NOVI — Chuck E. Cheese Novi recognized the variety of challenges that children who have autism encounter, including social interaction, so the newly renovated restaurant known for its Fun Centers gave children with autism and other developmental disabilities the opportunity to be “first to play” ahead of the establishment’s grand reopening celebration July 28.

NOVI — After nearly two years without a playground, children at Village Oaks Elementary School, 23333 Willowbrook Drive in Novi, will have a playground to use sometime this fall, according to an announcement from Novi Community School District Superintendent Ben Mainka.

EASTPOINTE — An Eastpointe child was sent to the hospital and a relative was arrested after Eastpointe police responded to what the department is calling an “accidental shooting” Aug. 9.

MACOMB TOWNSHIP — At its July 27 meeting, the Macomb Township Board of Trustees honored 15-year-old Sophia Vitale for her lifesaving actions.

MACOMB TOWNSHIP — Getting kids into sports can be hard, and it can be even harder when developmental or behavioral disabilities come into play.

MACOMB TOWNSHIP — Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel highlighted upcoming bridge repair and replacement projects throughout the county at a press conference on Aug. 5.

ROYAL OAK — There’s always a sense of excitement when local athletes shine in their respective fields, but even more so when they return to help the next generation.

ROSEVILLE — A Clinton Township man facing charges including second-degree murder for allegedly shooting and killing another man at Dooley’s Tavern in 2019 pleaded no contest to reduced charges in Macomb County Circuit Court Aug. 9.

ROYAL OAK — Arts, Beats & Eats, the popular four-day Labor Day festival that has been held in downtown Royal Oak since 2010, will return for its 25th year Sept. 2-5.

ROYAL OAK — The 2022 Woodward Dream Cruise, founded in 1995, will roll into town Saturday, Aug. 20.

CLAWSON — The Clawson Lions Club is gearing up to host its annual Down on Main Street car show on Saturday, Aug. 13. The event, now in its 24th year, takes place one week before the Woodward Dream Cruise and is the club’s largest fundraiser.

SOUTHFIELD — Last year saw the return of the Kimmie Horne Jazz Festival after its cancellation in 2020 due to the pandemic. Officials say its return last year was stronger than ever, and they’re looking for another strong showing this year.

METRO DETROIT — Incubators and accelerators sound like technical terms, but they can also make business sense.

METRO DETROIT — According to Royal Oak resident Jessie Miletic, she and her boyfriend, Lucas Morris, were recently put in a position that made them think about whether it was best to continue renting a home or to become first-time homeowners.

OAKLAND TOWNSHIP/ROCHESTER HILLS — Motorists driving through Oakland Township and Rochester Hills may notice traffic congestion in certain areas.

ROCHESTER — The Rochester Police Department is inviting the public to share comments during a voluntary state assessment later this month.

ROCHESTER — Rochester City Councilwoman Amanda Harrison has resigned from her position.

ROCHESTER — The Royal Park Hotel in downtown Rochester has been sold.

OAKLAND TOWNSHIP — Trail users now have a new place to park to access the northern end of the Paint Creek Trail.

ROCHESTER/ROCHESTER HILLS/OAKLAND TOWNSHIP — Voters made their party picks for governor, candidates for Congress and a number of local races in Oakland County Aug. 2.