chill out and embrace the sun for more than one day," Jennifer said.

"You get that recharge that reset the sun is just blazing and your just so much more appreciative of having the different seasons," Ashley said.

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