ROYAL OAK — Royal Oak Chabad Jewish Center is getting ready for its sixth annual menorah lighting and brand-new Chanukah Village experience that will take place 4-6 p.m. Dec. 29.

GROSSE POINTE WOODS — At 9, Salvatore “Sal” Strasz, of Grosse Pointe Woods, is a bundle of energy who loves dogs — his family has two — and sports, especially soccer. And he doesn’t let having Type 1 diabetes stand in the way of anything he wants to do.

FERNDALE — A long-running restaurant in downtown Ferndale will be closing down at the end of the month.

ROYAL OAK — A site plan at 505 S. Lafayette Ave. was approved unanimously by the Planning Commission Dec. 10 despite the majority of public speakers disapproving of the project.

ROYAL OAK — Show off your ugliest Christmas sweater and give back on Dec. 20 at the Blind Owl, 511 S. Main St. in Royal Oak, for the Filthy Cares Adopt-A-Block Ugly Sweater Christmas Party.

FERNDALE — Ferndale Middle School’s robotics team was able to take home a state championship earlier this month and will now compete in the world championship next year.

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — The Packard Proving Grounds is bringing back a historical Christmas setting with ’Twas a Night Before Christmas 1939,” which will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. Dec. 20.

ROSEVILLE — One of Michigan’s own would like to introduce himself to Ralph Macchio and Jaden Smith as the new “Karate Kid.”

ROSEVILLE — At Christmastime during World War II, families scaled back on meal options, decorations and gifts because of the rations on food and other merchandise.

ROSEVILLE — When Christmas arrived in 2020 — the year of the COVID-19 pandemic — Rick and Dawn Gaines wanted to do something to lift up people’s spirits.

METRO DETROIT — While winter recreational activities provide a cool time, it’s important to remember safety when venturing out on the ice.

CENTER LINE — The city of Center Line had a ribbon-cutting to unveil a specially designed mural on the side of City Hall Dec. 6 as part of the Detroit Institute of Arts Partners in Public Art program.

WARREN — The Busch Branch of the Warren Public Library, located at 23333 Ryan Road, will remain closed after school hours until Feb. 28, 2025, per the Warren Library Commission.

WARREN — Wave Project is opening a new shelter for unhoused adults Dec. 29 through March 22 at Trinity Lutheran Church Warren to reduce homelessness during the cold weather.

MADISON HEIGHTS — Officials with the Madison Heights Department of Public Services are forecasting colder, wetter weather this winter. They’re preparing accordingly.

CLINTON TOWNSHIP — Santa was in attendance as Clinton Township got in the holiday spirit with its annual Christmas Aglow celebration Dec. 7.

ROYAL OAK — It’s that time of year again to light up the windows of the young patients of Corewell Health and spread the love as the holiday tradition Moonbeams for Sweet Dreams begins for its sixth year.

NOVI — Novi police transparency with the community regarding home invasions led to the rare arrest of an alleged member of an elusive transnational gang Dec. 2.

NOVI — A Novi police officer and his wife are trying to spread awareness that breast cancer can happen at any age after she got diagnosed a week before her 35th birthday.

GROSSE POINTES — A group of teenage suspects has been arrested after the teens reportedly committed more than a dozen larcenies from unlocked autos in Grosse Pointe Farms and Grosse Pointe City over a period of a couple of days.