METRO DETROIT — In this week’s Behind the Wheel, Staff Writer Maria Allard shares memories of the camping trips across the country she took with her family as a kid. The photos were taken in slide form in 1979 when the family traveled out West.

MADISON HEIGHTS — As Hazel Park wraps its “road diet,” Madison Heights is planning one that will shrink a stretch of 11 Mile Road from four lanes to three.

METRO DETROIT — A recent 4-3 ruling by the Michigan Supreme Court affecting the state’s laws governing minimum wage and sick time is sending shockwaves through many businesses, including the restaurant industry.

MADISON HEIGHTS — Following a lengthy investigation, authorities now believe that a young boy who died in Madison Heights was abused and killed by his mother and her boyfriend.

OAKLAND COUNTY — Drowning is fast and silent, and it can take less than 30 seconds for someone to drown. In Oakland County, there have been 11 drowning deaths in 2024 alone.

METRO DETROIT — A look at five things to do during the weekend of Aug. 22-25

OAKLAND COUNTY — Impaired driving crashes across Michigan are on the rise, a troubling statistic released in a study from Bridge Michigan, which also found that police across the state are not making as many arrests for drunk driving as they have in the past.

HAZEL PARK — Nearly 100 artists and crafters will set up shop at Green Acres Park for the 2024 Hazel Park Art Fair, alongside other offerings such as pottery demonstrations, stilt walkers, aerial performers, yoga classes, and food trucks.

HAZEL PARK — A “road diet” installing bike lanes and other safety features along John R Road, from Hazelcrest Place to 10 Mile Road, is on track to finish this fall.

METRO DETROIT — During the primary election Aug. 6, two Democrats squared off to be their party’s candidate for a four-year term on the Oakland County Board of Commissioners serving District 3, which includes Madison Heights, Hazel Park and parts of Troy.

MADISON HEIGHTS — A millage renewal proposal for the Madison District Public Schools was approved by voters during the primary election Aug. 6.

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.

OAKLAND COUNTY — On July 16, the city of Southfield sponsored a public demonstration of the latest road safety technology being piloted in Southfield and Oakland County, conducted by P3Mobility and the Road Commission for Oakland County at Lawrence Technological University.

MADISON HEIGHTS — Oakland County has grand plans for Red Oaks Park — once known as Ambassador Park, a space it leases from the city of Madison Heights — and residents will get to share their thoughts at an upcoming event there.

OAKLAND COUNTY — The next election will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 6, and voters should take note of a couple of deadlines before hitting the polls.

MADISON HEIGHTS — When people think of parks, they might think of pastimes like running, playing ball or walking dogs. If properly maintained, however, parks can also support ecosystems by providing a wildlife habitat with clean air and water.

HAZEL PARK/ EASTPOINTE — A woman stands accused of leading Eastpointe and Roseville police on a high-speed chase using a stolen vehicle, only for police in Hazel Park to capture her when the car ran out of gas.

MADISON HEIGHTS — Five years ago, the Madison Heights Police Department reinstated its undercover Special Investigations Unit, looking to clean up crime in hotels and motels that ranged from narcotics to human trafficking.

In the Madison-Park News coverage area, voters will select candidates for various offices in federal, state and county primary elections on Aug. 6. Madison District Public Schools voters will also be asked to consider an operating millage proposal.

HAZEL PARK — Two women died from smoke inhalation in what officials say is Hazel Park’s first fatal fire in more than 10 years.  Authorities received word of the fire around 5 a.m. Friday, July 12.