HANK WINCHESTER

A moment nine years ago set off a water crisis that would be felt for decades in the City of Flint.

Did a man take cash and abandon a tree removal job? Hank tracks him down.

A new elaborate parking scam is already costing some victims big money.

We put our money in the bank to be safe.

Drivers who need repairs made on their cars are often forced to wait weeks, sometimes month, because the parts needed to make the repairs just aren’t available.

It’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 is a quick roundup of stories we think you should know about to start your day.

Matthew Stafford spoke with Local 4′s Hank Winchester about his new Little Caesar’s commercial, “Hard Knocks,” Dan Campbell, and the city of Detroit.

Matthew 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.

Tony Zanger’s brother and his fiancé were onboard Flight 255. Before he knew about the crash, he said he just knew something was wrong.

It’s been 35 years since the tragic crash of Northwest Flight 255.

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.

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?

Concerned about flying? You’re not alone.

With huge delays and several cancelations at U.S. airports every single day, getting travel insurance is more important now than ever before.

Wednesday’s rate hike is the highest in 28 years.

On Thursday (June 2), DTE launched an investigation after it appeared that a customer’s identity was stolen to establish new service.

Morning 4 is a quick roundup of stories we think you should know about to start your day.

It 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?

Spotting 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.

Flint 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.

You get on and the buses are clean, the drivers professional, and everyone is friendly. It felt like a carpool with friends.

A popular medical and day spa in Farmington Hills closed without warning -- leaving some people out a lot of money.

There are new questions surrounding the green ooze site along I-696 in Madison Heights.

It’s something many people are familiar with -- sitting on hold, waiting to talk to customer service.

Victims of an elaborate car sales scam are sharing their stories with Local 4′s Consumer Investigator Hank Winchester.

Victims of an elaborate car sales scam are sharing their stories with Local 4′s Consumer Investigator Hank Winchester.

Gas prices are soaring and there is new concern about gas station owners rising prices even higher, hoping to make more profits.

The infant formula recall is not only concerning but also a growing problem as the recall has recently expanded.

It’s pothole season in Metro Detroit, and the craters in the pavement are causing some significant damage.

It’s one of the most terrifying scams we’ve heard of and local people are being targeted.

Kelly 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.

It’s free money for families that need it and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is working to make sure Detroit residents get in on it.

A snowstorm that’s expected to arrive later this week could be Metro Detroit’s biggest snowstorm in seven years.

Looking 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.

Local 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.

Stores were packed for the holidays with Christmas shopping surging to a 17-year high, despite higher prices and the omicron variant.

Most stores and websites are sold out of at-home COVID-19 tests.

We’re talking thousands of dollars. Thieves are preying on your emotions.

This week Help Me Hank has been working to find solutions as the nation faces supply shortages and big shipping delays.

The turnout at the polls on Tuesday (Nov. 2) was somewhat low -- but absentee voters also still have to be factored in.

We’ve heard from many of you about shortages and price increases you’re seeing at your local stores.

They’re billed as being safe, easy and accurate -- but are at-home rapid COVID tests worth your time and money?

It’s only Sept. 20, but it’s already beginning to look at lot like Christmas in some Metro Detroit stores.

After surveillance cameras captured a man illegally dumping in Detroit Local 4′s Hank Winchester tracked him down.

Seniors 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.

If 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.

A Metro Detroit man was hit with a hospital bill for more than $600 after he got a COVID-19 test.

Residents across Metro Detroit have been reporting delays in their trash pickup schedule.

A new product is supposed to make cleaning your microwave a cinch -- but does it actually work?

Residents at a local apartment complex are furious after they were allegedly forced to live without running water for more than two days.

Thursday at 6:30 a.m. on Local 4 News Today.

The IRS is sending out checks nationwide next week and that money will help families in need. But there’s something you need to watch out for.

Thursday at 6:30 a.m. on Local 4 News Today

Hank Winchester’s effort to track down illegal dumpers and clean up neighborhoods is already seeing results.

The trash problem has been growing during the COVID pandemic and many people have had enough with illegal dumping and the potential dangers from it.

Is illegal trash dumping an issue in your neighborhood? Help Me Hank wants to help.

Insiders believe Amazon Prime Day 2021 could break sales records.

You can report illegal dumping through the Improve Detroit app or by calling the Department of Public Works at 313-224-3901

Postal problems continue to cause problems all over Metro Detroit and now two elected leaders are working to get answers in Washington.

Starting May 30, Michigan residents on unemployment will need to start looking for work to keep getting benefits.

Liza Estlund Olson was brought in to make major changes to Michigan’s unemployment system.

The 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.

Slow mail delivery has been a problem for months in Metro Detroit.

Michigan is one of the top states for high tech thieves and scammers to search for victims.

President Joe Biden’s administration has indicated that a new stimulus payout may be on the way.

The murder of Jane Bashara will be the topic of this week’s “Dateline” on NBC.

DETROIT – 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.

Hank 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.

Obviously, 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.

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.

Karen 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.

Rick 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.

After 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.

DETROIT – 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.

DETROIT – 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.

CLINTON 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.

Traditionally, 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.

The 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.

MADISON 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.

Here’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.

DETROIT – 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.

Stay 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.

There’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.

Hank 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 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.

DETROIT – 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.

Gretchen 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.

With 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.

Following 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.

Hank 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

DETROIT 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:

DETROIT The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has had an impact on the political process and that has been clear to see during the Michigan Primary on Tuesday. Michigan Primary Election 2020 is today: What you need to knowPolling places look very different and there has been a massive increase in absentee ballots. READ: Many Michigan residents still vote in-person for primarySecretary of State Jocelyn Benson said she couldnt have predicted a primary election day like this one. She said her focus was on safety, making sure masks and hand sanitizer was available. READ: Michigan Secretary of State addresses concerns ahead of primary election

DETROIT Heres what you missed on Local 4 News at Noon (watch the episode above). What you need to know ahead of upcoming electionThe Michigan primaries are just a day away, and Local 4s Hank Winchester has the information you need to know to make your vote count.

DETROIT – The debate has been underway in Washington over another possible stimulus and federal benefits. How could it affect your bottom line if you rely on unemployment assistance? Local 4′s Hank Winchester spoke with financial expert Kirk Cassidy to find out. READ: Stimulus uncertainty and the money conversations you should be havingWatch the video above for the full report

DETROIT Hank Winchester has the top consumer headlines from stores like Amazon, Starbucks and more. Amazon Prime members are waiting for the big shopping day, the big discounts. Home Depot is offering 40 percent off or more on overstocked furniture, that lasts through Wednesday. This fall, Starbucks will let users use more ways to pay through the app. Click here for more Help Me Hank reports

DETROIT At a time when passengers are worried about others wearing masks and flights being too crowded, Local 4 got a firsthand look at how Delta Airlines is keeping everyone safe from the coronavirus (COVID-19). READ: Delta to maintain social distancing while many other airlines end COVID-19 safety measuresHelp Me Hank took a flight from Detroit to Denver to get a taste of he process. Downstairs at the McNamara Terminal, there were only a handful of people around when Hank took his trip. At the gate, a protective shield is in place to separate travelers from the Delta gate agent. Before the safety video ran, a new video played, showing what Delta is doing to protect passengers from the coronavirus.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan officials are investigating whether some recently-hired employees are stealing from the Unemployment Insurance Agency. READ: Michigan unemployment officials reveal staggering number of residents still waiting for benefitsThe employees are accused of stealing, scamming the system from the inside. A task force was set up a few weeks ago to look at the internal issues and an investigation is moving forward. READ: Task force cracking down on unemployment fraud in Michigan“We made the hard decision to temporarily stop payment to accounts while we work with law enforcement and fraud experts to take additional steps to verify identities,” Steve Gray with Michigan Unemployment said. Recently hired employees are accused of creating accounts of charging users to help get them their benefits sooner.

Michigan investigating if new hires are stealing from Unemployment Insurance AgencyPublished: July 15, 2020, 5:35 pmMichigan officials are investigating whether some recently-hired employees are stealing from the Unemployment Insurance Agency.

LANSING, Mich. – Environmental groups are calling on the attorney general to stop Nestle from taking Michigan water almost for free and turning it into a huge profit. Residents were outraged when Nestle struck a deal that allowed it to pump 1.1 million gallons of water per day from Michigan for a total of $200 per year. The debate over Pure Michigan water and Nestle is raging on, and now Attorney General Dana Nessel is being asked to get in on the fight. It’s time to put a stop to this violation of the public trust mandate of our constitution.”Environmentalists said they can tell damage has been done from Nestle pumping water out to bottle at the pumping sight near Evart, Michigan. Local 4 Consumer Investigator Hank Winchester reached out to Nessel for her reaction.