After a full construction project, DeKeyser Elementary in Sterling Heights has officially reopened, according toUtica Community Schools. The project added classroom doors and safety locks, upgraded technology and flexible collaboration areas.
Before school started, the district held an open house so families could see classrooms.
DeKeyser is the first project funded by a 2023 bond and work will continue in phases across the district.
Graebner Elementary is next, with students temporarily relocated to Rose Kidd during construction.
Chippewa Valley long-range facilities planning
Chippewa Valley Schools is developing a districtwide master plan, according toChippewa Valley Schools. Enrollment has declined from about 16,200 students to about 14,200.
The district says the plan will guide facilities and programs over the next decade. It is meant to outline which buildings need work and how space will be used.
Anchor Bay School District says it will have a cell phone free school day for all students this fall, according to the district’sdevice policy. Personal devices must be off and stored out of sight during school hours, according toClickOnDetroit.
For students, that means no phone use during the day. It sets one clear expectation across schools.
For parents, plan to coordinate after-school details before the morning bell or after dismissal. For urgent needs, call the school office.
The district says the goal is to reduce distractions and keep students focused on class time. Check your school’s messages for any school-specific guidance.
A staple of backyard parties, family gatherings and watch parties, chicken wings have brought family and friends together for decades with their hot sauces, sweet coatings and ever-so-satisfying bites.
These days, if you do a search for chicken wings in restaurants, you’re likely to come up with a choice of sports bars, sandwich shops, food trucks, Korean restaurants and Southern shops. It’s clear that the wings have transcended cultural barriers, which is why when we talk about origins, there are many to investigate.
Buffalo wings are the first to come to mind. This popular chicken wing style was born (where else?) in the city of Buffalo, New York. The prevalent story is that Italian-born Frank and Teressa Bellissimo first served these sauce-smothered avian parts to their son in 1964 and eventually in their restaurant, Anchor Bar. But another story says that John Young, a Black Buffalonian, was there serving wings on a busy Jefferson Avenue way before then. Young’s wings were served with a mombo sauce that Buffalo councilman James Pitts called the “lip-smacking, liver-quivering sauce (that) titillated our taste buds down to our toes.”
Korean fried chicken is another style that’s captured the hearts of many with midnight cravings. Crispy, messy and perfect with a glass of beer, these chicken wings are the stuff of dreams that got their start thanks to the popularity of cheap cooking oil in Korea and a sweet and spicy yangnyeom seasoning. Chain stores like KyoChon and Bonchon serving these delectable wings quickly opened, introducing innovations like soy fried chicken, garlic chicken and even curried fried chicken. As these shops have made their way overseas and onto our plates, they’ve also inspired local chefs to elevate the humble bird on a plate.
So, where should you go to find the perfect finger-licking bite? Stacker compiled a list of the highest-rated restaurants for chicken wings in the Detroit area using data from Yelp. The rankings factor in the average rating and number of reviews. Read on to see where you can satisfy your next craving.
14. Chicken Shack
– Rating: 2.9/5 (74 reviews)
– Price level: $$
– Address: 1320 East 11 Mile Road Royal Oak, Michigan
– Categories: Fast food, Chicken Wings
– Read more on Yelp
– Rating: 3.2/5 (97 reviews)
– Price level: $
– Address: 623 West 11 Mile Road, Madison Heights
– Categories: Sports Bars, New American, Chicken Wings
– Read more on Yelp
11. Sweetwater Tavern
– Rating: 3.3/5 (750 reviews)
– Price level: $$
– Address: 400 East Congress St., Detroit
– Categories: Bars, American, Chicken Wings
– Read more on Yelp
10. They Say Restaurant
– Rating: 3.4/5 (215 reviews)
– Price level: $$
– Address: 267 Jos Campau St. Detroit, Michigan
– Categories: New American, Chicken Wings, Bars
– Read more on Yelp
9. Grinder Z – Hazel Park
– Rating: 3.5/5 (50 reviews)
– Price level: $
– Address: 22822 John R Road Hazel Park, Michigan
– Categories: Chicken Wings, Italian
– Read more on Yelp
8. Victory Liquor & Soulfood
– Rating: 3.7/5 (55 reviews)
– Price level: $
– Address: 16200 West Warren Ave., Detroit
– Categories: Beer, Wine & Spirits, Soul Food, Chicken Wings
– Read more on Yelp
– Rating: 3.9/5 (105 reviews)
– Address: 23327 Greenfield Road, Southfield
– Categories: Chicken Wings
– Read more on Yelp
6. Alaska Fish and Chicken
– Rating: 3.9/5 (53 reviews)
– Price level: $
– Address: 13701 West Nine Mile Road, Oak Park
– Categories: Seafood, Fish & Chips, Chicken Wings
– Read more on Yelp
5. Fratelli’s Eateries
– Rating: 4.1/5 (56 reviews)
– Address: 5960 Schaefer Road, Suite A, Dearborn
– Categories: Pizza, Chicken Wings, Burgers
– Read more on Yelp
4. Nick’s Pizza
– Rating: 4.1/5 (117 reviews)
– Price level: $$
– Address: 745 East 9 Mile Road, Ferndale
– Categories: Pizza, Salad, Chicken Wings
– Read more on Yelp
3. Primos Pizza
– Rating: 4.1/5 (73 reviews)
– Price level: $
– Address: 8237 Allen Road, Allen Park
– Categories: Pizza, Barbecue, Chicken Wings
– Read more on Yelp
2. Mickey’s Pizza
– Rating: 4.3/5 (62 reviews)
– Price level: $
– Address: 3511 Fort St., Lincoln Park
– Categories: Pizza, Salad, Chicken Wings
– Read more on Yelp
When you think of putt-putt golf, you typically think of playing outside on a hot summer day. Here in metro Detroit, there are plenty ofoutdoor mini golf courses, for sure. But what if you want to play in the cooler months?
Whether you’re looking for a little glow-in-the-dark excitement for your kiddos or the best selfie ops for your teens, these indoor mini golf hotspots are sure to be a hit with your entire family.
How about even more indoor fun around southeast Michigan?
Try “Selfie Mini Golf,” where each time you go to putt, there’s a photo opportunity. Plus, find movie sets, optical illusions and more. For an additional cost, experience other games and activities, too, like go-karting, ax throwing, laser tag and a ninja course.
Real-life review:“We came here to play the nine-hole indoor putt-putt. It was pretty cool with all the black lights. This place is… BIG. If you have kids, this place would be great for them to have fun at!”— Victor Santana Jr.,Google Reviews
Real-life review:“Love, love, love — a whole room full of glow-in-the-dark scenery. Very cool mini golf, (whether) you are with your family or your friends.”— Erica Jo,Google Reviews
Real-life review:“The people are really nice. There are batting cages, mini golf and go carts. I had a blast going there. It’s meant for all ages, considering I’m 13. I think it’s a pretty cool place.”— Savannah Wright,Google Review
Putt-R-Round in Ypsilanti offers an 18-hole indoor mini golf course with glow-in-the-dark space holes — plus a one-of-a-kind “Putt Arcade” where every game wins tickets. It’s a fun, family-friendly spot perfect for casual outings, parties or late-night play.
Real-life review:“Can’t say enough about this place. We had an absolutely fantastic time. The course is funny and challenging, and the putt-cade is awesome. I hope this place stays around for a long time!”— Matt Jenson,Google Review
Hours:Vary by location; typically aligned with main attraction hours (check ahead)
Real-life review:“We had such a blast at Zap Zone in Canton. The kids couldn’t stop smiling, and we all left talking about how much fun we had together.”— Krystle Storr,Google Review
Updated in September 2025 by contributor Gianna Means to account for any closings, openings and new information.
When the school year stress is piling up, why not let the kids blow off a little steam at one of the region’s top-tier indoor bounce havens?
Metro Detroit has a wide selection of inflatable and trampoline parks. If there are little ones in tow, know that many parks have sectioned-off areas for younger kids to safely play. For older kids, there are a number of local adventure parks offeringzip lines, intense drops,climbing wallsand much more.
Ready for even more indoor fun metro Detroit?
Get an overview in ourindoor play centers guide
Plan your next trip to thebest arcades around metro Detroit
Discover the top spots to playindoor mini golf with your kids
There are more than just floor-to-ceiling trampolines at this park. Fly high on the trapeze or try to run up the warped wall. Don’t miss the dodgeball, basketball hoops and parkour training, too.
Real-life review:“This was an amazing adventure for our kiddos! The giant slides, obstacle course, zipline and so much more made it nonstop fun for them.”— Mary Momenee onGoogle Reviews
This bouncing spot features a separate area for children under 3 years old. Plus, try the dueling slides, arcade games, obstacle courses and more.
Real-life review:“Never disappointed when we come here. Livonia Bounce it Up has an awesome climbing playscape, several unique bounce houses (seems like a new one every so often) and a playscape for toddlers.”— Brittany Mickel onGoogle Reviews
Kids, teens and even adults will love launching themselves into these thrilling activities at three locales. Bounce on trampoline and sports courts, play laser tag, test your skills on the ninja course or rock climbing walls or go bowling, too.
Real-life review:“Recently came here to celebrate my little cousin’s birthday and had a blast! The staff was very kind and welcoming. We will be coming back in the future!”— Alex Hacker onGoogle Reviews
Pump it Up offers a large number of inflatable bounce houses, obstacle courses and slides. It’s also a popular spot for birthday parties. Call ahead for reservations.
Real-life review:“The arenas are filled with fun bounce houses and activities, perfect for letting the kids run around and burn off some energy. What I really loved was how the entire space was reserved just for our group, so we didn’t have to worry about where the kids were — it felt safe and well-organized.”— Darren Donnelly onGoogle Reviews
This trampoline spot boasts three metro Detroit locations and more than enough bouncy attractions to keep even the most thrill-seeking of kids entertained for hours. All three locations have foam pits, ninja warrior courses and trampolines.
Real-life review:“Amazing how much there is to do in this place! Wall-to-wall trampolines! Obstacle course, slides and a fast riptide that you can jump off and swing into soft square landings! Great place to take the kiddos.”— D Ayers onGoogle Reviews
Wall-to-wall trampolines, laser tag, bumper cars and many more attractions are available at most Springz locations, which are located inside Zap Zone. Find the trampolines at all four listed here; other attractions vary by site.
Real-life review:“The staff were very kind, especially the young man working the trampoline area. The party hosts were also helpful. Overall, the atmosphere is very kid-friendly. Oh, and the bathrooms were clean!”— Coco Moulder onGoogle Reviews
Stop by for trampolines on the walls, and stay for the new-age bumper cars, ropes course, climbing walls, slam dunk zone and virtual reality sets.
Real-life review:“This is such an awesome place! Went for my niece’s birthday, and my 6-year-old had an absolute blast. They have a ninja warrior course-like area, foam pits, dodgeball and so, so much more. We literally only played in the trampoline room and had a great time.”— Abbey Freiburger onGoogle Reviews
If you’re looking for even more high-actionfun, explore our fullindoor play attractions guide— includingawesome arcadesandindoor mini golf.
Updated in September 2025 by contributor Emily Hedrick to account for any closings, openings and new information.
Looking for the best Halloween yard displays and haunted attractions in Metro Detroit? From family-friendly scarecrow contests to intense haunted houses, here are the top neighborhood spots to explore this October, with details on cost, age fit, and accessibility.
Take the kids on a Halloween yard display tour through Clinton Township neighborhoods. Families can enjoy creative and spooky decorations during the full tour night, with additional “lights-on” viewing on select dates. No advanced registration required.
Address:Various neighborhood homes, Clinton Township
Cost:Free
Area:Macomb County
Age fit:All ages
Indoor/outdoor:Outdoor
Stroller-friendly options:Streets and sidewalks; may vary by neighborhood
Parking:Street parking available; check local signage
Accessibility:Accessibility details not listed; neighborhood sidewalks may vary in terrain and lighting
This family-friendly haunted attraction offers live-actor scares and spooky effects, plus “no-scare” glow sticks for kids who prefer a gentler experience. All children 16 and under need their own ticket and must be with a paying adult.Tickets are available online or at the door, according to Haunted Garage Productions.
Address:19520 Mack Ave., Grosse Pointe Farms
Cost:Ticket prices not listed; children 16 and under require a paid ticket; tickets available online or at the door
Area:Wayne County
Age fit:All ages; glow sticks available for younger kids
Indoor/outdoor:Outdoor
Stroller-friendly options:Not stroller accessible
Parking:Street parking on Mack Avenue
Accessibility:Not handicap accessible; no stroller access; no sensory hours listed
Families can explore downtown Saline filled with creative scarecrow displays in this annual contest. Kids will enjoy seeing whimsical and themed entries, while parents can join in the fun by voting online for their favorites.Registration is free and required for those entering a scarecrow, according to thecontest website.
Address:Downtown Saline, near Ann Arbor St. and Michigan Ave., with displays throughout Saline business districts
Cost:Free to enter and free to view
Area:Washtenaw County
Age fit:All ages
Indoor/outdoor:Outdoor
Stroller-friendly options:Sidewalks and downtown streets are stroller-friendly
Parking:Street and downtown lot parking available; check signage
Accessibility:Sidewalks are generally accessible; no specific ADA or sensory accommodations listed
Celebrate the kickoff of Northville’s month-long skeleton displays with food trucks, games, live entertainment and more than 200 creative skeletons downtown. Families can enjoy pumpkin carving, face painting, balloon art and a costume contest with prizes.Pre-registration is required for the contest, according toDowntown Northville.
Address:Downtown Northville, Main St. area, Northville
Cost:Free admission; food and drinks available for purchase; costume contest free with registration
Area:Wayne County
Age fit:All ages; costume contest has youth, teen and adult categories
Indoor/outdoor:Outdoor
Stroller-friendly options:Downtown sidewalks and streets are stroller-friendly
Parking:Free and paid public lots available throughout downtown; street parking available
Accessibility:Sidewalks are generally ADA accessible; no sensory hours listed
6–8 p.m. Oct. 31, 2025 (trick-or-treating hours; displays up all October)
Walk one of Michigan’s most famous Halloween streets and enjoy family-friendly displays created by residents of historic Tillson Street. More than 20,000 visitors come each year, with over 2,000 kids trick-or-treating on Halloween night.The street is closed to traffic during trick-or-treating hours for safety, organizers note on the Tillson Street website.
Address:Tillson St., Romeo
Cost:Free
Area:Macomb County
Age fit:All ages
Indoor/outdoor:Outdoor
Stroller-friendly options:Sidewalks available but can be very crowded; not stroller-friendly at peak hours
Parking:Parking available on surrounding streets; cars parked on Tillson must stay until 8:30 p.m.
Accessibility:No restrooms available; sidewalks may be crowded and uneven; no sensory-friendly hours listed
This free, community-run home haunt features intense scares, special effects, and live actors. Families can visit during Kid Day for a no-scare version with lights on and no actors. No tickets required.These safety warnings are listed on theTwisted Fears Haunted House website.
Address:24213 Harrison St., Clinton Township
Cost:Free
Area:Macomb County
Age fit:Recommended for ages 10 and up; Kid Day best for younger children
Indoor/outdoor:Outdoor / yard haunt
Stroller-friendly options:Not stroller accessible
Parking:Street parking available in the neighborhood
Accessibility:Not ADA accessible; no sensory-friendly hours listed
Warnings/Notes for parents:Includes loud noises, fog, flashing lights, and intense scenes. Not recommended for children under 10 or individuals with epilepsy, heart conditions, respiratory issues, or other medical concerns. No smoking, vaping, alcohol, or drugs on the property.
This story was originally published by Chalkbeat. Sign up for their newsletters at ckbe.at/newsletters
Lauren Gibbons and Isabel Lohman, Bridge Michigan, Chalkbeat
This story was originally published byBridge Michigan, a nonprofit and nonpartisan news organization. To get regular coverage from Bridge Michigan, sign up for a free Bridge Michigan newsletterhere.
Michigan approved a $24.12 billion education budget early Friday morning, agreeing to record high per-pupil funding, no-cost lunch and breakfast for K-12 students, and a small bump for colleges and universities.
The deal, part of an $81 billion budget agreement to fund state government operations, was approved two days after the politically divided Legislature missed the constitutional deadline to approve a spending plan but passed a stopgap bill to avoid a state government shutdown.
A general government spending bill passed the Republican-led House 101-8 and the Senate 31-5. A separate education spending bill cleared the chambers in 104-5 and 31-5 votes, respectively. Both were heading to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for her expected signature.
The school aid budget will “feed every child free meals at school, help our students succeed academically, and ensure Michiganders are safe in their communities,” Whitmer said in a 4:24 a.m. statement.
Supporters of the plan said the new budget would help close opportunity gaps for at-risk students and other kids who need additional support, as well as give educational leaders more flexibility to address local needs.
“This budget makes sure every young Michigander has a fair shot to thrive and build a future right here at home,” said Sen. Darrin Camilleri, a Trenton Democrat who chairs the Senate’s K-12 appropriations subcommittee.
But some critics say the spending should have included policies to encourage better results.
“We already invest more per student than most states with below-average results,” said Sen. Thomas Albert, R-Lowell. “We should tie spending increases to policy changes that will truly improve student achievement.”
School groups slammed state leaders for not reaching bipartisan consensus sooner.
“To be clear, Michigan’s schools have been harmed throughout every step of this unnecessary, Lansing-made crisis and the lack of accountability as lawmakers continued to obstruct a budget from moving forward will not be forgotten,” said Robert McCann, executive director of the K-12 Alliance of Michigan, a group representing 123 school districts.
Here are highlights of the budget:
Foundation allowance
Public schools will receive $10,050 per student, up 5% from $9,608 per student.
Virtual cyber schools will receive the same amount as other public schools after previously receiving less.
School districts have wide flexibility for how they spend the per-pupil grants.
But school leaders criticized other changes in the budget, including continued diversion of School Aid Fund money to cover higher education.
Universal school meals
Leaders allocated $201.6 million for free breakfast and lunch for all public school students and private school students. It’s the third school year of the Michigan School Meals program, which covers the cost of meals for students who otherwise don’t qualify for federal meals benefits.
The funding is up slightly from the $200 million the Legislature put aside last year.
Many school districts warned parents they would need to start paying for meals again if a budget was not in place by Tuesday.
At-risk funding
The deal includes a 25% bump in at-risk funding for students. Districts received these funds based on the number of economically disadvantaged students and the concentration of poverty within their district.
School leaders will be able to use up to 30% of their funds to reduce class sizes.
School safety and mental health
Leaders agreed to $321million for school safety and mental health funding. Two years ago, leaders agreed to $328 million, with private schools being eligible for a small portion of the funds.
But last year, leaders initially only put $26.5 million for the program which school leaders decried as cuts. A few months later, leaders passed an additional spending measure to provide $125 million more toward the program. In that deal, leaders also provided $1 million toward a tipline for students to anonymously report guns in violation of the state’s safe storage law.
Higher education
Michigan universities will see funding boosts ranging from 1.9% to 4.8%, an overall $2.34 billion spend.
An effort by Republicans to slash funding for the University of Michigan and Michigan State University was dropped from the final bill.
The plan diverts about $1.3 billion from the state’s School Aid Fund, the main funding mechanism for K-12 schools, to community colleges and universities, an increase from the last budget cycle.
Lauren Gibbons is a reporter for Bridge Michigan. You can reach her atlgibbons@bridgemi.com.
Isabel Lohman is a reporter for Bridge Michigan. You can reach her atilohman@bridgemi.com.
Chalkbeat is a nonprofit news site covering educational change in public schools.
Swifties have a new reason to stop by downtown Rochester. The Home Bakery has created a life-size cake in the likeness of Taylor Swift to celebrate the release of her new album, “The Life of a Showgirl.”
Why it matters
The towering confection isn’t just a tribute to Swift’s music. Bakery owner Heather Tocco said the display reflects both her admiration for Swift and her bakery’s mission of connecting with the community through creativity.
“Taylor Swift has always been more than a musician — she’s a symbol of creativity, resilience and reinvention,” Tocco said. “We wanted this cake to not only celebrate her new album but also inspire our community with the same joy and connection her music brings.”
What went into it
One full sheet cake and eight sheets of rice crispies
30 pounds of fondant and 12 quarts of buttercream
75 hours of work by a five-person design team
Where to see it
The cake is on display at The Home Bakery, 300 S. Main Street in downtown Rochester. Fans can view it through mid-November.
The bigger picture
Tocco said the bakery has long used its storefront windows as “a canvas to tell stories and celebrate cultural moments,” with past displays highlighting everything from football to pop culture.
The Taylor Swift cake, she said, felt like the perfect way to mark the release of “The Life of a Showgirl” and celebrate an artist she considers a powerful role model.
