BIRMINGHAM — The summer before her junior year of high school, Seaholm High School student Tessa Shane had stopped doing sports and was looking for something she could do to get involved with the community, outside of school.

BIRMINGHAM — The Eagle covered a variety of community-centered stories in 2025 that featured local voices. Here are some updates to a couple of the stories from last year.

BIRMINGHAM — When the city of Birmingham sent out a survey in 2024 that asked residents if they believe historic preservation is a worthwhile goal, 94% of the 201 respondents said “yes.”

To kick off 2026, each municipality in the Eagle’s coverage area has shared its goals for the new year.

BLOOMFIELD HILLS — Last year, Bloomfield Hills High School students were inspired to form a debate club. This year, the club has officially become a team that has proven itself time and time again at tournaments.

BLOOMFIELD HILLS — Each year, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society honors high school students through the Student Visionaries of the Year philanthropic competition.

BIRMINGHAM — The Franciscan Outreach Program and Birmingham Village Players are collaborating for the first time this winter for a benefit that helps feed the hungry.

BEVERLY HILLS/BIRMINGHAM — The Rochester Police Department started the S.A.V.E.S Project earlier this year to provide a resource for people living with cognitive or developmental challenges to feel safer when out in the community.

BIRMINGHAM — For the last 45 years, the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center has brought together artists throughout the community for its annual Holiday Shop. During the holiday season, 3,000-square-feet of gallery space at the BBAC is turned into a boutique full of handmade gifts made by local artists.

BIRMINGHAM/BLOOMFIELD HILLS — In November, Eagle voters elected new members to local commissions.

METRO DETROIT — The Detroit area is filled with family-owned businesses that take pride in their work and build meaningful connections within the community.

METRO DETROIT — A home inspection — which can bring attention to major issues in a house that the buyer can request that the seller repair before closing — is an essential part of the buying and selling process that ensures buyer satisfaction and safety.

BIRMINGHAM — Every holiday season, it is a family tradition for Birmingham Village Players member Joe Vercellone to watch Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” This year, Vercellone and his son Phillip adapted the show into a one-man play to be performed as a fundraiser for the Birmingham Village Players. 

BIRMINGHAM — The Birmingham Museum will be starting the year off with the opening of a new exhibit that celebrates local history. 

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — Bloomfield Township was recently awarded a Transportation Alternatives Program grant from the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments for a 1.4-mile pedestrian safety path that will be installed along Telegraph Road, between Golf Drive and Mall Drive.