Community & Culture - Page 2
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Dolly Parton's Philanthropy Leaves Lasting Impact on Communities
Dolly Parton's recent passing has brought renewed attention to her decades of community-focused philanthropy, including major gifts to children's literacy, disaster relief, and healthcare in Tennessee and beyond.
Detroit Film Community Unites for New Wave Cinema Series
Detroit's independent film scene is coming together through the Detroit New Wave event series and the Weekly Watchlist newsletter, connecting cinema owners, programmers, and moviegoers across Metro Detroit this summer and fall
Farmington's Civic Theater adds bar, events to boost attendance
Farmington's Civic Theater is introducing a new bar, expanded event programming, and plans for seating upgrades as it works to recover from pandemic-era declines in movie attendance and repay city support funding.
Maricopa County's AI Assistant Reveals High Demand for Pet Services
Maricopa County's new AI chatbot, Mari, is seeing strong interest in pet adoption and animal services, with nearly 8% of early user questions focused on pets. County officials hope the tool will improve access to local programs and boost resident engagement.
Michigan High School Football Season Brings NIL Changes and League Shifts
Michigan high school football enters a new era this fall as Name, Image, and Likeness rules take effect and major conference realignments reshape the landscape. The Catholic League aims to build on last year's dominance as teams and coaches face new challenges.
Metro Detroit High School Football Kicks Off with Week 1 Matchups
High school football returns to Metro Detroit this week, with dozens of teams set to compete in season-opening games across the region. Most contests begin at 7 p.m., offering families and fans a full slate of local action.
Farmington Hosts 2026 Michigan Mayors Workshop and Downtown Tour
Municipal leaders from across Michigan gathered in Farmington August 5-7 for the Michigan Association of Mayors Summer Workshop, featuring sessions on local government issues and a tour of Farmington's revitalized downtown
Angelina Yonan Named Miss Oakland County 2026 at Farmington Hills Event
Angelina Yonan, an Oakland University student from Macomb, was crowned Miss Oakland County 2026 on August 8 in Farmington Hills and awarded a $1,000 scholarship. She will advance to represent Oakland County at the 2027 Miss Michigan Competition.
Metro Detroit Families Face Excitement and Anxiety as School Year Begins
As students across Metro Detroit return to classrooms, families are balancing anticipation with concerns about safety, transportation, and social challenges. The new school year brings both opportunities and worries for parents and students alike.
Orchard Lake St. Mary's Volleyball Joins Bishop Division for 2026 Season
Orchard Lake St. Mary's volleyball team will compete in the Catholic League's Bishop Division this season, facing top Michigan programs including Farmington Hills Mercy, Bloomfield Hills Marian, and new league member Detroit Country Day.
Market in the Park Brings 80 Vendors to The Forge: Lemont Quarries
The Market in the Park returns to The Forge: Lemont Quarries this Sunday, offering goods from more than 80 local small businesses and a variety of food vendors from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Lemont, Illinois
U-M Seminar Trains Scholars to Preserve Ancient Papyrus Manuscripts
The University of Michigan recently hosted a 10-day seminar for nine international scholars, offering hands-on training in the conservation of rare papyrus texts dating back thousands of years. The program is unique in the Americas.
Windham Non-Profit Expo Set for October at High School
More than 50 nonprofits and community organizations will gather at Windham High School on October 21 for a free expo, offering residents a chance to connect with local services and explore volunteer opportunities.
Bucks County Extends Fundraising for Eviction Prevention Program
Bucks County Opportunity Council has extended its fundraising campaign for a new eviction prevention program through August, with donations matched up to $50,000 by the Gene and Marlene Epstein Humanitarian Fund
Newtown Borough Council Rejects Canopy at Brick Hotel Restaurant
A proposed canopy at Donetelli's Italian Steakhouse in Newtown Borough was denied after a 3-3 council vote was broken by the mayor, requiring the structure to be removed or modified before the restaurant's opening.
Cheshire Schedules Public Hearing on 2026-27 Capital Budget
Cheshire residents can weigh in on the Town Manager's proposed capital budget for fiscal year 2026-27 at a public hearing set for August 26 at Town Council Chambers. The council will vote on the budget following the hearing.
Elizabeth Taylor's Former Bel Air Home Undergoes $47M Renovation
A $47 million renovation is underway at Elizabeth Taylor's longtime Bel Air estate, adding new amenities and expanded living space while preserving much of the original interior. The project aims to honor the late actress's legacy and update the property for modern use.
Michigan Science Center Expands Traveling STEM Program for 2026-27
The Michigan Science Center will bring hands-on science demonstrations, including 'Kaboomistry' and 'Frostology,' to schools and community groups across Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana during the 2026-2027 school year through its Aramco Traveling Science Program
Petoskey Rejects Settlement, Will Go to Trial Over Miracle Mile Trail
Petoskey City Council has voted to prepare for trial rather than accept a settlement that could have ended public access to the Miracle Mile section of the Little Traverse Wheelway, a popular lakeside trail closed since a 2020 collapse.
Farmington Public Safety Promotes Four Leaders at City Ceremony
Four Farmington Public Safety Department members were honored with promotions during the August 17 City Council meeting, recognizing decades of combined experience and new leadership roles within the department.
Alexandria Historic Homes Tour Returns With Eight Secret Stops
The 84th Annual Historic Alexandria Homes Tour is set for September 26, offering a rare look inside eight private historic homes. Tickets are $50 and benefit Inova Alexandria Hospital, with sales open until September 10.
Danvers Brewery Marks 100th Birthday With Custom Saison for Local Matriarch
Twisted Fate Brewing Co. in Danvers, Massachusetts, created a special saison-style beer to celebrate Mary Skafas' 100th birthday, bringing together her family and honoring her love of tea-inspired flavors at the brewery's taproom.
Monmouth County Parks Adds New Fall Hikes for Kids and Teens
Monmouth County Parks System is expanding its fall youth hiking programs, offering new sessions for toddlers, children, and teens at multiple park locations. Registration is open, but spots are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis
North End Taproom in Royal Oak to Close After Three Years
North End Taproom, a self-pour bar in downtown Royal Oak, will close its doors on August 30, citing sustainability challenges. The closure marks the end of a business that helped pioneer Michigan's self-serve taproom model.
Rochester Approves Downtown Social District to Boost Local Business
Rochester City Council has approved a new social district downtown, allowing customers to carry alcoholic beverages outdoors within a designated area. The plan aims to increase foot traffic and support businesses, pending state review.
Oklahoma Libraries Add Digital Access Pods in Statewide Broadband Push
Oklahoma is installing private digital access pods in up to 175 libraries statewide, aiming to bridge the digital divide for rural and underserved residents by 2026. The $14.5 million project is funded by federal COVID-era relief.
Michigan Unveils Nine New 'I Voted' Stickers for 2026 Election
Michigan voters will have nine new 'I Voted' sticker designs to choose from in November, created by students and residents statewide. Local clerks can now order the winning designs for distribution on Election Day.
Michigan Libraries Add Outdoor StoryWalks and Expand Community Services
Libraries across southeast Michigan are introducing outdoor StoryWalks and new community programs, aiming to boost literacy and engagement as reading habits shift and library visits evolve after the pandemic
Kirk Gibson Foundation Marks 10 Years of Parkinson's Support in Michigan
The Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson's hosted its 10th annual charity golf outing in Rochester Hills, raising funds for free wellness programs at Michigan's first dedicated Parkinson's center.
Huntington Thrift in Huntington Station to Close September 20
Huntington Thrift, a longtime vintage and antiques shop on New York Ave. in Huntington Station, will close its doors for good on September 20, 2026, following a final clearance sale. The store thanked customers for years of support.
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