MADISON HEIGHTS — The Madison Heights Food Pantry provides food and other items to anyone in need, whether they live in Madison Heights or not. Officials say the economy and government shutdown are putting the squeeze on families, including working single parents trying to feed their kids. As such, more donations are needed.

HAZEL PARK — Authorities in Hazel Park are working to piece together five break-ins at vacant properties that occurred around town last month. They’re also urging property owners to secure any unoccupied homes and encouraging the public to be vigilant about suspicious activity.

MADISON HEIGHTS — For the second time this year, voters in the Lamphere Schools district rejected a bond proposal on Nov. 4, in a possible sign that taxpayers may be at their limit. The final vote was 51.96% voting no (1,812 votes) and 48.04% voting yes (1,675 votes).

HAZEL PARK/MADISON HEIGHTS — Residents in Madison Heights and Hazel Park each had big decisions to make on Election Day Nov. 4, deciding the next mayor of each town. Madison Heights voters also decided several contested council seats.

HAZEL PARK/WARREN — The cities of Hazel Park and Warren will both receive state funding for public safety investments as part of a combined $3.4 million for Michigan House District 14. Local school districts will see an increase in funding as well.

EASTPOINTE — The suspect in the stabbing death of a Detroit man has been bound over to Macomb County Circuit Court. 

EASTPOINTE — There was an extra police presence Oct. 23 at Pleasantview Elementary School after a parent allegedly threatened an employee and the school community Oct. 22.

HAZEL PARK — Hazel Park Drama will soon deliver a different sort of “stage fright,” and right in time for Halloween. The club’s production of “Night of the Living Dead” is a retelling of the George Romero cult classic film of the same name, about a group of strangers holed up in an isolated farmhouse under siege by ravenous ghouls.

MADISON HEIGHTS — As artificial intelligence continues to develop, society is grappling with the best ways to use it. This includes the city of Madison Heights, where officials say AI has potential to do good — if handled responsibly.

ST. CLAIR SHORES — Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids is hosting another “Pigs 4 Wigs” outreach with the assistance of police departments throughout Metro Detroit. The event lasts throughout the month of November in conjunction with “No Shave November,” a campaign focused on raising awareness and funds to fight cancer.

HAZEL PARK — Officials with Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County are taking stock of last month’s Rock the Block initiative in Hazel Park, deeming it a success.

MADISON HEIGHTS — The city of Madison Heights will be changing its web domain from .org to .gov, improving the security of a website used by residents and business owners alike.

EASTPOINTE — A local man has been extradited from New York to face felony charges in Eastpointe. He is accused of kidnapping a minor, sexually assaulting her and taking explicit photos before she escaped his home.

LANSING — A bipartisan bill proposed by state Rep. Mike McFall aims to provide financial relief for those who foster animals.