Southwest Detroit residents are voicing concerns about increasing truck traffic in their neighborhoods as the new Gordie Howe Bridge approaches completion, fearing the situation will worsen once the bridge opens.

Watch Peter Maxwell's video report below: Residents raise concerns about truck traffic as Gordie Howe Bridge nears opening

Parents and community members say they've noticed a significant uptick in semitruck traffic over the past two to three years during bridge construction, particularly affecting areas near Maybury Elementary School on Clark Street.

"The semitrucks, you know, bigger vehicles, stuff like that, they have increased in the past two to three years," Belinda Ramirez said.

Ramirez, a Maybury Elementary School parent, worries about the safety of children walking to school amid the heavy truck traffic.

"We are probably going to get double the amount that we get now," Ramirez said.

Web extra: Semitrucks cut through southwest Detroit neighborhood WEB EXTRA: Semi trucks cut through southwest Detroit neighborhood

Fellow parent Barelle Solomon shares similar concerns about trucks speeding through the neighborhood, particularly during school pickup times.

"It concerns me a little bit, but when I am here picking my daughter up, you see a lot of trucks fly through in and out," Solomon said.

While both parents acknowledge that Maybury Elementary has crossing guards and police directing traffic, they worry about potential lapses in safety measures.

"We do have the crossing guards, we do have police out here directing traffic and stuff like that, but there's just that one on a phone or I don't know, maybe didn't get enough sleep," Ramirez said.

"They have the crossing guards out here and the police, and they do a really good job like taking care of the crossing, but the thing is what happens when it's not like that," Solomon said.

Related video: Man in iconic Gordie Howe Bridge photo is 2nd generation ironworker from Southgate Man in iconic Gordie Howe Bridge photo is 2nd generation ironworker from Southgate

The city has installed signs alerting truck drivers not to turn into neighborhoods, but residents and Detroit City Councilwoman Gabriela Santiago-Romero say traffic isn't their only concern. They're also worried about noise and air pollution from increased truck traffic.

Santiago-Romero has proposed a solution through a truck route ordinance.

"We're asking for us to have a truck route ordinance. The administration asks that we do a study first to figure out the routes where trucks are coming in and out. We've done that already. We have the study and the recommended truck routes. We just need the administration to move forward and put that truck route in place," Santiago-Romero said.

The councilwoman believes her proposed routes would benefit the entire community, with city council expected to vote on the matter this fall.

"I think it would benefit all of us to have businesses, truck drivers, know routes that are going to get them in and out of places safely," Santiago-Romero said.

Related video: Celebration atop Gordie Howe International Bridge marks completion of bridge deck Celebration atop Gordie Howe International Bridge marks completion of bridge deck

Ramirez hopes the city's plan will address residents' concerns.

"Maybe they can get either another station, another entrance or exit for the semi trucks. That would be perfect," Ramirez 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."

If you've been shopping for a new car lately, you've probably experienced sticker shock. Prices are climbing, and not just by a few hundred dollars. According to Kelley Blue Book, the average price for a new vehicle is just over $49,000. That's up five percent from July, and industry experts say it's not just inflation; it's the perfect storm of problems.

Watch Peter's report in the video player below Automotive analyst breaks down the rising prices of new cars

"The prices are pretty.. they're a little bit larger than we thought they would be," said car buyer Kevin Smith.

If you're in the market for a new vehicle and have been kicking the tires on some models you have your eye on, you've probably noticed the higher prices. And automotive analyst John McElroy sees it becoming the norm.

"We're at a historical inflection point in the industry where, probably in the next month or so, the average price of a new car will be more than $50,000," McElroy said.

McElroy said there's a number of factors as to why new vehicles are becoming more expensive.

"There's so much that is going on that is driving up the prices of cars," he said. "You've got the tariffs that have impacted them you've got automakers putting more and more features into cars and they're probably going to go up even more in the new model year."

As the 2026 models start hitting dealership showrooms, automakers and dealers are offering fewer discounts.

Steve Glassman of Glassman Automotive Group says more customers are financing longer or leasing because of the higher cost.

"A number of people are choosing to extend the term of their loans, which i don't necessarily think is a good idea, but it's helping people keep their payments down, and a number of people are going to leasing, which always has a lower payment," Glassman said.

Smith said for the last five months, he has been shopping around for a new vehicle, going to different dealerships looking for a new car for his growing family.

"A good size for the price. We're looking for efficiency, gas prices, since they're high we want better fuel efficiency and something that will fit our family," Smith said.

And although the price for a new vehicle may be higher than they expected, they're not shying away from purchasing.

"The vehicle we're looking at is worth the money," Smith said.

And if you're looking to save some money on your next vehicle lease or purchase, remember to check for manufacturer rebates, seasonal sales and lower interest financing options.

Where Your Voice Matters

A 76-year-old man is in critical condition after being rescued from his burning home by first responders who crawled through thick smoke and flames to save his life.

Police and firefighters responded to the single-story home on Donner Road Wedneseday morning after an alert passerby noticed smoke and called 911.

Watch Peter Maxwell's video report below: Heroic rescue saves 76-year-old man from burning home in Chesterfield Township

Body camera video from Chesterfield Township police shows the tense moments as officers and firefighters crawled inside the burning structure to reach the trapped homeowner.

"It was a challenge, but our crews overcame it quite quickly," said Chief Craig Miller of the Chesterfield Township Fire Department.

Watch body camera video below: Web extra: Body camera video shows fire rescue in Chesterfield Township

When fire crews arrived, thick black smoke and flames were visible. The desperate search began immediately to save anyone inside.

Firefighters and police found the homeowner gasping for air and fighting for his life.

"Male out and breathing but unconscious," emergency radio traffic captured the moment of rescue.

See footage of the house fire from Chopper 7: Chopper 7 video of house fire in New Baltimore

"Chesterfield police officers along with our firefighters were able to go in and rescue the patient, bring him back out and start treatment," Miller said.

The homeowner was rushed to Detroit Receiving Hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation and burns to his body.

Hear more from the fire chief in the video below Chesterfield fire chief speaks on fire

The house sits about a quarter mile down a driveway, surrounded by trees and set back far from the road. Miller credits the alert passerby for noticing the smoke and immediately calling for help.

The fire started in the back of the house, and the cause remains under investigation.

"Our investigators along with detectives from the police department are continuing the investigation," Miller 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.

Football fans heading to Ford Field this season will have more to cheer about than just touchdowns as the Detroit Lions roll out an extensive new food menu featuring local partnerships, creative dishes, and options for various dietary needs.

Watch Peter Maxwell's video report: Lions unveil new foods featuring local partnerships, player-inspired dishes

The new culinary lineup includes more than 20 local minority-owned restaurant partners and features everything from dill tater tots to a coney flight and pho brisket sandwich.

"We've got a lot going on and we're really excited about it," said Matthew Coleman, Levy's executive chef at Ford Field.

One standout menu item is the Jahmyr Spin Dash Combo, inspired by Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs. The unique creation features a pizza on top of a burger, served with custom Sonic golden ring tots and Honolulu blue Sour Patch Kids.

"Our team had conversations with Jahmyr. We found that his favorite foods were pizza and burgers. He keeps it simple, he doesn't want it super messy, and he likes it clean," Coleman said.

Detroit food influencer Seoung Lee gave the combo positive reviews during a preview event.

"It's got some savory, salty, and a little bit of spice from the pepperoni," Lee said. "You get a little bit of everything. I think that's the perfect combo."

The menu aims to satisfy a variety of tastes and dietary needs, including new vegetarian options. The stadium will also offer signature cocktails, Bloody Marys, and desserts from the Bombshell Treat Bar.

Local fans attending the preview expressed enthusiasm about the new offerings.

"I think it's pretty fire. You got Jahmyr and that's only right for sure," said Jesus Castro from Detroit.

"You got a little pho brisket sandwich, porkchops, and you can't go wrong dealing with coney," said Raymone Jones, another Detroit resident.

Detroit food critic and influencer Detroit Dar was impressed with the variety: "There's a lot of food here, so I am excited to try a little bit of everything."

The Lions' first regular-season home game at Ford Field is less than two weeks away, giving fans something extra to look forward to beyond the on-field action.

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 Powerball jackpot has climbed to more than $1 billion, marking the fifth-largest prize in the lottery's history and creating a frenzy among hopeful players across the country.

See the full story in the video below

Powerball soars past $1 billion as hopeful players dream of life-changing win

In Sterling Heights, lottery tickets have been printing non-stop at Najor's, a local market with a history of selling winning tickets.

"I am going to play it for two bucks, it's worth it," said Jimmy Archer, a Powerball player.

The market has become a popular destination for those seeking luck. Owner Bill Qurana points to their track record of winners.

"We've had some luck, actually. We sold to a customer who has been coming here for 40 years, a $6 million ticket from a $50 ticket of wealth," Qurana said.

In 2022 and 2023, Najor's sold over $1 million in tickets for the Michigan Lottery, with plaques displayed proudly in the store.

Players shared their dreams of what they would do if they won the massive jackpot.

"Give it away to the church, for friends. I only need about $2 million, that would be fine," said Mark Martin.

"I would help out every family member I could, and I will be able to," said Mike Kott.

Some customers, like Regan DeMarco, have experienced lottery success before.

"You can't win if you don't play, so I recommend playing," DeMarco said. "It was a million-dollar winner and I took the lump sum."

The Powerball Association puts the odds of hitting the jackpot at 1 in 292 million. Winners face a significant choice: take a lump sum payment, which after taxes in Michigan would amount to approximately $292 million, or choose the 30-year payout option for about $645 million.

Financial advisor Steve Cotton emphasizes the importance of planning if you win.

"Having a plan is the key to proper stewardship and not losing it over three or four years," Cotton said. "You really need a strategic plan and you need to work with somebody that is of a strategic mindset and a financial planner and teacher."

For first-time Powerball player Tyler Rowland, the decision is already made. He plans to take half right away, make some investments, and has his eye on a specific purchase.

"Once I get the billion, we're going straight to yachts, skipping the boat. I'm a billionaire now!" Rowland said.

Kola Luljjuraj, another hopeful player, expressed optimism about tonight's drawing: "I hope somebody is going to hit tonight."

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 growing number of families across metro Detroit are facing an unexpected challenge: a nationwide shortage of ADHD medication. From children struggling in school to adults just trying to manager daily life tasks, the impact of this shortage is widespread.

Watch Peter's report in the video player below Looking at what's behind the ADHD medication shortage affecting metro Detroit families

"Out of nowhere, it was like my medication got cut off," said Abigail Lozon.

Across metro Detroit, pharmacies are struggling to keep ADHD medication like Adderall in stock, and for many like Abigail Lozon in Taylor, this isn't just an inconvenience. It's a disruption to daily life.

"When I couldn't take the medication, every symptom was just so much worse," Abigail said.

These symptoms include depression, difficulty focusing and procrastination. Abigail's mother, Michelle, has been trying everything she can to help her daughter.

"It was frustrating, I was calling all over the state, I was calling Ohio, I was calling everywhere around.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the shortage began in the fall of 2022 due to manufacturing delays and increased demand.

"We just can't simply keep up," said Rudy Najm.

Najm is a pharmacist at iPharmacy in Livonia, and told me there's a combination of delays in manufacturing and supply chain issues, on top of the increase in demand.

"We rely on other countries to make the drugs, so there's a manufacturing problem," Najm said. "There's also a quota from various regulatory agencies."

And as a pharmacist, Rudy understands the pain and frustrations that customers are facing.

"We will work with the providers and the families to find an alternative solution to avoid the interruption in treatment," Najm said.

I sat down with ADHD therapist Justin Gillespie to see how he's helping his clients navigate the ADHD medication shortage.

"We're doing a lot of skill building in therapy right now and get individuals access to more medication," Gillespie said.

These skill-building exercises, Justin said, are helping those he treats navigate the challenges of ADHD without their usual medication.

"We're doing a lot with impulse control with a lot of our clients right now, both with the adults and the children getting ready to go back to school, and adults continuing on with work," the therapist said.

Dr. Lasiona Barlow is a clinical psychologist at DMC Detroit Receiving Hospital. She told me the adderall shortage is real.

"There is a major shortage for those types of stimulant medications, but there's definitely alternatives for it," Dr. Barlow said.

Dr. Barlow went on to say that they might not be a quick fix right now, but they're working on holistic approaches.

"It's not medication, it's not going to chemically change anything in the body, but it is simply training the brain to be more regulated," Dr. Barlow said.

Experts like Dr. Barlow and Gillespie recommend that patients consult with their healthcare provider. Meanwhile, Abigail is working to navigate life without her medication.

"I'm doing better now. I got the help I needed, but I wish it didn't have to be that way," Abigail said.

Where Your Voice Matters

While electric vehicle (EV) ownership continues to rise, there's still a significant gap in access to public EV charging stations here in Michigan. A new study by Michigan State University shows that Michigan needs $998 millon for EV charging stations throughout the state to keep up with current and future demand.

The question is: who should pay? The government, or electric vehicle companies? I spoke with the researchers and EV drivers about what it will take to address this need in our state.

Watch Peter Maxwell's report in the video player below 'There's a lack of chargers all around': New study shows Michigan needs $998 million for EV charging stations

" I am always thinking 'where's the charger?'" said EV driver Mo Alkhabbaz.

"You get feeling real nervous," said EV driver Dale Domain.

For EV drivers, finding a place to charge can be a chore, especially in Michigan, where charging stations for EVs are hard to come by.

"You're always shuffling, (asking) 'where can I find the charger?'" Alkhabbaz mentioned.

Mo has been test-driving an EV for the last week and has noticed something.

"There's a lack of chargers all around," he told me.

I also met Dale Domain, who took a road trip in his EV to Minnesota last year and mapped out how he would get there in his EV.

"Had done some research ahead of time to see where the charging stations were, but it was something that was on my mind throughout because the range is relatively short," Dale said.

The EV tax credit ends on September 30. Dealers I spoke with said EV sales are soaring with this deadline approaching. It's a trend confirmed by automotive analyst John McElroy.

"We're seeing strong increases in EV sales right now because people are rushing to get one before federal incentives go away," McElroy said. "Not just for new ones but for used ones. Used EV sales are going up faster than new ones."

According to the Michigan Secretary of State, as of June of this year, there are over 85,000 registered EVs on the road right now. That number falls short of the state's goal of 2 million EVs by 2030.

"When these incentives run out at the end of September, we are almost for sure going to see a big drop in sales," McElroy said.

When it comes to the EV charging infrastructure, MSU Professor Mehranz Ghamami told me Michigan is behind. Right now, there are less than 4,000 public EV charing stations available.

"There are still gaps in the network here and there that do not fully support the current one percent market share," Ghamami said.

In a recent study, MSU researchers looked at what the state would need if 25 percent of Michigan drivers chose electric vehicles. The state would need close to $1 billion, or over 66,000 new charging stations.

"25 percent by 2030 is not Feasible at this point," Ghamami said.

The funding would be a mix of federal tax dollars and private investment. Just this month, a federal judge made the Trump administration reverse course, unfreezing $5 billion in previously allocated funds for EV charging infrastructure. Michigan is getting $110 million from this, but it's not just about cost; it's also about coverage rural areas, apartment complexes and public access to keep EV drivers ooving.

"In the Upper Peninsula we definitely need more investment, and also in the northern part of the Lower Peninsula," Ghamami said.

The EV drivers I spike with say tax dollars shouldn't be used to fund the build out of the electric charging grid.

"No, I don't thinnk so, unless it's a grant from the EV makers for them to have infrastructure to make more sales," Alkhabbaz said.

"I think everyone should be paying a fair amount," Domain said. "I don't like seeing other people being forced to subsidize the EV."

Where Your Voice Matters

Clinton Township police arrested a suspected arsonist thanks to their new drone technology, which provided officers with crucial real-time surveillance during the apprehension.

Police arrested 23-year-old Cody Krantz after he allegedly set multiple fires inside and outside an apartment building at Clemens Court Apartments off Joy Road.

The drone gave officers a bird's eye view of the scene around 2 a.m. Monday, allowing them to confirm Krantz was alone in his parked vehicle before moving in to make the arrest.

Related Video: Drone video shows arrest in Clinton Township Drone video of Clinton Township Police Department arrest

"The suspect at the time potentially had weapons inside the vehicle. We wanted to verify that and see who else was inside the vehicle," Capt. Michael Marker said.

The video footage shows officers conducting a calm arrest after using the drone to assess potential risks.

"They also provide plenty of information to any of the command officers on scene that they can devise a tactical plan to go in there," Marker said.

Residents of the apartment complex expressed relief following the arrest.

"On Monday night, I was told he was going to blow the building up," said Lailah Smith, who lives in the building that Krantz allegedly tried to set ablaze.

Smith appreciates the police department's quick response and use of technology to prevent what could have been a tragedy.

"That's putting a message out there like 'yes, you can get help. We're here for you.' You know what I'm saying? And that's the message I was looking for," Smith said.

"I am glad that they got him. I am glad," Smith added.

Krantz is currently in the Macomb County Jail facing home invasion and arson charges. His bail has been set at $500,000.

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.