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Morning Briefing May 1, 2021: Pontiac girl abducted in Tennessee found safe, how to watch the Kentucky Derby today, US and NATO forces begin final withdrawal from Afghanistan

3-year-old Pontiac girl battling cancer reunited with family after being abducted in Tennessee

A 3-year-old Pontiac girl battling cancer has been reunited with her family after being abducted at a Memphis, Tennessee gas station.

Jesus Becerra drove twelve hours from Pontiac to Memphis, Tennessee to take his young daughter to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to undergo chemotherapy.


The 147th Kentucky Derby is live Saturday

You can watch the 147th Kentucky Derby live Saturday at 2:30 p.m. on Local 4 News. It will take place in Louisville, Kentucky at Churchill Downs, “the world’s most legendary racetrack.”

While you might not be at Churchill Downs where the horses make their run for the roses, you can still get in on the excitement this afternoon.


Formal start of final phase of Afghan pullout by US, NATO

The final phase of ending America’s “forever war” in Afghanistan after 20 years formally began Saturday, with the withdrawal of the last U.S. and NATO troops by the end of summer.

President Joe Biden had set May 1 as the official start of the withdrawal of the remaining forces — about 2,500-3,500 U.S. troops and about 7,000 NATO soldiers.


Weather: After frosty morning temperatures skyrocket Saturday afternoon


COVID in Michigan

The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 840,954 as of Friday, including 17,611 deaths, state officials report.

Friday’s update includes a total of 3,440 new cases and 35 additional deaths.

Testing has been steady around 35,000 diagnostic tests reported per day on average, with the 7-day positive rate above 11% as of Friday, lower than one week ago. Hospitalizations have plateaued over the last week but remain high.

Overall, new cases have slowed over the last 10 days. The state’s 7-day moving average for daily cases was 3,989 on Thursday -- lower than one week ago. The 7-day death average was 68 on Thursday, slightly higher than the last two weeks. The state’s fatality rate is 2.1%. The state also reports “active cases,” which were listed at 193,000 on Thursday. More than 626,000 have recovered in Michigan.

Michigan has reported more than 6.9 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine administered as of Friday, with 50% of eligible residents having received at least one dose while 38% of eligible residents are considered fully vaccinated.

Looking for COVID-19 vaccines in Metro Detroit: Track openings, clinics, appointments 💉

Here’s a look at more of the data:


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