According to global energy think tank Ember, combined renewable energy sources overtook coal as the world' s largest source of electricity this year. While this is certainly encouraging, an in-depth look reveals a mixed picture. Developing nations, China in particular, led the way in transitioning to clean energy. Although it continues to build coal-burning power plants, it has added more solar and wind capacity than the rest of the world combined. India also saw significant

In the Downtown longform in our October issue on federal financial threats to K-12 school districts that do not abandon DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) policies, our writer drew a conclusion that “The Troy School District stated that it squarely stands behind initiatives and a culture steeped in DEI,” which can be viewed as as a quote from Troy Pubic Schools Director of Communications Kendra Montante. It was not part of a statement by the district but a conclusion of th

The Detroit Lions recently honored Seaholm High School physical education teacher and football coach Jim DeWald as the second week recipient of the 2025 Detroit Lions High School Football Coach of the Week Program, presented by Carhartt. According to the Detroit Lions’ website, each week through the 2025 regular football season, one coach is recognized for their commitment to team, school and community as well as success on the field and development of players’ character, dis

Christine Blackwell, author of Remarkable Women of Oakland County , is a female trailblazer who sought to write a book that would provide role models for today’s young women. Her pathway to authorship began at Lawrence Technological University.   “I received a full scholarship to Lawrence Tech,” Blackwell said. “I was the only woman in my classes. I studied architecture for three years. Then, I realized I wanted to be a book editor. I graduated with a bachelor’s of science i

Jenna Lepley, entrepreneur and baking extraordinaire, first opened Jenna’s Cakes at 14-years-old, but her affinity for baking began when she was just a little girl.  “I always baked with my grandmother,” Lepley said. “I’d cook with my mom all the time, but I’d bake with my grandmother. We would make cookies and cupcakes. My grandmother loved baking. It was a very special memory I had with her.”  During the Covid pandemic, Lepley, now 17-years-old, took the opportunity to hone

Eton Market , located at 221 N. Eton Street, has been a neighborhood staple in Birmingham for decades. The market was recently purchased by Birmingham residents Valant and Shantel Jaddou . The couple is also behind the popular Daycap Café at 930 E. Maple Road. With a commitment to quality and community, the Jaddous have refined Eaton Market’s original concept to better serve the tastes of today’s discerning shoppers — while still honoring the store’s roots. With deep fami

Read My Lips , a new romance-focused bookstore, has opened its doors at 768 N. Old Woodward Avenue in Birmingham, founded by Nikki Odom . A metro Detroit native and former neonatal nurse practitioner, Odom moved with her husband and family to Marquette, Michigan, seeking a quieter pace of life. It was there that she launched the original Read My Lips — a community-centered space dedicated entirely to fans of the romance genre. “Romance is the number one selling genre,” said

Jarbo , the women’s luxury fashion boutique located on East Maple Avenue in Birmingham, will be closing its doors by October 31. Founded by fashion industry veteran Sharon Roth , Jarbo began as a wholesale brand, supplying high-end boutiques and retailers across the country. With a background in wholesaling and private-label design for major retailers, Roth launched the first Jarbo retail store in Bellevue, WA, in 2010. Today, Jarbo operates three remaining brick-and-mortar s

Making room at the table As the holidays approach, it’s a time of year many of us look forward to — but what no one likes to talk about is the holidays hit different when you're older. While the rest of us are caught up in the chaos of shopping, decorating, and planning, there's an awful lot of people in our community who might be watching it all from the sidelines. We talk a lot about holiday spirit, but what does that actually

In challenging times, it is easy to reflect on how things used to be and focus on the resources we lack. For many of us in the nonprofit sector, those times are now. Budgets have tightened, federal grants are in question, resources are stretched thin, and we face difficult choices. Yet one truth remains: nonprofits are the heart of our community. Here in Oakland County, nonprofits large and small provide vital services that touch nearly every household. They inspire us throug