INSIDER
Detroit Lions season ticket holders discover their tickets have vanished due to elaborate scheme
Read full article: Detroit Lions season ticket holders discover their tickets have vanished due to elaborate schemeSome Detroit Lions season ticket holders have been sidelined after discovering that their tickets have vanished due to a new and elaborate scheme.
What Matthew Stafford said about Detroit Lions’ playoff success, coaching, next year
Read full article: What Matthew Stafford said about Detroit Lions’ playoff success, coaching, next yearMatthew Stafford joined “The Morning After” podcast and talked about the Detroit Lions’ playoff success, head coach Dan Campbell, and looking ahead to next season.
It’s not too early to think holiday shopping! Hank has the hottest toys, best deals, and more
Read full article: It’s not too early to think holiday shopping! Hank has the hottest toys, best deals, and moreIt’s the middle of September, and most people aren’t yet thinking about Halloween, let alone Christmas. But many big box stores and local toy shops have already started planning.
Morning 4: Family says teen charged in 4-part shooting spree that killed 3 thought world was ending -- and other stories
Read full article: Morning 4: Family says teen charged in 4-part shooting spree that killed 3 thought world was ending -- and other storiesMorning 4 is a quick roundup of stories we think you should know about to start your day.
Matthew Stafford talks about new commercial, ‘Hard Knocks,’ Dan Campbell, city of Detroit
Read full article: Matthew Stafford talks about new commercial, ‘Hard Knocks,’ Dan Campbell, city of DetroitMatthew Stafford spoke with Local 4′s Hank Winchester about his new Little Caesar’s commercial, “Hard Knocks,” Dan Campbell, and the city of Detroit.
Is Matthew Stafford watching the Detroit Lions on ‘Hard Knocks’? Here’s what he said
Read full article: Is Matthew Stafford watching the Detroit Lions on ‘Hard Knocks’? Here’s what he saidMatthew Stafford spoke with Local 4′s Hank Winchester about his new Little Caesar’s commercial, the upcoming NFL season, “Hard Knocks,” and the city of Detroit.
Local man shares how Flight 255 crash still impacts him, his family 35 years later
Read full article: Local man shares how Flight 255 crash still impacts him, his family 35 years laterTony Zanger’s brother and his fiancé were onboard Flight 255. Before he knew about the crash, he said he just knew something was wrong.
Generic vs. name brand food taste test: Can you tell the difference?
Read full article: Generic vs. name brand food taste test: Can you tell the difference?Historically, I will admit I’m not much of a bargain shopper. I can never seem to find the correct item and the right price; However, times have changed, and so have prices, so I’m now working to find those deals like many of you.
You’ve seen the flight cancellation issues across the country, but are they really a problem at DTW?
Read full article: You’ve seen the flight cancellation issues across the country, but are they really a problem at DTW?Delays, flight cancellations, and traveler frustrations have made for a turbulent few months at airports across the country. But has Detroit Metro Airport dealt with those same problems?
Morning 4: Child hit by car outside Roseville Middle School suffered traumatic brain injury, family says
Read full article: Morning 4: Child hit by car outside Roseville Middle School suffered traumatic brain injury, family saysMorning 4 is a quick roundup of stories we think you should know about to start your day.
Hank Winchester: How I fell for a fake follow-up email scam -- make sure it doesn’t happen to you
Read full article: Hank Winchester: How I fell for a fake follow-up email scam -- make sure it doesn’t happen to youIt happened to me. Has it ever happened to you? I’m talking about making a dumb mistake. I’m sure we all have at some point, right?
How Help Me Hank almost made a million dollar mistake
Read full article: How Help Me Hank almost made a million dollar mistakeSpotting scams is literally his job, so you’d think the LAST person who would fall for one would be Local 4 Consumer Investigator Hank Winchester. But his story proves that truly anyone can get taken by a clever con.
Help Me Hank goes 1-on-1 with famous clean water advocate Erin Brockovich
Read full article: Help Me Hank goes 1-on-1 with famous clean water advocate Erin BrockovichFlint was not the first city to cope with the damage high lead levels in their drinking water can cause, and sadly they weren’t to be the last either. Now Benton Harbor is fighting the same battle.
Hank Winchester: With gas prices so high, I tried riding the bus. Here’s how it went
Read full article: Hank Winchester: With gas prices so high, I tried riding the bus. Here’s how it wentYou get on and the buses are clean, the drivers professional, and everyone is friendly. It felt like a carpool with friends.
Demanding answers from owner of Luxury Med Spa in Farmington Hills after sudden closure
Read full article: Demanding answers from owner of Luxury Med Spa in Farmington Hills after sudden closureA popular medical and day spa in Farmington Hills closed without warning -- leaving some people out a lot of money.
Discolored water along I-696 near green ooze site in Madison Heights not cause for concern, state says
Read full article: Discolored water along I-696 near green ooze site in Madison Heights not cause for concern, state saysThere are new questions surrounding the green ooze site along I-696 in Madison Heights.
‘He took down a whole community’: Mero Detroit car salesman accused of scamming clients
Read full article: ‘He took down a whole community’: Mero Detroit car salesman accused of scamming clientsVictims of an elaborate car sales scam are sharing their stories with Local 4′s Consumer Investigator Hank Winchester.
Car salesman fired from Plymouth dealership accused of scamming clients, selling stolen cars
Read full article: Car salesman fired from Plymouth dealership accused of scamming clients, selling stolen carsVictims of an elaborate car sales scam are sharing their stories with Local 4′s Consumer Investigator Hank Winchester.
Kelly Stafford: Super Bowl as much Matthew’s as Michigan’s
Read full article: Kelly Stafford: Super Bowl as much Matthew’s as Michigan’sKelly Stafford is feeling the love from Detroit to Los Angeles as former Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford prepares to play in Super Bowl LVI this Sunday with the Rams.
Trying to save money on groceries? Here’s what you should (and shouldn’t) buy in bulk
Read full article: Trying to save money on groceries? Here’s what you should (and shouldn’t) buy in bulkLooking to save on groceries and supplies for your home? Buying in bulk could be an option, even if you don’t have a big family.
How to avoid at-home COVID test scams as demand skyrockets amid surge in cases
Read full article: How to avoid at-home COVID test scams as demand skyrockets amid surge in casesLocal 4′s Hank Winchester went looking for at-home COVID tests and discovered that while they are hard to find in Metro Detroit, it’s not impossible to find them.
Want to return a gift? Here’s what to know and what to expect in stores, online
Read full article: Want to return a gift? Here’s what to know and what to expect in stores, onlineStores were packed for the holidays with Christmas shopping surging to a 17-year high, despite higher prices and the omicron variant.
Michigan Election 2021: No major issues reported at polling locations across Metro Detroit
Read full article: Michigan Election 2021: No major issues reported at polling locations across Metro DetroitThe turnout at the polls on Tuesday (Nov. 2) was somewhat low -- but absentee voters also still have to be factored in.
Illegal dumping: Man caught on surveillance video dragging mattress onto Detroit woman’s property
Read full article: Illegal dumping: Man caught on surveillance video dragging mattress onto Detroit woman’s propertyAfter surveillance cameras captured a man illegally dumping in Detroit Local 4′s Hank Winchester tracked him down.
Plymouth Square Apartments repaired after residents reach out to Help Me Hank for assistance
Read full article: Plymouth Square Apartments repaired after residents reach out to Help Me Hank for assistanceSeniors were living in unsafe conditions after a fire damaged at the Plymouth Square Apartments building on Detroit’s west side until Local 4′s Consumer Investigator Hank Winchester went to the apartment’s management to get things fixed.
Holiday shopping purchases recommended to be made ahead of supply shortages, shipping delays
Read full article: Holiday shopping purchases recommended to be made ahead of supply shortages, shipping delaysIf you want to get your hands on the hot holiday toys you need to shop soon. The pandemic has created massive supply shortages and shipping delays and yes even toys will be affected.
Detroit residents frustrated with illegal dumpers and the mess they leave behind
Read full article: Detroit residents frustrated with illegal dumpers and the mess they leave behindThe trash problem has been growing during the COVID pandemic and many people have had enough with illegal dumping and the potential dangers from it.
Michigan Rep. Brenda Lawrence says some problems with USPS are due to COVID
Read full article: Michigan Rep. Brenda Lawrence says some problems with USPS are due to COVIDPostal problems continue to cause problems all over Metro Detroit and now two elected leaders are working to get answers in Washington.
Hank Winchester joins Detroit police as they track down illegal dumpers
Read full article: Hank Winchester joins Detroit police as they track down illegal dumpersThe Detroit Police Department has a team dedicated to illegal dumping. They’ve placed hidden cameras across the city for one purpose: to catch illegal dumping.
Help Me Hank searches for the best sales, deals for April
Read full article: Help Me Hank searches for the best sales, deals for AprilDETROIT – Stores all across Metro Detroit and online are holding huge sales. Consumer investigator Hank Winchester hit the shops on Wednesday to see what’s out there and to see what people should be looking for. Macy’s had huge deals, some prices slashed more than 70 percent. Metro Detroit retailers are also cutting prices, working to get foot traffic in their stores. Some Metro Detroit downtown districts will be offering new incentives to get people back to their local merchants.
Tax season: Answering pandemic tax questions
Read full article: Tax season: Answering pandemic tax questionsHank Winchester is Local 4's Consumer Investigative Reporter and the head of WDIV's "Help Me Hank" Consumer Unit. He works to solve consumer complaints, reveal important recalls and track down thieves who have ripped off metro Detroiters.
Morning Briefing Feb. 11, 2021: Stafford leaves Detroit with heavy heart, local love stories, weekend weather outlook
Read full article: Morning Briefing Feb. 11, 2021: Stafford leaves Detroit with heavy heart, local love stories, weekend weather outlookObviously, you know, thinking this will probably be last time I’m here for at least a long time,” said Stafford. Oh, wait -- that’s just my space heater. The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 570,895 as of Wednesday, including 14,977 deaths, state officials report. On Tuesday, the state reported a total of 569,980 cases and 14,965 deaths. The state also reports “active cases,” which were listed at 57,400 on Wednesday -- near the lowest it’s been since October.
Matthew Stafford leaves Detroit with heavy heart: ‘A lot of great memories here’
Read full article: Matthew Stafford leaves Detroit with heavy heart: ‘A lot of great memories here’DETORIT – On this day, the roaring crowds at Ford Field are replaced by giggling little girls cheering “go Lions.”The normally packed stadium is essentially empty as Matthew Stafford and his family have come to say goodbye. The now former Detroit Lions quarterback still can’t wrap his head around it. A lot of tough ones too.”Ford Field and Detroit have been home to Matthew and his wife, Kelly Stafford, for 12 years. “Life as I know it now, you know, came to be here in Detroit, you know, married, kids. When we’ve watched him fall and get right back up, just like Detroit the city he adopted, we learned Matthew is tough.
Detroit reporters who covered corruption scandal offer insight after Kwame Kilpatrick’s commutation
Read full article: Detroit reporters who covered corruption scandal offer insight after Kwame Kilpatrick’s commutationKaren Drew and Hank Winchester reported on the Kwame Kilpatrick saga for more than a decade. Here they offer their reaction to President Trump’s commutation of the former Detroit mayor’s federal prison sentence.
A look at the evidence collected against Gov. Snyder in the Flint water crisis
Read full article: A look at the evidence collected against Gov. Snyder in the Flint water crisisRick Snyder is expected to be among a group of people facing charges in connection with the Flint water crisis. On Wednesday it was announced Snyder is facing charges of willful neglect of duty in connection with the Flint water crisis. The evidence reportedly includes potential email evidence of Snyder allegedly being warned about the danger a year before the city moved from using water from the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department to water from the Flint River, and a Legionnaire’s disease cover-up. Brian Lennon, Snyder’s attorney, said criminal prosecution would be “outrageous.”“It is outrageous to think any criminal charges would be filed against Gov. In August 2020, a settlement of a lawsuit filed was reached on behalf of residents of Flint who were harmed by lead-tainted water.
Congress has second COVID-19 stimulus bill ready -- What it means for Michigan residents
Read full article: Congress has second COVID-19 stimulus bill ready -- What it means for Michigan residentsAfter months of back-and-forth, Congress finally has a second COVID-19 stimulus bill. But what does that mean for Michigan residents? With the deal done, the stimulus money will soon make its way to Metro Detroiters. The $900 billion deal will give those making under $75,000 roughly $600, but there is also a payout for dependents. Some people have already received emails, calls and texts saying they need to provide personal information to get the money.
The biggest problems people encounter when filing for unemployment
Read full article: The biggest problems people encounter when filing for unemploymentDETROIT – New unemployment claims have been increasing as states start to put new restrictions in place to deal with a surge in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases. There were 853,000 people who applied for benefits last week, that’s the most since September. In Michigan, another 20,000 people applied for benefits. Local 4′s Hank Winchester found out that a lot of people are still running into trouble trying to get their benefits. READ: Michigan father locked in battle with unemployment agency over lack of benefitsWatch the video above for the full report.
Have you noticed mail delays? Metro Detroit residents share their experiences
Read full article: Have you noticed mail delays? Metro Detroit residents share their experiencesDETROIT – Local 4 has received several reports of mail delays across the Metro Detroit area. Postal Service Mail Distribution Center in Allen Park shows trucks lined up outside the facility waiting to drop off mail to be processed. Local 4′s Hank Winchester spoke with several drivers on Monday who said they’ve never seen delays like this before. Postal Service Mail Distribution Center in Allen ParkFollowing Monday’s report, other Metro Detroit residents reached out to the Help Me Hank Team. MelvindaleIf you are experiencing problems with the postal office you should contact your local post office, file a complaint online, ask your neighbors about their experiences -- and if possible, be patient.
Postal Service addresses major mail delays in Clinton Township
Read full article: Postal Service addresses major mail delays in Clinton TownshipCLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Residents in one Clinton Township neighborhood have gone days -- sometimes even a week -- without mail delivery. Postal Service in Detroit, and while she didn’t want to elaborate on camera about specific problems, Local 4 did receive a written statement. We apologize for any inconvenience that may have been experienced by customers living in the Clinton Township community. Local management is working with customers to resolve their concerns. Postal ServiceResidents told Local 4 that mail, as of Thursday, had resumed being delivered.
Help Me Hank checks in with Black Friday shoppers at Somerset Mall
Read full article: Help Me Hank checks in with Black Friday shoppers at Somerset MallTraditionally, that would mean thousands of people flooding malls for Black Friday. The parking lots and lines at Metro Detroit malls aren’t nearly what residents are used to seeing. Some shoppers are still getting out to find deals, though. Consumer Investigator Hank Winchester went a few miles up I-75 to Somerset Mall to check in with some of those shoppers. You can watch the full Help Me Hank report in the video above.
Help Me Hank toy test: Testing 2020′s top toys ahead of the holidays
Read full article: Help Me Hank toy test: Testing 2020′s top toys ahead of the holidaysThe Morawski family has three children: Addy, 11; Will, 8; and Jack, 4. “The Child” was a hit with the Morawski family. The Basil family really took to this toy. The Morawski family really enjoyed watching that happen and seeing which puppy would reveal itself. They really liked the all-surface vehicle that could move across the floor on its own.
Hank Winchester confronts building owner at center of Madison Heights toxic ooze case
Read full article: Hank Winchester confronts building owner at center of Madison Heights toxic ooze caseMADISON HEIGHTS, Mich. – The building owner responsible for the toxic green ooze mess in Madison Heights surprised everyone by returning to the site of the issue, where he was confronted by police and Local 4′s Hank Winchester. He showed up at the site of the Madison Heights building identified as the source of toxic green ooze that leaked onto the roadway. “We have been battling this situation for years,” Madison Heights Mayor Roslyn Grafstein said. There were hearings in Lansing, town halls in Madison Heights and courtroom battles over who dropped the ball. On Thursday, Sayers showed up at the Madison Heights property at the center of the scandal and wanted to look around inside.
Local 4 News at 5 -- Nov. 4, 2020
Read full article: Local 4 News at 5 -- Nov. 4, 2020Here’s what you missed on Local 4 News at 5:‘Watchers’ demand vote counting access at TCF Center, denied due to COVID-19 restrictionsHank Winchester was at the TCF Center on Wednesday when there were some chaotic moments. People tried to get into the center to watch the ballots being counted. They were denied access on the grounds of COVID-19 restrictions.
Watch Local 4 News at Noon -- Nov. 4, 2020
Read full article: Watch Local 4 News at Noon -- Nov. 4, 2020DETROIT – Here’s what is coming up on Local 4 News at Noon. Hank Winchester has live updates from the TCF Center as ballot counting continuesVote tallying has never been completed in a modern U.S. Presidential Election on election night so the potential delays are very normal in the American democratic process.
Election Night Coverage on Local 4 and ClickOnDetroit
Read full article: Election Night Coverage on Local 4 and ClickOnDetroitStay with Local 4 and ClickOnDetroit on Election Night for Special Coverage on everything you need to know. We’ll have local and national results, proposals affecting your neighborhood, and everything in between. Live coverage starts as polls close in Michigan. Interactive Maps and a Balance of Power map (in the U.S. Congress and Michigan legislature), an Electoral College map, and a Michigan County-by-County map (color/heat map). Special Coverage from Local 4 anchors and reporters live on election night to bring you the latest information around the state.
How Michiganders can make sure their votes count leading up to Election Day
Read full article: How Michiganders can make sure their votes count leading up to Election DayThere’s just one week left to campaign before Election Day, as the races are coming down to the wire for candidates. Local 4′s Hank Winchester is helping Michigan residents make sure their votes count, in addition to troubleshooting issues that might come up. A record number of Michiganders have already submitted their votes for the election. Residents can also vote in person on Election Day, but because of the pandemic, you will be encouraged to wear a mask and practice social distancing. You can also register at your clerk on Election Day and still vote.
Tips for managing your money ahead of holiday season
Read full article: Tips for managing your money ahead of holiday seasonHank Winchester is Local 4's Consumer Investigative Reporter and the head of WDIV's "Help Me Hank" Consumer Unit. He works to solve consumer complaints, reveal important recalls and track down thieves who have ripped off metro Detroiters.
Amazon Prime Day starts today: Here are some of the best discounts
Read full article: Amazon Prime Day starts today: Here are some of the best discountsAmazon Prime Day starts Tuesday, and there are some major deals you won’t want to miss. Hank Winchester took a look at some of the best discounts. Prime Day has gotten so big, it’s not just a single day anymore. Here are some of the deals that will be available Tuesday and Wednesday:Toshiba 32-inch Smart HD Fire TV -- $119.99. If you’re not an Amazon Prime member, you can sign up for the trial membership and download the app.
Better Business Bureau warns consumers of ‘going out of business’ online shopping scam
Read full article: Better Business Bureau warns consumers of ‘going out of business’ online shopping scamDETROIT – The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers about an online shopping scam involving “going out of business” advertisements. Melanie Duquesnel, president of the Better Business Bureau serving Eastern Michigan, said the difficulty they’re finding is that clients are not getting the product but yet they’re getting charged for it. READ: Scammers use multiple methods to target victims -- Here’s what to watch out for“Just because an advertisement is on Facebook doesn’t mean that it’s a 100% trustworthy business,” Duquesnel said. With more people buying cars, RVs and boats online, the BBB says vehicle shipper and escrow scams are going up. How do you know that you’re going to get your money back?” Duquesnel said.
Gov. Whitmer declares ‘Downtown Day’ to help Michigan businesses struggling during pandemic
Read full article: Gov. Whitmer declares ‘Downtown Day’ to help Michigan businesses struggling during pandemicGretchen Whitmer has declared Saturday (Sept. 26) “Downtown Day” across the state of Michigan. The goal is to get Michiganders to spend time and money in downtowns that have struggled during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Whitmer’s proclamation was requested by the Michigan Downtown Association to help all struggling downtowns across the state, not just in Metro Detroit. Small businesses, shops and restaurants in cities from Ann Arbor to Dearborn to Royal Oak are hoping to get a boost Saturday. You can watch his full story in the video posted above.
Secretary of State making final push for Michiganders to register to vote in upcoming election
Read full article: Secretary of State making final push for Michiganders to register to vote in upcoming electionWith just 42 days to go before the presidential election, the final push is underway to get voters to register in time. It’s all part of National Voter Registration Day, and in Michigan there have already been a record number of requests for absentee ballots. Local 4 Consumer Investigator Hank Winchester spoke with Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson as she works to make sure every vote is counted. You can hear what Benson had to say in the video posted above.
Video diary: Hank Winchester chronicles colonoscopy experience
Read full article: Video diary: Hank Winchester chronicles colonoscopy experienceFollowing the passing of longtime Detroit sports voice Jamie Samuelsen, who died in August at the age of 48 after battling colon cancer, Local 4′s Hank Winchester decided to make an appointment for a colonoscopy. Winchester, who is in a similar age group, decided to document the experience, to show those who may be avoiding it what the process entails. Watch Hank’s video blog in the video player above to follow his journey. In 2020, 12% of colorectal cancer cases will be diagnosed in people under 50 – about 18,000 cases. Rates have been increasing since the mid-1980s in adults ages 20-39 years and since the mid-1990s in adults ages 40-54 years, with younger age groups experiencing the steepest increase.
Why you shouldnt be afraid to get a colonoscopy
Read full article: Why you shouldnt be afraid to get a colonoscopyHank Winchester got his first colonoscopy to find out what you can expect and to explain why the examination is so critical. The test is easy, Hank said. But like Jamie, Im in my 40s and have a family. Simple, but critical testThe colonoscopy is a simple test, but its critical for early detection. RELATED: Video diary: Hank Winchester chronicles colonoscopy experienceMORE: Health news and resources
Thieves target online shoppers with text message scam
Read full article: Thieves target online shoppers with text message scamDETROIT Thieves are using technology to target online shoppers -- and lately, thats just about all of us. RELATED: Is that text spam? How to recognize suspicious text messagesThe high tech thieves are targeting cell phones and are hoping you -- like many -- have been doing extra shopping online during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you click the link sent with the text, its likely going to ask you to verify personal information or enter your credit card number. How to Report Spam Text MessagesIf you get an unwanted text message, there are three ways to report it: