Start Your Day Right with Weather Updates
Here at **7 News Detroit**, we strive to keep you informed with everything you need to know before you head out the door. This is the **7 Morning Digest**, ensuring you’re ready for the day ahead with updates on **weather**, **traffic**, and the **latest news**.
Today’s Weather Forecast
What’s the weather for today?
Today: Expect a *mostly sunny* day with highs reaching the **low to mid 80s**. However, **strong storms** could move in by late evening with south-west winds ranging from **5-15 mph**.
Tonight: A chance of *strong storms* persists until 2 AM. Wind speeds will increase as temperatures linger in the **mid 60s** with winds from the west-southwest at **5-10 mph**.
Saturday: You’ll find partial sunshine tomorrow, along with a chance for *showers*. Expect cooler temperatures, peaking in the **mid to upper 60s** early on, dropping into the **50s** by the afternoon, with winds gusting from the west at **15-30+ mph**.
Sunday: The weekend will wrap up with a *partly cloudy* day, with highs expected to settle around the **mid 60s**.
Traffic Reports
Any traffic issues?
As of this morning, we have no **major traffic issues** to report. For up-to-date information, be sure to check our live traffic map before your journey.
Top News Stories You Should Know
Detroit’s Population Growth Insights
The top stories to know about:
New data from the U.S. Census Bureau reveals that **Detroit’s population has increased for the second consecutive year**. Mayor Mike Duggan, along with city leaders, celebrated this positive statistic during a press conference held on Thursday morning.
According to the recent data, Detroit gained **6,791 residents** in 2024, bringing the city’s overall population estimate to **645,705**. Mayor Duggan further noted that the Census Bureau corrected the figures, adding an additional **5,969 residents** who had been undercounted from **2021 to 2023**.
With this growth, Detroit has ascended to become the **26th largest city** in the U.S., just behind Boston and ahead of Portland, Oregon. “This record growth would not have been possible without the hard work of long-time Detroiters, our business community, and city employees over the last twelve years,” said Duggan.
It’s worth pointing out that last year marked a significant milestone, as the Census Bureau recorded a population increase of **1,852**, making it the first increase since **1957**. The newly released report provides much-needed acknowledgment of the previous undercount.
Heartwarming Community Stories
Wyandotte Police’s Kind Gesture
‘Wasn’t expecting it’: A 66-year-old woman’s life took a turn for the better thanks to a selfless act from the Wyandotte police. Mary Ann Rodriguez, who faces mobility challenges due to *neuropathy*, was found sitting by a church on Ford Avenue. Wyandotte Councilman and former Police Chief Bob Alderman stopped to offer his assistance.
Rodriguez was trying to walk from **Ford Hospital** in Wyandotte to visit her mother in **Southgate**, despite the difficulties posed by her condition. “She doesn’t drive, and I don’t drive, so I walked as best as I could,” said Rodriguez.
Initially, Officer Cade Barwig responded to the call and provided Rodriguez a ride home. “She just wanted to get to the nearest bus stop; I mean, I’m here to help people,” Barwig noted. But the assistance didn’t stop there. Alderman reached out to the Deputy Chief, igniting a chain of events that resulted in a new wheelchair being secured for Rodriguez, along with **$200 in Kroger gift cards**, courtesy of the American Legion. “She definitely wasn’t expecting it and was very grateful,” Barwig added.
Enhancing School Safety in Rochester
Rochester Schools’ New Safety Initiative
Rochester schools implementing a new safety system: The challenges schools face today differ significantly from those encountered years ago. As the focus on safety escalates, local districts are adapting thoughtfully.
**Rochester Community Schools** is rolling out a new safety platform aimed at streamlining resources and enhancing emergency response times. This system will enable staff to wear badges equipped with a button that, when pressed, will engage an entire mapping and emergency protocol system.
The **Centegix Safety Platform**, headquartered in Atlanta, operates on the principle that technology can foster safer environments. Superintendent Nicholas Russo explained the operational protocols: “If a student were to injure themselves, a staff member would press the button three times, summoning help, while a more dire situation would involve pressing it eight times to trigger a school-wide lockdown.”
This system will also create a digital map accessible to first responders, allowing them to pinpoint emergencies and locate safety equipment within the building, such as **AEDs** and fire extinguishers.