NOVI — Towards the end of last season, Novi head coach Chris Housey told his team after a loss to Canton, “We still control our own destiny.”

While this year’s record looks a lot different sitting at 6-15 after Monday night’s 48-42 defeat to Plymouth, the message is eerily similar.

“I just told them that next week everybody is 0-0,” Housey said. “We have to get ready to go. Playoffs are a new birth, a new beginning for everybody. We have to learn from the mistakes we made but not dwell on them and get ready to go next Monday.”

It has been a difficult year for the Novi Wildcats coming off a 19-5 record, a KLAA West title, and a KLAA Championship by way of a victory over Wayne Memorial in the league championship last winter. While they are still a senior dominated team, only two of the seven played significant time last season. The losses by way of graduation have been tough to overcome.

Novi made it a challenge when it was the visitor of the two Wildcats a couple weeks ago, forcing overtime before losing in Plymouth, 50-42, but there was no bonus basketball in the rematch despite a few closely contested quarters.

The first quarter saw Plymouth come out strong and quickly build a 12-8 lead by its conclusion. As the game went on, Novi began to come together and managed to pull within a single point of Plymouth headed into halftime at 20-19.

After intermission, Novi continued to push Plymouth (8-13, 6-8 KLAA West), trading the lead back and forth before eventually knotting things up 36-36 at the end of the third quarter on a breakaway dunk. But that was as close as it would get the rest of the night as Plymouth took the lead at the start of the fourth quarter and never looked back.

“The last few minutes we made some mistakes, had some turnovers,” Housey said. “We had some good looks all night that we missed that would have changed momentum. We can’t dwell on that, and we have to keep fighting, go back down and play defense.”

In regards to how Monday’s loss is reflective of others this year, Housey explained, “We have to keep going, keep fighting, and we are almost there. We’ve just got to now focus in and lock up, fix those little things. I feel like 80 to 90% of it has gotten better, and as you know with anything, it is that last 10 to 20% that is often the toughest.”

Photos of Novi vs. Plymouth in a KLAA West boys basketball contest

“I think one of the disappointing things for us tonight, when we did put ourselves in great positions to make shots, we couldn’t make them. You miss four or five layups in a game that you lose by six, that makes the difference.”

Novi’s attack on the night was incredibly balanced with nine out of the 10 players who saw action getting into the scoring column. The hosts, 3-11 in the league, were led by Drelen Lillard, who finished with nine points, and sophomore Bladen White, who picked up seven.

The majority of Plymouth's scoring came from Chayse Calvin, who recorded 13 points and Isaiah Hooks, who dropped in nine.

In addition to the seniors who have that championship experience from last year, Housey has some talented underclassmen that he is working into the mix. “We have two sophomores up, one of them started tonight, Trent McGowan," he said. "He played really well tonight, probably his best game of the year. It has been a balance, though.”

When asked about how he balances staying true to his seniors and getting the underclassmen the work they need, Housey replied, “Sometimes we play those guys together (the four underclassmen), sometimes we mix them with the seniors, but they are going at each other in practice every day, learning and getting better. I am proud of them and proud of the work they have put in and they are getting better as the year is going on.”

Both teams finish the regular season on Thursday night as Livonia Churchill will travel to Novi and Westland John Glenn will visit Plymouth in the KLAA crossover games.

For the playoffs, Novi’s draw will be Northville, who the Wildcats have played twice and split those games with, the most recent being a 60-36 loss on February 13. Despite that lopsided score line, Novi won the initial meeting with the Mustangs in OT, 54-45.

“We started off relatively inexperienced," Housey said. "At the beginning of the year, it was gaining that experience of being varsity basketball players, learning what it takes to do all the stuff that is required to win at this level and in this league, and that is really tough. Now, as the season grinds on, we have gotten better. Our record may not show it, but we have gotten a lot better as a group, and we are starting to come together.”

Novi fell just short in a 48-42 loss to Plymouth on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026 in Novi.

Bloomfield Township residents packed a planning and zoning meeting Monday night to voice strong opposition to a proposed $17 million event space that could be built less than 100 feet from their property lines.

The heated meeting, which wrapped up late into the evening, centered around popular restaurateur Zack Sklar's "Bloomfield Hollow" proposal for a 30,000-square-foot venue with a 1,000-person capacity in the area of Franklin and Square Lake roads.

Watch Jeffrey Lindblom's video report below: Bloomfield Township residents voice opposition to proposed event venue

"I'm furious. I think it's going to destroy the value of my property and I think it's a nuisance," said John Schafer, a resident living off Berkshire Road.

Many residents shared Schafer's concerns about the proximity of the proposed amphitheater to their homes and the potential impact on their quiet neighborhood.

"We live in a quiet neighborhood and we'd just like it stay that way," Schafer said.

The venue would seat more than 600 people and be open until late in the evening, raising concerns among residents about noise levels.

"Loud noises until one in the morning," said Tryl Hartfield, another resident.

Schafer acknowledged the business perspective while maintaining his opposition to the location.

"He's going to try and sell it out as much as he can and I don't blame him for it it just shouldn't be right next to my house," Schafer said.

The project passed its initial design review a couple weeks ago. For proper zoning requirements to be met, ordinance language would need to be specially amended to allow a banquet hall in the space.

Many residents expressed frustration that they received a late notice of the plan through a postcard, feeling it wasn't adequate time to consider what's at stake.

Board Member Bruce Selik acknowledged the communication breakdown.

"Obviously, the developer did not take the time to sit with the residents. It's a shame that the residents felt that we had made up our mind 30 minutes into this meeting," Selik said.

The board ultimately voted to table both the potential ordinance language changes and the site plans for now.

Schafer expressed cautious optimism about the decision.

"Of course, we would rather just have it knocked down entirely, but to shelve it and have more discussions is a good compromise," Schafer said.

Moving forward, residents hope to have a bigger role in the conversation about the proposed development.

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.

By Ryan Zuke, Tribune News Service

Tyrone Wheatley is headed back to the Big Ten.

The former Michigan star running back was named Illinois’ running back coach on Monday – six days after he resigned as Wayne State’s head football coach.

Wheatley, 54, last coached in the Big Ten from 2015-16, when he served as the Wolverines’ running backs coach under Jim Harbaugh. The 1992 Big Ten Player of the Year has had limited success as a college head coach but has extensive experience as a running backs coach at the NFL and Power Four levels.

Wheatley went 5-28 over three seasons at Wayne State, including an 0-11 mark in 2025. As head coach at Morgan State from 2019-21, he finished with a 5-18 record. The former star athlete at Dearborn Heights Robichaud has had stints as running backs coach with the Denver Broncos (2022), Jacksonville Jaguars (2017-18), Michigan, Buffalo Bills (2013-14), Syracuse (2010-12) and Eastern Michigan (2009).

“Coach Wheatley is an accomplished coach with proven success in both the NFL and college football,” Illinois coach Bret Bielema said in a statement. “Our program will benefit immediately from his experience as a running backs coach and head coach. He has been an outstanding player and coach in the Big Ten and has developed some of the top running backs in football. We are excited to welcome Coach Wheatley to Champaign.”

Wheatley helped mentor several high-profile running backs such as Leonard Fournette (Jaguars), Latavius Murray (Broncos), Melvin Gordon (Broncos), C.J. Spiller (Bills), and Fred Jackson (Bills).

In 2016 at Michigan, the Wolverines led the Big Ten in rushing touchdowns with 41 and ranked second in the conference with 212.9 rushing yards per game.

“I want to sincerely thank Coach Bielema for his trust, belief, and invitation to join his staff,” Wheatley said in a statement. “Coach Bielema has built a culture defined by toughness, discipline, and accountability. To coach under a leader with his experience, vision, and championship pedigree is an absolute honor. To the Illini community, alumni, players, and fans, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve. I look forward to getting to work.”

As a player for Michigan, he totaled 4,187 rushing yards, 510 receiving yards and 53 touchdowns during his career and was named to three consecutive all-Big Ten teams. Illinois is slated to play Michigan in 2027.

©2026 Advance Local Media LLC. Visit mlive.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

A Detroit man said a routine walk hes made hundreds of times to and from his apartment building turned violent last Monday. He and his fiancee are now looking for a sense of safety and justice.

The reported attack happened in the skywalk of the New Center parking garage on Lothrop Street on Feb. 9 around 7 p.m. The skywalk connects the parking garage to his apartment building.

Watch Darren Cunningham's video report below: Man recalls attack in Detroit skywalk resulting in stolen, totaled vehicle

They were just kicking indiscriminately my head, my back, my side, everywhere. I was just sort of curled up in a fetal position doing my best to block any blows," Chad recalled.

He shared images of the bruises and scratches he said four youth inflicted.

They said get em, and they jumped on me. They said where are your keys? Give me your keys," the man recalled.

Chad said he ran back into the garage, the group pinned him down and thats when the kicking started.

They stole his cellphone before tossing it, his wallet and his keys. A couple of hours after reporting the assault to police. He and his fiancee, Emily, said they got a knock on the door.

The first thing I thought was who is it? Because they had my wallet. They had my address, Chad recalled.

It was Detroit police.

They said Um yeah, they took your car and its completely totaled. Its really bad. Its going to need to be towed," Emily told 7 News Detroit.

They learned the teens had stolen the vehicle and crashed it into a pole after a chase with Detroit police around 9 p.m. Emily said the traumatic event has put her and her fianc in deeper financial bind, and it's added insult to the injuries the suspect's inflicted. They say they're paying hundreds of dollars for a rental vehicle, and now they've started a GoFundMe.

A neighbor found his wallet, and they later learned Chad's cellphone was tossed on the second floor of the parking garage. A security guard found the phone.

Its really sad because I love Detroit, and its kind of like that stereotype kind of played out on us. Its a tough feeling. I just want him to get justice," she said.

Emily said part of that justice is for the owner of the parking garage, Bedrock Detroit, to take accountability for a security lapse.

The couple said they pay $120 per month to park in that garage.

7 News Detroit reached out to the company about the incident. A Bedrock spokesperson said in a statement:

We are aware of an incident that took place near the new center garage on Monday, February 9, 2026. There is an active investigation underway, and we are fully cooperating with local law enforcement. All further inquiries may be directed to the Detroit Police Department."

Im just going to keep my eyes out for loiterers. Thats a weird thing to say but, ya know, thats the people that got me. They were just loitering, and Im going to keep my head on a swivel," Chad said.

Detroit police told 7 News Detroit a warrant packet has been submitted to the Wayne County Prosecutors Office, which will then determine any charges.

The fifth weekly statewide Michigan Sports Writers (formerly Associated Press) prep girls basketball rankings, as compiled from the votes of various media members from around the Mitten for the week of Feb. 16, 2026.

The top 10 teams in the Michigan high school basketball poll, with records in parentheses. Totals are based on 10 points for a first-place vote, nine for second, etc.:

 

DIVISION 1

Rank, School (Record) Points

1. Belleville (19-0) (5) 50

2 (tie). Rockford (16-1) 42

2 (tie). Wayne Memorial (15-2) 42

4. Detroit Renaissance (15-2) 31

5. Howell (19-1) 29

6. Muskegon (14-2) 25

7. Grand Haven (15-2) 24

8. South Lyon East (18-0) 11

9. Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (15-3) 9

10. Saginaw Heritage (14-5) 6

Others receiving votes: 11. Utica Eisenhower 3; 12. Livonia Stevenson 2; 13. Midland 1.

DIVISION 2

Rank, School (Record) Points

1. Grand Rapids South Christian (18-0) (4) 40

2. Goodrich (19-0) 36

3. Tecumseh (17-2) 32

4. Grand Rapids Covenant Christian (17-0) 23

5. Flint Powers (17-2) 21

6. Grand Rapids West Catholic (14-4) 19

7. Haslett (15-2) 17

8. Grand Rapids Catholic Central (16-2) 14

9. Otsego (14-1) 9

10. Negaunee (17-1) 8

Others receiving votes: None

 

DIVISION 3

Rank, School (Record) Points

1. McBain (2) (17-0) 45

2. Jackson Lumen Christi (2) (15-2) 44

3. Niles Brandywine (1) (17-1) 42

4. Blissfield (15-2) 29

5. Pewamo-Westphalia (14-2) 27

6. Grass Lake (16-1) 24

7. Hemlock (17-1) 12

8. Kalamazoo Hackett (14-3) 9

9 (tie). Harbor Springs (17-1) 8

9 (tie). Cass City (12-4) 8

Others receiving votes: 11. Kalamazoo Christian 6; 11 (tie) Shelby 6; 13. Beaverton 5; 14. Sandusky 4; 15. Caro 3; 16. Saugatuck 2; 17. New Lothrop 1.

 

DIVISION 4

Rank, School (Record) Points

1. Concord (17-1) (2) 45

2. Morenci (17-1) (1) 43

3. Mio (14-4) 31

4. Kingston (18-0) (1) 28

5. Gaylord St. Mary (17-1) 28

6. Ewen-Trout Creek (15-2) (1) 27

7. Ishpeming (15-2) 27

8. Au Gres-Sims (16-2) 20

9. L’Anse (15-2) 9

10. Indian River Inland Lakes (16-2) 5

10. Frankfort (11-5) 5

Others receiving votes: 12. Munising 3; 13. Adrian Lenawee Christian 3; 14. Baraga 1.

The sixth weekly statewide Michigan Sports Writers (formerly Associated Press) prep boys basketball rankings, as compiled from the votes of various media members from around the Mitten for the week of Feb. 16, 2026.

The top 10 teams in the Michigan high school basketball poll, with records in parentheses. Totals are based on 10 points for a first-place vote, nine for second, etc.:

 

DIVISION 1

Rank, School (Record) Points

1. East Lansing (19-1) (5) 50

2. East Kentwood (17-2) 45

3. Rockford (17-3) 38

4. Auburn Hills Avondale (20-1) 32

5. Grand Blanc (17-3) 23

6. Muskegon (16-2) 22

7. Grand Rapids Northview (16-4) 16

8 (tie). Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice (15-5) 12

8 (tie). Kalamazoo Central (16-2) 12

10. Detroit Martin Luther King (17-4) 11

Others receiving votes: 11. Wayne Memorial 7; 12. Rochester 4; 13. Hudsonville 2; 14. Saginaw Heritage 1.

DIVISION 2

Rank, School (Record) Points

1. Romulus Summit North (21-1) (4) 40

2. Lansing Sexton (19-2) 35

3. Freeland (17-3) 29

4. Frankenmuth (18-1) 27

5. Hudsonville Unity Christian (17-3) 26

6. Grand Rapids South Christian (17-2) 23

7. Dearborn Divine Child (18-2) 15

8. Ludington (19-1) 11

9. Gladwin (19-1) 4

10. (tie) Grant (20-0) 3

10. (tie) Benton Harbor 3

Others receiving votes: 12. Fruitport 2; 13. South Haven 1; 13. Chelsea 1.

 

DIVISION 3

Rank, School (Record) Points

1. McBain (3) (17-1) 38

2. Menominee (16-4) 35

3 (tie). Beal City (17-2) 34

3 (tie). Pewamo-Westphalia (17-2) 34

3 (tie). Niles Brandywine (2) (15-4) 34

6. Ishpeming-Westwood (19-1) 25

7. Harbor Beach (17-2) 22

7 (tie). Detroit Loyola (17-4) 22

9. North Muskegon (21-1) 14

10. Onsted (18-2) 11

Others receiving votes: 11. Arts & Tech Academy of Pontiac 5; 12. Springport 1.

 

DIVISION 4

Rank, School (Record) Points

1. Fowler (18-2) (2) 47

2. Pickford (20-0) 38

3. Wyoming Tri-Unity Christian (17-1) (2) 35

4. Traverse City Christian (20-0) (1) 34

5. Crystal Falls Forest Park (16-3) 30

6. Allen Park Inter-City Baptist (18-3) 28

7. Concord (16-4) 18

8. Dollar Bay (17-2) 15

9. Hillsdale Academy (18-2) 11

10. Genesee Christian (16-4) 5

Others receiving votes: 11. Harbor Springs Harbor Light Christian (15-4) 4; 12. Felch North Dickinson (16-3) 4; 13. Mendon 3; 14. Southfield Christian (16-5) 2.

California on Monday saw a powerful winter storm carrying treacherous thunderstorms, high winds and heavy snow in mountain areas.

Millions of Los Angeles County residents faced flash flood warnings as rain pounded the region and people in some areas scarred by last years devastating wildfires were under an evacuation warning through Tuesday because of the potential for mud and debris flows.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass ordered emergency crews and city departments to be ready to respond to any problems.

The storm wreaked havoc on roadways spanning from Sonoma County to the Sierra Nevada. Traffic was halted temporarily in both directions on I-80 near the Nevada state line due to spinouts and crashes, the California Department of Transportation reported. In Santa Barbara County, a large tree toppled onto US-101, shutting down southbound lanes.

Forecasters said the western slope of the Sierra Nevada, northern Shasta County including portions of Interstate 5 and parts of the states Coast Range could see up to 8 feet of snow before the storm moves through late Wednesday. The heavy snow, wind and low visibility could also make travel conditions dangerous to near impossible, forecasters added.

It has seemed springlike for a large part of 2026, but winter is set to show its not quite done yet, the Shasta County Sheriffs Office said in a social media post urging residents to stay aware of the storm.

Californias Office of Emergency Services said it was placing fire and rescue personnel and resources in areas most at risk for flooding, mud and debris flows.

In Southern California, Six Flags Magic Mountain was closed Monday due to the storm, and Knotts Berry Farm amusement park shut its doors early. But the winter weather was celebrated by local ski resorts that have waited weeks for snow.

Other states on Monday braced for different threatening weather events. Residents in parts of eastern Colorado received warnings that they could be in fire danger due to a combination of abnormally high temperatures, gusty winds and dry conditions. The risks were expected to continue further into the week as gusts up to 60 mph (96 kph) are likely to hit the Colorado eastern plains on Tuesday. Parts of Texas, New Mexico and Kansas were also under red flag warnings.

MORE CONTEXT | Record snow drought in Western US raises concern for a spring of water shortages and wildfires

The latest storm comes amid a snow drought across much of the American West, with snow cover and depth measuring at the lowest levels scientists have seen in decades. Most states saw half their average precipitation or less in January, though California fared better others due to heavy rains in December.

It was the first of several days of stormy weather forecast for California. A coastal flood advisory was in effect for San Francisco until Tuesday afternoon, with cooler showers and a chance of hail on Tuesday, while nearby mountains were expecting snow, the National Weather Service in Monterey reported.

Kashawna McInerny, a Realtor in the mountain community of Wrightwood, about 80 miles (130 kilometers) northeast of Los Angeles, on Monday said she was still dealing with several tons of rock and debris on her property from Christmas and New Year's storms that pummeled the community. After the last one, she said she got help trenching part of her side yard to direct stormwater down the street and placed a barrier of metal and wood by a door in hopes of keeping out mud and debris.

Were not panicking yet. At least Im not, she said with a laugh.

The first year of President Trump's push to arrest and deport undocumented immigrants was a financial boon for two companies that own and operate private detention centers.

CoreCivic and The GEO Group both reported their year-end earnings for 2025.

Each company reported seeing a boost in revenue of more than 13 percent, both making more than $2 billion.

GEO Group's executive chairman George Zoley called 2025 the "most successful year for new business wins in our company's history."

The two companies opened nine new detention centers across the country under contracts with ICE, adding thousands more beds able to hold arrested immigrants who are awaiting deportation hearings.

MORE ON IMMIGRATION | Federal authorities announce an end to the immigration crackdown in Minnesota

The Scripps News ICE Inc. series of investigative reports has uncovered complaints about inadequate medical care, understaffing, and overcrowding at some for-profit detention centers. Two cases of measles were reported at a family detention center in Dilley, Texas, owned and operated by CoreCivic. During their earnings calls, company leaders did not address reports of problems at their lockups but said they take seriously the wellbeing of those in their care.

ICE Inc. | Autopsy raises questions about death at private ICE detention center

CoreCivic and The GEO Group see room to grow in 2026 by bringing more idled detention centers online and by possibly converting warehouses owned by ICE into more facilities able to hold migrants. A record 70,000 immigrants are in detention, a number the Trump Administration would like to increase to 100,000.

Residents and visitors in downtown Plymouth are speaking out about parking challenges, with some calling the situation a headache while others say they haven't experienced significant issues.

Watch Christiana Ford's video report: Plymouth residents debate downtown parking challenges

"I love downtown Plymouth, but finding a parking place can be very challenging," said Tom Green, a Plymouth resident.

It's a conversation heard repeatedly on the streets of Plymouth from residents and visitors alike.

"It gets very crowded on the weekends. Weekends in the summertime, it's impossible to park here," said Mike Guzowski, a downtown visitor.

Green noted that having a handicap sticker can help somewhat, but as Plymouth becomes more popular, finding parking becomes increasingly difficult.

However, not everyone sees it as a major problem.

"Between the parking structure and the lots behind the building, it's never been much of an issue as long as you have a little bit of patience; people are moving in and out," said Sarah Wolfe, a Plymouth resident.

On a Monday, traffic was lighter, and spaces were plentiful.

"I love the way I can just pull in, park in front of the store I want to shop at," said Kathi Rocheleau, a downtown visitor.

Donna Parks, owner of Wild Rose Boutique, says loyal customers find their way in even if they have to walk a block or two.

"During Friday, Saturday, when it gets busier for dinner and stuff, I feel like people do have to drive around a little bit to find a spot," Parks said.

City leaders report there are around 925 public spaces in and around the downtown area, including streets and lots. But some residents believe more are needed.

"They could use another parking structure," Guzowski said.

As city leaders map out priorities for the year, parking is one of dozens of topics open for discussion. Out of 54 potential one-year task items tied to the city's five-year strategic plan, two focus on parking. One would review current parking policy, and the other would explore possible public-private partnerships.

What that could look like is still up in the air.

"I would prefer it remain free and where it's at than start charging for parking anywhere," Wolfe said.

The city will begin discussing its 2026 plans during a commission meeting on Tuesday.

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. Where Your Voice Matters

Tuesday marks one year since a massive water main break devastated neighborhoods in Southwest Detroit, sending a wall of icy water rushing through streets, trapping cars, and flooding homes.

Watch Jolie Sherman's video report: Detroit's water main mess one year later

The disaster forced families from their homes, some with nothing but the clothes on their backs.

While the city says recovery has been remarkable, with nearly 100% of claims settled, some residents like Mike and Michelle Muzzey are still dealing with the aftermath.

"The container, look on the bottom shelf here. There's still water, there's still water," Mike Muzzey said, showing damage that persists in his home.

The Muzzeys say they're still wringing out water from their belongings one year later.

"I could not believe it was coming through the windows. I mean, my windows were sealed with caulk, and it still came through the windows," Mike Muzzey said.

The water main break damaged 200 homes in Southwest Detroit. For the Muzzey family, the flooding was devastating.

"We lost everything in our basement, I mean, there was nothing we could save in our basement. Nothing," Michelle Muzzey said.

Water rushed into their basement and rose all the way up to the eighth step of their stairs, destroying their furnace, water tank, pictures, and power tools.

PREVIOUS STORY: Streets of Southwest Detroit lined with dead, frozen cars after major flooding Streets of Southwest Detroit lined with dead, frozen cars after major flooding

"When we came outside, you couldn't see nothing out here, all the trash cans were gone. The water was halfway up my car, it was halfway up my husband's truck, so a lot of us lost our vehicles here," Michelle Muzzey said.

Dust and grime still cover many of Mike Muzzey's items from the flood damage.

Gary Brown, director of the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department, said the break wasn't preventable.

"These 54-inch pipes are under pressure, there's water flowing through them, they're not easily accessible...and we expected this particular pipe to have another 50 years of life," Brown said.

Brown said the city has settled almost 100% of their claims, with only 2-3 claims remaining. He said every household affected is back in their home.

"I want to thank all of the residents who were affected. This was a horrible situation to be put through, I thank them for their patience," Brown said.

The city estimates the total cost of recovery and repairs at roughly $12 million, split among the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department, the Great Lakes Water Authority, and the City of Detroit. Officials say they're keeping a close eye on aging infrastructure.

The Muzzey family says it's been a long road to recovery, but they're managing.

"We've pretty much gotten to a point where we've done some repairs...and I'm still kind of dealing with some of it," they 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.

By HANNAH SCHOENBAUM

An exhibit about nine people enslaved by George Washington must be restored at his former home in Philadelphia after President Donald Trump’s administration took it down last month, a federal judge ruled on Presidents Day, the federal holiday honoring Washington’s legacy.

The city of Philadelphia sued in January after the National Park Service removed the explanatory panels from Independence National Historical Park, the site where George and Martha Washington lived with nine of their slaves in the 1790s, when Philadelphia was briefly the nation’s capital.

The removal came in response to a Trump executive order “restoring truth and sanity to American history” at the nation’s museums, parks and landmarks. It directed the Interior Department to ensure those sites do not display elements that “inappropriately disparage Americans past or living.”

U.S. District Judge Cynthia Rufe ruled Monday that all materials must be restored in their original condition while a lawsuit challenging the removal’s legality plays out. She prohibited Trump officials from installing replacements that explain the history differently.

Rufe, an appointee of Republican President George W. Bush, began her written order with a quote from George Orwell’s dystopian novel “1984” and compared the Trump administration to the book’s totalitarian regime called the Ministry of Truth, which revised historical records to align with its own narrative.

“As if the Ministry of Truth in George Orwell’s 1984 now existed, with its motto ‘Ignorance is Strength,’ this Court is now asked to determine whether the federal government has the power it claims — to dissemble and disassemble historical truths when it has some domain over historical facts,” Rufe wrote. “It does not.”

She had warned Justice Department lawyers during a January hearing that they were making “dangerous” and “horrifying” statements when they said Trump officials can choose which parts of U.S. history to display at National Park Service sites.

The Interior Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the ruling, which came while government offices were closed for the federal holiday.

The judge did not provide a timeline for when the exhibit must be restored. Federal officials can appeal the ruling.

The historical site is among several where the administration has quietly removed content about the history of enslaved people, LGBTQ+ people and Native Americans.

Signage that has disappeared from Grand Canyon National Park said settlers pushed Native American tribes “off their land” for the park to be established and “exploited” the landscape for mining and grazing.

Last week, a rainbow flag was taken down at the Stonewall National Monument, where bar patrons rebelled against a police raid and catalyzed the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. The administration has also removed references to transgender people from its webpage about the monument, despite several trans women of color being key figures in the uprising.

The Philadelphia exhibit, created two decades ago in a partnership between the city and federal officials, included biographical details about each of the nine people enslaved by the Washingtons at the home, including two who escaped.

Among them was Oney Judge, who was born into slavery at the family’s plantation in Mount Vernon, Virginia, and later escaped from their Philadelphia house in 1796. Judge fled north to New Hampshire, a free state, while Washington had her declared a fugitive and published advertisements seeking her return.

Because Judge had escaped from the Philadelphia house, the park service in 2022 supported the site’s inclusion in a national network of Underground Railroad sites where they would teach about abolitionists and escaped slaves. Rufe noted that materials about Judge were among those removed, which she said “conceals crucial information linking the site to the Network to Freedom.”

Only the names of Judge and the other eight enslaved people — Austin, Paris, Hercules, Richmond, Giles, Moll and Joe, who each had a single name, and Christopher Sheels — remained engraved in a cement wall after park service employees took a crowbar to the plaques on Jan. 22.

Hercules also escaped in 1797 after he was brought to Mount Vernon, where the Washingtons had many other slaves. He reached New York City despite being declared a fugitive slave and lived under the name Hercules Posey.

Several local politicians and Black community leaders celebrated the ruling, which came while many were out rallying at the site for its restoration.

State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, a Philadelphia Democrat, said the community prevailed against an attempt by the Trump administration to “whitewash our history.”

“Philadelphians fought back, and I could not be more proud of how we stood together,” he said.

A DoorDash driver who was told to slow down is back behind bars nearly two months after allegedly punching a 75-year-old man unconscious and driving away from the scene in Wixom.

Ryan Turner, 41, posted bond in December but had it revoked a month later after violating the conditions. Turner told police he felt threatened by Lloyd Poole, a Wixom father and veteran who remains hospitalized with severe injuries.

Watch Evan Sery's video report below: DoorDash driver's bond revoked, victim hospitalized with traumatic brain injury

Poole continues to fight for his life nearly two months after the alleged assault outside his Wixom home.

"Right now, he's not responding at all," said Jen Shaw, Poole's daughter. "He's had an extreme traumatic brain injury."

Shaw said one of the neighbors came out to get something from her car and saw something laying in the road, not knowing what it was. It turned out to be her father.

Shaw says her dad has had at least six brain surgeries since the incident and is barely hanging on. Doctors are doing everything they can to save him.

"They had to take out the bone flap due to an infection. When I say the bone flap, it's like that's what they call the part of the skull. They had to replace that with a 3D printed version of his skull because the skull itself was far too damaged to put back in," Shaw said.

Previous coverage: Veteran in coma after delivery driver allegedly punched him over neighborhood speeding warning DoorDash driver's punch allegedly leaves 75-year-old veteran clinging to life

Turner was charged with aggravated assault on New Year's Eve and posted bond but is back in jail after violating the conditions. Court records show his bond was revoked.

Turner is expected to appear inside Oakland County District Court in Novi for a pre-trial hearing on Wednesday. This will mark the third attempt at a pre-trial hearing after the previous two were adjourned.

"As of now, he's charged with a misdemeanor. It's just a wild thing to think about logically. It's very possible that Ryan Turner will be off living his normal life while my dad is in rehab, maybe a facility, it's hard to say," Shaw said.

Turner's attorney had no comment when contacted Monday.

Previous coverage: DoorDash driver charged after allegedly assaulting Wixom resident DoorDash driver charged after allegedly assaulting Wixom resident who said he was driving too fast

Shaw expressed frustration with the situation as her family deals with the ongoing medical crisis.

"He rolls into court like he's been out living a normal life, as far as I can tell, and we are not living a normal life at all," Shaw said.

The punishment for a misdemeanor aggravated assault is up to one year in prison.

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 Warren woman is facing more than 10 counts of animal cruelty after 20 dogs and four turtles were discovered living in deplorable conditions inside her home during a drug investigation.

Watch Carli Petrus's video report: Warren woman faces animal cruelty charges after 24 animals rescued

The Macomb County Sheriff's Office arrested 57-year-old Michelle Reyntiens on Thursday while executing a search warrant on her Hobart Avenue home as part of an investigation led by their undercover drug task force, the Sheriff's Enforcement Team, known as "SET."

During the search, officers discovered 11 puppies, nine adult dogs, and four turtles living in what officials described as poor conditions.

"This was a lot of animals in one small, confined area that was in pretty bad shape," said Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel.

Hackel said he and animal control immediately responded to help rescue the animals.

"When we got there, all hands on deck. We were there trying to figure out, okay, how do we bring them out, one at a time, and super sweet dogs, but you could tell, they were very unkempt, some of them needed some medical attention," Hackel said.

All 24 animals are now being cared for at the Macomb County Animal Control Shelter, where they're receiving grooming and medical attention before becoming available for adoption.

Web extra: Dogs rescued from Warren home Web extra: Dogs rescued from Warren home

Kennel Technician Anna Young said many of the animals required urgent care upon arrival.

"We were dealing with overgrown nails, pretty heavy matting, and urine staining in the fur," Young said.

With 11 puppies among the rescued animals, reuniting them with their mothers presented an additional challenge for shelter staff.

"It was difficult in the beginning because the moms who were close to the puppies know they're scared and they're being protective, so they want their puppies to stay with them, but slowly we were able to figure out what puppies should go where and the moms," Young said.

Young said staff eventually identified three mother dogs and successfully reunited them with their puppies.

The four turtles found at the home were in better condition than the dogs, but are still too young for adoption, according to Young.

"The turtles are in much better condition than the dogs were, but they're still very young, so we have to care for them until they can reach age and size so they can be able to get adopted," Young said.

A neighbor who asked not to be identified said she was shocked to learn about the conditions inside the home.

"It's sad to know that they were not being taken care of. That just breaks my heart," the neighbor said.

Young said all the animals are already showing improvement and becoming more comfortable around people.

Reyntiens is being held in the Macomb County Jail with bond set at $30,000. Her next court date is scheduled for Feb. 26.

Hackel said the public can help by donating money or supplies to assist with medical expenses, grooming, and feeding costs for the rescued animals.

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.

Two years after 15-year-old Tyler Johnson was shot and killed at the Westin Hotel in Southfield, his mother is renewing her calls for justice as no one has been charged with his murder.

Watch Ruta Ulcinaite's video report: Mother demands justice 2 years after son's murder at Southfield hotel

Tomika Alexander lost her only son on February 11, 2024, and her grief has since turned to anger after no arrests have been made despite a weapon being recovered from the scene, and those at the scene of the crime, identified.

"It's unacceptable. Quite honestly, it's bull***," Alexander said during a visit to Crime Stopper's offices in Southfield on Monday.

Police say four other teenagers were in that same hotel room that night, but none of them are cooperating with the investigation. All have obtained legal representation and are exercising their right to remain silent, stalling the case.

PREVIOUS STORY: Mother of murdered teen fears investigation is being intentionally derailed as friends refuse to talk Mother demands justice in son's murder

"It's ridiculous, and y'all should be just as frightened and scared as me that y'all children are not protected and murders can go unjustly because of this loophole in the system," Alexander said.

With the evidence already obtained by police, Alexander believes it should be enough for the case to move forward. However, attorney and legal expert Abed Hammoud says the situation is much more complex.

"You don't know who did what in that room. It's difficult, the physical evidence can [only] take you so far," Hammoud said. "If people don't talk, and if there's no other indication why would somebody shoot somebody, you cannot tell who the shooter is."

Hammoud explained that all the evidence right now is circumstantial, making it difficult to determine who pulled the trigger.

Southfield Deputy Chief of Police Aaron Huguley released the following statement to 7 News Detroit regarding Alexander's calls for movement in the case:

We truly understand that the loss of Tyler was tragic and this second anniversary of his death is a reminder of the life that should have been. Chief Barren has recently held interviews and provided details on the status of the case. The Southfield Police Department and the Oakland County Prosecutors Office continue to stand ready to bring closure for Tyler and his family. This case was thoroughly investigated by detectives, but in order to move forward, testimony from the four eyewitnesses is required. It was the intention of the Southfield Police Department to re-interview the young men once they turned eighteen. However, this cannot take place as their parents invoked their right to counsel during the initial stages of the investigation. This right counsel transfers to adulthood. Therefore, the only circumstance where the police department can re-interview the young men is if they initiate the contact at the age of eighteen or through their attorneys.

The Oakland County Prosecutor's Office Public Information Officer echoed that sentiment, saying in a statement:

Tyler Johnson's death is a tragedy, and he has not been forgotten. We know there were four young men in the room when Tyler Johnson was killed. We need those individuals to tell the truth about what happened to their friend.  The Oakland County Prosecutor's Office remains in close communication with the Southfield Police as they continue their investigation.

For Alexander, none of this helps ease her pain as she continues seeking justice for her son.

"I'm going to continue to fight as long as I can for my son because he did not deserve this," Alexander said. A thorough investigation consists of a murder conviction and justice for Tyler; thats when you can pat yourself on the back.

Despite the current stalemate, Hammoud remains hopeful that someone may eventually speak up.

"I teach this to my students, even in homicides, people end up talking. Somebody feels the weight of it and talks," Hammoud said.

Crime Stoppers of Michigan is now offering a cash reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to an arrest. Tips will remain anonymous. If you have any information, call 1-800-SPEAKUP.

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.

In the past week, some of the researchers tasked with building safety guardrails inside the worlds most powerful AI labs publicly walked away, raising fresh questions over whether commercial pressures are beginning to outweigh long-term safety commitments.

At OpenAI, former researcher Zo Hitzig announced her resignation in a guest essay published Tuesday in The New York Times titled OpenAI Is Making the Mistakes Facebook Made. I Quit.

Hitzig warned that OpenAIs reported exploration of advertising inside ChatGPT risks repeating what she views as social medias central error: optimizing for engagement at scale.

ChatGPT, she wrote, now contains an unprecedented archive of human candor, with users sharing everything from medical fears to relationship struggles and career anxieties. Building an advertising business on top of that data, she argued, could create incentives to subtly shape user behavior in ways we dont have the tools to understand, let alone prevent.

The erosion of OpenAIs principles to maximize engagement may already be underway, she wrote, adding that such optimization can make users feel more dependent on A.I. for support in their lives.

OpenAI has previously said it is exploring sustainable revenue models as competition intensifies across the AI sector, though the company did not respond to Scripps News request for comment.

RELATED NEWS | Amid rising power bills, Anthropic vows to cover costs tied to its data centers

Meanwhile, at Anthropic, the companys head of Safeguards Research, Mrinank Sharma, also resigned, publishing a letter on X that read in part: I continuously find myself reckoning with our situation. The world is in peril.

While Sharmas note referenced broader existential risks tied to advanced AI systems, he also suggested tension between corporate values and real-world decision-making, writing that it had become difficult to ensure that organizational principles were truly guiding actions.

Anthropic has positioned itself as a safety-first AI lab and was founded by former OpenAI researchers who cited governance concerns in their own departure.

The exits come amid broader turbulence in the AI industry; xAI has faced backlash over outputs from its Grok chatbot, including explicit and antisemitic content generated shortly after product updates.

MORE AI NEWS | Musks X and Grok AI hit with raids, fines, and multinational investigations

Taken together, the developments underscore a mounting tension inside AI labs: how to move quickly in a fiercely competitive market while maintaining robust guardrails around systems that are becoming more powerful, and more integrated into everyday life.

This, all as the 2026 International AI Safety Report has been released, highlighting risks to human autonomy and labor market impacts due to AI development.

Federal immigration officials have purchased a vacant building in Romulus and plan to convert it into a detention facility, sparking concern among residents and local officials about the project's impact on the community.

Watch Randy Wimbley's video report: ICE facility plan in Romulus sparks concern as officials tout economic impact

The facility would be housed in the former Gage Marketing Group headquarters. Immigration and Customs Enforcement says the project will create nearly 1,500 jobs and contribute $160 million to the GDP while roughly $33 million in tax revenue.

However, the plan has drawn fierce opposition from some residents and elected officials who worry about the facility's effects on their neighborhood.

"Other than human rights violations, other than the fact that they always tell us yeah, we can't build affordable housing, we can't fix the economy, but we can do this," Michael Calabrese said.

State Sen. Darrin Camilerri criticized the federal government's approach to the project.

"This has not been authorized by the local government or the state government or the county government. Our city doesn't want this here," Camilerri said.

Hear more from Darrin Camilerri below: Sen. Darrin Camilerri shares his opposition for ICE facility plan in Romulus

Camilerri said officials are researching potential local actions, including ordinances or resolutions, to address community concerns.

"The thing that is most clear is that residents need to speak out, peacefully protest and do what they can to lift up their voice to say that we don't want ICE in our communities," Camilerri said.

Some residents expressed concerns about potential protests disrupting daily life, referencing recent demonstrations in Minneapolis following immigration enforcement actions and the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.

"You're bringing it to the wrong town. Setting it up in a residential area like that, you're endangering folks, you're endangering this community," Debra Singal said.

"My biggest fear is if a bunch of protesters start blocking the street out there, how am I going to get to work and get her (child) to day care? Outside of that, I don't think it's really going to affect me," Joel Shaeffer said.

Judith Frederick worried about the long-term impact on the community, saying, "Nobody is going to want to move here if this is here. Everybody's already scared and it's not even here yet."

However, the facility has some supporters. Sunny Reddy, co-chair of the Michigan Republican Party, said she would feel comfortable living near the law enforcement facility.

"Everybody says they need to have a due process, and that's what they are. We are trying to create, the federal government trying to create the facility, so that they can be placed there while they are going through the due process," Reddy said.

Hear more from Sunny Reddy below: Michigan GOP Co-chair Sunny Reddy talks benefits of ICE facility plan in Romulus

In a statement, ICE said it is targeting "criminal illegal aliens including murderers, rapists, pedophiles, gang members and more." The federal agency claims 70% of its arrests involve people charged or convicted of crimes in the U.S., though that figure has been contested.

"That is not accurate based on their own data. The data that I've seen most recently says 70 percent have zero criminal record at all and so we're not talking about folks who are doing hard crimes. Nobody wants those types of individuals in your neighborhood. But we're talking about, literally, small business owners," Sen. Camilleri said.

ICE says the new facility will follow strict detention standards while bringing significant economic benefits to the area.

Congressman Shri Thanedar has launched a petition aimed at stopping the detention facility project.

The Romulus City Council is scheduled to meet Monday, Feb. 23. While it's unclear if the ICE facility will be on the agenda, some residents plan to voice their concerns about the project.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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