STERLING HEIGHTS — As the fate of a very special tree hangs in the balance, residents of Sterling Heights are speaking up.

MADISON HEIGHTS — Residents in the Lamphere Schools will vote on a tax proposal May 6.

STERLING HEIGHTS — What began with a student wanting to “fit in,” led to a fitness center that aims to include everyone.

MOUNT CLEMENS — A woman convicted in 2016 of first-degree child abuse was recently convicted of felony murder, as well, several years after the victim died from his injuries.

OAKLAND COUNTY — The Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner’s Office is teaching young people about environmental stewardship through the Kids’ Clean Water Calendar Contest, now in its 20th year.

MADISON HEIGHTS — The English language can be difficult for non-native speakers to learn. A program starting soon at a local church aims to ease that process, meeting each student where they’re at in their language-learning journey.

MADISON HEIGHTS — Following an extensive public feedback process last year, officials at Oakland County Parks have unveiled the renovations planned for Red Oaks Park — the space once known as Ambassador Park, leased from the city of Madison Heights.

MADISON HEIGHTS — The mayor and mayor pro tem of Madison Heights want to know what kinds of programs and amenities are desired by residents — and they’re thinking outside the box about how to deliver them.

MADISON HEIGHTS — Madison Heights is one of the most accommodating cities for starting and redeveloping a business, according to a report by researchers studying best business practices in Michigan.

EASTPOINTE — A Detroit man faces life in prison after allegedly driving to the home of his ex-girlfriend’s new boyfriend and shooting him in the chest, nearly killing him, before barricading himself at his own home and shooting through the front door at responding officers.

WEST BLOOMFIELD — Fresh off a series of administrative changes that include a new township supervisor, police chief and board trustee, officials in West Bloomfield Township have plenty to keep them busy in 2025 as they work on projects in the parks, updating the master plan and more.

STERLING HEIGHTS — Just south of where the Clinton River crosses Van Dyke Avenue is a tree that may predate the founding of the United States.

HAZEL PARK — A Hazel Park nonprofit is lining up multiple initiatives this year aimed at reducing substance use among youth.

MADISON HEIGHTS — Officials in Madison Heights are sounding a note of fiscal caution — but not alarm bells — after a report forecasting challenges with inflation, state revenue sharing and other policies that continue to strain Michigan cities.

KEEGO HARBOR/WEST BLOOMFIELD — The fight over Roosevelt Elementary continues.