MADISON HEIGHTS — A lawsuit has been filed in federal court against the Madison Heights Police Department and four of its officers, alleging they used excessive force on a resident last year and violated his constitutional rights under the Fourth and 14th amendments.

DETROIT — The first prison sentence has been handed down in a corruption case that has ensnarled the Madison District Public Schools for years. John David, 65, a former contractor for the school district who owned Emergency Restoration in Troy, was sentenced Aug. 14 by U.S. District Judge Laurie Michelson.

HAZEL PARK — A local pawn shop was broken into and its guns stolen by a group of men. Police believe they have captured two of the suspects, but the other two suspects are still at large, and there may be connections between them and other burglaries in the area.

METRO DETROIT — With temperatures breaking records around the globe, experts are advising pet owners to be careful when exposing animals to summer heat.

MADISON HEIGHTS — While the Jewish community in Detroit is relatively small, their history of contributions is vast, ranging from the doctor who helped eradicate smallpox, to one of the most famous film producers in the world.

HAZEL PARK — Richard Gage likes to understand how things work. The namesake artist of Richard Gage Design Studio feels that taking things apart and putting them back together is a form of curiosity-driven learning that many young people don’t experience today.

MADISON HEIGHTS — Those who volunteer know it can be thankless work, but they aren’t in it for the glory. They do it because they want to help others — a fact not lost on city officials.

HAZEL PARK — A festival aims to prove Hazel Park lives up to its motto as “The Friendly City.”

HAZEL PARK — Last year, a group of teens decided to organize their own version of prom at the Hazel Park District Library. This year, the event returns with a murder mystery theme, and more than 600 dresses provided by a local charity.

MADISON HEIGHTS — The site of the shuttered Electro-Plating Services is advancing toward full remediation. The city of Madison Heights has snapped up the remaining parcels, and officials are talking about its potential for redevelopment as early as next year.

MADISON HEIGHTS — An armed school resource officer will provide an extra level of security at the Lamphere Schools, starting this month.   

HAZEL PARK — An ice-skating rink that Hazel Park officials say has long been a strain on the city’s finances has been sold to a private business.

MADISON HEIGHTS — It was the penultimate day of a journey spanning nearly 1,800 miles, walking on foot from Florida to Michigan, but U.S. Army veteran Jack Huffman didn’t seem tired at all.

MADISON HEIGHTS — The Madison Heights Police Department has a new leader. Brent LeMerise, formerly the deputy police chief, was sworn in as the police chief on June 29, taking over for Corey Haines, the previous chief who retired after 31 years with the department.

HAZEL PARK — Hazel Park Neighborhood Enrichment recently disbanded, but still has funds to spend. Now, those remaining monies are going to be split between three recipients.