Fans flew in from across the country, paid top dollar for parking and started tailgating hours early as Morgan Wallen brought his first of two concerts to the Big House this weekend.

Cornhole games, cold beers, and country music filled the air outside Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor hours before Morgan Wallen took the stage Friday night the first of two concerts the country music star is performing at the venue this weekend.

Watch Jeffrey Lindblom's video report below: Morgan Wallen brings two-night concert series to Michigan Stadium

An estimated 75,000 fans are expected at each show, marking only the second major concert ever held at the Big House.

Ashley, a fan who flew in from North Carolina, said it was her first time ever visiting Michigan.

"I've never been to the state of Michigan ever!" Ashley said.

She had seen Wallen perform before and made the trip specifically to see him again.

"We had to see him again, so we came up here," Ashley said. "We're going to be on cloud nine."

Fan Ashley Miller said the venue itself added to the excitement.

"Super excited that Michigan is hosting concerts at the Big House," Miller said.

Miller and fellow fan Nicki Sharer were among the crowds tailgating outside the stadium, playing cornhole and cracking open beers with friends ahead of the show.

Watch our previous coverage ahead of the concert weekend below: Morgan Wallen brings two huge concerts to University of Michigan's Big House

"The girls are winning. We're up by four," Miller said.

Sharer said she was ready for a high-energy night.

"Definitely going to be jumping up and down, a lot of screaming," Sharer said.

Fans praised Wallen's music as a big part of the draw.

"He doesn't put out a bad song," Ashley said.

"His lyrics are super deep," Sharer said.

"He just makes the crowd really get into it," Ashley said.

Related video: Alleged scam tied to Ann Arbor group leaves some Morgan Wallen fans without concert tickets Alleged scam tied to Ann Arbor group leaves some Morgan Wallen fans without concert tickets

Fan Amanda Dekker said she planned to enjoy the full set.

"The whole album," Dekker said.

Rachel York and Destiny echoed the energy of the crowd.

"I'll be all over the place," York said.

"Jumping around," Destiny said.

"We'll be moving and grooving and dancing. All of the things," Ashley said.

For fans who drove to the show, parking came at a price. Nearby residents opened up their properties for paid parking, with prices ranging from $50 to $150.

Jamaine Atkins was among those hosting parking at his home.

"We're not doing anything with it. Might as well," Atkins said.

Wallen's second concert at Michigan Stadium is scheduled for Saturday.

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.

An Auburn Hills mother picked up a dirty stuffed animal from a busy intersection, gave it a full cleaning, and turned to social media where thousands have rallied to help reunite the bear with its owner.

Watch Jeffrey Lindblom's video report: Auburn Hills mom finds lost teddy bear, turns to internet for help

Kolleen Miller was driving near Joslyn and Brown in Auburn Hills when she spotted a stuffed animal on the ground.

"Noticed it was a kind of shiny little dress," Miller said.

She turned around, retrieved the bear from among the trash and traffic, and brought it home.

The toy turned out to be a Build-A-Bear greasy and grimy from the road. Miller gave it what she described as a full spa day, including a scrub-down with Dawn dish soap.

"It cut through the grease!" Miller said.

After drying it off, she documented the bear's journey on social media, sharing the story of where it was found and its path to being cleaned up. The post spread quickly.

"The comments and compliments that people made were so sweet. It was nice of people to be there with me," Miller said.

Miller said her 15-year-old child, Kas, was the inspiration behind the good deed. Kas has had a stuffed Eeyore for 14 years a companion Kas describes as far more than a toy.

"He knows all my secrets," Kas said. "He's a lot more than a stuffed animal. He is family."

When Miller saw the bear on the road, she said her first thought was of Kas.

"Right away I was thinking about how when she couldn't find her favorite," Miller said.

Kas acknowledged the emotional weight of losing a beloved stuffed animal.

"Devastated. I know I'm 15 and it's not mature or whatever," Kas said.

The sentiment runs in the family. Miller's mother, Kathleen Fisk, said she is proud of her daughter's act of kindness.

"It's a little bright spark," Fisk said. "If somehow they can get this bear back to the person it would be a good feeling for everyone."

Miller herself still has her own childhood stuffed animal a little yellow bunny.

"She's been this way all her life," Fisk said.

If you know who the teddy bear belongs to, you can email jeffrey.lindblom@wxyz.com to help get it returned to its owner.

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.

One of Michigan's most iconic summer traditions sets sail this weekend as nearly 1,700 sailors prepare to compete in the 102nd Bayview Mackinac Race the world's longest continuously run freshwater yacht race.

About 200 boats are expected to take part in the 259-nautical-mile course on Lake Huron, starting in Port Huron.

Watch Jeffrey Lindblom's video report below: 102nd Bayview Mackinac Race sets sail this weekend with 200 boats, smoke and storms expected

Spectators can watch the start from the Port Huron shores beginning Saturday at 11:30 a.m.

This year's race comes with a unique set of challenges. Racers are expecting to embark under a layer of smoke that will cloak the horizon and hinder sight lines and storms may also form during the days-long race.

David Shriner, a sailor who has competed for as long as he can remember, said the smoke conditions are unlike anything he has faced before.

"I've never had to deal with this before, at least not to this extent," Shriner said. "It's a lot harder to see and is very disorientating."

Shriner said the smoke will affect racers physically as well as mentally.

"I think a lot of us will wear a mask or a buff or something along the lines of that," Shriner said.

Fellow sailor Perry Lewis compared the smoke conditions to another familiar racing obstacle.

"In terms of how it affects the race, it's like fog," Lewis said.

Sailor and cook Dean Tank agreed the conditions will test the fleet.

"Tougher conditions for sure," Tank said.

Lewis and Tank are among the crew sailing aboard the WhiteHawk a 50-year-old boat and the oldest vessel in this year's race. The WhiteHawk weighs 70,000 pounds, carries a near 6,000-square-foot sail and features several million dollars worth of quarters and cabins.

"It's old fashioned in many, many ways," Lewis said.

"One of the most beautiful boats and it's fun to sail. We love coming over here," Tank said.

Tank said win or lose, there is one guarantee aboard the WhiteHawk.

"We eat really, really good on the way," Tank said.

Shriner said the history of his boat and team gives him confidence heading into the race.

"This boat and this team have won in the past. Hopefully we can do it again," Shriner 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.

Some of the world's most powerful and precise aircraft are getting ready to take over the Michigan skies this weekend.

Watch Jeffrey Lindblom's video report: Thunder Over Michigan Air Show returns with military jets, warbirds and the Red Arrows

The Thunder Over Michigan Air Show returns to Willow Run Airport featuring military jets, historic warbirds and a rare appearance from the Royal Air Force Red Arrows all as part of America's 250th birthday celebration. The event begins Friday and runs through the weekend. Saturday tickets are sold out.

Michigan Flight Museum President and CEO Kevin Walsh said the show is unlike anything else.

"You can't help but be inspired by these amazing flying machines," Walsh said. "This is an American celebration of aviation and all things that fly."

Walsh said the Red Arrows' appearance makes this year's show especially significant.

"It's like the British Blue Angels," Walsh said. "And they picked Detroit, Michigan."

Thunder Over Michigan marketing team member Jordan Hanhilammi said the Red Arrows are only performing in five shows during their time in the United States. Hanhilammi said this year's lineup makes it a must-attend event.

"This is the year to try it out," Hanhilammi said.

Attendees will be able to get up close to some of the aircraft on the ground, including a Super Stallion helicopter, where they can learn about the machines and the people who operate them.

"They can meet the crewmembers and people who take care of the aircraft," Hanhilammi said.

Stace Bechtel, crew chief of the Viper Demonstration Team, is responsible for maintaining the flight control and landing gear systems on a single-engine F-16. He said the work his team does carries real weight.

"Everything we do is serious," Bechtel said. "I love my job. I have the best job in the world."

The F-16 Viper is a high-maneuverability aircraft, and Bechtel said the numbers speak for themselves.

"We are a high maneuveribiliy aircraft. We're pulling about 9.4 Gs, going .94 mach during our demonstration," Bechtel said.

Bechtel said he has experienced that power firsthand.

"I genuinely felt like I was Superman," Bechtel said.

He said everything the team does in the air is ultimately for the public.

"We put ourselves in the air to protect and serve the country. It's for them," Bechtel said.

Walsh said the show is a rare opportunity that only comes around once a year.

"We only get to do this once per year," Walsh said. "We get to live in a rare time where man has learned to fly."

Hanhilammi said the experience is hard to put into words but easy to feel.

"It's a mix of power, precision and a lot of inspiration," Hanhilammi 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.

Detroit City Football Club is one step closer to a new home in Corktown.

Watch Jeffrey Lindblom's video report: DCFC breaks ground on new 15,000-seat Corktown stadium

City leaders, fans, and business owners gathered today for the groundbreaking of Alumnifi Field, a $153 million, 15,000-seat stadium project on 20th Avenue that supporters hope will transform a long-vacant site into a new hub for soccer and neighborhood growth.

DCFC Co-Founder and CEO Sean Mann broke ground alongside Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield.

"It's time to have good memories at this site," Mann said.

"This is how Detroit rises higher," Sheffield said.

With DCFC flags waving and canisters of gold and maroon filling the site, a packed crowd listened to speakers reflect on the project's historical significance. The stadium replaces what was the Southwest Detroit Hospital, which closed and has sat vacant since 2007. The hospital was the first Detroit hospital to hire African American medical professionals.

Alumnifi President and CEO April Clobus said the groundbreaking carries meaning beyond the construction itself.

"So, today's groundbreaking is about honoring the history of the site while we all invest in our future," Clobus said.

Clobus said she is excited to see what bringing the club's 15-year history to Detroit will mean for the surrounding area including a potential business boom for nearby establishments.

Richard Chessnutt, head brewer at Six Spoke Brewing Company, located just a couple of blocks from the stadium site, said he could barely contain his excitement.

"Oh, just so excited," Chessnutt said.

Chessnutt said he is looking forward to welcoming fans through his doors on game days.

"Part of enjoying the day is having a nice beer," Chessnutt said. "Get people jazzed up. Hopefully in DCFC colors."

John Mahoney, head bartender at neighboring business Cork and Gabel, said the stadium will bring something special to the block.

"It becomes family at that point. Couldn't be more proud to be down here," Mahoney said.

Mahoney said he hopes to serve fans well before kickoff.

"Go enjoy yourself at the game," Mahoney said.

For fans like John Sarge, the new stadium is a long time coming.

"This club is a real club," Sarge said. "I'm a serious soccer fan. I probably watch more soccer than I should."

Sarge said the renderings of the stadium look great and as an added bonus, the new Corktown location cuts his current drive to where the team currently plays in Hamtramck in half.

"This will be part of the urban fabric, and I think it could be beautiful," Sarge said.

The stadium is slated to open in 2028.

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.

Nearly a year after an alligator stunned visitors on Belle Isle, Fafnir the American alligator is growing fast and thriving in her new home at the Great Lakes Serpentarium.

Watch Jeffrey Lindblom's video report: Belle Isle's famous alligator Fafnir is thriving a year later

Fafnir caused a social media stir when she was spotted basking in the sun on Belle Isle in October.

PREVIOUS STORY: Michigan DNR confirms 'credible' alligator sighting on Belle Isle in Detroit Michigan DNR confirms 'credible' alligator sighting on Belle Isle in Detroit

She has grown about a foot since she was netted and removed from the island growth that is typical for a young female American alligator, which can reach up to 9 feet in length.

Great Lakes Serpentarium co-owner Kate Minnaar has had Fafnir in her care for the last 9 months.

PREVIOUS STORY: Belle Isle alligator captured and relocated to Westland serpentarium Belle Isle alligator captured and relocated to Westland serpentarium

"She's doing great. She's grown significantly since she has been here," Minnaar said.

Minnaar recently moved Fafnir from a smaller pond to a larger one, where she now has company.

"We moved her from the little pond to the big pond, so now she has a bunch of friends to hang out with," Minnaar said.

Fafnir now shares her enclosure with 4 other alligators, all rescued from Michigan residents who purchased them as pets which is legal in some Michigan municipalities.

"All from situations where the people couldn't properly house them anymore," Minnaar said.

Minnaar, who has kept reptiles since she was 12 years old, said Fafnir has a personality to match her growing size.

"She's got a little bit of a bite to her. No pun intended," Minnaar said.

As alligators age, their diet expands from rats to chickens and their temperament shifts. Minnaar said alligators like Fafnir and her four enclosure mates often outgrow their friendliness as they grow larger.

"It's a wild animal. They aren't bred to be pets," Minnaar said.

Re-introducing the alligators to the wild is not an option, Minnaar said, due to health concerns about potentially spreading illness and the risk of putting people in harm's way.

"Since they're used to being around people, they'd be considered nuisance alligators if they were reintroduced," Minnaar said.

The man who rescued Fafnir from Belle Isle, Steve Hart, said leaving her there was never a real option.

"Obviously, it would not have survived the winter," Hart said.

Hart, who is known for catching turtles, called the alligator rescue his crowning achievement and described his unconventional approach to wading through the water for hours to wrangle the small creature.

PREVIOUS STORY: Alligator rescued from Belle Isle Park by two men who were strangers Alligator rescued from Belle Isle Park in Detroit by two men who were strangers

"I take on the identity of a blue heron," Hart said. "So, I'm like real stalkerish. I got a saying 'if you don't get in the water, you won't get the turtle,'" Hart said.

Hart named the alligator Fafnir, from a figure in Norse Mythology, after successfully catching her with some help. He said he is glad she ended up where she did.

"This alligator gets to live a nice, happy life," Hart said.

Hart said he may hunt more alligators in Florida. Minnaar said she is on the hunt for a new, larger space to house the alligators as they continue to grow.

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.

Huron Township is taking an unusual approach to clearing overgrown brush and it only cost a fraction of what traditional methods would have run.

Instead of heavy machinery, the township brought in a team of 15 goats to do the job naturally, and residents in New Boston are loving the show.

Watch Jeffrey Lindblom's video report below: Huron Twp. uses 15 goats to clear brush in cost-effective 'goatscaping' approach

Huron Township Trustee Renee Ward said the idea came together when the township was looking for a way to have brush removed without breaking the bank.

"It was going to be very expensive," Ward said. "The price was far more attractive."

For a tenth of the price of traditional brush clearing, Ward hired Mike Mourer and 15 members of his team of 70 goats from Twin Willow Ranch.

"It's a non-union job, and it's all they can eat," Mourer said.

Mourer said he started the business 18 years ago when work was slow but that did not last long.

"And then all of a sudden, I was getting calls every day," Mourer said.

The practice is known as goatscaping, and Mourer said there is a real consumer appetite for a goat's appetite.

"Basically, brush clearing. They call it goatscaping as well," Mourer said.

The goats will spend the next three weeks working on a steep slope, clearing out underbrush and invasive plant species all while curious onlookers stop to watch. The animals are capable of eating vegetation up to 6 feet high, working behind an electric fence before landscapers return to finish the rest.

"They just keep eating nonstop," animal lover Sadie Burkey said.

"People enjoy coming out and seeing the goats work," Mourer said.

Ward is encouraging everyone to come take it in.

"Bring a lawn chair. Eat your lunch with the goats," Ward said.

New Boston residents Audra Taylor and Greyson Taylor said the goats fit right in with the character of the community.

"So cool. That represents our town," Audra Taylor said.

"Their colors are kind of cool," Greyson Taylor said.

Burkey summed up the appeal simply.

"Yeah, and they're cute," Burkey said.

Animal lover Evie Ward had her eye on one particularly lean member of the crew.

"I saw one that was really skinny and I'm like, 'you're not going to be skinny in three weeks,'" Ward said.

Curious onlooker Alfred Brock said the approach makes practical sense beyond the novelty.

"I think it's a great idea because otherwise, we'd disturb a lot and break things up," Brock said.

Ward said goatscaping is one of many plans to make the area more appealing, and while all are welcome to come watch, the goats are strictly for viewing. She had some playful advice for the herd in the weeks ahead.

"Don't go right for the dessert table and the buffet," Ward said.

Rare, century-old tiles once destined for the landfill are getting a second life and some are headed to a museum in Flint.

Watch Jeffrey Lindblom's video report: Artist using tiles to tell a tale at a Flint museum

Detroit artist and preservationist Tim Burke rescued the historic Flint Faience tiles from the abandoned Highland Towers Apartments, saving 75 pieces before the building faces potential demolition.

"These would have been in a landfill, in a landfill! It just kills me," Burke said.

The Highland Towers Apartments were abandoned in 2009 and suspiciously set ablaze in 2010. The tiles previously lined the building's entrance archway. Flint Faience is a tile made in Flint, Michigan, and popularized in the 1920s.

PREVIOUS STORY: Detroit artist races to salvage historic tiles from Highland Towers Apartments before demolition Artist working to preserve history in Highland Park

"A 100-years ago minus 6, and you can see on the back they're stamped Flint Faience. Barely, but it's there," Burke said.

Burke said he has always had a passion for antiques and collectibles and knew immediately what had to be done.

"I've always loved antiques and collectibles. My thoughts and feelings was, 'Dude, you have to donate those,'" Burke said.

With the right approvals secured and community donations funding his tools, Burke got to work. He had just 5 days to remove the artifacts from the brick.

"I'm like, 'Oh, Dear God,'" Burke said.

Despite the tight timeline and the challenges of removing the tiles from the brick, Burke successfully pulled 75 tiles a career milestone he described as his crowning achievement.

"It was a feather in my cap, so to speak. Like, this is the crowning jewel for me," Burke said.

The tiles together form a rare bird scene, with each image spanning 4 tiles.

The Sloan Museum of Discovery in Flint received 4 of the tiles and said it is grateful for Burke's work to preserve Flint's history and is excited to add them to its collection. Burke said the museum's enthusiasm was immediate.

"Everyone was raising their hands like, we would love some of those tiles! I'm calling it 100 years, full circle," Burke said.

Burke has also offered tiles to other nearby museums. As for the tiles he is keeping, he plans to incorporate them into a bench as he has done with past projects or other smaller creations made from the broken and damaged pieces.

Burke said he hopes the public display will connect the community to the history he worked to save.

"Wow, now the public will be able to view these tiles. Giving back to the community and being a part of the community," Burke said.

Stay tuned for when the tiles officially go on display at the museum.

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.

Detroit leaders, business owners, and neighbors gathered to celebrate the opening of the new Gratiot-Randolph Plaza, a redesigned public space at the gateway to Greektown aimed at bringing more people together while honoring the neighborhood's history.

Watch Jeffrey Lindblom's video report: Detroit's new Gratiot-Randolph Plaza opens in Greektown

Ayesha Maxwell, Executive Director of the Greektown Neighborhood Partnership, welcomed the new plaza to a committee of community members and business owners.

"It was a very, very big day," Maxwell said.

Maxwell said the goal is for Greektown to be a destination, not just a pass-through.

"We are wanting people to see Greektown as this place that they don't just have to pass through, that they can actually come and hang out," Maxwell said. "Preserving the cultural aspect of things and preserving what people remember Greektown to be."

Business owner Yanni Dionisopoulos said plans for the plaza had been in motion for years, and he takes immense pride in seeing it finally finished.

"A lot of families have been here for over 50 years," Dionisopoulos said. "My father has memories of Randolph Plaza, the street, from another time, and when I first got here, I have memories of another time, and now we're pretty much in a different time."

He said the plaza's completion reflects the continued momentum of the broader downtown area.

"Greektown is still here. It's part of the momentum of downtown Detroit," Dionisopoulos said.

Athina Papas, a legacy business owner and Greektown Neighborhood Partnership Board Chair, said the space has long served as a beacon for visitors from across the country.

"Greektown has always stood tall as one of those beacons of light for folks," Papas said.

Papas said she is excited to see the plaza serve as a gathering place that connects people to the rest of the city.

"To just be in Detroit, in the city and enjoy it," Papas said.

Landscape architect Lori Singleton said she saw the space as full of potential from the start.

"It's a huge transformation," Singleton said. "It was just a great big sidewalk with a lot of potential, and now it's a great and wide public space."

The space was designed to feel cozy and comfortable, with plants and flowers acting as a buffer between cars and traffic, allowing people to sit on a bench and feel safe among the greenery.

PREVIOUS STORY: Greektown streetscape project opens to the public just in time for summer Greektown streetscape project opens to the public just in time for summer

"We expect this to be a much more vibrant during the evening and throughout the year," Singleton said.

Detroiters Desmond Butler and Danilia Williams said the new plaza stirred up memories of growing up in the city.

"As a youth, we used to run around downtown in the city all the time," Butler said.

"We can just see what we used to do back in the day. We're super excited. It's like going on a tour in our own city," Williams said. "I am in love with my city all over again.

Butler said the heart of Detroit has always been its people.

"The people are what really make Detroit," Butler said.

The plaza is kicking off with a soft opening this weekend, with events continuing into July and throughout the summer. Plans already in the works could include movies and small festival-style events for friends and families.

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 Clarkston man is celebrating America's 250th birthday in a big way: by transforming his lawn into a giant flag display.

T.J. Breil, known on social media as "The Lawn Dad," spent 12 hours painting an 80-by-30-foot American flag on his nearly 2.5-acre property, enduring temperatures that felt as hot as 105 degrees at times.

Watch Jeffrey Lindblom's video report below: Clarkston man shows patriotic pride with American flag display

"Every single year for the past couple of years, I've done something for the Fourth of July. For the 250, we have to do something way bigger, way better," Breil said.

Breil went through about 2 gallons of water and took three safety breaks during the project, armed with paint, water and a mower to complete the star-spangled display.

Neighbors watched in awe as the patriotic lawn art took shape.

"Pretty cool to have that cheering on while I'm painting this," Breil said.

"I've never seen anything like it," neighbor Garrett Ross said.

Fellow neighbor Seth Wall said the finished product exceeded his expectations.

"When I saw it finished, I was amazed. It was may more than I thought it would be," Wall said.

For Breil, the project was about more than just a lawn display it was a statement of patriotism ahead of the holiday.

"Celebrating the 250, it's awesome," Breil said.

His neighbors agree.

"This is the greatest country in the world," Wall said.

Ross echoed that pride.

"I am a patriot. Yes, sir," Ross said. "Great country, great people. I'm just proud to be an American."

Wall added that the display resonated with the community.

"I love America and a lot of people here love America. Just having something that represents that is really special to have," Wall said.

For Breil, the effort was worth every hour.

"So, to be able to just do this and have fun doing this and just celebrating. We're a free country and the opportunity is endless. Happy 250. Let's go," Breil said.

Breil, who has a large social media following, said the reaction from his community keeps him going.

"I'm just a dude who just mows my lawn and people enjoy watching it. So, this is just another day on the job," Breil 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.

Detroit sat at the center of the nation's battle over booze in the 1920s, with smugglers, speakeasies and the Purple Gang all playing a role in keeping alcohol flowing despite the law.

Watch Jeffrey Lindblom's video report: How Detroit kept drinks flowing during prohibition

Michigan was ahead of the national curve when it came to prohibition. Before the 18th Amendment took effect in 1920, the state passed the Damon Act, which outlawed alcohol in Michigan two years earlier.

"That act became the blueprint for the 18th Amendment," said Billy Wall-Winkel, a field curator with the Detroit Historical Society.

Wall-Winkel traces the roots of prohibition back to the 1800s, when Detroit became what he describes as the epicenter of a pastime many saw as deeply problematic.

"A lot of drinking," Wall-Winkel said.

Those who drank clashed with those who didn't, creating what Wall-Winkel calls a moral conundrum. Many believed alcohol was the source of the nation's troubles.

"Many people believed it to be the source of all of the issues the nation was currently facing and if they could stamp it out, they would fix all of those problems," Wall-Winkel said.

But for many Michiganders particularly automotive industry factory workers the so-called war on alcohol was widely unpopular. Detroit's position as a border city gave residents a distinct advantage: access to Canada.

"If Detroiters drank all of the booze that got imported from Canada, there would be a lot of dead Detroiters," Wall-Winkel said.

Much of that cross-river smuggling was carried out by the Jewish-led Purple Gang, which moved spirits across the country from Al Capone in Chicago to gangsters in Ohio and Indianapolis. Much of it ended up in speakeasies, the underground bars that popped up throughout the city.

"They were in closets, they were in basements, they were in attics, they were in abandoned buildings, they were anywhere you could fit them," Wall-Winkel said.

One of those speakeasies operated in the basement of Tommy's Detroit Bar and Grille, a nearly 200-year-old building that also served as a point to smuggle booze from the Detroit River. The bar even has a secret entrance that dates to its days as an underground drinking spot.

Tommy Burelle has owned Tommy's Bar and Grille for 15 years. Century-old bottles remain stashed in the walls, and archaeologists uncovered that the space also operated as a safehouse for the Underground Railroad.

Burelle considers himself a steward of its preservation.

"There is a lot of history here and I'd like to think we are making our own history along the way," Burelle said.

He says the history lingers in other ways, too including what he describes as prohibition-era paranormal activity. Burelle has his own story.

"No, I did not have a buzz on or anything. I did see what I swear to God was Al Capone in the middle of the night," Burelle said. "I'd love to go back in time to those days, be a fly on the wall, just to see who was in here."

"This place has been the most interesting place I've owned, that's for sure."

Prohibition came to a close in 1933.

"And people went back to drinking," Wall-Winkel 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.

Nearly 40 years after a retired teacher began dreaming of a safe, permanent place for his son with special needs to live, that dream has become a reality thanks to a former student and a generous community.

Watch Jeffrey Lindblom's video report: A dad's 40-year dream for his son with special needs now a reality in Clarkston

Dick Moscovic taught high school for 47 years. One of his students was Mike Hoeksema, who credits his former trades teacher with setting the course of his life.

"I have a high school teacher that I'm friends with today. How many people have a high school teacher they're friends with?" Hoeksema said.

Moscovic taught Hoeksema to build homes from the ground up, starting in 1980. Hoeksema still calls him Mr. Moscovic to this day.

"Every day he'd look you in the eye and smile and say, it's going to be a good day," Hoeksema said.

When Moscovic's third son, Drew, was born, Hoeksema saw a change in his mentor.

"He took some time off and came home from Drew's birth and you could see his bubble had burst," Hoeksema said.

Drew was born with special needs. Moscovic said the experience reshaped him.

"It's a different level of love for your child when you have a handicapped child. You don't take anything for granted. You get through it," Moscovic said.

Now in his 40s, Drew has been what his father calls his greatest teacher of patience and endurance.

Moscovic, a licensed builder, went on to found Drew's Home of Clarkston, a nonprofit with a mission to provide a safe, permanent home for people with severe disabilities. A year and a half ago, the nonprofit purchased an apartment building, now known as Drew's Home of Clarkston, and got to work making it accessible expanding doorways and replacing bathtubs with accessible showers to accommodate Drew and nine residents with severe disabilities.

Everything, from the cabinets to the building as a whole, is funded through community donations.

The residents are known throughout the community. Moscovic said Drew, whose smiling face has made him a neighborhood fixture, is recognized wherever he goes.

"If he goes to the grocery store, I bet there will be four or five people who say hi to him at least," Moscovic said.

The residents also contribute to their own quality of life through a can drive that generates funds for recreation and education.

"Gives them an opportunity to do something other than sit on the couch," Moscovic said.

At 10 cents a can, the crew has accumulated a $10,000 fund for activities like music and dancing.

Drew has a permanent lease at the home with no end.

"He'll be here until the end," Moscovic said.

"Through the end of his time," Hoeksema said.

Hoeksema now serves as building manager, dedicating his time to the teacher who once asked him for help.

"I jumped in and said, 'OK. What do we need?'" Hoeksema said.

He makes sure everything is in working order from the security cameras in case of a slip or fall, to caretakers staying in rooms across the hall. It is a mission that began with Drew and has only grown.

"What would I say to him? I love you immensely," Moscovic 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.

Clinton Township teens got their prom night after a gun threat forced the cancellation of the original dance just one hour before it was set to begin.

Last Tuesday night, the junior-senior prom at Clintondale High School was canceled after Michigan State Police received a tip that a student might be bringing a firearm. With spirits low, the community came together at the steps of Anton Art Center to give students the night they had been waiting for.

Watch Jeffrey Lindblom's video report below: Clinton Township teens get prom they thought was lost after threat canceled original dance

"Kids creating memories that they will never forget," DJ Britt said.

Kimberly Koltvedt's daughter Brianna, a junior, was among the students who lost their original prom night.

"I want to walk away feeling good," Brianna said. "We just thought it was a joke at first."

Senior Shamer Riser-Pressley was already dressed for the occasion when the original event was called off.

"I kind of felt like it was a slap in the face," Riser-Pressley said.

Watch our previous report when the community was organizing the event below: Community organizes replacement prom for Clintondale students after cancellation

Still, he said the rescheduled night carried the same weight.

"Cause it's something we've been waiting for our entire life basically," Riser-Pressley said.

Clinton Township Trustee Shannon King, whose daughter attends Clintondale high as a junior, said she was devastated by the cancellation.

"You just want her to be a kid," King said.

King said he refused to let the threat define the night.

"I wasn't going to let us be held victim to a threat of gun violence," King said.

Watch our previous report when prom was canceled below: Clintondale High School prom canceled after tip warns of possible firearm at event

He began making calls shortly after the cancellation and connected with Anton Art Center's executive director, Matt Matthews, who moved quickly to make the event happen.

"I talked to Shannon Thursday of last week, and it's Friday night and there's a prom behind me," the executive director said.

Youth advocate Marlan Collier said the community donated their time and even chocolates to pull the event together. Collier described prom as one of three moments that define a teenager's life.

"Homecoming, prom, graduation," Collier said. "We are building unity in our community."

Additional security and on-site law enforcement were in place to ensure there were no disruptions to the night.

"And to have the community come together and make it happen is just a blessing," Kimberly Koltvedt said.

Moe's Mobile Sports Lounge was also on hand for the celebration.

"Everyone have a good time. Let's party," Moe said.

Matthews said the goal for the night was simple.

"I just want kids to dance and have a good time," Matthews 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.

Leaders from Detroit, the state and the conservation community gathered at the newly renovated Belle Isle Casino to mark 50 years of the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, which has contributed more than $1.4 billion to Michigan's natural spaces.

The fund traces its roots to 1976, when former Gov. William Milliken championed the legislation that created it.

Watch Jeffrey Lindblom's video report below: Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund marks 50 years with celebration at Belle Isle Casino

"This arose out of a controversy about drilling in the northeastern part of the Lower Peninsula," Natural Resources Trust Fund board member Bill Rustem said.

Rustem served as Milliken's special assistant at the time the fund was established. He says the former governor made it so that whoever drills for oil contributes to the fund, which carries a $600 million limit.

"And we take the interest from that and we spend it on the parks and recreational activities for the people of Michigan," Rustem said.

Rustem says every county in Michigan has received a portion of the trust fund's dollars at some point.

Former Michigan State Sen. Kerry Kammer was 26 years old when the fund was created and says he was the first to sponsor the bill.

"I'd just been elected to the state senate the year prior," Kammer said.

The legislation faced obstacles before ultimately being enshrined in the state constitution.

"The Michigan people wisely voted for its inclusion into the Michigan constitution," Kammer said. "It became a lasting legacy of land for the people of Michigan."

Belle Isle itself has received $4 million from the fund. Nature enthusiasts Heather Shedd and Drew Fisk were among those enjoying the island's scenic views during the celebration.

"I love the wind and the water and I love being by the water," Shedd and Fisk said. "Love the day out here. It's a place I'd love to come back to."

Belle Isle Conservancy President and CEO Meagan Elliott says those who helped create the fund 50 years ago showed remarkable foresight.

"Detroit is beautiful," Elliott said. "Parks are constantly under threat and the public overwhelmingly wants spaces they can create memories with their family."

Elliott says the fund's contributions help inspire curiosity in younger generations a sentiment Rustem echoed.

"My kids their kids and their kids," Rustem said.

"Who will be the future stewards of this fund," Elliott said.

Kammer says the fund's impact extends well beyond northern Michigan.

"And not all up north either. We've got them right here in the city of Detroit," Kammer 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.