MADISON HEIGHTS — Starting a small business is no small feat, but help is available. One group dedicated to small business owners is Oakland Thrive, a nonprofit organization that now administers the Business Forward program.

HAZEL PARK — The city of Hazel Park has applied for a federal grant that would help fund design and walkability improvements along the John R corridor, something officials hope will maintain the momentum of a growing downtown.

MADISON HEIGHTS/HAZEL PARK — Officials in Madison Heights and Hazel Park say their cities will be able to greatly improve their senior centers, thanks to grants awarded from Oakland County to each community.

MADISON HEIGHTS — Slavery still exists in America, closer to home than you may think. Its most common form today is human trafficking, where victims are shipped and sold for purposes such as labor and sexual exploitation.

HAZEL PARK — A major selling point for the Hazel Park Public Schools over the past decade has been the Hazel Park Promise Zone, and officials say it’s still going strong.

MADISON HEIGHTS — People of all fitness levels are welcome to participate in the annual Madison Heights “Run for the Health of It” 5K Run/Walk — a tradition that not only starts and ends in scenic Suarez Friendship Woods, but that also supports a good cause.

MADISON HEIGHTS — A past contractor for the Madison District Public Schools has pleaded guilty to conspiring with the school board’s ex-president in a pay-to-play scheme.

MADISON HEIGHTS — Madison Heights police and officials with Madison District Public Schools are reportedly investigating a school employee who was fired after allegedly admitting to embezzling money from the district.

HAZEL PARK — You come across a baby bird that has fallen from its nest. You see the creature crying on the ground, and you want to help. But what do you do?

MADISON HEIGHTS/HAZEL PARK — The Madison Heights/Hazel Park Chamber of Commerce hosted the annual State of the Cities event March 23, at Eastern Palace Club in Hazel Park.

HAZEL PARK — Authorities continue to search for a suspect who stole money during an early morning bank robbery in Hazel Park.

MADISON HEIGHTS — For as long as she can remember, Sarah Laurence wanted to teach.

MADISON HEIGHTS — The Madison Heights Arts Board is exploring options to bring a stage to Civic Center Park, something that officials say could be used at events like Trail Tunes, and by local groups that want to hold their own performances, plays and presentations.

MADISON HEIGHTS — Until recently, a family of skeletons had been living their best lives on West Gardenia Avenue, their antics changing with the seasons like some sort of surreal sitcom.

MADISON HEIGHTS — Grants are available for those interested in planting native gardens, which feature plants that provide food and habitat for pollinators and other beneficial species.