Royal Oak

Nearly 80,000 DTE Energy customers in Southeast Michigan remain without power after Friday’s severe storms, with restoration expected for 95% by Monday. The storms caused downed trees, power lines, and localized flooding in areas including Royal Oak, Detroit, and Ann Arbor. The Detroit Zoo closed Saturday due to a power outage, and DTE addressed customer concerns about restoration priorities and resources for medical equipment users.

More than 79,000 metro Detroit residents remain without power over 48 hours after Friday's storms, which damaged thousands of power lines and trees. DTE Energy reported ongoing restoration efforts, with some areas expected to regain power by Tuesday, while local authorities provided relief for vulnerable populations.

A Royal Oak nanny, Samantha Booth, faces trial for first-degree murder and other charges after being accused of stabbing 83-year-old David Ong over 40 times. Witnesses described chaotic scenes, including a neighbor comparing the event to a horror movie, and a family member encountering Booth covered in blood during the confrontation.

A Lake Orion woman, Rachele Ricklefs, had her insanity plea accepted by a Macomb County court for allegedly striking nearly a dozen people with her Jeep in September 2025, leading to 18 felony charges. She was committed to the Michigan Center for Forensic Psychiatry after a psychological evaluation determined she was not criminally responsible.

Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold appeared in court in Florida for an armed robbery and kidnapping case. Construction began on Detroit's Brennan Recreation Center in Rouge Park, and a preliminary exam continued in a Royal Oak nanny murder case. Washington Township residents criticized officials for undisclosed data center discussions.

Samantha Booth, a Royal Oak nanny, is accused of stabbing 83-year-old David Ong more than 40 times while allegedly under psychedelic mushrooms. Medical examiner Dr. Ljubisa Dragović testified that Ong’s injuries, including sharp-force and defensive wounds, were consistent with a screwdriver attack, ruling the death a homicide. Defense attorney Jim Amburg challenged the findings, while police officer Austin Pelitz described the crime scene.

A Garden City man, Emad Rehman, 26, pleaded guilty to charges of fleeing and eluding police and driving with a suspended license after crashing his Tesla into a Verizon store in Ferndale. The incident occurred after Rehman reportedly ran a red light in Royal Oak and fled police, leading to a high-speed pursuit before the crash. He faces sentencing on Sept. 8, 2026.

E-bikes are becoming more popular, leading to increased injury rates across all age groups. Donna Bucciarelli, a trauma prevention coordinator at Corewell Health Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, discusses the issue in an interview with Local 4 Live.

E-bike injuries among children are increasing, according to Corewell Health Children’s in Royal Oak, which reported a rise since 2023. Dr. Pavan Brahmamdam highlighted severe injuries like concussions and skull fractures, emphasizing the risks of high speeds and the need for proper safety measures, including helmets and age-appropriate e-bikes.

A live true-crime event in Royal Oak provides a platform for individuals affected by high-profile cases to share their stories. JonBenét Ramsey’s father, John Ramsey, will attend, discussing the 1996 murder of his daughter, which remains unsolved despite DNA evidence clearing him and his wife.

Democrat Senate candidate Mallory McMorrow accrued nearly a year's worth of unpaid utility charges on her million-dollar home while campaigning on affordability. The property had accrued $3,000.37 in unpaid bills and late fees. McMorrow championed 'affordability' legislation despite falling behind on payments.

Swatch has collaborated with Audemars Piguet to create a new timepiece collection called Royal Pop, featuring eight pocket watches with colorful designs. The collection is inspired by Swatch's iconic Pop watches and Audemars Piguet's Royal Oak timepieces. The pocket watches are priced at $400.