METRO DETROIT — With inflation reportedly slowing and the Federal Reserve seemingly expected to begin cutting interest rates as early as September, several local real estate professionals believe now is a good time to purchase a home or refinance a mortgage.

ROCHESTER — Families and friends can enjoy a weekend of fun for all ages during Paint Creek Center for the Arts’ annual Art and Apples Festival.

NOVI — The annual Michigan State Fair rolls into the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi Aug. 29 through Sept. 2, and with it a logrolling show and several familiar attractions, including the Shrine Circus.

MACOMB TOWNSHIP/NOVI — The transition from home to school is often difficult for young children. Many tear up or cling to their parents and guardians and refuse to go into the school.

MACOMB TOWNSHIP — The Macomb Township Board of Trustees changed its tune about how it plans to sell off a piece of property, making its decision at the Aug. 14 meeting.

TROY — All Troy City Council members voted no on the proposed Village of Hastings planned unit development proposal from GFA Development Inc. Aug. 12.

SOUTHFIELD — On Aug. 5, Lawrence Technological University announced its new Healthcare Violence Reduction Center.

OAKLAND COUNTY — Oakland County voters will see an Oakland County Parks millage proposal on the ballot this Nov. 5.

DETROIT — Lifelong jazz aficionados and those who want to experience the music for the first time will bop shoulder to shoulder when the 45th annual Detroit Jazz Festival takes over downtown Detroit on Labor Day weekend, from Aug. 30 to Sept. 2.

GROSSE POINTE WOODS — It’s an artform that was introduced in Japan circa the early seventh century, but Grosse Pointe Shores artist Nobuko Yamasaki manages to make woodblock printmaking look fresh by adding her own spin on it.

GROSSE POINTES — Visitors to and residents of the Grosse Pointes this summer have been able to go on a global excursion without ever leaving the east side.

GROSSE POINTE CITY — Village visitors will be able to “fall” for art this September, as autumn starts on a bright note in the Grosse Pointe City business district.

PLEASANT RIDGE — The Pleasant Ridge City Commission approved two awards for future sewer and road projects.

BERKLEY — A Berkley resale business will be expanding while another is looking to move to a bigger location across the street.

BERKLEY — The Berkley School District’s Board of Education soon will have an opening on its board.

WARREN — The Warren City Council recently approved a request from the Downtown Development Authority board to purchase two buildings in Warren.

ROYAL OAK — State Sen. Mallory McMorrow, D-Royal Oak, had the opportunity to speak at the Democratic National Convention last week and said it is a memory she will never forget.

ROYAL OAK — For the first time in the Detroit Zoo’s 96-year history, a baby gorilla has been born at it, and according to the zoo’s experts, the first few weeks of the baby gorilla’s life have been ideal.

FRASER — Who knew a date for hamburgers could be the start of a seven-decade union? Well, Paul and Sharon Marinello might’ve had an inkling.

FERNDALE — The owner of a longtime Ferndale establishment is voicing his displeasure that his bar might be replaced.