Local Business
30 storiesThe editorial mix includes opening and closure reports, business profiles, development updates and local economic analysis, with merchant districts and commercial rent pressures shaping follow-up. Local Business keeps the reader focused on the evidence, timeline and real-world consequence.
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
Farmington Hills Woman Charged With Wire Fraud Over False Bank Claims
Federal prosecutors allege Shannon Monet Steel misled investors with fake bank documents and false claims of diplomatic status. The case centers on a $200,000 investment and a non-existent bank in Farmington Hills.
Farmington Hills Woman Charged in $200,000 Investment Fraud Scheme
Federal prosecutors allege Shannon Monet Steel posed as an ambassador and bank owner to defraud a California investor out of $200,000. The case highlights ongoing federal efforts to address complex financial fraud in Metro Detroit.
Nine Metro Detroit Restaurants and Breweries Announce Closures
Several well-known restaurants and breweries in metro Detroit are closing or have closed, with some citing rising costs and challenging business conditions. Closures affect Detroit, Taylor, Canton, Farmington, Troy, Redford, and Wyandotte.
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.
RH Outlet Opens in Farmington Hills as Hunter's Square Redevelopment Begins
RH Outlet has opened its doors at Hunter's Square in Farmington Hills, launching a wave of new retail and restaurant additions as part of the plaza's ongoing redevelopment. The project aims to revitalize a once-vacant shopping center along Orchard Lake Road.
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'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.
American Arab Chamber Director Fired Amid Investigation of Missing Funds
The American Arab Chamber of Commerce in Dearborn has dismissed Executive Director Bilal Hammoud after discovering unaccounted funds, with authorities now investigating possible misdirection of state economic development grants.
Michigan Insurers Offer $950 Blood Test for Early Cancer Detection
A new blood test that can detect dozens of cancers early is now available through select Michigan hospitals and insurers, but questions remain about its high cost, insurance coverage, and real-world impact on patient outcomes
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
Corewell Health Nurses Approve First Contract With 15% Pay Raise
Registered nurses at Corewell Health East hospitals in southeast Michigan have ratified their first union contract, securing a 15% wage increase over three years and new workplace protections after more than a year of negotiations
Health Inspections Find Mold and Flies at Farmington Hills Restaurants
Oakland County Health Department inspections in July and August found mold, drain flies, and other violations at several Farmington Hills restaurants. Most issues have since been addressed, but reports highlight ongoing food safety concerns.
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
Dunkin' Brings Back Pumpkin Spice and New Fall Menu Across Michigan
Dunkin' has launched its 2026 fall menu in Michigan, featuring the return of pumpkin spice drinks, new tiramisu-inspired beverages, and a limited-time breakfast combo. The seasonal offerings are available at locations statewide starting August 19.
Cloud Security Gaps Challenge Local Governments Adopting New Systems
Local governments are moving finance operations to cloud-based ERP systems, but experts warn that misconfigurations and overlooked security practices can leave sensitive data at risk despite modern technology.
Four Charged in Multi-State Retail Theft Scheme Affecting Maryland
Authorities in Maryland have charged four individuals in connection with an organized retail theft ring that targeted stores in Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania, resulting in losses exceeding $48,000 between October 2025 and April 2026
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.
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.
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.
Sklar Brothers to Host 2027 Parkinson's Gala in Plymouth
The Kirk Gibson Foundation will hold its 2027 Everybody vs. Parkinson's 2 Gala on April 10 at Saint John's Resort in Plymouth, with proceeds supporting expanded Parkinson's care, research, and advocacy across Michigan and beyond
Local Governments Shift Toward Leaner, Accountable AI Systems
Cities and public agencies are moving away from massive, generic AI models in favor of smaller, purpose-built systems that prioritize efficiency, transparency, and local needs. The change aims to improve service delivery and meet strict governance standards.
Meijer to Open Smaller Grocery Store in Livonia August 2026
Meijer will launch a new 75,000-square-foot grocery-focused store at Seven Mile and Farmington roads in Livonia on August 19, 2026, offering food, essentials, and local features in a smaller format than its supercenters.
California Wineries Remove Vineyards as Wine Sales Hit 20-Year Low
California wine growers are pulling out and burning vineyards as national wine sales drop to their lowest point in decades, with shifting consumer habits and health concerns driving the decline
Online Pharmacies Expand as Michigan Drugstores Face Closures
More Michigan residents are turning to mail-in prescriptions as insurance plans favor online services, but the shift is contributing to the closure of hundreds of local pharmacies, especially in rural areas, according to state officials and pharmacists
Free Play Pinball Arcade Brings Classic Games to Livonia
Free Play Pinball Arcade has opened in Livonia, offering unlimited access to nearly 100 vintage arcade and pinball machines for a flat fee. The new location aims to provide a family-friendly space for all ages to enjoy classic games.
MJR Named Metro Detroit's Top Movie Theatre in 2026 Voting
MJR has been voted the best movie theatre in Metro Detroit for 2026, topping the annual Vote 4 The Best contest with more than 163,000 votes cast across 80 categories this year
Farmington Retail Incubator Offers Short-Term Storefronts to Entrepreneurs
A new retail incubator in downtown Farmington is giving small business owners a chance to test brick-and-mortar locations with 90-day leases, helping them move from online or pop-up sales to permanent shops.