Community & Culture
89 storiesReaders will see profiles, event previews, local guides and features on institutions and community life; public participation and social services provide recurring context. Community & Culture distinguishes an isolated event from a continuing process.
Southeast Michigan Survey Seeks Resident Input on Urban Deer Issues
Residents in Farmington Hills and neighboring cities are being asked to weigh in on deer-related problems, from car crashes to property damage, as part of a new regional survey open through November 1
MSU Releases Wasps Across Michigan to Control Invasive Lily Beetles
Michigan State University has released over 4,400 parasitoid wasps statewide to target the destructive scarlet lily beetle, aiming for long-term pest control without pesticides. Residents may see new research plots and volunteer-planted lilies in local gardens.
Ford Field Launches Food Passport and New Menu for Lions Fans
Detroit Lions fans attending the September 13 home opener at Ford Field will find a new Food Passport program, expanded local vendor options, and value deals on food and drinks throughout the stadium
Labor Day Closures and Farmers Market Event in Downtown Farmington
Farmington city offices will close for Labor Day on Monday, shifting garbage pickup by one day. Meanwhile, Riley Park hosts a hands-on applesauce demonstration at the Farmers Market Saturday morning.
Hawk Makerspace Marks 4 Years With Free Open House in Farmington Hills
The Hawk Makerspace will host a free open house on Saturday, September 12, offering hands-on activities, equipment demos, and special pass deals at its 12 Mile Road location in Farmington Hills
Masculinity Debates Shape Michigan Senate Race Between El-Sayed and Rogers
Personal attacks over masculinity and high school football have taken center stage in Michigan's 2026 U.S. Senate race, as Abdul El-Sayed and Mike Rogers trade barbs while voters weigh issues from health care to inflation.
Kennedy Center Removes 'Blue' Sculpture Amid Board Dispute
The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. has taken down the 'Blue' sculpture by Joel Shapiro, ending its presence on the campus after five years as board conflicts and legal battles over the institution's direction continue
Farmington Schools Face Scrutiny After Antisemitic Drawing at Warner Middle
Farmington Public Schools leaders are under pressure after parents raised concerns about antisemitism and student safety at Warner Middle School, following a recent incident involving Nazi imagery in a classroom.
Oakland County Residents Asked to Weigh In on Urban Deer Management
A new survey invites Oakland County residents to share their experiences with local deer as cities consider expanding culling programs. The survey is open through November 1 and aims to guide future management decisions.
Metro Detroit Deer Cull Plans Face Delays and Long Waitlists
Metro Detroit suburbs including Livonia and Beverly Hills are seeking deer culls to manage rising deer populations, but staffing shortages and high demand mean some communities may wait until 2027 or later for USDA-led operations
Voting Opens for Detroit Free Press Girls Athlete of the Week
Four standout high school athletes from Ann Arbor, Utica, Farmington Hills, and Grosse Ile are finalists for the Detroit Free Press Girls Athlete of the Week for August 24-30. Voting is open until 3 p.m. on Thursday, September 3
17 New Restaurants Open in Metro Detroit, 6 Close in August
Metro Detroit saw 17 new restaurants, bakeries, and bars open in August 2026, while six local favorites closed their doors. Residents can expect new dining options in Royal Oak, Novi, Dearborn, and more.
Vice President Vance to Address Republican Jewish Coalition Amid Concerns
Vice President JD Vance will speak privately to the Republican Jewish Coalition on Monday, as the group navigates internal debate over U.S. policy toward Israel and rising concerns about antisemitism within conservative circles.
Metro Detroit High School Football Zone Rankings Updated for Week 2
Detroit Catholic Central, Warren De La Salle, Saline, and Detroit Cass Tech remain at the top of their respective zones after strong opening-week wins, as Metro Detroit's high school football rankings shift heading into Week 2.
Venice Film Festival Opens With New Films, Documentaries and Awards
The 83rd Venice Film Festival begins this week, bringing major premieres, timely documentaries, and awards contenders to Italy's Lido. The event features high-profile guests and films that could shape the upcoming Oscar race.
Volunteer Team Rescues Stranded Climber Near Mammoth Lakes, California
A climber stranded overnight on a narrow ledge near Mammoth Lakes was safely rescued after a 15-hour technical operation by the Mono County Sheriff Search and Rescue Team. The effort required specialized skills and careful coordination in hazardous terrain.
'Survivor' Season 51 Cast Revealed, No Michigan Contestants This Year
The 51st season of 'Survivor' premieres September 23, 2026, with a 21-person cast but no players from Michigan. The new season, filmed in Fiji, will feature twists from past seasons and a two-hour debut episode.
El-Sayed Issues Apology to Michigan Jewish Democrats After Synagogue Attack
Abdul El-Sayed, Michigan's Democratic U.S. Senate nominee, apologized to the state's Jewish Democratic Caucus for remarks made after a March synagogue attack, aiming to address concerns and move past recent controversies ahead of the general election
North Farmington Edges Groves 14-13 in Season Opener at Wayne State
North Farmington High School secured a narrow 14-13 victory over Birmingham Groves in the 2026 Prep Kickoff Classic, with quarterback Eli Cobb overcoming cramps to help lead a decisive late drive on August 28 in Detroit.
Farmington Hills Priest Fatally Struck While Walking to Hospital
Fr. Tom Szura, a longtime priest with the Marianhill Missionary Fathers, was killed after being hit by a car while crossing to Corewell Health Hospital in Farmington Hills to give last rites. The driver was arrested and the investigation continues
Voting Rights March Draws Hundreds to National Mall Before Midterms
Hundreds gathered at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., for the 2026 "Defend the Vote" March, urging action on voting rights and racial justice as new voting laws and redistricting changes raise concerns ahead of the midterm elections.
Nightlife Thrives Amid Morality Police and Security Concerns in Sokoto
Despite strict religious codes and the presence of morality police, Sokoto, Nigeria, is seeing a resurgence of nightlife, offering residents a social escape even as the region faces ongoing security challenges and social divisions.
Border Wall Construction Begins on Tohono O'odham Land in Arizona
Federal contractors, escorted by armed agents, have started building a border wall segment in southern Arizona, entering Tohono O'odham Nation land despite tribal objections and ongoing legal disputes over sacred sites and property rights.
Michigan Primary Election Process Earns Praise for Accuracy
Michigan's recent primary election saw all 83 counties complete ballot counting and certification without incident, reinforcing public trust in the state's election system ahead of a closely watched November vote
Farmington Hills Junk Removal Company Offers Back-to-School Decluttering Tips
As the new school year approaches, Two Men and a Junk Truck in Farmington Hills is helping families clear out unwanted items with full-service removal, donation partnerships, and a free community event on September 15
Farmington Hills Recognized as HEARTSafe Community for Cardiac Response
Farmington Hills has earned the HEARTSafe Community designation after training nearly 15% of residents in CPR and registering over 140 AED locations, making it one of only three Michigan cities to achieve the program's highest standard
Michigan High School Football Kicks Off 2026 Season With Week 1 Games
The 2026 Michigan high school football season begins August 27, with teams across the state set to compete in Week 1 matchups on Thursday and Friday. Fans can expect a full schedule of games and new rankings as the season opens.
Judge Questions Kennedy Center's Fast-Track Plan for Trump Inscription
A federal judge is scrutinizing the Kennedy Center's decision to quickly restore President Donald Trump's name to the building, raising questions about the board's timeline and legal authority as a previous court order remains under appeal.
Lake Ontario Renamed 'Lake America' in U.S. by Presidential Order
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order renaming the U.S. portion of Lake Ontario as 'Lake America,' escalating tensions with Canada amid ongoing trade disputes. The change affects federal naming conventions but not Canadian usage.
Farmington Area Theaters to Honor Dolly Parton With 'Steel Magnolias' Screenings
Detroit's Redford Theatre and Farmington Civic Theater will screen 'Steel Magnolias' in tribute to Dolly Parton, who died August 25 at age 80. The events offer local fans a chance to celebrate her legacy on August 30 and September 3.
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