The Rectory, a new pizza spot in Detroit's Boston-Edison District right next to The Congregation, will hold a grand opening on Tuesday.

Located inside a restored historic home at 1920 Atkinson St., The Rectory once served as the rectory for the church next door, which is now home to The Congregation, a cafe and bar that opened in 2020.

The Rectory will be a full-service pizza restaurant with indoor dining, a three-season back deck and walk-up window for carry-out pizza.

Pizzas include hand-tossed pies with locally-sourced ingredients, with build-your-own options, plus salads, appetizers, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Bringing this building back to life felt like the natural next step, said Betsy Murdoch, co-founder of The Congregation. We kept hearing from our neighbors that they wanted more food options nearby, more places that felt like an extension of home. The Rectory is just that.

The grand opening on Tuesday will begin with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5:30 p.m., then music from DJ Radical Me and an evening of food, drinks and community celebration.

It will be open Monday through Thursday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources said there has been a "credible and consistent" report of an alligator on Belle Isle in Detroit.

Lynn Blasey, a Hamtramck resident who regularly visits the island, took photos of the alligator last Friday and reported it to the DNR.

See more information in the video below

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

The DNR in a statement said that Belle Isle park staff responded to the report, and while no visible confirmation has been made, the photo with geo-location data was obtained and the report is considered credible and consistent.

"Out of an abundance of caution, the DNR is coordinating to assess the area and determine appropriate next steps," the DNR said.

The DNR is reminding visitors not to approach any wild animal, regardless of size.

"Though the reported animal appears small, all wildlife can be dangerous and unpredictable. If you observe unusual wildlife activity, please report it immediately to the Report All Poaching hotline at (800) 292-7800," the DNR said.

The DNR also said that they are aware of social media rumors regarding a boa constrictor sighting, but there is no evidence to support the claim and no such report has been received or verified.

"As a reminder, releasing wild animals or pets into State Parks is prohibited and harmful to the animal, the ecosystem, and public safety. Non-native species can disrupt local habitats and pose risks to visitors and wildlife alike," the DNR said.

Michigan's much-anticipated bow hunting deer season officially kicks off on Wednesday, Oct. 1, and thousands of hunters will be heading into the woods to take part in the age-old tradition.

See the full story in the video below

Michigan hunters gear up for the start of bow season on Wednesday

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is expecting a strong bow-hunting deer season this year, and those who I spoke to say they're excited to get out and hunt.

"I am totally excited. I have been looking forward to this all year," Jim Yaxley said.

"It's a great time of the year to be in the woods. The colors are starting to change," James Hack added.

Hack has been hunting for over 40 years and plans to head north soon to his property in Northern Michigan, but he's waiting for the weather to cool down.

"It's a little too warm for me, and I haven't had too many deer on my trail cam, so I am going to wait another week," Hack said.

But for others, like Carlous Kern, plan to be ready in the blind the moment bow season opens on Wednesday morning.

"I'll be up there for five weeks," Kern said.

I asked him what he enjoys most about the season.

"Just the serenity of it. The peacefulness and being up close with nature itself. And then, of course, if you're fortunate enough and be blessed enough to get a harvest. That adds to it as well," he said.

Chad Stewart, with the Michigan DNR, said, "We're expecting our archers to have a really great year."

The DNR said the season starts Oct. 1 and goes through Nov. 14, and then resumes on Dec. 1 through Jan. 1, 2026.

But, the DNR is warning hunters to be on the lookout for white-tail deer who may suffer from a viral and often deadly disease called epizootic hemorrhagic disease. The DNR said Jackson and Washtenaw counties are seeing the brunt of it.

"They might start to come across deer that are either dead or dying and and we ask them to report those deer through what's alled our eyes in the field program on our website," Stewart said.

The DNR said hunters should get their meat tested even though there is no evidence that humans can contract the virus. However, the viral disease is not deterring hunters from heading into the woods.

"I've seen a lot of good signs out there this year and I am really stoked about it," Yaxley said.

Where Your Voice Matters

Investigators are continuing to work and determine the motive behind a deadly shooting and arson at a Grand Blanc Township church that claimed the lives of four innocent people and the shooter.

John Bond, a Navy veteran and loving husband, father and grandfather, was identified by family as one of the victims who was shot and killed while attending Sunday service at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township.

Watch Brett Kast's video report below: Man killed in Grand Blanc Township church shooting was 'well known and loved'

"He was a well known and loved member of his family and active in his community. John was a Navy veteran serving for 9 years, a lover of golf and trains and always loved spending time with his family and grandkids," read a GoFundMe page created for Bond's family.

The suspect, 40-year-old Thomas Sanford, not only opened fire but also set the church on fire, creating additional dangers for those inside and challenges for investigators. Several other people were hurt and hospitalized.

"Anybody who has been through active shooter training, we teach to run hide barricade. But the act of fire changed everything. When you're teaching someone and a sympathetic response is to go barricade, that's the last thing you want to do when there's a fire," Genesee County Sheriff Christopher R Swanson said.

Swanson grew up in the area and knows the community personally.

"I grew up right down the road on the 8000 block of McCandlish Road. I know this community, I know the people," Swanson said.

The FBI is leading the investigation into what they describe as an act of targeted violence on the church. Investigators have interviewed more than 100 witnesses and are working with their Quantico labs division to analyze evidence from the scene.

Related video: Police say all accounted for after deadly church attack 'This was an evil act.' Police say all accounted for after deadly church attack

Inside the truck the suspect drove into the church, law enforcement found four improvised explosive devices, which were described as "fairly basic."

The fire has created additional challenges for investigators as they comb through the wreckage while working to determine a motive.

With the community on high alert, Swanson has added 31 marked patrol cars to ensure schools, churches and other gathering places are protected.

Related video: Council candidate recalls 'very dark' conversation with Grand Blanc Twp. church shooter Council candidate recalls 'very dark' conversation with Grand Blanc Twp. church shooter

The sheriff's office plans to host a security, safety and tactical briefing this week for any place of worship that wants to attend.

"People want to know when they gather, there's things they have to do. Law enforcement can't do it by themselves. So to create that outside perimeter, the inside perimeter, communications, we're gonna cover those things and I think that's going to help people," Swanson said.

The family of Bond has launched a fundraiser to help with memorial expenses. The Grand Blanc Township Police Department has also established a victim compassion fund through a local credit union.

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 water main break in Novi that occurred last week continues to disrupt daily life across Oakland County, forcing business closures, school shutdowns and prompting new boil water advisories for several communities.

The break happened Thursday on 14 Mile Road west of M-5, causing a majority of Novi and surrounding communities to lose water pressure. Great Lakes Water Authority crews are still working to repair the damage five days later.

Watch Evan Sery's video report below: Water main break in Novi continues to impact Oakland County businesses and schools

Jacob Sessions, owner of Big Dip Burgers in Walled Lake, said the water loss forced him to close for an entire day last Thursday.

"I've never completely lost water pressure. This one shut us down for the day," Sessions said. "Couldn't do dishes, couldn't wash hands."

Pete Fromm, Great Lakes Water Authority director of water transmission, provided an update Monday from the repair site.

"We are hoping to lift that water advisory with the city of Novi tomorrow," Fromm said. "Working on doing some inside welding of the pipe, will be wrapping that up today."

Despite progress on pipe repairs, GLWA reported another loss in pressure Monday morning, prompting several cities to reissue new boil water advisories including Wixom, Walled Lake and Commerce Township.

"It will take us about three days to be able to lift that again," Fromm said.

The water issues have forced several area schools to close or dismiss students early due to low water supply. Wixom Public Library also shut down, posting on Facebook that water pressure affected restrooms.

Previous coverage: GLWA explains water main break occurrences, long-term solution

Work continues on Novi water main break

Sessions has had to adapt his restaurant operations, stocking his sauce refrigerator with soda and selling water bottles to customers.

"I feel bad for charging them for the water bottles, but I have to make up for what I spend on it," Sessions said. "Definitely frustrating, especially shutting down that first day and losing sales for that Thursday. Thursday is usually a pretty good day for us."

Related video: Businesses, neighbors navigate water main break Businesses, neighbors navigate water main break as repairs stretch overnight

Fromm urges residents and businesses to follow boil water guidelines while crews work to restore normal service.

"It's very important for the residents and businesses to boil their water and follow those restrictions for health reasons, and we're working as quickly as we can to be able lift those boil water advisories to those impacted communities," Fromm 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 Grand Blanc Township community came together for prayer services after a mass shooting at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints left four people dead and others injured.

Faith Lutheran Church opened its doors to dozens of community members for a prayer service, providing a space for healing and support in the wake of the tragedy. The shooting sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community, with several congregations organizing prayer services in response.

Watch Demetrios Sanders' video report below: Grand Blanc Township community gathers for prayer services after church shooting

"My first instinct was why is this happening in our world," said Marcia Thomas, a member of Faith Lutheran Church.

Faith Lutheran Church was less than a mile away from the shooting and was about to begin their own service when they learned what was happening. The tragedy hit particularly close to home when they discovered personal connections to the victims.

"Several of the victims had been a part of our preschool family. So there was a close connection there that we were made aware of that really intensified the emotions of many of the people here," said Jeffrey Heimsoth, senior pastor at Faith Lutheran Church.

The church welcomed dozens of people for their prayer service, creating an open environment for anyone seeking comfort and community support.

Related video: Police say all accounted for after deadly church attack 'This was an evil act.' Police say all accounted for after deadly church attack

"We have no idea of the range of emotions that people are going through, and how do they combat this? And so we felt it was important for us to simply open our doors for anybody that wanted to come," Heimsoth said.

During the service, community members shared their emotions with one another and had the opportunity to meet with comfort dogs. Heimsoth emphasized the importance of maintaining hope during difficult times.

"It's a tragic event, but we pray that somehow God will use that for good, but that requires us to act in a compassionate manner, it requires us to reach out to our neighbors, it requires us to conquer our own fears," Heimsoth said.

For many church members, processing what occurred has been challenging.

"Just the horrifying thought that people were put in danger and traumatized, children traumatized," said Sue Hooper, a member of Faith Lutheran Church.

Related video: 'They are our neighbors': Grand Blanc churches open doors after deadly church shooting, fire Finding faith in the face of tragedy

Despite the tragedy, community members are finding strength through their faith and support for one another.

"In my mind, our hope is in the Lord and he can create peace out of horrendous situations, and I pray that people will find some comfort and hope and peace in this," Hooper 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 sight of armed, camouflaged and masked Border Patrol agents making arrests near famous downtown Chicago landmarks has amplified concerns about the Trump administration's growing federal intervention across U.S. cities.

As Illinois leaders warned Monday of a National Guard deployment, residents in the nations third-largest city met a brazen weekend escalation of immigration enforcement tactics with anger, fear and fresh claims of discrimination.

It looks un-American, said Chicago Alderman Brandon Reilly, who represents downtown on the City Council. He deemed the Sunday display a photo opp for President Donald Trump, echoing other leaders.

Memphis, Tennessee, and Portland, Oregon, also braced for a federal law enforcement surge.

Trump has called the expansion of federal immigration agents and National Guard troops into American cities necessary, blasting Democrats for crime and lax immigration policies. Following a crime crackdown in the District of Columbia and immigration enforcement in Los Angeles, hes referred to Portland as war-ravaged and threatened apocalyptic force in Chicago.

Whether it takes place here in the city or the suburbs, its all the same to us, Border Patrol agent Gregory Bovino said in Chicago.

Attorney General Pam Bondi has issued a memo that also directs component agencies within the Justice Department, including the FBI, to help protect U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities, including in Chicago and Portland.

Heres a snapshot of where things stand with federal law enforcement activity in Chicago, Portland and Memphis.

Chicago raises alarm about racial profiling

Many Chicagoans were already uneasy after an immigration crackdown began earlier this month. Agents have targeted immigrant-heavy and largely Latino areas.

Trump has waffled on sending the military, but Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker said Monday it appeared the federal government would deploy 100 troops. Pritzker said the Illinois National Guard received word that the Department of Homeland Security sent a memo to the Defense Department requesting troops to protect ICE personnel and facilities.

An immigration processing center outside Chicago has been the site of frequent protests and aggressive tactics by federal agents.

The enforcement recently escalated, with agents using boats on the Chicago River and marching Sunday on Michigan Avenue and in upscale neighborhoods.

Activists and elected leaders are concerned about discriminatory stops, particularly after the U.S. Supreme Court lifted restrictions on roving patrols in LA. The court cleared the way for immigration agents to stop people based on race, language, job or location.

ICE is running around the Loop, harassing people for not being white, Pritzker said, describing the city's core business district.

Activists said a Latino family of four was led away by federal agents Sunday near the popular Cloud Gate sculpture, commonly called The Bean. Construction workers and bicyclists were also targeted.

The downtown operation of being racially profiled and kidnapped by immigration in broad daylight represents a major escalation by the Trump administration, said Veronica Castro with Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights.

Bovino told The Associated Press that agents will go after anyone who is here illegally, an approach that fell under immigration authority, known as Title 8. He told the Chicago Sun-Times that a persons appearance goes into the calculation.

It would be agent experience, intelligence that indicates theres illegal aliens in a particular place or location, he told the newspaper. Then, obviously, the particular characteristics of an individual, how they look.

DHS did not return messages Monday.

RELATED STORY | ICE detains Des Moines, Iowa, public school leader, school board says

Chicagoans trail Border Patrol

As Border Patrol agents marched near downtown, a few onlookers nodded in approval and shouted praise while a trail of activists and others urged agents to leave.

Shirley Zuniga was celebrating her 24th birthday when she saw agents. Still wearing a pink birthday sash, she left brunch to follow them.

Zuniga, among the first in her family of Honduran immigrants to be born in the United States, said she forgot all about her birthday plans as she yelled at the agents to go home.

This is much more important to me, she said as she grew emotional. Im celebrating my people.

Portland goes to court

In Oregon, Democratic Attorney General Dan Rayfield filed a motion in federal court Monday seeking to temporarily block the Trump administration from deploying the National Guard.

The motion is part of a lawsuit Rayfield filed Sunday, after state leaders received a Defense Department memo that said 200 members of the states National Guard will be placed under federal control for 60 days to protect Federal property, at locations where protests against these functions are occurring or are likely to occur.

Portland Mayor Keith Wilson and Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek are among local leaders who object to the deployment.

Putting our own military on our streets is an abuse of power and a disservice to our communities and our service members, Rayfield said in a statement Monday.

The ICE building outside of Portland's downtown has been the site of nightly protests that peaked in June, with smaller clashes occurring since then.

A larger crowd demonstrated at the building Sunday. Two people were arrested for assault, according to authorities. That followed a peaceful march earlier in the day that drew thousands to the citys downtown and saw no arrests, police said.

Some residents are already frustrated.

The building manager of the affordable housing complex adjacent to the ICE building said the impacts of violent tactics, including tear gas and late-night altercations, are traumatizing for residents, including the veterans who live there.

Sending federal troops will only escalate the situation. The last thing we need is an escalation, Reach Community Development said in statement.

Meanwhile, federal agents on Monday searched a home associated with someone who allegedly aimed a laser at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection helicopter as it flew over Portland on Saturday evening, the FBI said. Four people, who were found to be in the country illegally, were detained and placed under the custody of ICE, according to the FBI, which did not specify the charges they face.

Memphis residents worry

Memphis was in wait-and-see mode Monday, the first day of a planned federal law enforcement surge ordered by Trump to fight crime. There were no immediate reports of large-scale federal law enforcement operations.

Still some residents, including Latinos, expressed concerns that immigration agents will detain people regardless of immigration status.

We know the presence of the National Guard will lead to our neighbors being afraid to seek help when they need medical care, need to report crimes, or require social services, because of this military presence, said Sandra Pita, a community organizer.

The city has experienced high numbers of violent crimes such as carjackings and homicides in recent years, but both Democratic and Republican officials have noted that the majority-Black city is seeing decreases this year in some categories.

Another mass shooting in America, this time at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan.

Law enforcement there is being praised for its rapid response that may have saved lives.

Responding to a mass shooting is a reality for law enforcement agencies. There have been more than 320 this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive. And in each case, seconds can mean the difference between life and death.

Gene Petrino is a retired SWAT commander. He says law enforcement response protocol changed after the 1999 Columbine High School shooting.

"Back then, it was believed that we would wait until tactical teams could be in place," Petrino said. "We've gone to a new method where essentially the first officer on scene is going in."

RELATED STORY | Police say no victims remain unaccounted for after shooting, fire at Michigan church

According to an FBI report, last year law enforcement responded to active shooting incidents at schools in under two minutes.

Better technology like GPS has helped with that.

"Very typically departments will have tracking devices on their squad cars. They know exactly where the squad cars are at and then they'll have a computer aided dispatch that will help pull up maps to help officers get to the scene more quickly," said Peter Blair, who prepares first responders for situations like an active shooter at the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training Center.

He says that even as response times improves, any delay can be deadly.

"With firearms, there are a lot of casualties that can be created very quickly. And so even a small delay can create many more casualties," Blair said.

Church leaders in Grand Blanc are stepping in to support the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints community after a gunman killed four people and injured 10 others Sunday morning.

Several local congregations are offering office space and rooms for worship services, while others are organizing prayer gatherings to help the community grieve and process the tragedy.

Watch Jolie Sherman's video report below: Finding faith in the face of tragedy

Grand Blanc is home to different faith traditions, but many church leaders are stepping in to help their neighbors and opening their doors in this time of need.

"It was just prior to our 10:45 a.m. service that somebody came to me and said 'we just heard from our friends. They're hiding in the woods. What do we do?'" said Jeffery Heimsoth, senior pastor of Faith Lutheran Church.

Heimsoth's church is located about a mile from where the tragedy occurred Sunday morning, when a gunman rammed his car into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, fired multiple rounds killing and injuring several people before setting the church ablaze.

Related video: Police chaplain responds to Grand Blanc church attack Police chaplain responds to Grand Blanc church attack

"You know, it really hits home when it's in your backyard," said Ethel Bence, a Grand Blanc resident. "You think that your church is a safe place to be. We don't have politics in our churches. We got there to pray, to worship and to have somebody violate that, it's just a horrendous thing."

"We could hear the smoke as we worshiped here. We could hear the sirens as we worshiped here," Heimsoth said. "In the middle of the service, one of the members grabbed me and took me back. She just got notification that a former preschool student that had come here was one of the shooting victims. She and her father were hospitalized and are OK, but at that point in time, we knew nothing of what was going on."

A day after the attack, Heimsoth met with his staff to coordinate support efforts.

"This worshipping community at the Latter-day Saints Church, they are our neighbors, and so our question this morning is how can we serve them?" Heimsoth said.

Faith Lutheran Church has offered to host a dinner for the LDS community when they're ready.

"Even though we try and find understanding around what happened and why it happened, we'll never really fully get it," said Brian West, lead pastor at Grand Blanc United Methodist Church.

Related video: Police say all accounted for after deadly church attack 'This was an evil act.' Police say all accounted for after deadly church attack

West, who has led the Methodist congregation for more than five years, said his doors are also open to anyone looking for a place to worship.

"We're in the midst right now of reaching out not just to the LDS community in Grand Blanc but to everyone in the community to try and find ways to be a source of light in the midst of a dark time," West said.

Faith Lutheran Church is hosting a prayer service for the community at 7 p.m. Monday. Grand Blanc's United Methodist Church is also planning a prayer service scheduled for Wednesday at 6 p.m.

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.

Googles YouTube has agreed to pay $24.5 million to settle a lawsuit by President Donald Trump over his 2021 account suspension following the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

According to documents filed in federal court in California, $22 million of the settlement will be contributed to the Trust for the National Mall to help pay for the construction of the White House State Ballroom. The rest will go to other plaintiffs, including the American Conservative Union.

Google is the latest big tech company to settle lawsuits brought by Trump. In January, Meta Platforms agreed to pay $25 million to settle a lawsuit over his 2021 suspension from Facebook. Elon Musk's X agreed to settle a similar lawsuit brought against the company then known as Twitter for $10 million.

RELATED STORY | Federal judge tosses Trump's $15B defamation lawsuit against New York Times

The settlement does not constitute an admission of liability, the filing says. Google confirmed the settlement but declined to comment beyond it.

The disclosure of the settlement came a week before a scheduled Oct. 6 court hearing to discuss the case with U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez-Rogers in Oakland, California.

When the horror of yesterdays mass shooting spread across the news, Thomas Sanfords neighbors recognized the man in the photo, and they recognized his truck adorned with American flags, too.

Watch Ross Jones' video report: Council candidate recalls 'very dark' conversation with Grand Blanc Twp. church shooter

Family members were seen coming and going all day Monday at Sanford's home. To a person, his neighbors told 7 News Detroit that Sanford was reclusive. Two said that, during the winter, he would plow their driveways free of charge. Another knew that Sanford loved to hunt, but everyone agreed that he lived an isolated life.

As one neighbor said off camera: He was not someone you

could 

get to know.

One man who encountered Sanford just recently was a candidate running for city council here in Burton. Kris Johns was going door to door last week, talking to potential voters when he says he came into contact with Sanford, who was outside in his driveway.

He said the two spoke for about 20 minutes. The tone was pleasant, but the content was unforgettable and would foreshadow Sundays horrific mass shooting.

"He then shared about himself, that he was a Marine, went to Iraq, experienced some drug addiction issues," John said.

"He asked about my position about guns, I said I support the second amendment, which I believe was a satisfactory answer. The very next question almost was: What do you know about Mormons?" Johns said.

"For him to just have the very pointed and direct questions about the Church of Latter-day Saints, thats really what shook me. Religion is not a common topic, let alone the Church of Latter-day Saints," Johns continued. "I will never forget this interaction. Even outside of what happenedGod forbid on Sunday morninghe was a person who was unforgettable."

Johns says the conversation was so jarring, he actually sent a voice memo about it to a friend in the Mormon church. He shared it with us today.

"He went on a tirade about the Church of Latter-day Saints. It was something else," the message says.

"He said, at the end, Mormons are the anti-Christ. I mean, that is just something I will never forget," Johns told us today.

Prior to Sunday, Sanford was largely not on the radar of police. In Burton, where he lives, Chief Brian Ross said that the department had never received a call to Sanford's house or taken in calls about him.

In 2011, records show that Sanford was arrested for burglary; however, theres no indication that he was ever charged.

Today by phone, 7 News Detroit spoke with Sanfords father, Tom, who did not want to appear on camera, but wanted us to share this:

I feel so bad about the families that were affected by this, aside from ours. Were not the only ones going through this devastation. We are beside ourselvesThomas was a great father, a great husband, a great sonthis one bad act does not define him as a person.

Churches across Michigan are ramping up security measures as leaders work to protect their congregations while maintaining their welcoming atmosphere, according to local security experts and law enforcement officials.

Mike Harvill, president of the Security Leaders Coalition and member of a local church security team, said the need for enhanced safety protocols is growing throughout the state.

Watch Meghan Daniels' video report below: Michigan churches enhance security while maintaining welcoming atmosphere

"I think it's ramping up. We're seeing more here in Michigan," Harvill said.

Security experts report that more than 75% of deadly force incidents at faith-based organizations begin in parking lots, making exterior surveillance a critical component of church safety plans.

"If there's a mobile patrol out in the parking lot and they're seen, that tells people that there is security here and it might deter them," Harvill said.

Harvill trains churches on how to balance safety with hospitality, suggesting subtle security measures that don't compromise the welcoming nature of worship spaces.

"If you lock the door and then post somebody at that door, somebody comes walking up, the person just opens the door those people walking up never had a clue that door was locked. But if somebody walks up that you have a concern with, you don't open the door and you can talk to them through the door," Harvill said.

Related video: Several injured in Grand Blanc attack, including a child 8 injured in Grand Blanc Township attack, including a child

Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard emphasized that churches must prepare for various threat scenarios including vehicle-based attacks.

"The only way you're going to stop a vehicle from getting into a building is have vehicular barriers, as you see around government buildings," Bouchard said.

Harvill noted that security barriers can be implemented aesthetically.

"There's really nice ways of doing it. You can get big concrete planters and have flowers in them that looks nice," Harvill said.

Related video: Grand Blanc businesses unite to support church community after deadly attack Grand Blanc businesses unite to support church community after deadly attack

Bouchard stressed the importance of comprehensive security planning.

"They have to have protocols in place What does that breach on those doors do to your security plan? How do you react to it?" Bouchard said.

These security concerns led to the formation of the Security Leaders Coalition, a network of more than 95 churches across Michigan that shares information and training resources to enhance safety measures.

Harvill said many congregants actually prefer knowing security measures are in place rather than being deterred by them.

"They think a security team is going to scare them off when it's quite the contrary. People nowadays want to know that there's a security team," Harvill said. "Our church just this morning got a phone call from a lady that said that she was going to be coming back to church and wanted to know if we had a security team," Harvill 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.

Video game maker Electronic Arts is set to be acquired in a $55 billion deal that would be the largest ever private equity buyout.

A coalition of investors that include Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, a firm managed by Jared Kushner and equity group Silver Lake Partners are planning to take the company private in a deal that will give EA's current shareholders $210 per share.

EA is known for developing and publishing video games including the "Madden NFL" and "Battlefield" franchises. It has been a public company for the last 36 years.

Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund already holds 9.9% of EA's shares. It also invests in Nintendo.

The Saudi PIF has been a very active player in the video gaming market since 2022, taking minority stakes in most scaled public video gaming publishers, and also outright purchases of companies," Raymond James analyst Andrew Marok wrote. The PIF has made its intentions to scale its gaming arm, Savvy Gaming Group, clear, and the EA deal would represent the biggest such move to date by some distance.

RELATED STORY | Trump says China has approved proposed deal to put TikTok under US ownership

Any deal is subject to approval by the U.S. Treasury Department's Committee on Foreign Investment.

Jade Kushner is President Donald Trumps son-in-law. Trump's family business has previously cooperated with Saudi interests, including while he served as president during his second term.

LIV Golf, a professional tour funded by the PIF, has held events at Trump's golf courses every year since its first season in 2022.

When asked by the Associated Press, the Committee on Foreign Investment did not immediately comment on potential conflicts of interest related to the EA deal.

Local businesses are rallying to support the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township after a violent attack on Sunday, with donations and acts of kindness pouring in from across the community.

Watch Chrisitana Ford's video report: Grand Blanc businesses unite to support church community after deadly attack

Five people, including a suspect, were killed after a shooting and fire at the church. Eight other people were injured after being shot. Two people were treated for smoke inhalation.

Great Harvest Bread Co. in Grand Blanc has emerged as a central hub for community support, donating 10% of sales through Sunday to the affected church. Owner Scott Sassack said the response has been immediate and overwhelming.

"I just put this out a half hour ago and there's already $100 in here," Sassack said about their additional donation bin.

VIDEO: Officials provide update on Monday following deadly church attack Officials provide Monday update after deadly Grand Blanc Twp church attack

The bakery, which has served as a community gathering place for 25 years, is working to keep up with demand as residents purchase baked goods to show their support. Sassack said the decision to help was automatic when tragedy struck their neighbors.

"It's just something that you have to formulate on the snap of a dime. We're collecting donations at the store for anybody that wants to get involved because the first thing I get is people reaching out to me saying how can I help. They want to drop off money, they want to drop off food or whatever," said Sassack, who is on the board at the Grand Blanc Chamber of Commerce.

The Grand Blanc Chamber of Commerce reports that calls have been flooding in from businesses across the area wanting to contribute. President Leigh LaForest said the community response has been remarkable.

"There was absolutely no question, no hesitation. People jumped right into action and to watch that unfold in less than 24 hours is nothing less than a miracle," LaForest said.

Other local businesses have joined the effort, including Parlor Donuts and Cupcakes and Kisses, which is donating a portion of proceeds to support the church community.

"It's just something we feel not obligated to do but like we want to, we want to help," said Brooke Boggs, who works at Cupcakes and Kisses.

Grand Blanc Florist is offering free roses to community members. Store Manager Libbie Conley says they typically have a name of the day and give a free flower to people with that name. It's now open to anyone in need.

"Just some kind of good deed that we could do somehow to help people feel better today because I think everybody felt really bad with the circumstances, Conley said.

Chopper 7 video shows aftermath of deadly Grand Blanc Township church attack Chopper 7 video shows aftermath of deadly Grand Blanc Township church attack

The gesture has provided solace to residents like Sophia Lambert, who wasn't at church during the attack but is mourning alongside her family members who were present.

"It is hopefully going to help with the people that we know that were affected that we are going to see today," Lambert said. "It is nice to know that we might've been a small congregation, but a lot of people in the area care about what happened and it's very beneficial."

The Chamber of Commerce is working to establish a resource hub for people who want to continue helping the community during the recovery process.

"Moving forward, this is a way that we can be hopeful to a brighter future. I think this community will be even stronger now and it just shows that there is still good in the world," LaForest 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.

A California woman was left heartbroken after her carry-on backpack containing nearly $40,000 worth of heirloom jewelry disappeared during a Southwest Airlines flight to the Bay Area in mid-August.

Stephanie Arrues said she was traveling to attend her niece's wedding in Hawaii when the theft occurred on a connecting flight that landed in Oakland.

What she lost goes far beyond monetary value the stolen jewelry included irreplaceable family heirlooms from her deceased loved ones.

"I was bawling. I felt violated. Someone had taken a piece of me," Arrues said.

The incident began when Arrues, who was recovering from an arm injury, asked a flight attendant to help place her black backpack in the overhead bin after boarding the Southwest flight. She had secured a first-row seat but was told there was no room for her bag in the nearby bins.

"It's a valuable bag. I'd rather not be separated," Arrues said she told the flight attendant, who responded that "it will be fine" and motioned to bins about seven rows away.

Despite her concerns, Arrues' backpack ended up in a distant overhead bin. Arrues said she once again voiced her reservations, yelling out her concerns to the flight attendant at the front of the plane.

When the flight landed in Oakland and she looked at the open bin, her worst fears were realized.

"I don't see my bag, and something inside me fell in my stomach," Arrues said.

She said she raced off the plane, scanning all the deplaning passengers, but her bag was nowhere to be found.

I knew my bag is gone," Arrues said, describing how she felt as the last passenger left the aircraft.

An airline employee searched the plane and found a similar-looking backpack filled with men's toiletries and some car keys. More than a month later, that backpack remains unclaimed, suggesting a not-so-accidental swap occurred.

The stolen jewelry included approximately 10 pieces, most of them family heirlooms.

Among the missing items was a diamond necklace from her deceased grandmother and a diamond pendant from her sister, who also passed away. One piece featured "18 to 20 diamonds around a heart," Arrues said.

Arrues filed a police report with the Alameda County Sheriffs Office and submitted two complaints to Southwest Airlines. The airline responded with an email stating the lost item couldn't be located.

"I'm never going to see my jewelry again," a tearful Arrues said.

Now, she's sharing her story to help protect other travelers from similar losses.

"Don't separate. Put it at your feet, directly above your head. I don't want this to happen to anyone else," Arrues said.

She also wishes she had put a baggage tag on her backpack and placed an AirTag inside it for tracking purposes.

A Southwest Airlines spokesperson issued this statement: "The customer filed a lost item report the following day, but the bag did not turn up. Southwest does not track personal carry-on items, so any reported theft would most appropriately be investigated by 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.

This story was originally published by Michael Chen with the Scripps News Group in San Diego.

The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy is unveiling details of the celebration that will accompany the opening of the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park and Detroit Harvest Fest celebration.

The Harvest Fest is moving to the new public space and 22-acre park along the Detroit Riverfront as part of the celebration.

The October 25 and 26 event will include a concert headlined by The Jacksons, as well as a diverse lineup of performances featuring Detroit musicians and more than 30 Metro Detroit food trucks.

VIDEO: Drone footage of Ralph C Wilson Park, set to open in October VIDEO: Drone footage of Ralph C Wilson Park, set to open in October

When Ralph Wilson Park opens next month, it will be a world-class gathering place for all, said Ryan Sullivan, CEO of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, in a news release. The parks design has been community-led since the beginning, and Detroiters of all ages have contributed ideas and inspiration that have come to life in this park. We are thrilled to welcome everyone to this public space during the weekend of October 25 & 26. There is truly something for everyone to enjoy.

Among the free fall activities will be trick-or-treating. The weekend celebration begins on Saturday, October 25 with a 10 a.m. press conference and ceremonial grand opening, which the public is encouraged to attend. It will run until 8 p.m. on Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, October 26.

Among the activities available, guests can take a ride down the 23-foot-tall Bernstein Bear Slide at the Delta Dental Play Garden, shoot hoops in the William Davidson Sport House, stroll the waters edge along the Huron-Clinton Metroparks Water Garden, and enjoy live music on the grass of the DTE Foundation Summit.

Three stages and a coffee shop pop-up space will provide guests with a place to enjoy a variety of dance and musical performances all weekend long, headlined by The Jacksons at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday on the Summit Main Stage.

The Michigan Lottery Southwest Stage will feature artists from throughout southwest Detroit neighborhoods, with performances from local favorites like Ballet Folklorico Detroit, COMPS, Gabriel Duran, and others.

The Soaring Eagle 8th Street Stage will feature a lineup of local artists from many genres of music, with performances by Larry Lee & the Back in the Day Band, Alise King, Detroit House Collective, and more.

In addition, the Coffee House is a pop-up lounge featuring an eclectic mix of entertainment and interactive art presentations on Saturday and Sunday, with performances from Michigan Lion Dance and Sean Blackman, as well as an interactive paint event with Elton Monroy. Popular southwest Detroit coffee shop Cafecito Alvarez will provide the coffee.

For a complete list of performances and times, visit detroitharvestfest.com.

More than 30 food trucks from Detroit and metro Detroit are scheduled to participate, offering a selection ranging from Mexican, barbecue, Middle Eastern, vegetarian, Caribbean, seafood, and more. Among those food trucks taking part are El Rey de las Arepas, Big Bos, Egg Roll Diva, the Lobster Food Truck, and Xavs Jammin Caribbean Fusion.

Family-friendly and free activities are scheduled all weekend long throughout the park. All activities run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days unless otherwise noted, including the popular Pick-and-Take Pumpkin Patch, where kids 12 and under can choose a free pumpkin to take home. Paint markers and stickers will be available for the kids who cant wait until they get home to decorate their pumpkins. There are also games that are fun for all ages in the Pumpkin Zone.

Along the Kids Adventure Trail, presented by Priority Health, kids can trick-or-treat, collect giveaways, and learn from the Conservancys community partners. Kids are encouraged to wear costumes.

Visitors to the Mort Harris Outdoor Classroom at the Huron-Clinton Metroparks Water Garden can experience nature with fun hands-on science lessons for the first 15 minutes of every hour from Noon to 4 p.m.

The Art Alley, situated near the Delta Dental Play Garden, provides an opportunity for guests to explore their creative side, partnering with organizations such as Arts & Scraps, Signal Return, the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum, and the Arab American National Museum. Theres also free face painting and temporary tattoos.

The Delta Dental Play Garden will also be the site for a special Park After Dark Glow Party from 6 to 8 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday, with free glow materials while supplies last.

Additionally, Autism in the D will provide a Sensory-Friendly Tent, designed for neurodiverse individuals and those with sensory sensitivities, near the Play Garden from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

The William Davidson Sport House will house the Detroit Pistons Academy Basketball Zone on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for drop-in NBA-style competitions and contests. At 6:30 p.m., Urban Solace will host a glow yoga session on the floor of the Sport House.

On Sunday, at 11:30 a.m. Zumba class with Vamonos! kicks off the day in the Sport House, followed by a 1 p.m. hustle class with Two Left Feet. From 3 to 5 p.m., the Boys and Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan 3C Sports program is hosting a 3v3 tournament.

The celebration will also feature a Games Grove with cornhole, ax-throwing, other lawn games, and activities from the DNR Outdoor Adventure Center.

The Wellness Zone near the Water Garden features drop-in wellness activities, such as sound bowls and meditations from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

The Merchandise Tent in the Coffee House will have exclusive Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park items to purchase, including pieces created by youth in the Fashion Industry Program at the Boys and Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan.

Theres also Photo Opportunities at the top of the DTE Foundation Summit, where guests can get a 360-degree video of themselves on Saturday or snap a picture in giant frames located along the riverfront both Saturday and Sunday.

Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the man who was wrongfully deported to his native El Salvador from Maryland, has been transferred to Pennsylvania from a Virginia detention center, where he had been held facing new deportation efforts.

His attorneys filed a status report earlier this month, saying that his detention by immigration officials in Virginia posed "substantial burdens" on the defense as they prepare for trial.

Court documents state that Abrego Garcia was told his attorneys would have "greater access to him" in the Pennsylvania facility.

RELATED STORY | Abrego Garcia granted temporary reprieve as judge halts deportation

However, his attorneys raised concerns about conditions at Moshannon Valley Processing Center in Phillipsburg, saying there have been recent reports of assaults, inadequate medical care, and insufficient food, according to a federal court filing.

The Trump administration has claimed that Abrego Garcia was a member of the MS-13 gang, an allegation that he denies and for which he was not charged.

The administration returned Abrego Garcia to the U.S. in June, but only to face human smuggling charges. His lawyers have called the case preposterous and vindictive.

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.

In todays Health Alert, a Michigan community is reeling after four people were killed and eight others wounded. A gunman rammed a truck into a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel in Grand Blanc, opened fire, and set the building ablaze.

Ask Dr. Nandi: The psychological toll of shootings and how to talk to your kids

This is the latest in a string of mass shootings at places where people usually feel safe and connected.

First of all, my sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of those who died. Tragedies like this are devastating.

For witnesses and survivors, theres often shock, fear, and guilt. Some ask why they survived when others didnt. First responders can face trauma from what they saw, even though theyre trained for a variety of crises. And for the broader community, its the loss of safety. A church, like a school or a neighborhood store, is supposed to feel safe. When that sense of security is shattered, people may feel anxious, on edge, or even hopeless.

I tell my patients and others that its normal to feel shaken. The key is not to go through it alone. Talking to your friends, family, or a counselor can help. Also, try to take care of yourself with healthy meals, proper sleep, and simple steps like walking or breathing exercises to reduce stress. Its also important to take breaks from constant news coverage, which can heighten anxiety. Small steps like these really matter in healing.

So, how should parents talk to their kids about what happened?

I know its not easy - I have kids of my own. You want to protect them from the bad things that happen. But its an important conversation because kids often know more than we think, especially with social media. Its better for them to hear about this from a loved one. Just keep the details age-appropriate. For instance, what you share with a teenager will be different from what you say to a 7-year-old.

Also, its important to keep communication open. Let them ask questions, share their thoughts, and be sure to listen. Remind them that whatever they feel - sadness, fear, even anger - is normal. Be sure to focus on the fact that this type of violence is considered rare. Then reassure them about safety, whether thats the security measures at school or knowing theyre surrounded by teachers, family, and friends who care.

Its also important to stick to routines. Homework, after-school activities, and family dinners all give kids a sense of stability. If you notice nightmares, trouble concentrating, loss of interest in activities, or ongoing fear that doesnt ease with time, thats when a counselor or doctor can help. One more thing I encourage is getting involved in positive change. Things like writing a card or supporting victims can restore a sense of purpose and hope.

An attorney for the 22-year-old man charged with killing Charlie Kirk asked a judge Monday for more time to review the large amount of evidence in the case before deciding if the defense will seek a preliminary hearing.

A preliminary hearing would determine if there is enough evidence against Tyler Robinson to go forward with a trial. Defendants can waive that step, but Robinson's newly appointed attorney Kathryn Nester said her team did not intend to do so.

Utah prosecutors have charged Robinson with aggravated murder and plan to seek the death penalty.

Both the defense and prosecution acknowledged at a brief hearing Monday that the amount of evidence prosecutors have is voluminous. Robinson was not present for the hearing and appeared via audio from jail at his defense teams request.

Judge Tony Graf set the next hearing for Oct. 30.

Defense attorneys for Robinson and prosecutors with the Utah County Attorney's Office declined to comment after Monday's hearing. It took place in Provo, just a few miles from the Utah Valley University campus in Orem where many students are still processing trauma from the Sept. 10 shooting and the day-and-a-half search for the suspect.

Authorities arrested Robinson when he showed up with his parents at his hometown sheriff's office in southwest Utah, more than a three-hour drive from the site of the shooting, to turn himself in. Prosecutors have since revealed incriminating text messages and DNA evidence that they say connect Robinson to the killing.

A note that Robinson left for his romantic partner before the shooting said he had the opportunity to kill one of the nations leading conservative voices, and Im going to take it, Utah County Attorney Jeff Gray told reporters before the first hearing. Gray also said Robinson wrote in a text about Kirk to his partner: I had enough of his hatred.

The assassination of Kirk, a close ally of President Donald Trump who worked to steer young voters toward conservatism, has galvanized Republicans who have vowed to carry on Kirk's mission of moving American politics further right.

Trump has declared Kirk a martyr for freedom and threatened to crack down on what he called the radical left.

Workers across the U.S. have been punished or fired for speaking out about Kirk after his death, including teachers, public and private employees and media personalities most notably Jimmy Kimmel, whose late-night show was suspended then reinstated by ABC.

Kirks political organization, Arizona-based Turning Point USA, brought young, evangelical Christians into politics through his podcast, social media and campus events. Many prominent Republicans are filling in at the upcoming campus events Kirk planned to attend, including Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and Sen. Mike Lee at Utah State University on Tuesday.