Morning 4 is a quick roundup of stories we think you should know about to start your day. So, let’s get to the news.
13 years later, Sandra Lee Loepp hit-and-run death remains unsolved
Thirteen years after Sandra Lee Loepp was killed in a hit-and-run crash, her family is continuing to search for answers while keeping her memory alive.
Loepp, a mother of five, was killed on December 16, 2012 while walking home near 28 Mile and Van Dyke roads. Police say she left the former Santino’s Bar just after 1 a.m. and was walking northbound on Van Dyke.
According to the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office, she was dragged for almost a mile before the driver removed her from under the vehicle and fled the scene.
What to know about new laws, recently signed legislation taking effect in Michigan in 2026
As of Jan. 1, 2026, Michigan residents and businesses are now seeing a wave of new laws and policy changes take effect — from paychecks to cannabis sales, education to consumer protections.
These changes stem from legislation passed in 2024–2025 and reflect ongoing efforts by lawmakers to respond to economic conditions and public concerns.
High-profile murder, assault trials dominate Metro Detroit courts early 2026
Metro Detroit’s courts are preparing for a busy start to 2026, with six high-profile criminal trials scheduled in the first three months.
The series of trials begins next week with the case of Desmond Burks, charged in the 2023 murder of Dr. Devon Hoover in Detroit’s historic Boston-Edison neighborhood. Jury selection starts Wednesday following a final pre-trial hearing Monday.
Later this month, Dale Warner faces trial in Lenawee County for the alleged murder of his wife, Dee Warner. Investigators discovered her remains on Warner’s property years after her 2021 disappearance. The trial, beginning January 27, is expected to last several weeks.
Family speaks out after 75-year-old attacked by DoorDash driver in Wixom, driver charged with misdemeanor
75-year-old Lloyd Poole remains hospitalized after a violent confrontation with a DoorDash driver in Wixom. His daughter, Jennifer Shaw, says the family is struggling as driver Ryan Turner faces a misdemeanor assault charge and is out on bond.
“We just don’t know if he’s going to wake up, so that’s the really hard part right now,” Shaw said.
Poole was reportedly trying to look out for his neighborhood when the incident occurred.
He now lies in a hospital bed, with his family uncertain about his future.
Weather: Chances for snow return through part of the weekend for Metro Detroit
Our first chance of snow moves in Saturday afternoon into Saturday evening with a week upper level disturbance rolling through, this may leave a dusting to a half inch of snow before it’s all said and done.
High temperatures remaining in the upper 20s by Saturday afternoon.