The U.S. Senate on Saturday failed to advance two proposals attached to the SAVE America Act, a measure tied to election reforms backed by President Donald Trump.

Both amendments needed 60 votes to be adopted into the bill.

In a rare weekend session, Senate Republicans fell short of the threshold for language that would block federal funding for programs allowing transgender women those assigned male at birth to participate in womens sports at the high school or college level. The amendment, intended to ban such participation, received 49 votes, with Democrats opposing. Ten senators did not vote.

RELATED STORY | RNC chair calls Save America Act past due as Senate vote nears

A second amendment, pushed by Senate Democrats, would have provided funding for the Transportation Security Administration, which remains unfunded amid a partial government shutdown. TSA is among the Department of Homeland Security agencies without funding for more than a month, as Democrats press for changes to immigration enforcement.

TSA agents have been working without pay, leading to increased call-outs and longer security lines at some airports. Officials have warned that if the shutdown continues, some smaller airports may have to close because of rising absenteeism.

The two amendments were considered as Republicans moved to invoke cloture on voting reforms that would require voters to present photo identification at polling places and proof of citizenship when registering.

RELATED STORY | Trump says GOP cant win without voting law changes, demands action from Senate

The SAVE America Act has already passed the House but would return there for another vote if the Senate adds any amendments.

Nicholas Brendon, an actor best known for his role as a loveable underdog sidekick on the hit television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, has died. He was 54.

Brendon's family announced the death in a statement posted on his social media accounts Friday. They said he died in his sleep of natural causes, but did not say where or when it happened.

Brandon played Xander Harris, a close friend of lead character Buffy, on Buffy the Vampire Slayer that ran from 1997 to 2003. The supernatural series, which started on the WB network and then moved to UPN, was about vampire slayers, led by the teenager Buffy, who battled a wide range of demons, werewolves and other dark forces while also navigating life in high school.

RELATED STORY | Chuck Norris, Walker, Texas Ranger star, dies at 86

Buffy the Vampire Slayer, based on the movie of the same name, never received many awards, but it has been cited by many critics as being one of the most influential shows in TV history.

Sarah Michelle Gellar, who played Buffy on the show, posted a photo of herself with Brendon on Instagram on Saturday.

I saw you Nicky, she wrote. I know you are at peace, in that big rocking chair in the sky.

Brendon also appeared on the TV show Criminal Minds" between 2007 and 2014 and alongside Bradley Cooper in the Fox sitcom Kitchen Confidential, an adaptation of Anthony Bourdains memoir, that aired for just one season in 2005.

Brendon was in the films Redwood in 2017, The Nanny in 2018 and Christmas Slasher" in 2024.

Brendon also wrote several issues of the Buffy comic book series.

RELATED STORY | James Van Der Beek, star of 'Dawson's Creek,' dies at age 48

While Brendon was best known as an actor, his family said in their statement that in recent years he found his passion in painting and art.

He was passionate, sensitive, and endlessly driven to create, the statement said. Those who truly knew him understood that his art was one of the purest reflections of who he was.

Brendon announced in 2023 that he had suffered a heart attack. He also underwent two spinal surgeries for a rare nerve compression condition called cauda equina syndrome that can lead to pain and weakness in the lower body.

Brendon also openly talked about his battle with depression and appeared on two 2015 episodes of Dr. Phil to discuss his struggles with alcohol and mental health and a string of arrests for public intoxication, vandalism and domestic violence.

His family said that while Brendon had struggled in the past, he was on medication and treatment to manage his diagnosis and was optimistic about the future.

Robert S. Mueller III, the FBI director who transformed the nation's premier law enforcement agency into a terrorism-fighting force after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks and who later became special counsel in charge of investigating ties between Russia and Donald Trump's presidential campaign, has died. He was 81.

With deep sadness, we are sharing the news that Bob passed away on Friday night, his family said in a statement Saturday. His family asks that their privacy be respected.

At the FBI, Mueller set about almost immediately overhauling the bureaus mission to meet the law enforcement needs of the 21st century, beginning his 12-year tenure just one week before the Sept. 11 attacks and serving across presidents of both political parties. He was nominated by Republican President George W. Bush.

The cataclysmic event instantaneously switched the bureaus top priority from solving domestic crime to preventing terrorism, a shift that imposed an almost impossibly difficult standard on Mueller and the rest of the federal government: preventing 99 out of 100 terrorist plots wasnt good enough.

Later, he was special counsel in the Justice Departments investigation into whether the Trump campaign illegally coordinated with Russia to sway the outcome of the 2016 presidential race.

FROM THE ARCHIVES, THE MUELLER PROBE EXPLAINED:

Trump posted on social media about Muellers death: Robert Mueller just died. Good, Im glad hes dead. The Republican president added, He can no longer hurt innocent people!

The FBI did not immediately respond to a request seeking comment.

A second act as an investigator of a sitting president

The second-longest-serving director in FBI history, behind only J. Edgar Hoover, Mueller held the job until 2013 after agreeing to Democratic President Barack Obamas request to stay on even after his 10-year term was up.

After several years in private practice, Mueller was asked by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein to return to public service as special counsel in the Trump-Russia inquiry.

PAST REPORTING | Special Counsel Robert Mueller's Report Is Out. What Now?

Muellers stern visage and taciturn demeanor matched the seriousness of the mission, as his team spent nearly two years quietly conducting one of the most consequential, yet divisive, investigations in Justice Department history. He held no news conferences and made no public appearances during the investigation, remaining quiet despite attacks from Trump and his supporters and creating an aura of mystery around his work.

All told, Mueller brought criminal charges against six of the presidents associates, including his campaign chairman and first national security adviser.

His 448-page report released in April 2019 identified substantial contacts between the Trump campaign and Russia but did not allege a criminal conspiracy. He laid out damaging details about Trump's efforts to seize control of the investigation, and even shut it down, though he declined to decide whether Trump had broken the law, in part because of department policy barring the indictment of a sitting president.

But, in perhaps the most memorable language of the report, Mueller pointedly noted: If we had confidence after a thorough investigation of the facts that the president clearly did not commit obstruction of justice, we would so state. Based on the facts and the applicable legal standards, we are unable to reach that judgment.

The nebulous conclusion did not deliver the knockout punch to the administration that some Trump opponents had hoped for, nor did it trigger a sustained push by House Democrats to impeach the president -- though he was later tried and acquitted on separate allegations related to Ukraine.

Justin Timberlake struggled to perform field sobriety tests requiring him to walk a straight line and stand on one leg after he was pulled over in New Yorks Hamptons in 2024 by police officers who suspected him of driving drunk, according to video footage released Friday.

The pop star tells officers at one point, these are like really hard tests.

The footage, which runs roughly eight hours, includes Timberlakes initial stop after Sag Harbor police said he ran a stop sign in the village center, veered out of his lane and got out of his BMW smelling of alcohol that June.

The NSYNC singer-turned-solo artist and actor tells officers he had consumed one martini and had been following friends home in the former whaling village, which is among the affluent beach towns of the Hamptons, about 100 miles (160 kilometers) east of New York City.

When an officer asks why he is in town, Timberlake says, Im on a world tour.

Doing what? the officer asks.

Hard to explain, Timberlake says.

After stammering a bit, he says World tour. Im Justin Timberlake.

The officer eventually responds: You are Justin Timberlake? Do you have a license with you?

Timberlake, who ultimately pleaded guilty to a lesser charge, is asked by officers to walk heel-to-toe in a straight line on the road and lift one leg. At times he seems flustered listening to the instructions. He apologizes to officers and tells them his heart is racing.

Im a little nervous, Timberlake says at one point.

In the back seat of the police car, he asks: Why are you arresting me?

RELATED STORY | Justin Timberlake doesnt want you to see his DWI arrest video

Back at the police station, Timberlake is informed he will be held overnight, to which he says, Im going to be here all night? You guys are wild, man.

He asks the officer to keep the light on in the cell as they lock the door.

The release by Sag Harbor Police comes after the village and Timberlakes lawyers agreed to disclose a redacted version of the footage. The Associated Press was among several media outlets that filed a records request seeking the release of the video.

Timberlake's lawyers had sued to block the release of the video, arguing it would devastate Timberlakes privacy by revealing intimate, highly personal, and sensitive details. They also said it would cause severe and irreparable harm to his reputation by subjecting him to public ridicule and harassment.

But in a joint filing with the village Friday, Timberlake's lawyers acknowledged the video does not constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy under the state's public information law and agreed to its release.

Timberlake's lawyers and representatives didn't immediately respond to emails seeking comment Friday.

Sag Harbor officials, in a statement provided by the village's lawyer, Vincent Toomey, said they are pleased the matter was resolved and they were able to comply with state public records law.

RELATED STORY | Justin Timberlake diagnosed with Lyme disease, the former NSYNC singer says

From the beginning of this matter, after Mr. Timberlakes arrest, the Village has attempted to comply with the mandates of the Freedom of Information Law, the statement reads. As would be true in any case involving records or video footage from our Police Department, such material is reviewed and redacted to address public and officer safety concerns as well as personal privacy considerations.

Timberlake pleaded guilty to impaired driving in September 2024.

The Tennessee native agreed to give a public safety announcement against the perils of drunken driving as part of the plea deal that knocked down his initial misdemeanor charge to a noncriminal traffic violation.

He was also sentenced to a $500 fine, 25 hours of community service and a 90-day suspension of his license.

The NCAA filed a complaint in federal court Friday seeking an emergency restraining order to stop online sportsbook DraftKings from using registered trademarks associated with the NCAA men's and women's basketball tournaments.

The complaint for trademark infringement was filed in the Southern District of Indiana and requests that DraftKings stop using terms including March Madness, Final Four, Elite Eight and Sweet Sixteen" or variations of them in sports betting products, promotional campaigns or marketing.

The NCAA said in the complaint its trademarks are used to identify, brand, advertise and distinguish the tournaments across broadcast media, digital platforms, merchandise, sponsorships and licensed commercial activities.

RELATED STORY | 14,000 perfect brackets survive first day of NCAA tournament

On the eve of the Tournaments, DraftKings deliberately adopted and prominently began using the NCAAs iconic NCAA Basketball Marks, including confusingly similar variations thereof, to trade on and usurp the immense goodwill, recognition, and consumer trust embodied in those Marks at the precise moment of peak public attention, the complaint said.

Screenshots of DraftKings wagering platforms were included in exhibits attached to the complaint.

DraftKingss unlawful use quickly proliferated across its consumer-facing websites and mobile applications, embedding the marks and logos into betting menus, promotional graphics, and marketing publications, to deliberately exacerbate consumer confusion and reinforce a false association with or sponsorship by the NCAA in order to continuously capitalize on the goodwill of the NCAA, the complaint said.

DraftKings said in a statement that it is not engaging in trademark infringement.

DraftKings does not use the term March Madness as a trademark, but rather uses it in plain text and as a fair use in the same manner that other tournaments are displayed, such as the NIT, in order to accurately identify the different tournaments and their respective games, DraftKings said. "This is protected speech under the First Amendment and is not a violation of any brands trademark. We are confident that the courts will deny this request for an injunction.

RELATED STORY | NCAA ordered to pay $18M to former football player and wife in concussion lawsuit

The NCAA said it avoids any appearance of affiliation with gambling companies and has declined sportsbook sponsorships, banned sports betting by athletes and staff and publicly opposed prop bets and micro-bets. The NCAA noted it has launched initiatives to prevent harassment and improper influence in college sports and preserve the integrity of its competitions.

"Every day that DraftKings continues to use these marks, millions of sports fans and, critically, college students and young adults who are particularly susceptible to gambling harm are exposed to the false suggestion that the Association has authorized or endorsed DraftKings gambling platform, the NCAA said in a statement.

The U.S. Senate this week passed a bill that would prohibit members of Congress from bypassing standard airport security screenings at commercial airports.

The vote comes nearly a month into a partial government shutdown that has left Transportation Security Administration employees without pay. The shutdown has contributed to longer security lines due to higher rates of employee call-offs.

The End Special Treatment for Congress at Airports Act passed by unanimous consent and now heads to the House for consideration.

RELATED STORY | Don't let the government shutdown slow you down: How to deal with long TSA lines

The bill would also ban members of Congress from using federal funds to pay for expedited security screenings. While lawmakers can have travel between Washington and their home districts paid for by the government, they would be responsible for covering any costs for faster screenings.

The bill also specifies that a lawmakers participation in the Trusted Traveler Program would not be based on their congressional status.

Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, sponsored the measure.

RELATED STORY | Government funding impasse is making the TSA travel experience even worse

As many Americans probably dont know but most of us in Washington do airports around the country allow members of Congress to bypass the usual TSA security screening process at airports nationwide, Cornyn said. In other words, they get to skip the line. This should end today.

Members of Congress are getting an unfair perk. We know trust in Congress is at an all-time low, but today, thank goodness, the Senate has taken an important step toward restoring the trust of the people we are here to represent.

Eid al-Fitr is a three-day Islamic holiday that marks the end of Ramadans month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting.

Booza Delight offers a 100% halal, in-house made stretchy ice cream (booza) perfect for Eid celebrations. Known for its authentic Middle Eastern flavors, the metro Detroit ice cream shop and bakery offers a variety of specialties like Booza Rolls, Tiramisu cakes, and the new Crunch Delight.

To place your order, visit boozadelight.appfront.app

During her first year of college, Elisabeth Bradley was inspired to try weightlifting after she followed a woman tracking her fitness transformation on social media, one barbell at a time.

Then, Bradley found herself to be the only woman in the weight room at San Diego State University.

I felt like I stuck out a lot, and I just thought, OK, Im gonna look dumb, she says. Intimidated by a room full of grunting, muscular men, she moved over to the cardio area, mirroring countless women who, for various reasons, avoid the free weights and machines.

But with research mounting on the benefits of resistance training, experts say a few things need to change at the gym to make it more enticing to women.

Michelle Segar, a behavioral scientist at the University of Michigan who studies exercise habits, said that making the environment more palatable and familiarizing women better with weights will lead more to use them. More representation will in turn get more women to continue.

Why women should lift weights

The National Institutes of Health recommends that everyone men and women do resistance training at least twice a week. That includes all kinds of activities that require physical force, such as weight machines, resistance bands, or body-weight exercises like pushups and squats.

RELATED STORY | What Americans are giving up to afford ACA health insurance, according to a new poll

Resistance training has been found to help prevent heart disease, improve long-term mobility and lower blood pressure, said Brad Schoenfeld, professor of exercise science at Lehman College in New York City. Some research suggests that women may even benefit more than men from weight training because it staves off osteoporosis and age-related muscle loss, which women are more susceptible to, he said.

The bottom line is, resistance training is a cure for all sorts of issues, Schoenfeld said.

Why many women dont want to

Daisy Arauza, a 30-year-old mother of two in Menifee, California, does some Pilates and cardio-based exercise at home using videos and online tutorials, and would like to invest in a gym membership to help with strength and weight management.

But she lacks confidence, she said, and doesn't know enough yet about weights and gym etiquette.

I have a lot of self-consciousness because of how my body looks right now. When you think of the gym, you think about people that are already more fit. And so it feels like I have to make myself fit into this mold before I can feel comfortable being in a gym setting working out in front of other people, she said.

Theres also still a stigma about women lifting weights, Bradley said. Told for years that being skinny is the ultimate goal, some falsely believe strength training will make them look bulky.

Schoenfeld said few women need to worry about building too much muscle because its hard for anyone to gain a significant amount especially women, who have lower levels of the muscle-building hormone testosterone. And its easy to reduce training intensity if you dont like the results, he said: Its very, very easy to lose muscle.

What gyms and women can do about it

Months after her initial bad impression, Bradley shared her strength-training goals with a male weightlifter in her dorm, who showed her the bodybuilding ropes. The boost inspired her to found Girl Gains, a female weightlifting club that now has dozens of chapters at colleges across the country.

Other things get shoved down our throats, like Pilates and cardio and yoga, but they complement each other, Bradley said. Being stronger in the gym is going to help you progress in Pilates. Having muscle is going to help make you a faster, better runner.

RELATED STORY | Fast-track FDA approval brings stronger Wegovy to pharmacies by April

Women embarking on strength training should do so with an empowering and realistic message, advocates say.

Complementary introductory training sessions can help, but a cursory introduction from a trainer in a revealing outfit wont, said Segar.

Most women have tried to achieve the perfect body for decades, and it only leads to a sense of failure, she said. Instead of focusing on how the exercise makes them feel, they're thinking about how theyre being perceived.

Women who find community in the weight room work together on their own targets, getting stronger and pushing themselves, Bradley said. One of the things we always say is, The gains look good on you.

Women's gyms and child care

Some women find they can focus better on their workout when men aren't around.

At the women-only Goddess Gym in Peterborough, England, Charlie Sturgeon said she's happier than she was in mixed-sex gyms where she had "some quite weird experiences where people would just stare, pull faces, make comments. And here, with being women only, it just feels like theres a sense of community.

Some gyms try to make women more comfortable by offering day care on site.

Michelle Kozak of Phoenix, who has two young children, canceled her membership when her gym stopped offering child care.

And she isn't comfortable with hard-core gym culture.

I dont want to make the gym my entire personality," she said. "I just want to have some time to prioritize being healthy.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said attacks against Iran will increase significantly in the coming week. Katz spoke Saturday, hours after U.S. President Donald Trump said he was considering winding down military operations in the Mideast even as the United States announced it was sending more warships and Marines to the region and Iran threatened to attack tourist sites worldwide.

The mixed U.S. messages came after another climb in oil prices plunged the U.S. stock market, and was followed by a Trump administration announcement that it will lift sanctions on Iranian oil loaded on ships, a move aimed at wrangling soaring fuel prices.

The war, meanwhile, has shown no signs of abating.

RELATED STORY | Netanyahu says Iran can no longer enrich uranium, as conflict continues through Gulf

Iran said its Natanz nuclear facility was hit in an airstrike Saturday but that there has been no radiation leakage. Israel said Iran continued to fire missiles at it early Saturday, while Saudi Arabia said it downed 20 drones in just a couple of hours in the countrys eastern region, which is home to major oil installations. The defense ministry said there were no injuries or damage.

The death toll has risen to more than 1,300 people in Iran, more than 1,000 people in Lebanon, 15 in Israel and 13 U.S. military members in the region. Millions of people in Lebanon and Iran have been displaced.

Britain condemns Iran's reckless attacks on Diego Garcia air base

Britain has condemned Irans reckless attacks after its military fired missiles at the U.K.-U.S. air base on the island of Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean.

U.K. officials have not given details of the attempted strike, which was unsuccessful. Its unclear how close the missiles came to the base, which is about 2,500 miles (4,000 kilometers) from Iran.

The Ministry of Defense said Saturday that Irans lashing out across the region and holding hostage the Strait of Hormuz, are a threat to British interests and British allies.

RELATED STORY | Trump, Iranian leader project strength as war nears 3-week mark

Britain has not participated in U.S-Israeli attacks on Iran, but has allowed American bombers to use U.K. bases to attack Irans missile sites.

On Friday, the British government said U.S. bombers can also use U.K. bases, including Diego Garcia, in operations to prevent Iran attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran targeted the base before that U.K. statement.

Israel says attacks on Iran will be ramped up, war will continue

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said attacks against Iran will increase significantly in the coming week.

Katz spoke Saturday, hours after U.S. President Donald Trump said he was considering winding down military operations in the Mideast.

This week, the intensity of the attacks that the IDF and the U.S. military will carry out against the Iranian terrorist regime and against the infrastructures on which it relies will increase significantly, Katz said in a video statement.

UN Atomic agency says no reported increase in radiation levels at Natanz nuclear facility

The International Atomic Energy Agency said in a social media post Saturday that Iran has informed it of the attack on its Natanz nuclear facility.

The IAEA said it was looking into the report, adding that no increase in off-site radiation levels reported.

Russia says it remains Iran's loyal friend and reliable partner

Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a message Saturday congratulating Iranians on the new year festival Nowruz that he wished them to overcome these severe trials with dignity. The Kremlin press service also quoted Putin as sayin that Moscow remains Tehrans loyal friend and reliable partner.

Neighbors in Northville came face to face with state leaders Friday night to discuss the surge of data center proposals in Michigan.

From Southfield to Lyon Township, data center proposals are popping up all across Southeast Michigan. The goal of the town hall meeting, held at Northville High School, was to give the community a voice before any ground is broken on the massive facilities.

Watch Jolie Sherman's video report below: State leaders discuss the surge of data center proposals in Southeast Michigan

The meeting was a chance for residents from all over metro Detroit to learn more about these hyper-scale centers, the resources they require and the impact they might have on consumers.

"Im a consulting engineer and I have many ideas on how data centers dont have to use as much electricity, as much gas or as much water as a lot of them are doing," Jim Newman said.

Newman was one of dozens of people to participate in the town hall hosted by Sen. Rosemary Bayer, who was joined by Attorney General Dana Nessel and state environmental leaders.

"What the challenge is helping people understand theyre really big. I mean, a regular data center is about a football field size. These are like 17 to 18 football fields one building. Think about that," Bayer said.

Not only are the facilities massive, but they also require a lot of energy to power and cool down servers. A data center in Saline Township, approved by energy regulators late last year, would require 1.4 gigawatts of energy. State leaders say that is equivalent to adding 1 million homes to the grid overnight.

Related video: Michigan Public Service Commission approves DTE contract for Saline Township data center project MPSC approves DTE contract for Saline Township data center project

"These data centers are probably coming one way or the other, so we might as well have as many guardrails so that we make sure we get this right so that the data centers that come to town, the centers arent going to affect our rates, theyre not going to affect our water and its going to protect Michigan ratepayers and taxpayers in the future," Nessel said.

Nessel said she is working to make sure there is full transparency and clear rules before more deals are approved, and keeping customers from paying for this new infrastructure through higher bills. Meanwhile, Bayer is working on legislation that aims to protect communities.

Related video: Google announces it's behind massive data center proposal in Van Buren Township Google announces it's behind massive data center proposal in Van Buren Township Google announces it's behind massive data center proposal in Van Buren Township

"I came here because its good to see thought leaders in our community and our elected officials trying to put a framework around and make it work for everyone because right now, its not sustainable and its not something that works," Christopher LaDuke said.

In January, the Northville City Council unanimously approved a one-year moratorium on data centers, halting the review of any data center applications.

Related video: Northville City Council unanimously approves 12-month data center moratorium Northville City Council unanimously approves 12-month data center moratorium

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.

As lawmakers on Capitol Hill remain in a stalemate regarding funding for Homeland Security, TSA employees are working without pay, causing unpredictable security lines at airports across the country.

I went to Detroit Metro Airport in Romulus to check in with travelers and get insight from travel experts on the shutdown and TSA operations. Lines have not been too bad at Metro Airport, but travel experts say that could change depending on how long the shutdown lasts.

Watch Tiarra Braddock's video report below: Homeland Security funding stalemate causes unpredictable airport security lines

Okemos resident Christine Sermak was traveling to Paris, France, with her daughter.

"I was expecting that it would be lines out the door anywhere from three to four hours," Sermak said.

She arrived at Metro Airport three and a half hours before her flight in case she was met with long lines at TSA.

"Everything you see on Facebook and everywhere else, its just showing the long lines," Sermak said. "I 'd rather be safe than sorry."

Julian Kheel, founder of Points Path, says arriving to the airport early is always a smart move.

"The biggest problem with whats happening right now with the TSA is the unpredictability." Kheel said. "You might show up at the airport and get through in five minutes or you could end up in a line thats multiple hours."

I also spoke to Katie Minardi, whose family was coming back home to Windsor from a one-week vacation in Nassau, Bahamas. She says her family chose to travel during the week instead of the weekend to avoid the long lines.

"Doing the week day was a lot better and we got here early and we just kind of prepared for it," Minardi said.

David Fishman, CEO of Royal Oak-based Cadillac Travel Group, says as spring break travel ramps up and the longer agents go without pay, Metro Airport could see longer lines.

"A lot of Southeastern Michigan, Spring break is the first week of April. And this year, Easter is falling on their first week of April, so we have the perfect storm shall we say," Fishman said.

Fishman added that the reason some airports are seeing longer lines depends on if TSA employees show up to work.

"As we know, this is the second shutdown, so some of them finally said you know what, I need to find another job, I need to put food on my table, I need to take care of my family," Fishman said.

Now all eyes are on Capitol Hill to see when lawmakers will end this stalemate.

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.

Lately, Priscilla Brown has had to choose between properly managing her Type 2 diabetes and affording other necessities, like gas in her car. Some days, she takes half or a third of her prescribed insulin dose just to stretch it out longer.

Sometimes I dont even take my medicine, said the 48-year-old truck dispatcher in Orlando, Florida. Its so much with insurance, its crazy.

About 8 in 10 Americans, like Brown, who re-enrolled in Affordable Care Act marketplace coverage say their health care costs are higher this year, including about half who say their costs are a lot higher, according to a new survey from the health care research nonprofit KFF. A main reason for increased costs was the Dec. 31 expiration of enhanced tax credits that had offset premiums for most enrollees.

For Brown and others, those spiking costs are having real impacts on daily life. Of the 1,117 Americans surveyed who had ACA marketplace coverage in 2025, including those who dropped coverage or changed plans, about 55% said theyre planning to deal with health care costs by cutting spending on food and other basic household needs.

Democrats in Congress last year had fought to keep the COVID-era subsidies but faced pushback from Republican leadership. In January, momentum toward a bipartisan compromise fell apart leaving some 23 million ACA enrollees without relief as they faced higher premiums or made tough decisions to disenroll or downgrade plans.

The new poll, which was conducted in February and March and followed up with respondents from a survey conducted last year to learn how they're grappling with health insurance now, offers a glimpse at how Congress' unresolved fight continues to strain regular Americans even as many federal lawmakers have, at least for the moment, turned to other priorities.

RELATED STORY | Doctors warn patients are delaying care over costs even with insurance

Many ACA enrollees are anxious about medical costs

Last year, Brown paid zero dollars toward her health insurance premiums. This year, her new plan costs $17 a month and has a higher deductible.

Brown said she learned this week that her new refill of medicine was going to cost more than $150 and almost passed out. She filled her car with only half the gas she needed, knowing shed need money for the medications.

Anxieties about unexpected medical costs are acute, the poll shows. About three-quarters of people who had ACA insurance last year now say they are very or somewhat worried about paying for emergency care or hospitalization, while about half said the same about routine medical visits or prescription drugs.

Some enrollees switch to lower-tier plans, while others drop coverage entirely

Most of last year's enrollees, about 7 in 10, stayed on ACA health insurance but that includes about 3 in 10 who changed plans within the marketplace. Meanwhile, about 2 in 10 became eligible for coverage through their employer, Medicare or Medicaid or purchased insurance outside of the ACA marketplace, which tends to be less comprehensive.

About 1 in 10 of last years enrollees said they dropped coverage altogether and are now uninsured, the poll shows.

Eric LeVasseur, a 63-year-old software developer in Seal Beach, California, was part of that group. He said when he saw his mid-tier, silver-level plan was going to nearly triple to $1,200 per month, it was not something my budget could absorb.

RELATED NEWS | Viral video highlights healthcare costs as Americans cut back on essentials

Many enrollees blame health insurance companies and politicians

About 7 in 10 returning ACA enrollees facing higher costs say they blame health insurance companies a lot," while just over half put a lot of blame on Republican lawmakers, President Donald Trump and pharmaceutical companies. About one-third blamed Democrats in Congress or hospitals a lot, while about 1 in 10 placed this level of blame on doctors or employers.

Respondents who identified with a political party and saw costs rise overwhelmingly blamed the opposing partys lawmakers a lot."

James Mako, an engineer in Boca Raton, Florida, and a political independent, said he blames the Republican Party. His $500-per-month premiums were poised to double this year for his silver-level ACA health plan. So, he downgraded to a bronze-level plan with a higher deductible.

Mako said hes not convinced by the ideas Republicans have floated to fix the problem, like funneling money into health savings accounts.

I think theyre just sales gimmicks, he said. The subsidies should be back.

Detroit has always been a city that knows how to make music. Local jazz sensation Kimmie Hornes family history comes from Hollywood royalty, including her great aunt Lena Horne, but her singing chops are in her DNA.

Because Im from a family of musicians singers, performers. My dad was a musician, Kimmie Horne said.

Watch Carolyn Clifford's video report below: Kimmie Horne talks about her music and her legacy

The gift of being a songstress came early for Kimmie Horne, who once had dreams of becoming a journalist until something extraordinary caught her ear.

When I heard, when I did, I was really blown away that it sounded like I was on the radio, she said.

It may not look like it, but shes been gracing stages as a one-woman show for nearly four decades across America and internationally in Japan.

I think its the freedom of just singing notes, rhythms, patterns, phrasings. I just love the sound of Jazz, she said.

But one of her biggest legacies is creating the Kimmie Horne Jazz Festival. Very few festivals are named after a woman.

So often, I was traveling all around the world, running into different musicians and we always talked about, we should do something together, Kimmie Horne said. And so I said Im going to have a festival and I am going to be able to bring everybody to one stage.

At the start in 2016, she quickly outgrew Lathrup Village and moved it to Southfield, where thousands flocked to see her. Over a decade, she gave nearly 100 artists an opportunity to perform and honored trailblazers that came before her. But behind the scenes, she got her own sponsors and stayed in a trailer on site as the CEO of her three-day festival.

I was really nervous about that at first because its my name on a festival, Kimmie Horne said, adding that her husband encouraged her to continue on with the idea.

She decided in 2025, a decade was enough. But now, this self-made woman is on to the next. Shes honoring the music of Sade during an already sold-out show during Womens History Month.

I wanted to really do a show where I can really hone my alto voice. And Sade reminds me a lot of me because she has a vibe. Shes all about vibe, Kimmie Horne said.

Her birthday concert at the Dirty Dogg Jazz Cafe is still to come April 30 through May 2, but theres more to unfold as she continues to evolve.

A book, documentary and writing songs are on her list of things to do next.

For women who dream of following in her footsteps, her message is simple: Believe in yourself.

Kimmie Horne says her mission has always been simple: keep jazz alive and keep Detroit proud.

Fifty years ago, an EF-4 tornado tore through West Bloomfield, leaving behind destruction, heartbreak, and memories that remain vivid today.

Watch Jeffrey Lindblom's video report: Looking back at the West Bloomfield tornado 50 years later

The tornado claimed at least one life when a 15-year-old girl was killed on her way to a Sadie Hawkins dance.

"She was in the car, the car flipped over landed, and killed her," Tom Bjorklund said.

Bjorklund, a volunteer with the Greater West Bloomfield Historical Society, says while there have been tornadoes in the area in the past, this one severely impacted the community.

"There were businesses, there were homes that were just plain destroyed. A fair number of them," Bjorklund said. "This is clearly the worst of the worst. Its also interesting how much this event stuck with people in their minds."

At the Orchard Lake Museum, the historical society has preserved an extensive archive documenting the day that changed the community forever.

Frank Eory was 16 years old when the tornado swept through. He said the storm came without warning and was gone in the blink of an eye.

"Everything about it is vivid, even 50 years later," Eory said. "With so much devastation, it was unbelievable."

Eory remembers a pressure change, his ears popping, and windows shattering. He watched sparks and debris flying as part of his roof was removed.

"And it just clicked, and I said, 'tornado! hit the floor," Eory said.

Eory lives in Phoenix now, but he still remembers his old address, where Edith Root-Clark lives now.

"I think it puts me at ease in some respect knowing tornadoes may not hit in the same spot, so Im safe from that," Root-Clark said.

"It looks a lot how I remember from the late 70s," Eory said.

Anup Sinha lived a few doors down and was 5 years old at the time. He remembers the devastation outside his front yard and shared an old photo of what it used to look like.

"Its one of my earliest memories, and its quite a strong memory," Sinha said.

Both men count themselves lucky that things were not worse for them. They said the tragedy stuck with them, remembering the heartache in the aftermath but finding pride in how the community responded.

"It was quite heartwarming," Eory said.

"I never forgot it," Sinha said.

If you would like to see some of the old clippings, you can find the hours of operation for the Orchard Lake Museum on their website.

Check out these photos from their collection:

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

The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady this week, but markets still reacted sharply. Why?

In this episode of the Danny Moses Show, we break down what Fed Chair Jerome Powell said and what he didnt say including growing concerns about inflation, growth, and whether stagflation could be on the horizon.

Danny is joined by Wall Street legend Meredith Whitney, who shares her insights on the U.S. consumer, the rapid rise of private credit, and the widening gap in todays K-shaped economy.

From rising bond yields to stock market volatility, this episode dives into the biggest risks facing the economy right now and what it means for your money.

Retired Detroit Police Sgt. Benjamin Wagner is facing seven counts of criminal sexual conduct and five counts of kidnapping, prompting calls to revoke his pension if he is convicted.

Authorities are awaiting Wagners extradition from North Carolina, where he was arrested.

Watch Randy Wimbley's video report below: Retired Detroit police sergeant faces rape and kidnapping charges

After my initial report on Thursday, a viewer reached out to ask what would happen to the former sergeant's retirement account in light of the allegations. I followed up and learned from the city that it may depend on whether the alleged crimes happened while Wagner was on duty.

"I was horrified," Board of Police Commissioner Darryl Woods said regarding his initial reaction to the allegations.

"He don't deserve one penny of those pensions being a predator while you're a police officer. You leave here as a sergeant if you are guilty of that, shame on you. You should forfeit your pension and give it to those victims you victimized," Woods said.

"The deplorable fact in this case is that the person that we are charging today has led a double life as a law enforcement officer and a serial rapist," Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said.

Old accusations are also resurfacing. In a separate case in 2002, Wagner went on trial for allegedly raping a young relative when she was 7 years old, with the alleged crimes continuing into her teens. A jury found Wagner not guilty in that 2002 case.

Connor Ferrick, the family attorney for Wagners relative and alleged victim, says the charges announced this week is vindication.

"We had an innocent little girl in a tough situation who came out to talk about this monster, but we ran up against the blue wall. It was clear to me they werent going to believe her over this police officer," Ferrick said.

Watch Randy Wimbley's initial video report below: Ex-Detroit police sergeant led 'double life' as serial rapist, prosecutor says

Less than a year after Wagner was cleared in the 2002 case, he allegedly kidnapped a 16-year-old girl on Ferguson Street near 7 Mile Mile and the Southfield Freeway as she walked to a bus stop to get to school. He allegedly held her at gunpoint and raped her.

Wagner is accused of kidnapping and raping four other girls and young women between 1999 and 2003.

Worthy said Wagner retired from the Detroit Police Department in 2017.

See the press conference from the prosecutor's office in the video below: Prosecutors announce charges against ex-DPD sergeant who was allegedly a serial rapist

Sources told me Wagner was under an internal investigation when he left the department because he allegedly had a young female who was reported missing living with him. I reached out to the Detroit Police Department for comment about that investigation, but the department declined.

"No one is above the law, and these allegations are absolutely disturbing and when we get allegations, we take them seriously and we investigate them," Chief Todd Bettison said.

Anyone who believes Wagner sexually assaulted them should call the Detroit Police Department Sex Crimes Unit at 313-596-1950.

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.

Michigan Miss Amazing is empowering girls and women with disabilities by giving them a stage to build confidence, advocate for themselves and celebrate their abilities.

Watch Christiana Ford's video report: Michigan Miss Amazing empowers women with disabilities

The organization has been building community for participants in Michigan since 2020. Started by Novi residents Rachel Dooley and her mother, Rachel Hunter, the program has grown from about 10 participants to 37.

The annual Amplify event takes place Saturday, March 21 at 2:30 p.m. at the Novi Civic Center, featuring hair, makeup and passionate presentations.

"We are here to empower them. We wanna give them a platform and build a community around them and focus on their abilities," Tiffany LaFontaine, director of Michigan Miss Amazing, said.

"All too often, you hear the word disability, but you don't really pay attention to the ability and what these girls are truly capable of and what they bring to the table, and that's the most important part building a table that everybody has a seat at, so they all feel welcomed and included," LaFontaine said.

For 28-year-old Allie Hayes, the 2025 Miss Queen, the crown is more than just an accessory. She says her journey participating in the event has made her more confident in advocating for vulnerable adults.

"It definitely does open doors for self-esteem," Hayes said. "It makes me feel more confident with myself and I like feeling included."

Emmalynn Ringrose, the 13-year-old 2025 Preteen Queen, loves being on the stage because it reminder her of her theater passion.

"Feels like Im on Broadway," Ringrose said.

Alyssa Patrias, 29, is the 2025 Sr. Miss Queen and one of the original queens. She has a passion for bringing smiles to everyone with her "happy cards."

"It makes me feel so happy and proud," Patrias said.

LaFontaine says the competition is ultimately a celebration of all that makes its contestants special.

"Its about giving these girls the stage and allowing them to talk about the things that mean the most to them," LaFontaine said.

While participation in Michigan Miss Amazing is completely free, the organization encourages each participant to give back by supporting a nonprofit. This year, they are supporting Making Spirits Bright, Metro Detroit's Book Bank, which is dedicated to providing equitable access to books that enhance youth literacy.

The Amplify event is just the beginning for many participants. Queens crowned in seven of the eight age categories will go on to the national Advocate event in Chicago in July.

Girls and women ages 5 and older who have an IEP, IPP, SSI, 504 plan or a physician's document providing proof of disability are eligible to participate. Miss Amazing is currently operating in over 30 states.

The organization has several upcoming events, including a bottle drive on April 19 to raise funds for the 2026 National Queens. On May 16, they will host the LaFontaine Automotive Performance Cars and Coffee for Michigan Miss Amazing at LaFontaine Chevrolet Plymouth. The second annual Fundraiser Ball Gala is scheduled for Oct. 3 at the Novi Civic Center.

"You should come see it. Its a great experience," Ringrose 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.

7 News Detroit Meteorologist Marisa Woloszyn looks at what you need to know to stay safe if you're driving when a tornado strikes in this Severe Weather Awareness Week report.

Severe Weather Awareness Week: Staying safe if a tornado hits while driving

We're also looking at the dangers of flooding in this Severe Weather Awareness Week report.

Severe Weather Awareness Week: Living with a risk of flooding

We're also looking at what you need to do if you're caught outside in severe weather.

What do you need to do if you're caught outside in severe weather

Other Severe Weather Awareness reports:

How one school prepares 550 students for severe weather in just minutes Severe Weather Awareness Week 2026: Staying safe from tornadoes at home

The Oaks Village homeless shelter in Monroe was forced to close its doors Friday after city leaders said a recent inspection uncovered multiple life safety concerns.

Watch Demetrios Sanders' video report: Monroe homeless shelter forced to close due to major safety concerns

The closure leaves dozens of people who were actively using the shelter quickly searching for a new place to rest.

Garry Moore, executive director of Oaks Village, said 48 people were staying at the facility when the announcement was made.

According to the City of Monroe, Oaks Village initiated an inspection to obtain a certificate of occupancy. The inspection revealed major safety concerns with the building, including electrical hazards, questions surrounding emergency evacuation paths, and the lack of a carbon monoxide and fire suppression system.

For those reasons, the city said the building could not remain occupied and ordered it to close on Friday.

"This decision comes after months of productive collaboration behind the scenes between the City and Oaks Village leadership," the City of Monroe wrote. "The City understands that this situation creates uncertainty for those who rely on these services. These actions were taken solely to protect everyone involved. Ongoing collaboration with the Oaks Village will focus on next steps and identifying available resources as the future of the shelter is evaluated."

Moore claims the shelter was given just three days to leave. While some people staying at the shelter have found housing with friends or other organizations, Moore said it has been a challenge finding a place for everyone.

"It has been kind of panic mode these past few days," Moore said. "Our mission is to support those in the community who are most in need."

"It's still kind of sinking in, and we're just doing everything we can in the moment as things come along, as we find new information, to make the right steps forward," Moore said.

Jason Walker moved to Michigan several months ago in search of better work opportunities. He stayed at the Oaks Village homeless shelter as he worked on job certifications.

"And they were a fundamental rock. They stayed in contact with my family. They did the things that matter most," he said.

Walker is one of the dozens of people leaving the facility this week. He was stunned by the news.

"I didn't know what to think. I was numb the first day. Then I started helping them clean up, pack up. It really caught me off guard," Jason Walker said.

Monroe officials said they are also working to help find placement for people at Oaks Village. Questions or concerns regarding access to placement or services can be directed to the Monroe County Opportunity Program at (734) 241-2775. Walk-ins are also available from 8:30-4:30 Monday-Friday.

In order to make the required repairs, Oaks Village launched an online fundraiser with a goal of $500,000. Those at the shelter remain optimistic they will reopen one day.

"It's going to go the way God wants it, and I'm here for it," said Lonnie Walker, a volunteer at the shelter.

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.