🌱 Patch AM: How the I-75 ramp reopening is already changing Royal Oak commutes

Good morning Royal Oak! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

• How the I-75 ramp reopening is already changing Royal Oak commutes
• How Arts, Beats & Eats will transform downtown Royal Oak this weekend
• Royal Oak lawyer charged after deadly crash outside Detroit

Also on today's calendar: Art & Faith Galleria will be Exhibiting at Art Beats & Eats Friday September 4- Monday September 7 and 8 more events.

Today's riddle: What is the 1 way to guarantee winning a small fortune at the casino? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Tuesday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 92 and low of 72 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
• Wednesday: Partly sunny, a t-storm; hot, temps: high: 94, low: 71.
• Thursday: Not as hot with a t-storm, with a high of 85 and low of 66 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. 'Really nice to have it open again': Commuters relieved as I-75 ramps reopen from I-696 (wxyz.com) — Drivers in Royal Oak are finally seeing relief as the I-75 ramps from westbound I-696 reopen after months of construction detours that clogged local streets like 11 Mile Road. Local business owners and commuters say the change is already easing traffic and shortening school runs. MDOT warns additional work on the broader project will continue into 2027.
   

2. Arts, Beats and Eats returns to Royal Oak with 200 performances and a premier fine art show (clickondetroit.com) — Downtown Royal Oak will host the Michigan Lottery Arts, Beats & Eats festival Sept. 4–7, filling the streets with about 200 performances, food vendors, and a major juried fine art show. Organizers urge visitors to explore the art exhibits, meet artists, and shop original work alongside the music and food. Discounted $10 tickets are available through Aug. 31.
   

3. Lawyer faces criminal charges in deadly crash with motorcyclist (abajournal.com) — A Royal Oak attorney is facing criminal charges after an alleged hit-and-run crash outside Detroit that killed a motorcyclist, according to Macomb County prosecutors. Investigators say they identified the driver, a longtime trial lawyer, using camera technology before locating him at his Royal Oak home. The case centers on accusations of leaving the scene and misleading police.
   

4. League of Women Voters mid-term candidate forum (theoaklandpress.com) — Royal Oak voters can hear directly from Royal Oak School candidates at a League of Women Voters forum on Sept. 15 at 7 p.m. in the District Main Conference Room, 800 Devillen. Additional free forums across Oakland County will spotlight school boards, councils, and a judicial race, with updated details available online for residents planning to attend.
   

📸 Around Royal Oak

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Royal Oak

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

Wednesday September 2
• CHS Picture Day
  Clawson High School Clawson, MI 48017
  8:00 am
• Ribbon Cutting Champagne Chocolates
  Greater Royal Oak Chamber-Commerce Champagne Chocolates 301 W. Fourth St. Royal Oak, MI 48067
  12:00 pm
• GROUNDS - Back 2 School Picnic
  Keller Elementary Royal Oak, MI 48067
  5:00 pm
• Mahjong Wednesdays at Michigan by the Bottle
  Greater Royal Oak Chamber-Commerce Michigan by the Bottle Royal Oak
  5:30 pm
• JPMS: Canvas Parent Information
  Lamphere Schools Madison Heights, MI 48071
  5:45 pm
• JPMS: Curriculum Night
  Lamphere Schools Madison Heights, MI 48071
  6:00 pm
• UHS Girl's Volleyball vs Madison HS (Home Game)
  University High School 2521 Bermuda St, Ferndale, MI 48220, USA
  7:00 pm
Thursday September 3
• Aux Gym - Picture Day
  Royal Oak High School Royal Oak, MI 48073
  6:00 am
Friday September 4
• Art & Faith Galleria will be Exhibiting at Art Beats & Eats Friday September 4- Monday September 7 →
  Art & Faith Galleria, 433 N Washington Ave, Royal Oak
  9:00 am
Saturday September 12
• Michigan March for Integrity →
  Memorial Park, 31050 Woodward Ave, Royal Oak
  11:30 am
Tuesday September 15
• Arboretum Nature Walk →
  Fred A. Erb Arboretum, 920 W Windemere Ave, Royal Oak
  7:00 pm

📣 Royal Oak Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Tuesday September 1
• ROYAL Networking
  Greater Royal Oak Chamber-Commerce Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce 200 S. Washington Ave. Royal Oak, MI 48067 Parking across the street at the Center Street deck is free for the first two hours. Please do not park in the Chamber parking lot next to the building.
  8:00 am
• 1/2 Day Dismissal at 11:50AM
  Greenfield Elementary Birmingham, MI 48009
  8:50 am
• Gathering Place - ROMS - Cheer
  Royal Oak Middle School Royal Oak, MI 48067
  5:00 pm
• LHS: CURRICULUM NIGHT
  Lamphere Schools Madison Heights, MI 48071
  6:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Please share & repost to help reunite this stray cat!
  Found on August 16, 2026 in Farmington Hills, MI 48334 near Castlereigh Drive Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to contact the… (Nextdoor Royal Oak Beverly Hills)

• Chick-fil-A posted a job opening for Front of House Team Member in Royal Oak. Apply here.
• Corewell Health posted a job opening for Unit Secretary in Royal Oak. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Royal Oak here.

Ok Royal Oak! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: By starting with a large fortune. (Thank you Kourtney Z. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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