After serving more than five years in a Russian labor colony, Paul Whelan, a retired U.S. Marine and Novi resident, is a free man today.

CLINTON TOWNSHIP — Polish up that classic car in the garage: August 4 is its time to shine. The Clinton Township Gratiot Cruise will be returning for the 21st year. The annual event revs up at 8 a.m. and comes to a halt at 6 p.m. The opening ceremony for the event is set for 11 a.m.

HARRISON TOWNSHIP — The 10th annual Parade of Lights is set to sail the Clinton River at 9 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 3.  The annual parade of illuminated boats will sail the Clinton River upstream from Lambrecht Marina at 9 p.m.

HAZEL PARK — When two homes caught fire on Muir Street in Hazel Park late last month, working smoke detectors saved the lives of the occupants sleeping inside.

METRO DETROIT — Sparkle Network will again help young ladies enjoy their high school homecoming dances this fall.

METRO DETROIT — A look at five things to do during the weekend of Aug. 15-18

WARREN/STERLING HEIGHTS — After serving on the Warren Consolidated Schools Board of Education for 14 years, Trustee Megan Papasian-Broadwell stepped down from her position effective Aug. 1.

METRO DETROIT — A look at five things to do during the weekend of Aug. 9-11

WEST BLOOMFIELD — The Sports Club of West Bloomfield is slated to host “Pickleball for Friendship” Aug. 4.

ROYAL OAK — The annual car show hosted by the Royal Oak Historical Society is coming up from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 3 at the museum, 1411 W. Webster Road.

ROYAL OAK — Arts, Beats & Eats is set and ready to showcase star-studded performances, one-of-a-kind artists and plenty of great tastes at the end of summer festival. 

NOVI — People’s Express, which on July 1 took over in Novi as the provider of curb-to-curb transit services, will be housed at the Novi Civic Center until the end of the year as part of an agreement with the city.

NOVI — The annual Festival of Chariots paraded through the streets of Novi July 21.

SOUTHFIELD — Veterinary technician and Southfield resident of 20 years Jeremy Gerhard competed with Maverick, a Pembroke Welsh corgi owned by Sally Slade of Grand Blanc, Michigan, in their fourth international event together at the 2024 World Agility Championship, bringing home a silver medal.

LATHRUP VILLAGE/SOUTHFIELD — Music lovers are in for a treat as Southfield and Lathrup Village each host free music festivals Aug. 9-10.

TROY — Maria Nido, a recent graduate of Troy High School, is one of five metro Detroit high school students selected to join Bank of America’s 2024 Student Leaders program.

METRO DETROIT — A new champion has been crowned for the Shield’s Restaurant and Pizzeria 2024 Pizza Bake-Off Contest.

TROY — Two separate PayPal scams were reported in the city recently.

TROY — In 2016, Nancy Hauff and four colleagues  formed the Troy chapter of 100 Women Who Care to help create a direct, positive impact on the organizations in the area.

ROYAL OAK — Whether it’s from the United Shore Professional Baseball League or various Michigan-based teams in the amateur college baseball Northwoods League, such as the Royal Oak Leprechauns, Major League Baseball has had a firm grasp on local talent in the Michigan area.