The Detroit Zoo is celebrating new additions this holiday season: three healthy cubs.
Amirah, a 9-year-old African lioness, gave birth on Nov. 23 and Nov. 24, the zoo said. Zoo officials say Amirah is a first-time mom and has been calm, attentive and nurturing as shes been bonding closely with her babies in a cozy, quiet den.
Amirah had a fourth cub who did not survive after being born significantly later than the rest.
While this is a natural part of life for many wild species, we remain grateful that Amirah and her three cubs are doing well, the zoo said.
According to the zoo, African lions are endangered and at risk of extinction in some regions due to habitat loss, declining prey, disease and human-wildlife conflict.
Welcoming these cubs is not only heartwarming its a meaningful milestone in the Detroit Zoos commitment to conservation and the future of this iconic species, the zoo said.
Amirah and the cubs will stay in their den and out of public view as they continue to grow.
The rest of the pride dad Kalu and aunt Asha may or may not choose to spend time in their outdoor habitat during this period. We anticipate the cubs will be visible to guests in a few months, once theyre more mobile and ready to explore larger spaces, the zoo said.
A 40-year-old Detroit man is dead after being shot in the parking lot at a Southfield hotel over the weekend, according to the Southfield Police Department.
Watch Faraz Javed's video report: Man shot & killed at Radisson Hotel in Southfield
Police responded to the Radisson Hotel on Telegraph just before 3 a.m. on Sunday. Officials say officers found the man, who had been shot multiple times. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators believe this was a targeted shooting, and Southfield police is still searching for the suspect.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Southfield Police Department at (248)-796-5500 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.
The Detroit Catholic Central Shamrocks beat the Detroit Cass Tech Technicians, 42-19, to win the Division 1 state final for the first time since 2009.
Watch highlights from the win below Detroit Catholic Central beats Cass Tech to win state title
Both teams were undefeated entering this one, with Catholic Central's Benny Eziuka sealing the win on a late pick-six. Cass Tech had won 23 straight games before DCC broke the streak at Ford Field on Sunday night.
After last night's win, DCC now has 11 state championships, which is tied for fifth-most in state history.
City officials and developers shared their vision on Monday for the redevelopment of a large portion of the former Packard Plant site in Detroit.
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, Detroit Mayor-elect Mary Sheffield, other city leaders and developers discussed their plans for a 28-acre portion of the site Monday morning. The Packard Plant once housed the world's largest auto factory.
Watch Darren Cunningham's video report: Plans for part of former Packard site include skate park, affordable housing
The redevelopment will reportedly include the reuse of a southern portion of the plant and a new 400,000-square-foot building for manufacturing. There will also be residential, commercial and community spaces.
"I made the decision we were not going to take down the frontage on Grand Boulevard ... the first institution built on the new Grand Boulevard was the Packard plant in 1903," said Duggan.
Watch the announcement below: City officials, developers announce plans for former Packard Plant site in Detroit
The site sits about two blocks from where Duggan says he was born.
"For a long time, Detroiters, they know the Packard Plant closed in 1956. It took us 10 years to knock down 45 of the 47 buildings, and now we're starting to develop the site. So, to have hundreds of jobs, and historic and cultural activities here, it's a great use, and I'm excited to see East Grand Boulevard activated again," Duggan said.
He said they made the decision to break the site into two portions, with developers Oren Goldberg and Mark Bennett taking the south side of the property for their vision.
The plans are what they refer to as Packard Park."
Renderings illustrate what's to come. As co-developer Bennett explains, it's mixing the new with the old.
"The key, the mayor said, we're preserving and that's the important thing, he said.
Built in 1903 by famed Architect Albert Kahn, one of the salvaged buildings will have 42 affordable housing units designed for people to live and work from home.
"They are going to take a historic site and create a destination right here on Grand Boulevard," Duggan said.
There's an emphasis on community engagement with this project.
"There's going to be Detroit's first indoor skate park, and there's going to be several museum-type of activity. So, it's really a cultural destination, Bennett said. Outside, this open area here is gonna be sort of an open amphitheater space with meeting space sort of a community gathering space."
Adjacent to that will be a new manufacturing facility on 393,000 square feet designed for 300 permanent jobs. As for who's going to move into the space, that hasn't been determined yet.
However, Bennett said the team is in place to make this vision happen.
"This site is unique to the whole city because of the nature of the Packard Plant and Albert Kahn legacy. This is an internationally recognized development. So, we expect the cultural activities here will draw in people internationally. So, this will be a tourist draw for people to come and visit the old buildings and learn about the old buildings, he explained.
"It's really special beyond the neighborhood itself.
"It was exciting, resident Tara Moxley said.
She said thats the feeling she felt when learning new life would be brought to the site after witnessing decades of decay.
"For a long time, the residents over here, we all felt forgotten about and so now, to see that there is some development, there is some movement around here, ya know, it's starting to feel like we matter, Moxley told 7 News Detroit.
As president of 313 Packard Club, she said she's lived near the site since 1972. Its been an eyesore for as long as she can remember.
Previous story: Demolition phases of Detroit's Packard Plant As phase 2 starts most of the Packard Plant expected to be demolished by end of 2024
"Four-hundred-thousand square feet of new class A industrial space with 300 new jobs. This building right behind us is 116,000 square feet, which will be completely redeveloped, adding 2 acres of outdoor recreation for our neighbors and the broader community, and 42 make-live affordable housing units," Bennett said.
Developers anticipate this project will be finished by 2029.
The Detroit Zoo announced the passing of beloved Bactrian camel Tula on Wednesday.
According to a post on the Detroit Zoos Facebook page, the 6-year-old camel passed away on November 24 following a decline in her health in recent weeks.
The Zoo said the animal care teams helped to support Tula for more than a year with a degenerative ligament condition that impacted her mobility. According to the Zoo, Tula had responded well to treatment up until recently; they decided to euthanize her after her stability and comfort had declined.
Tula was deeply loved by those who cared for her and by many guests who visited her over the years. She will be profoundly missed. Please keep the animal care staff in your thoughts as they continue supporting the rest of the camel herd with the same dedication and compassion, the Zoo wrote on Facebook.
Tula was born at the Detroit Zoo in 2019 and was described as having a bold personality and sharp intelligence.
A 37-year-old man was shot and killed by Trenton police officers early Wednesday morning, after the suspect allegedly shot a security guard in another city.
Watch Darren Cunningham's video report below: Man killed by police allegedly shot security guard, pulled gun on officers, police say
Officials say the shooting happened at the Bristol Hills Apartment complex, which is on Van Horn Rd., just west of Fort St., around 2:45 a.m.
The incident originally started at Bogart's Lounge in Inkster, according to police, where the suspect had been asked to leave the strip club.
The suspect's mother identifies him as Julias Jones.
Inkster police say Jones got into a argument with the security guard. Once Jones was in his vehicle, he reportedly turned his vehicle around, rolled his passenger window down, and said something to the guard. As the guard walked towards the vehicle, Jones alleged fired one shot which hit the security guard in the abdomen.
A search was started for the suspect, and police say his phone pinged in Trenton.
Trenton police responded and located the suspect, who allegedly pulled out a gun. Officers fired, hitting and killing the suspect.
We're told the security guard is in critical condition, and Michigan State Police is investigating the officer-involved shooting.
We spoke to the victim's mother, who asked not to be identified. She said the shooting happened right outside of her apartment.
I knew my son was carrying a gun. But, thats because his life was threatened by somebody who had already shot and tried to kill him in 2020," she said.
His mother added, "Right now I'm just trying to figure out how I'm going to bury my son when the time comes."
A Texas man charged after allegedly killing two men at Star Auto Sales in Shelby Township earlier this month will receive a mental health evaluation to determine if he is competent to stand trial, the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office tells us.
Watch our previous coverage Suspect in Shelby Township double homicide faces 13 felony charges over $3,000 car dispute
Jermaine Sandles appeared in court virtually on Monday morning. Police say Sandles shot and killed the shop's owner, 40-year-old Marvan Batoo, and a customer, 48-year-old Ghaith Baban.
The victim's families told 7 News Detroit previously that the suspect was upset over rust he found on a Hummer he purchased two months ago.
Sandles is facing the following charges:
Two Counts: Homicide Murder First Degree Premeditated, a life without parole felony Two Counts: Armed Robbery, a life or any term of years felony One Count: Weapons Firearms Possession by a Prohibited Person, a 5-year felony One Count: Weapons Ammunition Possession by a Prohibited Person, a 5-year felony One Count: Weapons Carrying Concealed, a 5-year felony Six Counts: Weapons - Felony Firearm, each a 2-year felony, consecutive to main charges Sandles also has a Habitual Offender - Fourth Offense Notice, an aggravating sentencing factor.
Sandles is being held without bond and is in custody at the Macomb County Jail. A probable cause hearing date will be set to review the evaluation results and status of the case.
"Mental health evaluations are a necessary step in the criminal justice process. They allow us to determine whether a defendant is competent to stand trial and ensure that any prosecution proceeds in a manner that is legally sound," said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido via press release.
Wednesday marks the 60th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. It happened in Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963, and the limo he was riding in at the time is on display in metro Detroit.
That limo is part of the "Presidential Vehicles" exhibit at The Henry Ford in Dearborn, which also includes limos from Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower and more.
According to The Henry Ford, the 1961 Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine was called X-100 by the Secret Service. It was assembled by Ford Motor Company at its Lincoln plant in Wixom in January 1961 and was customized in Cincinnati, Ohio.
The Secret Service leased the car from Ford Motor Company for $500 per year, and some of its special features included removable steel and transparent plastic roof panels, two steps on the rear bumper, four retractable steps for agents, a rear seat to elevate the president and more.
Kennedy was sitting in the back right seat of the limo when it went through Dallas with the roof off when the shooting happened around 12:30 p.m. central time. He was hit in the neck and the head and was pronounced dead shortly after.
According to The Henry Ford, the X-100 was impounded for evidence in the weeks after the assassination and then plans were made to modify the car in Cincinnati.
The White House approved a plan to revamp the car in December 1963 and work was completed in May of 1964 with the help of a committee of six people representing the Secret Service and more.
The car was then put through testing in Cincinnati and Dearborn before it was delivered to The White House, according to The Henry Ford.
Once again, the X-100 went through major modifications in 1967, and went on to be used occasionally through the Carter administration.
The Henry Ford said it remained in service until early 1977 when it was returned to Ford after its lease and then went on display at The Henry Ford.
The City of Detroit has announced street closures, bus reroutes and parking for Thanksgiving events next week, including America's Thanksgiving Parade, the Turkey Trot and the Lions Game.
Here's everything you need to know:
Street closures
Some street closures will begin as early as Tuesday, Nov. 25. Starting at 7 a.m. that morning, Gratiot between Farmer and Woodward will be closed.
The following roads will be closed on Wednesday, Nov. 26:
Woodward between W. Grand Blvd and Warren to close at 9 a.m. Woodward from Warren to Congress to close at noon. Atwater from Civic Center Drive to the Residence Water's Square Valet will close at 1:30 pm. Griswold between Fort and Congress to close at 6 p.m.
On Thanksgiving Day, drivers can cross Woodward at those intersections until 5 a.m. The streets beloew will close at 5 a.m. and reopen after the Turkey Trot, around 10 a.m.
W. Jefferson from the Lodge Freeway to Cabacier Michigan at Cass Fort Street from Trumbull to Woodward Congress from Shelby to Randolph Larned from Shelby to Randolph Shelby from Congress to Michigan Michigan from Cass to Woodward Monroe from Woodward to Randolph Lafayette Blvd. from Trumbull to Griswold Washington Blvd. from Adams to Congress Atwater from Civic Center Dr. to Third
The city added that the southbound Lodge exits at W. Jefferson/Cobo and Larned Street (Exits 1A & 1B) and the northbound Lodge exit at W. Jefferson (Exit 1A) will be closed beginning at 7 a.m. during the entire Turkey Trot.
People Mover
The People Mover will operate from 6 a.m.-7 p.m. and will be hub of activity, starting with free Hot Cocoa and Handwarmers available at Grand Circus Park Station. Spectators can come in during the parade.
During the parade, three Detroit People Mover stations will be closed for parade viewing: Three DPM stations are close to parade viewing: on Woodward Avenue (Broadway and Grand Circus Park) and the grandstands near Campus Martius (Cadillac Center). All stations are open except Times Square Station, which is cloed for the winter season for re-surfacing
Bus reroutes
DDOT customers can expect delays starting at 6 a.m. on Thanksgiving, with all routes going to the Rose Parks Transit Center.
The following bus routes are affected for the parade, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
3 Grand River 4 Woodward 5 Van Dyke/Lafayette 6 Gratiot 8 Warren 9 Jefferson 16 Dexter 23 Hamilton 31 Mack 42 Mid-City Loop 52 Chene 67 Cadillac/Harper
The following routes are affected by the turkey trot:
1 Vernor 3 Grand River 19 Fort 27 Joy 29 Linwood
DDOT will operate on a Sunday schedule on Thanksgiving Day.
Parking
These rates are available at the following facilities, per the Detroit Municipal Parking Department:
Nearly 20 Five Below stores in Michigan are accused of price violations, some on multiple occasions, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced on Thursday.
Nessel is urging the retail chain to address the repeated allegations of overcharges at the scanner and not clearly displaying product prices.
According to the AG, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development issued 30 non-compliance findings at multiple Five Below stores since June 5 of 2025, and the steps Five Below has taken to address the issues have allegedly not fully corrected the violations.
The AG says that MDARD documented more than 18 instances where products labeled as $5 cost the consumer $6 or $7 at the register from August 3 to November 5.
Shoppers should know the price they see on the shelf is what they will be charged, and repeated overcharging violations are unacceptable, Nessel said in a press release. I want to thank MDARD for their work in identifying these violations and urge consumers to remain vigilant against overcharges when they shop.
Saige Bowers, who 7 News Detroit caught up to at the Five Below in Novi, said she was overcharged when visiting their Flint location.
"I went to buy a couple shirts. On the sign they were marked as I believe $5.99 and then when I rang it up it was $7," Bowers said. "I just think they're trying to get more money out of whatever they can because most people aren't paying attention."
Another shopper said she will pay closer attention when checking out.
"I think that I'm going to be checking every single price tag and my receipts every time I go in there now because I do not want to be spending more than I have to be," said Mackenzie Corridore.
Here's a list of MDARD's non-compliance findings:
Five Below has until December 15, 2025, to meet with the AGs office with a plan to address the alleged violations. If they dont, they could face lawsuits and fines, according to the AG's office.
7 News Detroit has reached out to Five Below for a statement and we are waiting to hear back.
If you would like to file a complaint with the Attorney General, you can click here.
A 45-year-old man was arrested in Indiana on Monday in connection to the 1998 Pontiac murder of 73-year-old Charles Barnett.
According to the Oakland County Sheriffs Office, Jack Anthony Young, who was 18 years old at the time, broke into Barnetts home 27 years ago, on April 30, 1998.
Officials say Barnett surprised Young when he returned home and was shot and killed. The sheriffs office says Young then stole Barnetts car and crashed it. When police were called to investigate the crash, they reportedly traced it back to Barnetts home, where they found his body.
Officials say the investigation trail went cold until Oakland County Sheriffs Sgt. Todd Hunt and retired Lt. Steve Troy reopened the case and were able to link Young to the homicide after a review of the evidence.
We never give up on our pursuit of justice for the victims, the families and the community, Sheriff Michael Bouchard said in a statement. Im proud of the constant review of cold cases that our team does. In this case, we have an opportunity to hold the accused perpetrator accountable after all these years.
Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald is charging Young with one count of felony murder.
Young is currently in an Indiana jail and will be extradited to Pontiac. He is expected to be arraigned next week.
A man was fatally shot at an unauthorized barbershop business inside a Detroit school Friday night, police said.
The shooting happened around 6:45 p.m. at Charles Wright Academy of Arts and Science on Berg Road near 7 Mile Road.
Watch Carli Petrus' report from the scene below: Man shot and killed inside Detroit school at unauthorized barbershop business
Police said they were notified about the shooting after someone drove the victim to the hospital. The driver gave police information including the location.
Officers went to the school to investigate and see if there were any more victims. When they got there, they learned that a contracted janitor at the school was running an unauthorized barbershop-style operation in the back of the school after hours.
Police said someone texted the janitor saying they wanted a haircut. Another person arrived at the school and opened fire on the janitors customer during his hair cut.
Hear from Detroit Police Capt. Matthew Bray below: Police provide details after man fatally shot at unauthorized barbershop inside Detroit school
The victim was a 21-year-old man, police said.
The janitor was not hurt.
No Detroit public schools staff members or students were at the school at the time.
There is no further threat to the community and police believe the people involved know each other. Police said they know the identity of the suspects and are looking for them.
The school district released a statement:
Detroit Public Schools Community District can confirm that a shooting occurred this evening on the grounds of Charles Wright Academy after school hours. The incident involved a contracted custodian and individuals who are not part of the school community. According to police, one individual was fatally wounded. At this time, there is no indication that DPSCD students or staff were involved in the conflict or targeted. The District is cooperating fully with law enforcement as the investigation continues.
As the season of giving gets underway, a Metro Detroit nonprofit is working to make sure homeless dogs arent forgotten this Thanksgiving.
Bark Nation is preparing for its 12th annual KONGsgiving, a tradition that brings a little comfort to shelter pups across Michigan and into Ohio. Volunteers spend days filling thousands of KONG toys with a Thanksgiving-inspired mix of turkey, mashed potatoes, pumpkin, and broth. The treats are frozen overnight, then delivered to shelters the day before the holiday.
Organizers say more than 2,500 dogs in 55 shelters are expected to receive a stuffed KONG this year. Beyond being a special treat, the toys provide in-kennel enrichment and a few hours of calm for animals who often face stress, overcrowding, and long waits for adoption.
KONGsgiving also supports the staff who care for those animals every day. Volunteers drop off small goodies and essential supplieslike dish soap, bottle brushes, and peanut butterbased on what each shelter requests.
Anyone interested in helping out can visit wishlist information or Bark Nations Facebook fundraising page. Organizers say even a small contribution can provide a moment of comfort to a dog spending the holiday without a family of its own.
As Thanksgiving approaches, KONGsgiving stands as a reminder that kindness doesnt have to be complicatedand that a little enrichment can go a long way for animals waiting for their forever homes.
Crews are assessing the damage after a fire broke out at a storage facility in Rochester Hills on Tuesday night. The fire has been put out, and no one was injured in the incident, according to fire officials.
We're told that crews responded to the fire at John R and Avon around 8:43 p.m. last night. Ann Nichols, Fire Marshal and Assistant Chief for the Rochester Hills fire department, tells us that eight departments responded to the scene.
Watch Ryan Marshall's live report from the 7 a.m. show, and our interview with Nichols Fire at storage facility in Rochester Hills under control INTERVIEW: Assistant Fire Chief Ann Nichols speaks on Rochester Hills fire
The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Oakland County Sheriff's Office. Crews are assessing the damage and investigating the fire, which Nichols said could take a few days. We're told the amount of damage to items inside the storage units is unclear at this time.
A Detroit Public Schools Community District teacher is on administrative leave after he was arrested hundreds of miles away in a child sex sting last week, officials said.
Jacob Suder, a 31-year-old teacher at Mumford High School, is accused of contacting an undercover officer he believed was a minor. Court documents say he offered $60 in exchange for oral sex.
Suder was directed to a parking lot in Ohio, where he was taken into custody on Thursday. He's been charged with compel prostitution pay or agree to pay a minor to engage in sexual activity.
DPSCD says it's unaware of any other alleged victims but will conduct and investigation to make sure that's the case.
Read the school district's statement below:
The District was recently informed that a Mumford teacher was taken into police custody in Ohio related to an alleged sexual solicitation of a minor. The teacher has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation and any criminal proceedings and is not permitted to be on DPSCD property. We are unaware of any other alleged victims associated with the school but will conduct an investigation to ensure that is the case. School families and staff have been informed.
For the ninth year in a row, Detroit Red Wings Alumni are set to take on Team STAHLS' in a charity hockey game this Friday, November 14.
Watch our live interview on the game from the Noon show Live guest: Stahls' Power Play for Heroes Charity Hockey Game
Stahls' Power Play for Heroes is a charity event to honor Veterans. All proceeds benefit Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, who partner with Michigan veterans with individually trained medical service dogs. Local veterans will be honored on the ice before the game.
Notable Red Wings alums in the game include four-time Stanley Cup Champion Darren McCarty, and Detroit Red Wings great and two-time Stanley Cup Champion Vladimir Konstantinov.
Other Red Wings alum in the game include:
Justin Abdelkader Red Berenson Dino Ciccarelli Darian Hatcher Mickey Redmond Drew Miller Danny Dekeyser John Ogrodnick
7 News Detroit Sports Director Brad Galli will be playing for Team Stahls', along with Professional Racing Driver Nolan Allaer and former NHL Zamboni driver Al Sobotka.
Fans who attend the game will get to bid on auction or purchase Detroit Red Wings alumni memorabilia and apparel. The event will also include food from BBQ Daddy, adult beverages, and other items at the concession stand.
You can purchase tickets for the event puck drop is set for 7:30 p.m. EST at the Civic Ice Arena in St. Clair Shores at this link.
A sinkhole has forced the M-39 ramps to eastbound I-96 to close for about a week, the Michigan Department of Transportation said on Monday.
The sinkhole developed in the right lane of northbound M-39, or the Southfield Freeway, ramps to eastbound I-96. Crews are making emergency road repairs.
The northbound M-39 ramp to eastbound I-96 is closed completely, the MDOT said. Drivers can detour to westbound I-96 and use exits at Evergreen Road/ Outer Drive or others to turn around and go to eastbound I-96 local and express.
The southbound M-39 ramp to eastbound I-96 local lanes is closed, but the express lanes are open and the first available exit is at M-8/ Davison Freeway.
MDOT has updates on construction projects on its website.
The Big, Bright Light Show will kick off in downtown Rochester on Monday, November 24, with the city's annual Lagniappe celebration, and WXYZ-TV is excited to bring you all of the fun on Channel 7.
Lagniappe is a Creole word for "a little something extra," and it embodies the spirit of giving and appreciation.
The festivities will begin at 6 p.m. that Monday evening. The Rochester Downtown Development Authority, City of Rochester officials and MDOT will close Main Street for the event.
Lights that cover the buildings of Downtown Rochester will be turned on at 7 p.m. Anchor Glenda Lewis, Chief Meteorologist Dave Rexroth, and reporter Ruta Ulcinaite from 7 News Detroit will broadcast live from the celebration throughout the evening. You can watch on Channel 7 or on your favorite streaming device. Our coverage starts at 4 p.m.!
Watch our coverage from 2024: Big, Bright Light Show kicks off Monday in Rochester with Lagniappe celebration
Retired WXYZ anchor Dave LewAllen will once again help light the town with Santa Claus and other special guests.
After The Big, Bright Light Show moment, children can visit with Santa and share their Christmas wishes from 7:15 p.m. until 9 p.m.
Following the event, The Big, Bright Light Show will run nightly from 5 p.m. until midnight through January 18, 2026.
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