A pet cat in Evergreen, Colorado about 30 miles west of Denver has died from the plague, health officials said.

The Jefferson County Public Health Department confirmed the case, noting it is not uncommon to see a few animal cases of plague in Colorado during the warmer months.

Like with this case, sometimes our local veterinarians are the first to see plague when our pets get sick," said Jim Rada, Jefferson County Environmental Health Director. "In many ways, they are a first line of defense both in helping keep our pets safe from fleas that could make our pets sick and in treating them if they are exposed to plague.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | Person dies from a case of the plague in northern Arizona

Plague is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis and can be contracted through flea bites or direct contact with an infected animal.

While human cases are rare, plague can be life-threatening without prompt treatment, the health department said. It can be effectively treated with antibiotics if caught early.

Health officials offered the following tips to reduce the risk of pets contracting plague:

Stay away from wild animals Never touch sick or dead animals Dont let pets roam freely outside. Talk to your vet about flea prevention for pets

Federal prosecutors have issued subpoenas to New York Attorney General Letitia James for records related to a civil fraud case against President Donald Trump and a separate case against the National Rifle Association, people familiar with the matter told The Associated Press.

The two people could not publicly discuss specific details of the investigation and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.

Geoff Burgan, a spokesperson for the attorney generals office, declined to confirm the subpoenas but issued a statement that said, Any weaponization of the justice system should disturb every American. We stand strongly behind our successful litigation against the Trump Organization and the National Rifle Association, and we will continue to stand up for New Yorkers rights.

In a separate statement, James personal attorney, Abbe D. Lowell, said, If prosecutors carry out this improper tactic and are genuinely interested in the truth, we are ready and waiting with the facts and the law.

RELATED STORY | Coalition of 19 states ask federal judge to reverse deep cuts to US Health and Human Services

Investigating the fraud case Attorney General James won against President Trump and his businesses has to be the most blatant and desperate example of this administration carrying out the presidents political retribution campaign, Lowell said. Weaponizing the Department of Justice to try to punish an elected official for doing her job is an attack on the rule of law and a dangerous escalation by this administration.

James has sued Trump and his administration dozens of times over his policies as president and over how he conducted his private business empire. Trump is appealing the multimillion-dollar judgment she won against him in a lawsuit alleging that he defrauded banks and other lenders by giving them financial statements that inflated the value of his properties, including his golf clubs and penthouse in Trump Tower.

Trump says his financial statements actually understated his wealth and that any mistakes in the documents were harmless errors that played no role in banks lending decisions. He and his lawyers have repeatedly accused James of engaging in lawfare for political purposes a claim she has denied.

The subpoenas were issued as part of an investigation into whether James violated Trumps civil rights, another person familiar with the matter told the AP. The person could not discuss details of the investigation publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

The subpoenas mark an escalation of the Trump administrations ongoing efforts to scrutinize perceived adversaries of the president, including those like James who had investigated Trump before his election win last November.

News of the subpoena comes as the Justice Department advances an investigation into the Trump-Russia probe that shadowed Trump for much of his first term as president and as the administration has engaged in a widespread purge from the workforce of law enforcement officials who had been involved in examining the activities of Trump and his supporters.

He picked up a yo-yo at 8 years old, and now Hunter Feuerstein is spinning it into a global spotlight.

Feuerstein will compete in this year's World Yo-Yo Championship in Prague.

With a daily grind that hasnt let up in over a decade, the Arizona-based athlete has built a career from string and skill.

He teaches lessons, launches his own signature line and racks up millions of views and fans online.

Watch this fun and inspiring story from the Scripps News Group's Cameron Polom in the video player above.

Melvindale Police Lt. Matthew Furman, who has been the subject of several 7 News Detroit investigations, is now facing criminal charges in connection with three separate incidents.

Watch Ross Jones's video report: Controversial Melvindale Lt. at center of WXYZ investigations facing charges

Furman was arraigned on those charges on Friday morning in district court. He was given a $50,000 personal bond, ordered to surrender any weapons and has to wear a GPS tether.

Watch the arraignment below

Controversial Melvindale Lt. at center of WXYZ investigations arraigned on charges

Also on Friday, Melvindale Police Deputy Chief Nicholas Martinez said that Furman was placed on unpaid administrative leave and his Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) license was suspended.

In a statement, Martinez said,

"The Melvindale Police Department was made aware of an officer complaint against Lieutenant Matthew Furman. An internal investigation was initiated. Due to the nature of the allegations, the Melvindale Police Department determined that the matter needed to be forwarded to an outside agency. The Melvindale Police Department contacted the Michigan State Police Department for an external investigation. On 08/07/2025, the Melvindale Police Department was made aware of criminal charges against Lieutenant Matthew Furman, stemming from their investigation. Lieutenant Matthew Furman was placed on unpaid administrative leave and his Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (M.C.O.L.E.S.) license was suspended. The Melvindale Police Department would like to thank the Michigan State Police Department and the Wayne County Prosecutors Office for their assistance."

The three alleged assaults date back to the last four years. Two of the incidents involve the use of a Taser.

In July 2024, Furman stopped Drakkar Williams for driving around traffic barricades. Williams, who had a suspended license, should not have been driving. After Williams refused to provide his name, Furman moved to arrest him.

While his partner held Williams outside the car, Furman began to tase him repeatedly.

Prosecutors say Furman kicked Williams in the leg and deployed his taser again, striking him in the back.

Watch below: Controversial Melvindale lieutenant fends off claim of excessive force involving Taser

Controversial Melvindale lieutenant fends off claim of excessive force involving Taser

Furman said Williams was uncooperative and that he was fearful he could have been carrying a weapon. After he was handcuffed, Furman would be seen arguing with Williams again.

Acccording to the prosecutor, medics were called to the scene to treat Williams e for his injuries. While being treated, prosecutors say the two began to argue and that Officer Furman grabbed Williams by his shirt and by his hair and pulled him against the fire truck.

Furman was never disciplined by his department, but Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy on Thursday said Furmans use of force crossed the line. He was charged with misconduct in office, felonious assault and assault and battery.

"I told him, 'Youre gonna lose your badge over this.'" Williams said Thursday in an interview with 7 News Detroit.

"(He said) 'No Im not.' He was confident," Williams recalled.

Furman is also being charged in connection to a stop three months earlier in April 2024, when he pulled over a vehicle that was already parked. Alica Cook and her two daughters were sitting outside a school while Cook waited to drop off her 11-year-old at cheerleading practice.

When Cook didnt provide her license and registration, Furman tried to pull her from her vehicle. And after she resisted, he took out his Taser and fired.

Watch below: Melvindale Lt. stopped her over an expired tab, then tased her in front of her children

Melvindale Lt. stopped her over an expired tab, then tased her in front of her children

The charges that would be filed against Cook would be dismissed and now, she is suing Furman and the department for how she was treated.

"I was terrified from you. I was terrified, you scared me. You scared me," she told us.

Furman was not disciplined by the department, but on Thursday, Worthy charged Furman in this case with misconduct in office, felonious assault and assault and battery.

Watch below: Melvindale Lt. sued over rough arrest, most criminal charges dropped after 7 investigation

Melvindale Lt. sued over rough arrest, most criminal charges dropped after 7 investigation

"I am grateful that theyve taken the time to say this persons actions were not okay, were going to do something about this," Cook said Thursday.

She said the events of that day traumatized her and her daughters.

"Now, my daughter that I was taking to schoolshes in a mental hospital today. So his actions caused a lot of pain. But I do forgive him," Cook said.

The other charge stems from a 2021 police chase that 7 News reported on earlier this year. The suspect had stolen a vehicle, police said, after striking an officer. After his vehicle crashed, the man fled on foot before officers surrounded him.

As officers tried to subdue the man, a Dearborn officers body cam caught Furman repeatedly stomping on the mans leg. Another can be heard warning that cameras are rolling.

The Dearborn officer reported Furmans actions to his supervisor. Furman said the man was resisting and he used the stomps as a form of pain compliance. He was not disciplined by his department but was charged by Worthy Thursday.

In that case, Furman has been charged with misconduct in office and and assault and battery.

Furman has previously defended his actions, calling himself a proactive police officer and saying its never been more dangerous to be in law enforcement, as evidenced by the murder of fellow Officer Mohamed Said, just last year.

Related story: Former Melvindale Chief alleges Police Sgt. Matthew Furman 'engaged in repeated acts of police brutality'

"People say well, 'Furman uses too much force, hes too aggressive, hes a robot'" Furman said in January. "Again, my goal is to go home alive."

Melvindale's police chief could not be reached immediately for comment.

In a statement, Worthy said: It is important to remember that the majority of our police officers are bravely placing their lives on the line every day and proudly serving with the utmost integrity. The alleged behavior of this officer is a criminal and does a disservice to the men and women who have taken an oath to protect and serve all of our citizens."

In 2019, Furman was charged with assault and battery and willful neglect of duty after an incident involving a drunk man in February 2019. He pleaded no contest to the charge of willful neglect of duty and given one year probation.

Contact 7 Investigator Ross Jones at ross.jones@wxyz.com or at (248) 827-9466.

Some residents in northwest Colorado have decided to voluntarily evacuate as two wildfires threaten the small town of Meeker.

The town is home to roughly 2,300 residents and is surrounded by public lands.

On August 2, lightning started two fires: the Lee Fire and the Grease Fire. The two fires eventually merged, and the blaze is now known as the Lee Fire.

It has burned about 45,000 acres and is 0% contained.

Burning roughly 15 miles away is the Elk Fire, which has scorched roughly 14,250 acres. The fire was also sparked by lightning on August 2.

Mandi Etheridge, Meeker town administrator, told the Scripps News Group that the fires have already destroyed property.

A lot of it is Bureau of Land Management and US Forest Service property, but there is some private property interspersed through all of that, and our local fire team has done an incredible job at trying to save structures, Etheridge said. There have been some houses saved, some houses not saved.

On Wednesday, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis mobilized the Colorado National Guard to support response efforts for the Lee and Elk Fires.

People who live in the area are no strangers to fires, but these fires have definitely created concern.

I've lived in Meeker for just over 20 years. Obviously, there has been wildfires in our surrounding area in northwest Colorado, but nothing quite this impactful for our community, Etheridge said.

A new report by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety provides good news for some Hyundai and Kia owners, while Chevrolet Camaro owners received some unwelcome information.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, software updates to Hyundai and Kia models prone to theft are helping to reduce theft rates. Nearly 8 million vehicles were sold without an immobilizer, a security device that prevents a car from being started without the correct key present, thereby deterring theft by hotwiring.

This situation resulted in numerous lawsuits from consumers and government agencies. Hyundai and Kia ultimately issued a recall to address the issue.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, whole-vehicle theft claims were 52 percent less frequent for Hyundai and Kia vehicles with the upgrade compared to those that have not been updated.

PREVIOUS DATA | Kia, Hyundai, Honda models top list of most stolen vehicles

However, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety pointed out that as of late 2024, fewer than half of eligible Hyundai and Kia models have been upgraded. The organization stated that 2011-2022 Hyundai and Kia models are still being targeted by thieves.

This intervention showed dramatic results right off the bat, offering owners some peace of mind, said Matt Moore, chief insurance operations officer at HLDI and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Owners who still havent gotten the software upgrade should do so immediately, as its the best way to protect their vehicle."

However, for owners of the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and other luxury sports cars, they face some of the highest risks of theft.

The Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is 39 times more likely to be stolen than the average vehicle, followed by the Acura TLX 4WD, which is 21 times more likely to be stolen. The standard Chevrolet Camaro is about 12 times more likely to be stolen than a typical vehicle.

We expect powerful and high-value vehicles to be targeted, and these models check both those boxes, Moore said. But it stood out to us that Camaros that were nearly 10 years old had such high claim frequencies.

The list of vehicles least likely to be stolen includes plug-in electric and hybrid vehicles, with three Tesla models topping the list.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety noted that these vehicles are most likely to be parked in garages or near buildings, making them less prone to theft.

The Volvo XC90 4WD was considered the least likely to be stolen among gas-powered vehicles.

A player at MGM Grand Detroit hit a more than $1 million jackpot on a slot machine last month, casino officials said.

The player won $1,075,996 on the Dragon Link slot machine on Saturday, July 19. MGM Grand Detroit said it was the first casino in Michigan to introduced the $1 million high-limit progressive slot machine last year.

In November 2024, a player hit a jackpot worth $1,271,645 on the Dragon Link slot machine, a record for the casino.

The casino said players have won more than $215 million in jackpots this year and more than $28 million in July.

President Donald Trump has ordered an increase in federal law enforcement in Washington, D.C., amid concerns about violent crime.

There will be no safe harbor for violent criminals in D.C., White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said. President Trump is committed to making our nations capital safer for its residents, lawmakers and visitors from all around the world.

The operation began at midnight Friday. A White House official told Scripps News the operation will last at least seven days but could be extended if necessary.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | Former Fox News host and judge Jeanine Pirro sworn in as top DC prosecutor

The law enforcement presence will include personnel from multiple agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. They will be in marked units and highly visible, the official said.

Although the District of Columbia is locally governed, President Trump has repeatedly criticized its leadership and suggested the federal government should take a greater role in addressing crime there.

The latest initiative follows an attempted carjacking of an employee with the Department of Government Efficiency. Two teenagers were arrested and charged in the attack.

While that incident is among several the administration has cited to justify federal involvement in local law enforcement, carjackings and homicides have declined in D.C. since peaking in 2023.

As Texas lawmakers face a significant standoff, the battle over redistricting is escalating, with both Republican and Democratic lawmakers engaging in a tactical showdown. The impasse began when Texas Democrats denied Republicans a quorum, igniting a wave of similar actions across the country as states reconsider their congressional maps.

Dozens of Texas Democrats were told by the state's Attorney General Ken Paxton to return to the state by Friday, or he would push to expel them from office.

This development has sparked a redistricting arms race, with more than a dozen states exploring possible adjustments to their electoral boundaries. Republican-controlled states are particularly interested in reshaping districts to secure additional congressional seats, especially in states like Missouri and Florida. In Tallahassee, the speaker of the Florida House announced the formation of a state select committee tasked with revisiting the congressional map.

RELATED STORY | Texas senator says FBI will assist in 'locating runaway' state lawmakers

The stakes have risen further with the involvement of national political figures. This week, Indiana's Governor received a visit from Vice President JD Vance, who emphasized the White House's intention to influence redistricting efforts in every state where the opportunity arises.

"There's been no commitments made other than I think they're gonna come into every state that's got the possibility of that happening," Indiana Gov. Mike Braun told reporters. The situation in Texas is indicative of the complicated and high-stakes nature of the current political climate.

As both parties dig in, Democrats are also threatening their own redistricting efforts to benefit Democratic candidates. This reciprocal maneuvering is a direct response to Republican initiatives within the state.

Compounding the tension, Texas Sen. John Cornyn revealed that he had spoken with FBI Director Kash Patel about possibly issuing warrants for Democratic lawmakers believed to be in cities such as Chicago, Albany, and Boston. There are growing questions about whether these lawmakers could be compelled to return to Texas, potentially sparking more extensive redistricting discussions in Democratic-led states like New York, California, and Maryland over the coming weeks.

RELATED STORY | President Trump calls for new census to exclude immigrants in US illegally

Amid all of this, the political discourse has centered around a mid-decade redistricting pusha concept typically reserved for every 10 years following the census. The evolution of this conversation is unfolding just as states reconsider their electoral strategies heading into the 2026 midterm elections, making it a critical moment for both parties.

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 deadline set by President Donald Trump for Russia to agree to a ceasefire deal with Ukraine comes today and without any significant progress, President Trump has hinted at serious economic repercussions for Moscow.

President Trump announced the self-imposed deadline, pushing for an agreement that could ease tensions in the region. However, with no deal reached, the focus could shift to tariffs and secondary sanctions targeting Russia's trading partners, including nations like Turkey and China.

While discussions of a possible summit between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have emerged, uncertainty remains about whether Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will be included in those talks. Both the U.S. and Russia have indicated interest in a meeting, but major questions linger regarding the conditions and the timing.

RELATED STORY | Trump to meet Putin soon, the Kremlin says as a White House deadline looms

In a recent Oval Office briefing, President Trump expressed frustration with Putin's response to the deadline.

Its going to be up to him, he said, voicing disappointment over the lack of progress. He further indicated that Putin's willingness to meet with Zelenskyy is not a prerequisite for their discussions.

The prospect of additional sanctions looms large, with potential targets including countries that maintain substantial trade relations with Russia. The implications of such measures could significantly escalate economic tensions, especially considering existing trade issues between the U.S. and China.

As the deadline arrives, many are left wondering what the next steps will be for the U.S. and its allies in addressing the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.

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 fast-growing brush fire has forced thousands of people to evacuate in a mountainous area north of Los Angeles.

The Canyon Fire ignited Thursday afternoon and grew to more than 7.6 square miles (19.7 square kilometers) by 11 p.m., according to the Ventura County Fire Department. At least 400 personnel were battling the blaze along with several planes and helicopters. It remained uncontained late Thursday and was spreading east into Los Angeles County, officials said.

The fire is burning just south of Lake Piru, a reservoir located in the Los Padres National Forest. It's close by Lake Castaic, a popular recreation area burned by the Hughes Fire in January. That fire burned about 15 square miles (39 square kilometers) in six hours and put 50,000 people under evacuation orders or warnings.

RELATED STORY | Crews struggle to contain massive California wildfire that's injured 3 people

Sunny, hot and dry conditions were expected in the area where the Canyon Fire was burning on Friday, with the daytime high near 100 degrees Fahrenheit and minimum humidity in the mid-teens, according to the National Weather Service. Winds were expected to be light in the morning and grow from the south to southwest in the afternoon.

In LA County, around 2,700 residents evacuated with 700 structures under an evacuation order, officials said late Thursday. Another 14,000 residents and 5,000 structures were covered by an evacuation warning. Areas within the Val Verde zone had been reduced from an order to a warning.

The evacuation zones in nearby Ventura County were relatively unpopulated, Ventura County Fire Department spokesperson Andrew Dowd said Thursday. Fifty-six people were evacuated from the Lake Piru recreation area.

Dowd called the blaze a very dynamic situation caused by hot, dry weather, steep and rugged terrain and dry fuel.

LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who represents the district, urged residents to evacuate.

RELATED STORY | Canadian wildfire smoke is affecting air quality in the Midwest and Northeast US

Extreme heat and low humidity in our north county have created dangerous conditions where flames can spread with alarming speed," Barger said in a statement. If first responders tell you to leave, gowithout hesitation.

The new blaze comes as a massive wildfire in Central California became the state's largest blaze of the year, threatening hundreds of homes and burning out of control in the Los Padres National Forest.

The Gifford Fire had spread to 155 square miles (402 square kilometers) by Thursday night with 15% containment. It grew out of at least four smaller fires that erupted Aug. 1 along State Route 166, forcing closures in both directions east of Santa Maria, a city of about 110,000 people. It has injured at least four people. The causes of the fires are under investigation.

Wildfire risk will be elevated through the weekend across much of inland California as a heat wave gripping the area intensifies. August and September are typically the most dangerous months for wildfires in the state.

Israel said Friday it will intensify its 22-month war with Hamas by taking over Gaza City, drawing a dismissal from the militant group and renewed international calls to end the conflict, while stirring fears for Palestinian civilians and Israeli hostages still held in Gaza.

Israels air and ground war has already killed tens of thousands of people in Gaza, displaced most of the population, destroyed vast areas and pushed the territory toward famine. The timing of another major ground operation remains unclear since it will likely hinge on mobilizing thousands of troops and forcibly evacuating civilians, almost certainly exacerbating the humanitarian catastrophe.

Mediators from Egypt and Qatar are working on a new framework that will include the release of all hostages dead and alive in one go in return for an end of the war in Gaza and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the strip, two Arab officials told The Associated Press.

Before Israel's Security Cabinet approved the plan to take over Gaza City, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had outlined more sweeping plans Thursday in an interview with Fox News, saying Israel planned to take control of all of Gaza. Israel already controls around three-quarters of the territory.

Hamas rejected Israels plans in a statement. Expanding of aggression against our Palestinian people will not be a walk in the park, the group said.

Netanyahu had signaled plans for even broader war

An expanded offensive could widen discord between Israel and international powers, which have stepped up criticism of the war amid mounting shock over media reports showing starvation.

Britain urged Israel to reconsider, and Germany said it would not authorize the export of military equipment that could be used in Gaza until further notice.

The even harsher military action by the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip, approved by the Israeli Cabinet last night, makes it increasingly difficult for the German government to see how these goals will be achieved, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said.

Tensions could rise further if Netanyahu follows through on the more sweeping plans to take control of the entire territory, two decades after Israels unilateral withdrawal from the strip.

Asked in the interview with Fox News ahead of the Security Cabinet meeting if Israel would take control of all of Gaza, Netanyahu replied: We intend to, in order to assure our security, remove Hamas there. He added that Israel did not intend to keep it.

Israel's new plan stopped short of that, and may be aimed in part at pressuring Hamas to accept a ceasefire on Israel's terms.

It may also reflect the reservations of Israels military chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, who reportedly warned that expanding operations would endanger the remaining 20 or so living hostages held by Hamas and further strain Israels army after nearly two years of regional wars.

The military will prepare to take control of Gaza City while providing humanitarian aid to the civilian population outside the combat zones, Netanyahu's office said in a statement after the meeting.

Amir Avivi, a retired brigadier general and chairman of Israels Defense and Security Forum, estimated it would take less than three months to mobilize some 30,000 troops, evacuate Palestinian civilians and take over Gaza City.

Hamas-led militants triggered the war when they stormed into Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people and abducting 251 people. Most of the hostages have been released in ceasefires or other deals but 50 remain inside Gaza. Israel believes around 20 of them to be alive.

RELATED STORY | Netanyahu seeks full military control of Gaza before handing it to Arab forces

Mediators try again to end the war

The efforts for a new ceasefire have the backing of major Arab Gulf monarchies, according to officials who spoke anonymously due to the sensitivity of the discussions. One is involved directly in the deliberations and the second was briefed on the efforts. The monarchies are concerned about further regional destabilization if Israels government proceeds with a full reoccupation of Gaza, the officials said.

The yet-to-be finalized framework aims to address the contentious issue of what to do with Hamas weapons, with Israel seeking full disarmament and Hamas refusing. The official directly involved in the efforts said discussions are underway about freezing arms, which may involve Hamas retaining but not using its weapons. It also calls for the group to relinquish power in the strip.

A Palestinian-Arab committee would run Gaza and oversee the reconstruction efforts until the establishment of a Palestinian administration with a new police force, trained by two U.S. allies in the Middle East, to take over the strip, he said. It is unclear what role the Western-backed Palestinian Authority would play.

The second official said the U.S. administration has been briefed on the broad lines of the framework.

A senior Hamas official, speaking on condition of anonymity because he wasnt authorized to brief the media, said the groups leadership has been aware of the Arab mediators efforts to revive the ceasefire talks, but has yet to receive details.

AP reached out to the governments in Qatar, Egypt and Israel as well as the White House for comment.

U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff told hostage families during his recent visit that Israel was shifting its approach to pursue a comprehensive all-or-nothing deal aimed at ending the war and securing the release of hostages, a person who attended the meeting told the AP, speaking on the condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to speak about the private meeting.

There is nothing left to occupy

Israel has repeatedly bombarded Gaza City and carried out numerous raids there, only to return to neighborhoods again and again as militants regrouped. Today, it is one of the few areas in Gaza that hasnt been turned into an Israeli buffer zone or placed under evacuation orders.

A major ground operation there could displace tens of thousands of people and further disrupt efforts to deliver food to the hunger-stricken territory.

Its unclear how many people reside in the city, which was Gazas largest before the war. Hundreds of thousands fled under evacuation orders in the opening weeks of the conflict, but many returned during a ceasefire at the start of this year.

Palestinians were already anticipating even more suffering ahead of the decision, and at least 42 were killed in Israeli airstrikes and shootings on Thursday, according to local hospitals.

There is nothing left to occupy, said Maysaa al-Heila, who is living in a displacement camp. There is no Gaza left.

Of those killed Thursday, Nasser Hospital said at least 13 were seeking aid in an Israeli military zone in southern Gaza where U.N. aid convoys are regularly overwhelmed by hungry crowds and people stealing food to resell it. Another two were killed on roads leading to nearby sites run by the Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, an American contractor, according to the hospital, which received the bodies.

GHF said there were no violent incidents at or near its sites on Thursday. Israels military said its forces did not fire in the morning and that it knew of no encounters in the area. The military zone, known as the Morag Corridor, is off limits to independent media.

Israels military offensive has killed over 61,000 Palestinians, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which does not say how many were fighters or civilians. The ministry is part of the Hamas-run government and staffed by medical professionals.

The United Nations and independent experts view the ministrys figures as the most reliable estimate of casualties. Israel has disputed them without offering a toll of its own.

Teacher salaries in Michigan are still losing ground compared to other states, according to a new report from Michigan State University.

The annual "Teacher Compensation in Michigan" report was released this month and shows how far behind the state compares to the rest of the nation.

See more information in the video below

Study finds Michigan's teacher pay continues to fall compared to rest of the US

According to the report, Michigan ranks 44th nationally in average starting salary for 2023-24, dropping from 41st in 2022-23 and 39th in 2021-22. The average starting salary in Michigan is $41,645, compared to the average starting salary in the U.S. at $46,526.

Michigan's overall average teacher salary has also dropped from 16th to 19th in the nation with the average salary of $69,067. That's compared to the average national salary at $72,030.

"Since the 2021-2022 school year, both starting and average teacher salaries have increased in nominal terms, but Michigan continues to lose ground relative to other states," the study reads.

The study's goal is to highlight the potential weakening of the state's ability to recruit and retain talented educators.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Belle Isle Conservancy are collaborating on a new strategic development plan for the Detroit island.

The new plan will build on the 2018 plan, and it "aims to review and identify potential park enhancements in a holistic manner."

After evaluating park buildings and spaces, plus reviewing public comments, the DNR and conservancy identified 11 potential projects for future improvements.

The DNR and Conservancy are asking people to take a survey where they will rank the 11 projects in order of importance to each person. You can take the survey here.

The 11 potential improvements include:

Extend the beach & renovate the bath house Restore and reactivate the Belle Isle Boathouse for public use Create a park cafe at the Belle Isle White House Improve access to canals and create trails Renovate the Nancy Brown Carillon Peace Tower Create a bigger, better Kids Row Playground Restore and activate the Remick Music Band Shell Rebuild piers and docks for fishing and potential ferry service Create an interpretive center at the historic sawmill Clean up and activate the former stable yard Create community and volunteer space at the historic police headquarters

The multi-step process for planning will also include securing funding and partners to move the priorities forward and celebrating the completion of the plan in 2026.

You can take the survey by clicking here.

Here at 7 News Detroit, we want to make sure you start your day off on the right foot, informed about weather, traffic, the latest news and more. That's why we have the 7 Morning Digest, where we'll get you out the door informed and ready to go.

What's the weather for today? Metro Detroit Weather: Getting hotter into the weekend

Today will be partly sunny and warm. An isolated storm is possible this afternoon and evening, mainly north of M-59 and over Mid-Michigan. Heavy rain is expected in any storm. We will approach 90 this weekend and it will feel like the mid 90s by Sunday.

Today: Partly sunny with a slight afternoon storm chance. Highs will be in the mid to upper 80s with 87 in Detroit. Winds: S 5-10 mph.

Tonight: Partly cloudy. Temps in the upper 60s to low 70s. Winds: S 5-10 mph.

Saturday: Partly sunny with highs around 90. The heat index will feel like the low 90s. Winds: S 5 mph.

The top stories to know about Controversial Melvindale Lt. at center of WXYZ investigations charged in 3 separate incidents Controversial Melvindale Lt. at center of WXYZ investigations facing charges

Melvindale Police Lt. Matthew Furman, who has been the subject of several 7 News Detroit investigations, is now facing criminal charges in connection with three separate incidents.

The three alleged assaults date back to the last four years. Two of the incidents involve the use of a Taser.

In July 2024, Furman stopped Drakkar Williams for driving around traffic barricades. Williams, who had a suspended license, should not have been driving. After Williams refused to provide his name, Furman moved to arrest him.

While his partner held Williams outside the car, Furman began to tase him repeatedly.

Prosecutors say Furman kicked Williams in the leg and deployed his taser again, striking him in the back.

Furman said Williams was uncooperative and that he was fearful he could have been carrying a weapon. After he was handcuffed, Furman would be seen arguing with Williams again.

Acccording to the prosecutor, medics were called to the scene to treat Williams e for his injuries. While being treated, prosecutors say the two began to argue and that Officer Furman grabbed Williams by his shirt and by his hair and pulled him against the fire truck.

Furman was never disciplined by his department, but Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy on Thursday said Furmans use of force crossed the line. He was charged with misconduct in office, felonious assault and assault and battery.

"I told him, 'Youre gonna lose your badge over this.'" Williams said Thursday in an interview with 7 News Detroit.

"(He said) 'No Im not.' He was confident," Williams recalled.

Furman is also being charged in connection to a stop three months earlier in April 2024, when he pulled over a vehicle that was already parked. Alica Cook and her two daughters were sitting outside a school while Cook waited to drop off her 11-year-old at cheerleading practice.

When Cook didnt provide her license and registration, Furman tried to pull her from her vehicle. And after she resisted, he took out his Taser and fired.

The charges that would be filed against Cook would be dismissed and now, she is suing Furman and the department for how she was treated.

"I was terrified from you. I was terrified, you scared me. You scared me," she told us.

Furman was not disciplined by the department, but on Thursday, Worthy charged Furman in this case with misconduct in office, felonious assault and assault and battery.

"I am grateful that theyve taken the time to say this persons actions were not okay, were going to do something about this," Cook said Thursday.

She said the events of that day traumatized her and her daughters.

"Now, my daughter that I was taking to schoolshes in a mental hospital today. So his actions caused a lot of pain. But I do forgive him," Cook said.

The other charge stems from a 2021 police chase that 7 News reported on earlier this year. The suspect had stolen a vehicle, police said, after striking an officer. After his vehicle crashed, the man fled on foot before officers surrounded him.

As officers tried to subdue the man, a Dearborn officers body cam caught Furman repeatedly stomping on the mans leg. Another can be heard warning that cameras are rolling.

The Dearborn officer reported Furmans actions to his supervisor. Furman said the man was resisting and he used the stomps as a form of pain compliance. He was not disciplined by his department but was charged by Worthy Thursday.

In that case, Furman has been charged with misconduct in office and and assault and battery.

Furman has previously defended his actions, calling himself a proactive police officer and saying its never been more dangerous to be in law enforcement, as evidenced by the murder of fellow Officer Mohamed Said, just last year.

"People say well, 'Furman uses too much force, hes too aggressive, hes a robot'" Furman said in January. "Again, my goal is to go home alive."

Melvindale's police chief could not be reached immediately for comment.

In a statement, Worthy said: It is important to remember that the majority of our police officers are bravely placing their lives on the line every day and proudly serving with the utmost integrity. The alleged behavior of this officer is a criminal and does a disservice to the men and women who have taken an oath to protect and serve all of our citizens."

University of Michigan makes history with the nation's first collegiate para powerlifting program U of M adds Para-powerlifting to their adaptive sports lineup

The University of Michigan is creating more opportunities for students with disabilities through its expanding adaptive sports program, which now includes the nation's first collegiate para powerlifting team.

The school's adaptive sports and fitness program, which began in 2019, already offered four wheelchair sports, including tennis, basketball, rugby, and track and field, before adding competitive para powerlifting this year.

Abbey Phillipson, who serves as both the strength and conditioning coach for Michigan's adaptive sports program and head coach of the new para powerlifting team, is proud of the groundbreaking initiative.

"Recently, we became the first ever and only collegiate para powerlifting program, which I had the opportunity to start," Phillipson said.

Phillipson has Classical Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and is a big advocate of the adaptive sports community. In high school, she had stage 5 spondylolisthese and used a wheelchair.

"I'm actually super stretchy and elastic," she said in reference to her skin. "My body doesn't deposit collagen correctly to my connective tissues."

The U-M grad teaches her eight athletes how to bench press without using their legs, which presents unique challenges.

"We see from research that 10-20% of your bench press max strength is from the use of your leg drive. So, we always look around at each other when our legs are strapped up on the table, and we're like, we must be pretty strong," Phillipson said.

For athletes like Caden Baxter, who suffered a spinal cord injury at age 15, the program has been transformative.

"Being young when I was injured, I wanted to get back into sports immediately, I just didn't see a way," Baxter said.

Historic tall ships come to Detroit for sail festival on riverfront Historic tall ships come to Detroit for the Sail Detroit festival

Historic tall ships are sailing into Detroit this weekend as part of Sail Detroit, a maritime festival returning to the city's riverfront for the first time in more than two decades.

Four tall ships moved by Detroit's riverfront on Thursday, drawing crowds with cameras and phones eager to capture the majestic vessels.

"They are big sailing ships. The mast reach to the sky. It is an incredible view and sight for our city," said John Jamian, director of maritime operations for Detroit Wayne County Port Authority.

The ships will remain docked outside the Detroit Wayne County Port Authority all weekend as the stars of the Sail Detroit Festival, which highlights the city's maritime history.

"That's the way they sailed in the old days. Port of Detroit, we used to have these ships. They were the cargo ships of the 1800s that called on our city and docked right here," Jamian said.

Visitors can view ships including Ernestina Morissey from Massachusetts, Alliance from Sutton Bay, Empire Sandy from Toronto and Pride of Baltimore II from Maryland.

Pride of Baltimore II is a 157-foot long and 108-foot tall reproduction of an 1812 Baltimore Clipper. The ship's captain says it takes 12 crew members on board to operate.

"A lot of teamwork. Everything is very physical, everything is man power. We don't have electric wenches or things of that nature," said Jeff Crosbey, captain of Pride of Baltimore II.

Despite the hard work involved, Crosbey finds sailing the vessel fulfilling.

"They're cool boats to sail. They kind of bring you back in time a little bit and give you a glimpse of where the maritime industry started in this country," Crosbey said.

Representatives with Tall Ships America, responsible for bringing the ships around the country, say seeing people engage with the crew and vessels is what the experience is all about.

A Detroit lawmaker is dropping out of the race to represent Michigan in the U.S. Senate, he announced Friday, leaving three Democratic front-runners to compete in the primary.

State Rep. Joe Tate, who was the first Black speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives, told The Associated Press on Thursday that he is suspending his campaign to move in a different direction of service. He struggled to compete with the fundraising numbers put up by the three other Democratic candidates, U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, state Sen. Mallory McMorrow and public health official Abdul El-Sayed.

The race is likely to be one of the most watched in 2026, as Republicans seek to defend their majority in the U.S. Senate.

The past three months have been wonderful, just to touch base with Michiganders, Tate said of his campaign.

Tate was the fourth Democrat to jump into the race after Democratic U.S. Sen. Gary Peters announced his intention to retire at the end of his term. The other three candidates far outpaced Tate in fundraising, according to recent campaign finance reports.

Stevens reported a haul of $2.8 million, McMorrow brought it $2.1 million, and El-Sayed banked about $1.8 million. Stevens amount includes $1.5 million she transferred from her previous U.S. House campaign.

Meanwhile, Tate raised around $193,000 and reported having about $70,000 on hand as of June 30.

Tate said he is looking into seeking reelection for his House seat. Tate stepped down as speaker after Republicans gained a majority in the November election.

On the Republican side of the ballot, former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers is running again after losing to Democrat Elissa Slotkin in the states 2024 U.S. Senate race by just 19,000 votes. The way was all but cleared for him after GOP U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, who was exploring a run, announced in July that he would not seek the seat.

Rogers' main campaign account reported bringing in about $1.2 million as of June 30, according to his Federal Election Commission filing.

Watch out for unsolicited messages about your Facebook account. It could be how scammers hijack your page and lock you out, in order to post heartfelt, made-up stories to steal money from your friends.

I'm raising the voices of two women from metro Detroit who've been dealing with this problem and talking with a consumer advocate. I also reached out to Meta for advice.

Kim Perrino of St. Clair Shores contacted 7 News Detroit for help after her Facebook page got hacked on July 27.

"Someone went on my post and said that my father was seriously ill, and we needed to sell all these items because we had to move them into a nursing home," she said.

It was all a lie...to sell everything from nonexistent campers to cars, trucks and minivans. The scammer also added a catch.

"If anybody was interested, they needed to pay a deposit in order to hold the items because it was first-come, first-served," Perrino said.

This scammer was really trying to separate your friends from their money," I said.

"Yes, yes. And then [the scammer] turned off all the comments so no one could go in to comment that my account was hacked," she said.

Kristen Posa of Plymouth has been dealing with a hacked account since late February.

"Did the scammers post a sob story to try to get your friends to purchase items? I asked.

"Oh yeah! You know, everything. Um, you know, 'Everything has to be sold by this weekend,'" she said. By the next morning, people are calling me saying, you know, 'I sent money for that car you put up for sale.'"

Posa said they posted pull-at-your-heartstring stories like, 'My uncle is going to a facility. He has to, you know, sell his enclosed car trailer for $500. If you, you know, send us this minimal down payment, we'll hold it for you.'

Both women received security alerts from Facebook and tried reaching out repeatedly to recover their accounts, but they had no luck.

You tried to even pay for the service where you can chat with Meta, and you still didnt get anywhere? I asked.

Yes, that's correct," Posa said.

Consumer advocate Michelle Couch-Friedman, CEO and founder of consumerrescue.org, says hackers often use phishing messages that appear to be from Facebook to gain access to your page.

What is the one piece of advice you would give to people to prevent this from happening to them? I asked.

Put the two-factor, the two-step verification [in place] so people can't get easily into your account," Couch-Friedman said.

I reached out to Meta about the hijacked accounts, and Meta replied that if your Facebook account was hacked, you should visit Facebook.com/hacked or Instagram.com/hacked to secure your account.

If the email associated with your Facebook account has changed, Meta says you can reverse this.

In a statement, Meta said, "When an email is changed, we send a message to the previous email account with a special link. You can click this link to reverse the email change and secure your account."

I shared this information with Perrino. She searched for that official email from Facebook, found it, then followed the steps including taking a couple of selfies to identify herself.

"The first time I had a ponytail, and it did not recognize me because my hair is down in my profile. So, then when I put my hair down, it did recognize me. And then I was able to go in and reset everything and make sure it's just my email and my phone number connected, Perrino said.

A Meta spokesperson responded to my inquiry about how to protect yourself. Here's what they said.

Avoid clicking on links within unsolicited messages from Facebook. Take a close look at the email address or phone number sending you the message before you click anything, because scammers frequently use deceptive email addresses that closely resemble official support accounts, but they're not legit. To check if an email is really from Facebook, see official emails by going to Facebook.com/recent_emails/security

Where Your Voice Matters

Residents in Wayne are hoping state officials will block plans for a concrete crushing facility proposed for wetlands behind their homes, citing concerns about noise, dust and increased traffic in their neighborhoods.

"We'd probably try to find a way to leave," one resident said about the potential impact of the facility.

Watch Meghan Daniel's video report below: Residents fight proposed concrete crushing facility in Wayne wetlands

Many neighbors first expressed their opposition to the plan in May when they spoke with our 7 Investigators, and their stance remains unchanged.

"I'd be stuck in the house more than I already am. We already have a bad air quality," said Robert Schwalm, a resident of over a decade.

The city of Wayne approved the plan for the facility in 2022, leaving the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy as the final authority needed to give approval to Van Born Investments, the company behind the application.

Watch the 7 Investigators' report in May on the Wetlands below: Wayne County neighbors trying to stop concrete crushing facility from destroying wetlands

EGLE held a Zoom hearing Thursday to discuss findings from a survey conducted by contractors hired by Van Born Investments and to gather public comment before making their decision.

Tony Calo, owner of Van Born Investments, has revised his plans to preserve more of the wetlands on the property.

Schwalm says his biggest concern is air quality.

"A lot of people in my family have COPD, so it would affect a lot of us," Schwalm said.

He believes the added pollution would severely restrict his ability to enjoy his home.

"I wouldn't be able to do anything. I wouldn't be able to cut grass. There'd be dust all over people's yards," Schwalm said.

He fears the situation could become life-threatening for him personally.

"Breathing that for a couple of weeks might put me on oxygen," Schwalm said.

Previous interview: 'There's gotta be a better place.' Vincent Harder shares more about concerns over wetland development Extended interview: 'There's gotta be a better place.' Vincent Harder shares more about concerns over wetland development

Other residents who attended the hearing voiced concerns about losing more of the area's already diminishing wetlands.

"We really have to protect all the scraps, because that's all we have left," one attendee said.

Representatives with EGLE told residents they haven't made a decision yet but will consider all input from the meeting.

Previous interview: Resident Theresa Landrum: "Put people over profit." Extended interview: 'Put people over profit.' Theresa Landrum talks more about concerns over wetland development

Van Born Investments did not respond to requests for comment.

Residents still have an opportunity to make their voices heard, as the public comment period remains open until Aug. 17.

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 man has died after he was found unresponsive in an apartment pool in Wixom Thursday evening, police said.

Officials were dispatched to the Bristol Square Apartments near Beck Road and Pontiac Trail around 7:20 p.m. They were told a person was unresponsive at the bottom of the complexs pool.

The Wixom police and fire departments got the victim, a 70-year-old man, out of the pool. They performed life-saving measures. The man was taken to the hospital, where he later died.

His identity is being withheld at this time as family members are notified.