How local musicians help connect parks and people in downtown Farmington Read Article

What the Friends of the Rouge are doing to fight water pollution and connect communities Read Article

Courtesy of Friends of the Rouge.

New businesses begin to bloom as spring has sprung in downtown Farmington Read Article

Living on couches, in hotels, or in cars, many in Oakland County experience "hidden" homelessness Read Article

Shariki Bell's apartment in Pontiac. Bell lived in a camper in her friend's driveway from 2006 to 2012 due to a mental health crisis.
Photo: Shariki Bell's apartment in Pontiac. Bell lived in a camper in her friend's driveway from 2006 to 2012 due to a mental health crisis. Steve Koss

PHOTOS: Take a peek at the Sterling Heights Community Garden ahead of its grand opening Read Article

Oak Park’s first K-9 officer retires after eight years of service Read Article

David Lewinski.

Features

Feature Story Consumer's Energy Four Cities Metro Pipeline project will occur from 2026 to 2029. Sustainability

Natural gas pipeline project to update aging system in four Metro-Detroit cities

Laura FitzgeraldThursday, June 26, 2025
Consumers Energy will invest $182 million to replace eight miles of outdated natural gas pipeline in four Metro Detroit cities from 2026 to 2029. The company claims this project will improve the safety and reliability of its natural gas system, but environmental advocacy groups argue that money and resources could be better invested in renewable, cleaner energy sources.
Feature Story The chapel of St. Mary's Academy Second Wave - Michigan

Vacant for 20 years, historic Monroe building will be repurposed for community goodNonprofit Journal Project Feature

Amy KurasThursday, June 26, 2025
In Monroe, the former St. Mary’s Academy building left an empty space in the city’s downtown when it closed in 2003. Demolition was on the table until a developer with a personal connection to the building stepped up to save it.
Feature Story "Magic Wonder Safari” by Anthony Lee at Zap Zone. Arts and Culture

PHOTOS: New adventures in public art with Sterling Heights

MJ GalbraithThursday, June 26, 2025
Several new artworks have debuted in Sterling Heights since we last took a stroll around the city’s art-strewn municipal campus. Let’s take a look at what’s new in Sterling Heights.
Development News The Jackson House once provided shelter for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his allies throughout the tumultuous Selma-to-Montgomery marches of 1965. Arts and Culture

Local history projects win grants in Dearborn, Mount Clemens, Rochester, and more

MJ GalbraithThursday, June 26, 2025
“The volume of applications demonstrates the necessity of this funding,” says Larry J. Wagenaar, executive director and CEO of the Historical Society of Michigan.
Development News The 10th annual Sterling Edge Awards will be hosted inside Lakeside Mall, the now-closed shopping center soon to be razed for a transformational mixed-use development in Sterling Heights. Entrepreneurship

Nominations open for Sterling Edge Awards as City plans event inside shuttered Lakeside Mall

MJ GalbraithThursday, June 26, 2025
Nominations for the 10th annual Sterling Edge Awards are currently being accepted online until a Friday, July 18, deadline.
Longform Cam Underdown and Chris Powers are the co-founders of ReciproCity, which developed a new housing resources website called Shelter Oakland. Technology and Innovation

Real-time shelter bed openings and other housing resources offered on new Shelter Oakland website

Patrick DunnWednesday, June 25, 2025
A new website offers real-time information on the number of beds available at almost all Oakland County shelters, as well as a massive list of resources available to those experiencing housing insecurity in the county. 
Feature Story Huge CNC Machines at Tarus's factory in Sterling Heights. Economic Development

TARUS turns 40 with bold moves and innovation in manufacturing and software

Layla McMurtrieFriday, June 20, 2025
As TARUS celebrates 40 years in Sterling Heights, the Michigan-based manufacturer is forging a bold new path—combining precision tooling for critical industries with the launch of its custom-built software platform, VERAX ERP, to help manufacturers thrive.
Feature Story All Gods Children Developmental Learning Center plans to be certified by Michigan’s free PreK for All program by fall of 2025. Second Wave - MichiganKids and Education

Detroit early education center preparing littles for “the next phase in life” despite challenges

Estelle SlootmakerTuesday, June 17, 2025
All of Gods Children Developmental Learning Center in Detroit exemplifies the need for addressing early education professionals low wages and the need for increased state child care subsidies.
Feature Story Robyn and Melissa Childers, owners of Welcome Home Yoga & Wellness. Economic Development

LGBTQ+ owned businesses in Metro Detroit you should know about

Genevieve FoxThursday, June 12, 2025
In celebration of Pride Month, here are some businesses owned by folks in the LGBTQ+ community that you should check out.
Longform Making connections at Dinan Park. Arts and Culture

How local musicians help connect parks and people in downtown Farmington

MJ GalbraithThursday, June 12, 2025
“That keystone moment of creating Riley Park has led downtown Farmington down the direction of creating this network of other cool little public nodes, like Dinan Park and the Masonic park, and connecting them,” says John Bry, Program Coordinator at Main Street Oakland County.
Feature Story Randi Rossario Maples holding her newly launched book "Sis I Get It!" Arts and Culture

Detroit influencer's new book, “Sis, I Get It” explores black girl empowerment and sisterhood

Kahn Santori DavisonThursday, June 12, 2025
Randi Rossario Maples, Detroit's most followed influencer, has authored several books focusing on co-parenting and the art of goal setting. In her latest publication, “Sis, I Get It!” which hit the shelves last month, delves into themes such as establishing boundaries in friendships, the challenges of motherhood, and the journey of discovering one's voice.
Development News The city’s African American Coalition hosts their 4th annual event on Thursday, June 19, with free activities planned throughout the day at the Sterling Heights Public Library and Dodge Park. Community Development

Juneteenth event expands to all-day celebration in Sterling Heights

MJ GalbraithThursday, June 12, 2025
"Juneteenth is a powerful reminder of our shared journey toward freedom and justice," says Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor.
Development News The Clinton River at Budd Park. Community Development

Placemaking projects, caregivers, and youth sports latest to benefit from Detroit area endowment

MJ GalbraithThursday, June 12, 2025
“From transportation for caregivers and construction of an accessible nature trail, to coaching for girls field hockey and inclusive theater performances, these grants demonstrate the positive impact that can happen when donors, philanthropy, communities and nonprofits work together,” says Community Foundation President Nicole Sherard-Freeman.
Feature Story Valerie Orr, Executive Director of Community Foundation of Monroe County Second Wave - Michigan

Valerie Orr Brings educator’s eye and collaborative vision to Community Foundation of Monroe CountyNonprofit Journal Project

Layla McMurtrieWednesday, June 11, 2025
Valerie Orr brings an educator’s perspective and collaborative spirit to her role as executive director of the Community Foundation of Monroe County.
Longform PreK for All ensures that every 4-year-old in Michigan has access to a high-quality preschool experience, regardless of income. Second Wave - MichiganKids and Education

“A lifeline for families,” PreK for All expands access and raises expectations

Brianna NargisoTuesday, June 3, 2025
Enrollment in PreK for All is now open for all families, no matter their income. The program operates across a mixed delivery system, including local school districts, public charter schools, private child care providers, Head Start programs, and community-based organizations.    
Feature Story Shed 5 Flea Bowls Arts and Culture

Shed 5 Flea returns to Eastern Market for its 9th season

Genevieve FoxFriday, May 30, 2025
This summer, the Shed 5 Flea event series returns to Eastern Market to bring local vendors and food trucks for the community. The events will be held throughout the season on June 8, July 13, and August 10, 2025.
Partner Content Event helps autistic children and adults get used to the airport environment and boarding experience. Second Wave - MichiganEquity

On Board for Autism: Airport simulation helps autistic kids take flight

Estelle SlootmakerFriday, May 30, 2025
To help autistic people and their families manage  these challenges, Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM), Delta Airlines, and the Detroit Metropolitan Airport partner to host On Board for Autism events that prepare them to successfully take a flight.
Feature Story Friends of the Rouge Fish Sustainability

What the Friends of the Rouge are doing to fight water pollution and connect communities

Genevieve FoxThursday, May 29, 2025
In an industrialized area like Metro Detroit, connecting communities to nature can be challenging. Friends of the Rouge are working on strategies to engage people with their local watershed and keep the river healthy for future generations.
Feature Story Shelley and Greg McArthur, co-founders and owners of NTL Industries, Inc. celebrate their 2025 National Small Business Persons of the Year award. Entrepreneurship

Sterling Heights businesses collect bevy of awards in contests both local and national

MJ GalbraithThursday, May 29, 2025
On the doorstep of summer, Sterling Heights businesses have already put an exclamation point on the year as accolades and awards have flooded the business community and, in turn, the city itself.
Development News A Vincent van Gogh reproduction from the DIA in downtown Farmington in 2022. Arts and Culture

These communities have been selected to host DIA masterworks in public spaces

MJ GalbraithThursday, May 29, 2025
“Seeing art in the community is just one way we hope people will connect with our collection,” says Julie McFarland, Executive Director of Public Affairs and Engagement at the DIA.
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Nonprofit Journal Project

 
Nonprofit leaders across southeast Michigan are contributing their thoughts via journal entries on how COVID-19 is affecting their organization. 
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