Downtown Allen Park is turning into a live canvas this weekend as Paint the Park returns with murals, vendors, and free art activities.

Eight muralists will be painting large-scale works of art on business walls throughout downtown, more than 50 artists will be selling their work, and after dark, the art will light up the streets.

Watch Carli Petrus' video report below: Paint the Park festival transforms downtown Allen Park into open-air art gallery this weekend

Due to potential severe weather, Paint the Park festivities will be held only on Sunday from noon until 10 p.m. Admission is free.

"It's some of the best artwork I've ever seen," Donnie Collier

The murals are the main attraction, but the weekend festival also features live demonstrations and free hands-on art activities. Visitors can also shop from more than 50 local artists and vendors.

Jamie Hora, with the Allen Park Downtown Development Authority, said:

"Last year we had eight murals painted throughout the city, they were such a huge success that this year we decided to expand on the project."

The vendor and activity offerings span a wide range of artistic disciplines, Hora said.

"Wood-working, metal-working, glass, ceramics."

The muralists will be working throughout the weekend to finish their pieces. Hora said the goal isn't just to add color to downtown it's to bring more people to Allen Park.

"It's bringing people into Allen Park that maybe wouldn't have been here otherwise."

One of the featured muralists is Paul Watty from Holland.

"People like the process most," Watty said.

"I think you feel honored that you can do this, do something for the community."

Artist Michelle Tanguay helped spark the mural movement downriver and says the murals are designed to give people a reason to stop, shop, and spend more time in Allen Park.

"I was asked to paint a mural on Grosse Ile that turned into me producing a mural festival in Trenton and now Allen Park and it's just been really amazing," Tanguay said.

Tanguay says community support has exceeded expectations.

"You know it's one thing when you meet with a DDA and you're like, hey I have this vision, these murals are going to spread, it seems very abstract. It's like who's this artist, but the support from the community has been truly overwhelming."

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.

Raeden Acquisitions and Cal Realty have filed a federal lawsuit against the city of Gibraltar, claiming a one-year moratorium unlawfully stopped the company's application for a proposed 100-megawatt data center from moving forward.

Raeden President and co-founder Jason Green said the lawsuit is not about bypassing the city's review process it's about getting that process moving again and ensuring the application is reviewed under Gibraltar's existing code.

Watch Carli Petrus' video report below: Data center developer sues Gibraltar, claiming moratorium unlawfully halted project

"Raeden remains steadfast and committed to continued collaboration and working transparently with Gibraltar to address community concerns and develop a responsible data center benefiting everyone," Green said.

The city of Gibraltar said it cannot comment on ongoing litigation.

While the legal fight plays out, residents near the proposed site are raising their own concerns about what a large data center could mean for their community.

Kathy Yakesch, who has lived in Gibraltar for more than 20 years, said she has mixed feelings about the project.

"I'm still not sure. I know we need data and it's all about data . but I'm worried about the environmental part of it," Yakesch said.

Other residents are more firmly opposed.

"No. Who do they think they are anyway? They're all the way in California. Put their data center out there," John Bussard said.

Yakesch said the situation leaves her feeling helpless.

"We're a small town and close-knit and we can't fight that, so it makes me really sad," Yakesch said.

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Lincoln Park residents will see their water bills increase by 15 to 28% starting Sept. 1.

Watch Carli Petrus's video report: Lincoln Park water bills set to increase by up to 28% starting Sept. 1

The Lincoln Park City Council approved the new water and sewer rates on Aug. 10. According to the city's website, the increase is needed to address aging infrastructure, including water mains, sewers, pump stations, and meters.

The city says making a larger increase now is meant to stabilize the system and limit future rate hikes to about 3% a year for the next decade.

There is also another significant issue driving the decision. More than 40% of the water entering the system is not being billed to customers. The city says it does not know exactly where all that water is going and is working to find the leaks, replace meters, and reduce water loss.

For a customer using 12 units of water, the city's example shows a quarterly bill going from about $194 to about $248 roughly $54 more every three months.

The city says that money will not go into the general fund. Water and sewer revenue is restricted to the utility system, paying for things like water purchases, sewer treatment and repairs.

For longtime residents like Mike Gillaspie, the news has been hard to digest. He says he understands the city needs to maintain its water and sewer system, but he is concerned about how much residents are now being asked to pay.

"It's just it's absurd," Gillaspie said. "A lot of people may not be able to pay their bill after this happens, or they're going to be late all the time, and then they're going to have late fees stacked on top of their regular bill."

Gillaspie also questioned the city's transparency around the water loss issue.

"Where is this water leak everyone's talking about, and how do you get to the bottom of finding it?" Gillaspie said.

Another longtime resident, who asked to be identified only as Mr. Lemerand, says he has lived in Lincoln Park for more than 30 years. He says he is retired, his wife is retired, and they are both on a fixed income.

"They're taking my money. I would've put that in gas, or went and did anything, but I'm spending it on a water bill," Lemerand said. "It literally took money out of our own pockets that we use to survive. They've made it unaffordable to live in this tiny little house."

The city manager and mayor were contacted for more information on the decision and for their response to resident concerns, but had not responded as of publication.

The next City Council meeting is Monday. Residents say they are hoping to voice their concerns there.

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.

Bob and Kathy Wood lost everything when the house next door exploded on April 3, 2025 their home, all three of their cats, and their beloved neighbor. More than a year later, a new home is finally taking shape on their lot in Southgate, thanks to a local building company and a wave of community support.

The couple's insurance-funded temporary housing ran out Thursday, leaving them in a race to close a financial gap between what their insurance will cover and what it will cost to rebuild.

Watch Carli Petrus' video report below: Southgate couple getting new home after deadly explosion destroyed theirs in 2025

"We thought they'd put the fire out and we'd be able to go in and get our cats, but we were sadly mistaken. The fire spread to our house and burnt it down," Bob Wood said.

Kathy Wood said the family is now pushing their insurance company to help bridge that gap.

"So, we're at the point now where we're going to be contacting them and telling them can you please negotiate with us to help us narrow this gap down," Kathy Wood said.

Cassie Higgins and her husband, Mark, owners of Landmark Building, stepped in to take on the project. The goal is straightforward: replace the couple's home.

"They're not looking out here for a mansion, they want to replace their 1,100-square-foot (home)," Cassie Higgins said.

They are not doing it alone. Local businesses, neighbors and tradespeople are donating materials, labor and services. The entire roof has already been covered, and flooring has been donated.

"The entire community keeps providing in ways I think that just keep blowing our minds," Cassie Higgins said.

Watch our previous coverage about the explosion below: Shock and heartache linger in Southgate one week after deadly house explosion

For the Higginses, the project is about more than construction.

"I don't know one person that doesn't feel frozen by the way life is these days. Stuck, lost a little bit, you know, and if you get a chance to see clearly through someone else's fog and snatch them up out of it, Merry Christmas," Cassie Higgins said.

For the Woods, it is a chance to close a chapter that began with tragedy.

"Just the thought of going home," Bob Wood said.

"Yes," Kathy Wood said.

"Every once in a while, I hear these songs on the radio that sing about going home and I want to be able to sing that song," Bob said.

When asked if he wanted to sing it inside his new home, both Bob and Kathy Wood said yes.

The couple still has a way to go before they can walk through the front door. But after more than a year of waiting, they can finally see that day taking shape.

If you are interested in helping the Wood family build their new home, you can go to the website created by Landmark Building to help fund the project.

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Hundreds of people gathered at Ford Field Wednesday for free, hands-on CPR training hosted by the Detroit Lions and the American Heart Association an event organizers say could one day mean the difference between life and death.

Watch Carli Petrus' report below Detroit Lions, American Heart Association offer free CPR training at Ford Field

Participants learned hands-only CPR and how to use an automated external defibrillator, or AED, as part of the organizations' fourth straight year partnering to build what they call a "Nation of Lifesavers."

Katie Langston with the American Heart Association said the event reflects a broader mission to expand life-saving knowledge across the city.

"We see an opportunity in our city to teach more people these lifesaving skills," Langston said.

Roxanne Caine, Detroit Lions Foundation and Community Relations VP, said the Ford Field venue itself helps draw people in.

"People get real excited to come to Ford Field for a multitude of reasons but to learn lifesaving skills, sometimes that's a great motivation to make the time in your calendar," Caine said.

For one participant, the training carried deeply personal meaning. Judy Lenane is a cardiac nurse whose 8-year-old granddaughter, Frankie, suffered cardiac arrest twice in January. Lenane was not there when it happened but her son was, and he knew what to do.

"My eight-year-old granddaughter suffered a cardiac arrest in January," Lenane said.

"You never think it's going to impact your own life and so that he knew what to do at that moment it was wonderful and that's what's inspiring me to be here today and refresh my skills," Lenane said.

Organizers say that kind of bystander response acting before paramedics arrive is exactly what the training is designed to build.

"Just using your hands as compressions can double or triple a person's chance of survival and that's so important because we want more people to have more time with their families to live their full, healthy lives," Langston said.

Langston also pushed back on a common misconception that CPR and AED use should be left to medical professionals.

"Sometimes you'll see on AEDs in the public with signs that say professional use only. It's just not accurate and so step one is helping people realize it is safe, it is okay to do CPR and you're more than capable to do it," Langston said.

Lenane summed up the message organizers hope everyone takes home.

"We all need to learn CPR," Lenane said.

The American Heart Association offers CPR training throughout the year, including both hands-only CPR and certification courses. More information and quick lessons are available at https://cpr.heart.org/en/cpr-courses-and-kits/hands-only-cpr.

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 traveling, three-quarter-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial arrived in Taylor, Michigan, Tuesday, escorted by more than 200 motorcycles.

Watch Carli Petrus' report below 'The Wall That Heals' arrives in Taylor, Michigan, escorted by more than 200 motorcycles

Volunteers will begin setting up"The Wall That Heals" at Heritage Park Wednesday at 8 a.m. Starting Thursday, it will be open to the public 24 hours a day through Sunday before moving on to its next city.

The memorial, which gives Vietnam veterans and their families a chance to see a replica of the Washington, D.C. wall without making the trip to the nation's capital, drew an emotional response from those who helped bring it to Metro Detroit.

Vietnam veteran Phil Michaud was among the more than 200 bikers who escorted the wall from Monroe to Taylor.

"Brings up some memories of stuff that happened," Michaud said. "Gives a chance for everybody to pay respects for the brothers that didn't come home."

Dennis Schlemmer was instrumental in bringing the wall to Taylor a mission he said is personal.

"It took us over two years of applying to get accepted," Schlemmer said.

"My father is a Vietnam Veteran. He passed away from Agent Orange related cancer so it's been something special to me for the past few years since he passed away," Schlemmer said.

Derwin Strand, a veteran himself, drove the wall to Taylor all the way from Minnesota. He said the delivery carries deep meaning.

"For all of my brothers that served and all of them that have come home and all that didn't come home so it meant a lot to me," Strand said.

Strand said the wall gives veterans a chance to come face-to-face with a part of their history and that their service should never be forgotten.

"People should not forget the veterans. They made this country what it is and they should not be forgotten," Strand said.

When the wall officially opens to the public Thursday, Michaud said the experience is unlike any other.

"You can feel the era of the wall and you have a feeling that you're not by yourself that you have 58,000 of your brothers there with you," Michaud said.

The wall will remain at Heritage Park through Sunday. Anyone is welcome to visit.

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 now-former employee of Action Impact Firearms in Southfield is facing criminal charges after investigators say he lied to police and concealed evidence following a robbery at the store.

Watch Carli Petrus' report below Gun store employee charged with tampering with evidence after Southfield robbery at Action Impact

Southfield Police Chief Elvin Barren announced Monday that Thomas Beck fired shots at the robbery suspect as he fled the store, then hid his gun in a desk drawer and replaced it with a firearm from the store's inventory before officers arrived.

Beck is charged with tampering with evidence and lying to a peace officer.

The robbery happened July 19, when 33-year-old Marquise Massey of Detroit entered Action Impact on 8 Mile posing as a customer before running out with two guns. Massey was arrested the same day after police located the stolen blue Ford Escape he was seen driving. He faces charges related to the theft of firearms and related weapons offenses.

Watch our previous coverage Gun store robbery suspect in custody after shots fired outside Southfield store

Barren said the investigation expanded after detectives reviewed surveillance footage and gathered additional evidence.

"As detectives continued to investigate the incident, they uncovered evidence establishing that an Action Impact employee provided false information to responding officers and took deliberate steps to conceal critical evidence," Barren said.

"Based on the evidence developed through surveillance video, witness statements, search warrants, and forensic analysis, the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office has authorized criminal charges for the Action Impact employee as well," Barren said.

During Monday's briefing, I asked Barren about a conversation I had with Action Impact owner William Kucyk on July 20, in which Kucyk told me his employee had fired shots information that did not appear to be known to detectives at the time.

"I think the detectives primarily focused on Mr. Beck and so, just like you, when I watched the news, maybe it was your story, my antennas went up when I heard the owner mention his employee probably had fired a gun," Barren said.

Kucyk also responded to the charges against his former employee.

"The whole thing is unfortunate but I just want to remind people what started this. It wasn't that my employee decided to get up that morning and commit a crime, that's not what happened," Kucyk said.

Southfield police say they still do not know why Beck allegedly lied to investigators or concealed his weapon. Investigators say additional charges could be coming.

Massey remains in custody. Beck was released on a personal bond. His next court date is Aug. 20.

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 Lowe's employees spent Thursday renovating American Legion Post 200 in Taylor, giving the veterans' post a fresh look just in time for its annual family picnic this Sunday.

Volunteers painted, planted flowers, spread fresh mulch and installed a brand-new ceiling inside the outpost. The work also included renovations to the post's band stage and pavilion.

Vietnam veteran and Post Commander Ron Arnold said the support has been overwhelming.

"It's really overwhelming to see people step in and help because it's hard to get people to help today," Arnold said.

Arnold said the post has needed attention for some time.

"The place has been run down for a long time and we're trying to get it back in order," Arnold said.

The project is part of Lowe's Hometowns, an initiative dedicated to repairing community spaces nationwide. Community Service Impact Ambassador LaDonna Moore said the company has a significant financial commitment behind the effort.

"The company is really moving towards donating $100 million across the company for the entire year, so, every year we donate money to the communities," Moore said.

For Joe Salter, a Lowe's employee and veteran, the day carried personal meaning.

"This is a way that we can give back to the community and a smaller part of that community, which is our veterans," Salter said.

Salter said watching the effort come together was moving.

"Seeing my coworkers, my peers, the veterans out here in the community come together and have a common goal, and to see something done so quickly, it's heartwarming," Salter said.

American Legion Post 200 Senior Vice Commander Jeff Hannak, who played a key role in making the project happen, said the outpouring of support has been emotional.

"Everything's falling into place today and it makes me very proud that there are people out there that want to help veterans in need or need improvement," Hannak said.

For the veterans of Post 200, the renovations are about more than new paint or fresh landscaping. They are a reminder that their service is still appreciated and that their community has not forgotten them.

Post members said they cannot wait to welcome the community and show off their newly renovated grounds at the annual family picnic this Sunday.

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.

Dozens of Lincoln Park residents say their garbage can lids are being cracked or ripped off entirely during Priority Waste collections and some say they have been waiting months for replacements.

Watch Carli Petrus' report below Lincoln Park residents say garbage truck is breaking their trash can lids, attracting rats

Resident Carole Luginaski said she has been asking the city for a replacement since last October.

"They were telling me that it was because of the machine and the way it lifts up to the garbage can truck that that's what causing the issue with breaking the lids on the garbage cans," Luginaski said.

After months of waiting, she and her husband built their own fix a handmade sheet metal lid.

"See how it still doesn't keep all the- I get flies and that's why it stinks," Luginaski said.

Neighbor Adam Crow, whose lid appeared to have recently cracked off, said the problem is widespread.

"You can jump in your car on garbage day, no matter where you go, most of the cans are broke," Crow said.

When his wife spotted a broken lid on the ground, Crow confirmed it was theirs.

"And I assume this is our lid?" his wife said.

"Yeah that's ours, they busted it," Crow said.

For some residents, the bigger concern is what happens after the lid is gone. They say open containers are attracting unwanted pests.

"The critters get in there, they crawl right up and get in the garbage cans and tear it all over the place," Luginaski said.

It is unclear whether residents should contact the City of Lincoln Park or Priority Waste for replacements. I reached out to both, asking whether they are aware of the complaints, why so many lids appear to be damaged, and why some residents say they have waited months for replacements.

At the time of this report, the city had not responded. A spokesperson for Priority Waste said the company is working to address the issue and provided a contact person for residents who need replacement cans.

For Luginaski, the solution is simple.

"Just I want a new garbage can," Luginaski 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.

The Rocket Classic brings some of the best golfers in the world to Detroit each year, but one member of the course may be getting just as much attention as the pros.

Meet Blu: the Detroit Golf Club's official golf course dog.

Watch Carli Petrus' video report below: Detroit Golf Club's four-legged grounds crew member, Blu, steals the show at Rocket Classic

The 7-year-old pit mix spends his days tagging along with his owner, Nate Voss, and the rest of the grounds crew.

"Get him out of the house, you know. I hate leaving him home all day long. I'd rather him just be out here with me," Voss said.

Whether he's patrolling the course, greeting golfers or making new friends, Blu has become an important part of the crew.

"We're here every day. He's a full-time employee pretty much," Voss said.

And if you've been out to the Detroit Golf Club recently, you may have noticed there aren't many squirrels or geese around that's all thanks to Blu.

"I mean, he's the supervisor, you know, he chases all the squirrels away," Voss said.

Blu is also part of a growing trend better known as "turf dogs." More golf courses across the country are adding dogs to their grounds crews not just for practical tasks, but to create a welcoming atmosphere for everyone who visits, Voss said.

"I mean, most golf courses I've been at has had a turf dog there. I mean, it's kind of a big thing now. Most golf courses are getting dogs on there and they love it," Voss said.

People attending this year's Rocket Mortgage tournament are loving it as well.

"The dog was a sweetheart and to learn that the dog is a groundskeeper to help out is just amazing," Brett Holcomb said.

Tournament volunteers are enjoying Blu's presence too.

"He sat there and he was friendly I noticed that. He looked around. He was checking everything out. I thought it was great. I think there's a place for it," Nikki Hornbacker said.

And while this weekend's champion will take home the trophy, Blu has already won over the crowd.

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 Detroit man is facing felony charges after investigators say he exposed himself to children and a woman while working as a DoorDash driver in two downriver communities and police believe there could be more victims.

Brownstown Township detectives say 23-year-old Christian Joel Venancio drove up to three young girls playing in their front yard near Telegraph Road and called one of the children over to his vehicle.

Surveillance video shows car approach children and then drive off: Surveillance video shows car approach children and then drive off

"This did not happen down the street, it did not happen in some alley somewhere, this happened right outside this residence," Detective Sergeant Ian Morrison said.

Surveillance video captured a white Ford Edge pulling up to the children outside their home. The girls' father called police.

"This father called police saying that a male drove up and exposed himself and was rubbing on himself," Morrison said.

Through their investigation, detectives identified Venancio as the driver. Morrison says Venancio had just completed a DoorDash delivery in the area before the incident. He was arrested six days later during a traffic stop in Brownstown Township.

"That window of opportunity can be so small for someone to take advantage of, and certainly not every DoorDash driver is doing these sorts of things, but these people exist; they're out there," Morrison said.

Detectives also connected Venancio to a similar incident in Grosse Ile, where police say he exposed himself to an older woman after asking if she needed a ride again in the same white Ford Edge, a vehicle investigators say he is known to drive but is not registered to him.

Venancio is now charged with aggravated indecent exposure, a felony, in both cases. He is currently out on bond.

Rachel Yancey, the mother of the 8-year-old girl police say was targeted in Brownstown Township, says the arrest has not erased the fear her family now lives with.

"It was so many different emotions at one time; it was like rage, it was me being scared, it was the protective part of me, like, ' This is my baby," Yancey said. "It makes you feel very vulnerable and unsafe. Of course, now the security cameras are up and things like that just for more sense of security, but it's really just the fact that my children are right outside my home and can become victimized that fast."

Investigators say the two victims appear to have been randomly targeted, and they are going public with the case because they believe there may be additional victims.

"Based on the totality of this investigation, we believe that there's a likelihood there's more victims out there, so we would obviously want that information," Morrison said.

Police say Venancio has frequented communities across metro Detroit as a DoorDash driver. Anyone who may have had a similar experience is urged to contact Brownstown Township Police or Grosse Ile Police.

I reached out to DoorDash to ask whether Venancio was actively working for the company at the time of these incidents and what safeguards are in place for customers and communities. A response is still pending.

Yancey is urging parents to talk with their children about reporting anything that makes them feel uncomfortable.

"I just want people to understand that no matter how minor the situation is, if somebody makes you feel uncomfortable sexually, that is something that should be reported, no matter if it was minor or major; it should be something that's reported," Yancey said.

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A driver is on the run after leading police on a high-speed chase that ended when a dark-colored SUV crashed into a commercial building near Eureka Road and 17th Street in Wyandotte.

Wyandotte police arrived at the scene just after 4:20 a.m. Monday to find the SUV had struck a commercial building, a utility pole and a fire hydrant. City workers have since repaired the fire hydrant.

The chase began in Trenton, where an officer attempted to pull over the SUV for a broken taillight. The driver fled, prompting a brief pursuit that officers called off when speeds reached nearly 100 miles per hour.

Minutes later, Wyandotte officers located the crashed SUV but the driver was gone.

Officers launched a K-9 search and deployed drones in an attempt to locate the suspect, but were unsuccessful.

Wyandotte police said evidence found inside the SUV points to someone already known to them. The vehicle is registered to a business, not an individual.

We spoke with the building's owners by phone. They said the damaged area is used for storage and that they are grateful no one was hurt.

Trenton police are leading the investigation with assistance from Wyandotte police. Anyone with information about the driver or the incident is asked to contact Trenton police.

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.