Best Blogs: Win Diamond Earrings, Battery Choking Hazards, Enjoy a Debt-Free Holiday and More!

Check out some of this week's top community contributions from the area.

When to Ship Your Packages for Christmas

Use the interactive calendar below to make sure your gifts are sent in time for delivery by Dec. 25.

Book: 1968 Capitol Drug Party ‘Like ... Picking Out Hors D’euvores from a Buffet Table’

A former state legislator story alleging late-night drug parties at the Michigan Capitol Building in 1968 draws sharp denial by a former state lawmaker whose career ended shortly after he was arrested on heroin charges.

Suspected Serial Bank Robber Nabbed After 3 Armed Heists in 4 Days

Plus more police and crime news from around southeast Michigan this week.

Detroit Emergency Manager's Water Plan Tanks in Suburbs

The Detroit News reports county officials believe the financially troubled city is trying to 'cash in' on its water system.

"50 Shades of Green" is Family Friendly Holiday Fun

Cinema Siren's Best Actor Oscar Contenders for 2014

Is '12 Years A Slave's' Ejiofor staying strong or will 'The Wolf of Wall Street's' DiCaprio steal the spotlight?

Saint Patrick School Christmas Tree Sale!

Charity Yoga class @ Yoga Center, Sat.12/7, 7pm

Yoga 4 Children @ Yoga Center, Sat.,Dec.7

Brighton Police Warn Against Microsoft Phone Scams

Police say phone scams involving criminals pretending to be from Microsoft are being used to gain personal financial information.

How Does Brighton Rank Among Nation's Wealthiest ZIP Codes?

Check out how Brighton zip codes compare to some of their neighbors.

Your Parents Hate Me Letter

Parades, Construction Close Area Roads This Weekend

Here's a roundup of road closures and construction around southeast Michigan this weekend.

Coin-Sized Button Batteries Pose Serious Risks for Young Children

Safe Kids Huron Valley urges parents to secure button battery devices.

Santa Claus’s 14th Annual Visit to Brighton Ford

Santa will be visiting the Brighton Ford on Dec. 11 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Secretary of State Offices Now Accept Visa Credit Cards

The State and Visa resolved issues that had previously prevented Visa from being accepted at the counter.

‘Urpy Flu’ – Norovirus – Churning Around Michigan after Holiday Weekend

Warning: If you’re already feeling queasy, read on with caution.

Holiday Gifts for the Gourmand [SPONSORED]

We rounded up the must-have items for the chef or food lover in your family.

5 Great Holiday Crafts to Do With Kids This Weekend

Keep kids busy with these festive and fun activities.

Michigan College Students Have 10th Highest Average Debt

More than 60 percent of last year's graduates have an average debt of more than $28,000.

Warning Letters

Ho Ho Holidays and More this Weekend in Brighton

Have an event? Add it to our calendar.

$9,064 Raised for 'Wake up Tommy' Campaign

Family and friends are raising money for Thomas Orndorff who remains in a coma after a Nov. 9 accident in Brighton.

National Comedian Mark Lundholm with Musical Guest Carly Keyes

MDOT: Snowplows Need Room to Groom

Plows always need plenty of room to perform their job properly.

[VIDEO] How to Stock Your Pantry for Unexpected Guests

It's the holiday season—which means you'll sometimes have more guests than you planned. Here's how to cope.

Olga’s Kitchen Is Making The Holidays Brighter For Hospitalized Children

MegaMillions Jackpot Hits $291 Million for Dec. 6 Drawing

One ticket, sold in Missouri, matched five numbers in Tuesday's drawing.

‘I Caught a Fish This Big, and It Didn’t Cost a Thing’

During the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Winter Free Fishing Weekend, it won’t cost a thing to hang out the “gone fishing” shingle and claim bragging rights at derbies and other special events.

Brighton Art Guild artists participate in Ladies Night Out

In Memoriam: 'Woman of Beauty, Gifted With a Generous Heart'

These obituaries were published on the websites of local funeral homes from November 28 to December 3.

Looking for a Christmas Tree in Brighton?Let a Dad Help Out

A local Dad's group will be selling trees and wreaths this weekend in the parking lot of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Brighton.

Wake Up Tomorrow Feeling Better With These Tips

Wake Up Tomorrow Feeling Better With These Tips

MDOT: Snowplows Need Room to Groom

Plows always need plenty of room to perform their job properly.

Translating Grandma's Recipes for the Holidays

Tips for successfully replicating your grandmother's—or any family member's— beloved dish.

Is Your Job the 1 of 10 That Could Disappear?

These jobs are ripe for downsizing, thanks to technology.

8 Ways to Finish the Year Strong

There's plenty to do this year to get ready for the new year.

Is Online Learning Limitless?