Metro Detroit Morning Digest: Stay Informed
Here at 7 News Detroit, we strive to keep you updated every morning, offering you a comprehensive overview of the weather, traffic reports, and the latest news. Our 7 Morning Digest is designed to get you out the door well-informed and prepared for the day ahead.
Your Weather Update
What’s the weather for today?
Today: Expect partly sunny skies with temperatures reaching the low 80s. However, prepare for strong storms that are expected after 10 PM, posing a risk of severe weather, including wind, hail, and even a tornado threat. Winds will be coming from the southeast at 10-15 mph.
Tonight: Severe storms will continue until about 2 AM, with warm temperatures lingering in the mid-60s. Winds will be calmer, blowing from the south at 5-10 mph.
Friday: A slight chance of rain is predicted both early and late in the day. Otherwise, mostly sunny conditions will prevail, with highs in the low to mid 80s. Winds are expected to blow from the southwest at 5-15 mph.
Traffic News
Any traffic issues?
Currently, there are no major traffic disruptions reported this morning. For live updates on traffic conditions, be sure to check our live traffic map.
Key News Stories
The top stories to know about
Reflections from Oxford High School Seniors
Oxford High School seniors reflect on journeys from freshman year shooting to graduation
Seniors at Oxford High School are preparing for their graduation ceremony, which is set to take place at Pine Knob. This year’s graduating class represents a pivotal moment, being the last group to transition into adulthood after enduring the tragic mass shooting in November 2021, an incident that took the lives of four classmates: Tate Myre, Madisyn Baldwin, Justin Shilling, and Hana St. Juliana.
This tragedy has profoundly impacted the high school experience for these seniors. I had the opportunity to speak with three families who have shared their journeys, encapsulating a wide array of emotions as they close this chapter of their lives.
For Aiden Watson, the concept of healing carries significant weight. Aiden’s mother, Linda, elaborated on the numerous challenges he has faced since the shooting.
Aiden, who was injured during the incident, expressed, “I missed, if not all of my 9th grade. Barely went in for 10th grade. Half a day for 11th. Senior year, didn’t go in at all.” His experience highlights the long-lasting implications of survivor trauma.
Another senior, Luke Johnson, shares a similar emotional journey, having lost a close friend and mentor, Tate Myre, in the shooting. He mentioned, “I decided I’m going to take some time and realize what I’ve been through and how I can move forward.” Luke’s resilience shines through, as he prepares for future endeavors, including wrestling accolades and a football commitment at Wayne State University.
During my conversations, the emotional narratives intertwined between Aiden and senior Phoebe Arthur, who also suffered physical wounds and emotional scars. “It’s not what we thought it would be,” reflected Phoebe’s mother, Sandra Cunningham. Her observations speak to the deeply altered expectations of young lives following trauma.
Michigan Film Industry Seeks State Support
Michigan film industry pushes for incentives to bring productions back to state
In a concerted effort to revive the film industry in Michigan, professionals from Detroit have united to advocate for renewed state incentives. Meeting at Cadieux Sound Studios on the east side, industry stakeholders are gearing up for legislative actions aimed at enticing productions back to the state.
Mike Young, a writer, director, and comedian from Southfield, emphasizes, “It’s just a great place to shoot, and people are hungry for it.” Young has shot two films in Michigan and aims to amplify production activity in his home state.
However, industry advocates highlight that a notable absence of financial incentives, available in many other states, remains a significant barrier. The push involves dialogues with lawmakers in Lansing to reinstate and revise film incentives that were discontinued in 2015.
Alexander Page, the legislative chair of the Michigan Film Industry Association, shared, “We’re looking to get a 10-year program that builds gradually over time that will have between 6 and 8 billion dollars of direct spend in the state.” However, opposition exists from organizations like the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, arguing that previous incentive programs failed to deliver compelling economic benefits.
Local Designer’s Unique Creations
‘Indescribable’: Local designer upcycles family memories into Detroit sportswear
In her studio located in Royal Oak, designer Ashley Harris is creatively repurposing old Detroit sportswear, turning cherished items into unique clothing pieces. By transforming pre-loved t-shirts, denim jackets, and stadium memorabilia into custom garments, Harris brings a fresh narrative to each stitch, celebrating Detroit’s cultural identity.
The inspiration behind her creations stems from personal experiences, with a passion for crafting outfits she wore during local games. “People are always like, ‘You made it?’ I’m like, ‘Yeah, in my basement last night,’” she recounted with a smile.
One particularly touching project involved a request from Dena Calhoun, a devoted Detroit Lions fan who recently faced family losses. Dena asked Harris to transform her family’s old memorabilia into a meaningful jacket, rich with emotional significance.
Harris aims to preserve not only the fabric but the stories tied to memory in her pieces, ensuring each creation serves as a tapestry of experiences, culture, and history. With custom options available, no two pieces are alike—a reflection of Harris’ artistic vision and the individuality of Detroit itself.