So far, she’s packed and shipped more than $9,000 worth of ballet gear to programs in Peru, Brazil, and Haiti, including Ballet Maricarmen, Na Ponta dos Pés, and the Institut de Danse Lynn Williams Rouzier.

Story by Natalie Davies, photos by David Rodríguez Muñoz for @freep.com.

“Dance has always been a huge part of my life,” Nily said. “I’ve been very fortunate to have a lot of opportunities financially and physically to be able to dance, so I’ve always had sort of a passion to share that.”

At just 16 years old, Nily Samara, a student at International Academy Okma and a Rochester resident, is making a global impact through Ballet Bridges, a nonprofit she founded to share her love of dance.

So far, she’s packed and shipped more than $9,000 worth of ballet gear to programs in Peru, Brazil, and Haiti, including Ballet Maricarmen, Na Ponta dos Pés, and the Institut de Danse Lynn Williams Rouzier.

Story by Natalie Davies, photos by David Rodríguez Muñoz for @freep.com.

“Dance has always been a huge part of my life,” Nily said. “I’ve been very fortunate to have a lot of opportunities financially and physically to be able to dance, so I’ve always had sort of a passion to share that.”

So far, she’s packed and shipped more than $9,000 worth of ballet gear to programs in Peru, Brazil, and Haiti, including Ballet Maricarmen, Na Ponta dos Pés, and the Institut de Danse Lynn Williams Rouzier.

Story by Natalie Davies, photos by David Rodríguez Muñoz for @freep.com.

“Dance has always been a huge part of my life,” Nily said. “I’ve been very fortunate to have a lot of opportunities financially and physically to be able to dance, so I’ve always had sort of a passion to share that.”

Program at César Chávez Academy Middle School in Detroit brings power of music to students A program at César Chávez Academy Middle School in southwest Detroit is teaching students the power of music.

To read more about Maria and her students, click the link in below or go to the @freep.com. www.freep.com/story/news/e...

“The most difficult thing my students have faced is that some parents are afraid to drive them to class because of fears of getting stopped. We had to teach students at home or find other ways. But the social part, playing together, is crucial. Missing that was hard, for the students.”

Since 2022, she has been teaching violin at Cesar Chavez Academy Middle School. Her classroom has become more than a place to learn an instrument, it’s a space for expression, healing, and stability during uncertain times.

Bucco came to the U.S. in 2000 to pursue her master’s degree in Pittsburgh. She joined the Sphinx Organization in 2018 and now serves as Overture Camp Director, helping lead a program that provides free instruments and music lessons to students, many of whom are children of immigrants.

As families across the country continue to face separation and protests against ICE continue to unfold, educators in Michigan are working to create spaces where students can feel safe and supported. In southwest Detroit, Maria Pia Bucco has done just that, building a sanctuary through music.

To top it off, I got to work alongside Daniel Mears, one of the best photographers in Detroit. What a day! Thank you, Bryan, for your kindness and time. The few minutes I had to photograph you became a core memory for me. As a kid, your character Hal was what I imagined a dad could be like.

I can’t remember the last time I asked a celebrity for a photo. But meeting an actor who had such a big impact on my childhood, I couldn’t pass up the chance. Today, I had the pleasure of photographing one of my favorite actors, Bryan Cranston, during an assignment for @freep.com.

To top it off, I got to work alongside Daniel Mears, one of the best photographers in Detroit. What a day! Thank you, Bryan for your kindness and time. The few minutes I had to photograph you became a core memory for me. As a kid, your character Hal was what I imagined a dad could be like.

I can’t remember the last time I asked a celebrity for a photo. But meeting an actor who had such a big impact on my childhood, I couldn’t pass up the chance. Today, I had the pleasure of photographing one of my favorite actors, Bryan Cranston, during an assignment for @freep.com.

Detroit Tigers host Chicago Cubs for huge series between division leaders Photos from the Detroit Tigers vs. Chicago Cubs series at Comerica Park starting on Friday, June 6, 2025.

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Photos by David Rodriguez Munoz for @freep.com.

For more moments from the entire series, click the link in the comments.

The Chicago Cubs (40-24) came out swinging and took down the Detroit Tigers (42-24) with five homers in a 6-1 win at Comerica Park in Detroit.

Photos for @freep.com.

Here are a few moments from Day 2. For final day coverage, check your local paper, though I’d lean toward the Detroit Free Press. It’s got the best coverage, but I might be a little biased.

The roar of engines echoed through the streets of downtown Detroit at the 2025 Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear, as the Motor City transformed into a stage for precision and high energy. In a dynamic display of speed during the Chevrolet Detroit Sports Car Classic.

The garage recently welcomed Trenton Miller, 19, a student interning through August to learn the delicate craft of restoring and maintaining these century-old machines. It’s a rare role, one the museum is actively hiring for, requiring not just mechanical skill, but a deep respect for history.

Tucked behind the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Todd Storrs, 61, keeps history running. As a Ford Model T mechanic, he’s part of a small team responsible for maintaining a fleet of antique vehicles, including 13 Model T’s from 1914 to 1927.

Shakira dazzles at Little Caesars Arena as world tour brings reenergized star to Detroit The Colombian superstar wowed with a career-spanning set and ageless dance moves at LCA, one of the few arena shows on her massive world tour.

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For more photos and to read the story, click the link the comments.

Colombian superstar Shakira dazzles thousands of fans during her performance at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.

Story by Brian McCollum and photos by David Rodríguez Muñoz for the @freep.com.

Detroit pastry chef is legal citizen now — but fear follows him during Trump presidency Ernesto Nava helped establish the bakery at Prince Valley Market and create 15 jobs — but fears for co-workers due to the current immigration climate.

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He became a U.S. citizen in 2023. Despite the recognition his work receives and the deep ties he has to his community, Nava, like many others faces fear and uncertainty amid the nation’s shifting immigration climate.

To read the story in English or Spanish, click the link in the comments.

Nava now serves as head pastry chef at Prince Valley Market Bakery in Southwest Detroit. For more than two decades, his hands have helped shape the flavor and tradition of pan dulce in Detroit.