Local News, Events, and Stories That

Matter to Our Community

The City of Farmington Hills has announced their construction projects for the year 2026, with a focus on improving infrastructure and enhancing the community.

Some of the key projects include road resurfacing, sidewalk repairs, and upgrades to parks and recreational facilities.

The city is also planning to invest in improving water and sewer systems to ensure a more sustainable and resilient infrastructure. In addition to these projects, the city is also focusing on enhancing public transportation options, including the implementation of new bike lanes and pedestrian pathways.

This will help to promote a more walkable and bike-friendly community, while also reducing congestion and encouraging green transportation options. Overall, the City of Farmington Hills is committed to investing in the future of the community and creating a more vibrant and sustainable city for residents and visitors alike.

These construction projects will help to ensure that Farmington Hills remains a great place to live, work, and play for years to come.

During a June 8 study session, the Farmington Hills City Council reviewed a proposal for a new $154 million Oakland County Water Resources facility. The plan involves building a new 290,000-square-foot centralized building on 38 acres of county-owned land to consolidate six currently undersized facilities. To fund this, retail water and sewer customers in Farmington Hills could see an average increase of $1 per month.

City Budgets & Planning:

Farmington: The Farmington City Council scheduled a public hearing for June 15 to discuss the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget.  

Farmington Hills: The City Council is actively discussing the ongoing search for a new City Manager and is reviewing a new City-Initiated Mural Policy and Program to bring more public art to the area.

Founders Sports Park will host a community fireworks event this week.

📅 Date: June 25

🕖 Activities start at 7 PM

🎆 Fireworks begin at dusk

This is expected to be one of the city’s largest family events of the summer.

The Hawk (Farmington Hills Community Center) is hosting several major performances this month:

• The Color Purple: A local stage production of the acclaimed musical will run for multiple performances from June 26 through June 28.

• Hawk Pride — An Evening of Drag Performances: In celebration of Pride Month, The Hawk will host two drag performances on June 12 (an 11:30 AM matinee and a 7:00 PM evening show).

• Rock Around the Hawk: The popular interactive music program for kids will take place on Friday, June 11 at 10:00 AM.

Library & Community Events

• Summer of Stories Kicks Off: The Farmington Community Library has officially launched its annual "Summer of Stories" reading program, which runs from June 1 through August 1. The program challenges residents of all ages to read for at least 10 hours and complete "Community Missions" around town to earn prizes and enter grand prize raffles.

• Summer Send-Off at Heritage Park: Local incoming students for Hope College and their families are gathering at the North Shelter in Heritage Park on June 16 for a "Summer Send-Off" to build connections before the fall semester.

• Farmington Fine Arts Night & Fairy Tale Celebrations: While Farmington Public Schools wrap up the year, recent highlights included the district's 50th-anniversary Fine Arts Night (featuring a 1970s theme) and Farmington Elementary first graders wrapping up the school year with a magical "Cinderella Ball" and a Charlotte’s Web barnyard-themed celebration.

Farmington Hills Mercy Softball Reaches State Finals

The Farmington Hills Mercy Marlins softball team had an incredible postseason run, culminating in an appearance at the MHSAA Division II State Championship on June 13 at Michigan State University.

Despite entering the postseason with a 13-16 regular season record and a younger, rebuilt roster compared to previous championship teams, the Marlins put together a seven-game winning streak in the state tournament. Highlights of their run included:

Trader Joe's

Trader Joe's is one of the most anticipated new arrivals in Farmington Hills as part of the grocery chain’s 2026 nationwide expansion. The upcoming store will give local shoppers a much closer and more convenient location to enjoy the brand’s popular private-label products, seasonal favorites, fresh flowers, and budget-friendly produce. Although an official grand opening date has not yet been announced, the new location is already generating major excitement across the community.

The Mercantile Nonprofit is a recently launched non-profit inclusive artist market and gift shop located on Grand River Avenue in Downtown Farmington. Founded by a dedicated group of women, this shop showcases unique handmade gifts and one-of-a-kind art crafted by a collective of Michigan creatives.

Pita Way - Farmington Hills has officially opened on West 14 Mile Road, bringing fresh, 100% Halal Mediterranean meals to the area. Known for its customizable bowls, pitas, and shawarma, the Michigan-born chain offers dine-in, carry-out, delivery, and catering. Meanwhile, locals are also anticipating the future opening of Zarzoor Prime Restaurant on Orchard Lake Road.

Community Learning Spotlight: t.Lab Helps Students Aim Higher

The Garden City-based learning organization combines academic tutoring, technology, mentorship and parent participation to help students reach ambitious educational goals.

Families searching for additional academic support may be interested in t.Lab, a Michigan nonprofit learning organization serving students from pre-kindergarten through the undergraduate level.

Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Garden City, t.Lab describes itself as a high-performance learning laboratory focused on helping students become independent learners, strong leaders and competitive candidates for college and future careers.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

A central part of t.Lab’s approach is teaching students “how to learn.” Tutors, mentors and learning facilitators work with students to build academic skills while encouraging discipline, confidence, independence and personal responsibility.

Students may participate through face-to-face or virtual tutoring sessions, making the program accessible to families beyond its Garden City headquarters.

Parents and guardians also have an active role. Through a program called Parent University, families receive guidance in areas including academic development, college selection, scholarships, career preparation and tracking student progress.

Results Reported by t.Lab

According to figures published by the organization for fiscal year 2024, t.Lab students achieved an average ACT score of 30.5. The organization also reports that its students have earned approximately $23 million in scholarships since 2007.

Learn more: www.tlab-global.org
Location: 1751 Radcliff Street, Garden City, MI 48135
Phone: 888-327-3387
Email: info@tlab-global.com

Looking Back in History: June 23–30

June 23, 1961 — The Antarctic Treaty Took Effect

The Antarctic Treaty officially entered into force, establishing Antarctica as a continent reserved for peaceful purposes and scientific research. It encouraged international cooperation and prohibited military activity on the continent.

June 24, 1948 — The Berlin Blockade Began

The Soviet Union blocked rail, road, and water access to the Western-controlled sections of Berlin. The United States and United Kingdom responded with the Berlin Airlift, delivering food, fuel, and other necessities to millions of residents by airplane.

June 25, 1950 — The Korean War Began

North Korean forces crossed the 38th Parallel and invaded South Korea. The conflict drew in the United States, China, and other United Nations countries and eventually resulted in the lasting division of the Korean Peninsula.

June 26, 1945 — The United Nations Charter Was Signed

Representatives from 50 nations signed the United Nations Charter in San Francisco. The agreement created an international organization dedicated to peace, security, human rights, and cooperation following the destruction of World War II.

June 27, 1950 — The United States Entered the Korean Conflict

President Harry S. Truman announced that he had ordered American air and naval forces to support South Korea. The decision marked the beginning of direct United States military involvement in the Korean War.

June 28, 1914 — Archduke Franz Ferdinand Was Assassinated

Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, and his wife Sophie were assassinated in Sarajevo. The killing triggered a diplomatic crisis that led to the outbreak of World War I several weeks later.

June 29, 2007 — The First iPhone Went on Sale

Apple released the original iPhone in the United States. Combining a mobile phone, music player, internet browser, and touchscreen interface, the device helped transform communication and the global smartphone industry.

June 30, 1908 — The Tunguska Explosion Occurred

A large asteroid or similar space object exploded in the atmosphere over Siberia. Known as the Tunguska event, the blast flattened trees across a vast, remote area but produced relatively few reported human casualties.

From global diplomacy and world-changing conflicts to scientific mysteries and groundbreaking technology, the final week of June has witnessed several events that continue to influence our world today.

Joke Of The Day😆

Why did the scarecrow win an award? 

Because he was outstanding in his field!