An Ohio mother received a life sentence without parole for the starvation and severe dehydration death of her 16-month-old left alone for over a week.

The John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids is reopening with new animals and experiences, including a virtual gorilla encounter, aimed at education and conservation.

Sanford's new Cozy Cats Cafe combines a coffee shop with a cat sanctuary, offering gourmet drinks, snacks, and the chance to mingle with adoptable cats. It also features local businesses and aims to enhance animal welfare in the community.

A man is hospitalized after being hit by a car at the Van Born and Telegraph Roads intersection in Dearborn Heights; police are investigating the crash with no signs of alcohol or drugs involved.

A man high on meth stole a tree trimming truck in Brighton Township, MI, hit mailboxes, stole a dog at gunpoint, and crashed the truck before hiding and being caught. He faces multiple charges; the dog is missing, but no gun was found.

A fire at the Chatura Hotel in Dearborn destroyed seven rooms and displaced 35 people, with guests relocated temporarily and one person hospitalized for smoke inhalation.

A new U.S. attendance record for women's professional hockey was set in Detroit with 13,736 fans at a PWHL game, where Boston won against Ottawa in a shootout.

Michigan State Police are investigating the "suspicious" death of an 8-year-old in Wayne, MI. Details are limited as authorities interview parents and await autopsy results.

Michigan prisoner Michael Ketchum faces a first-degree murder charge for the alleged killing of his cellmate. He's also charged with assault and possessing a weapon.

Matthew Mercer-Kinser, a repeat offender of child pornography crimes, has been sentenced to over 15 years in prison following his conviction for receiving child pornography.

Chicago-based Portillo's is expanding to Livonia, MI, with a second location and is previewing its menu with the "Beef Bus" food truck ahead of the opening.

Michigan declares March 17-23 as Severe Weather Awareness Week, with a statewide tornado drill scheduled for March 20 at 1 p.m. to encourage preparedness.

Detroit celebrates the opening of Pink Diamond, a beauty mall on Livernois Avenue, with services ranging from salon treatments to meditation, founded by Katrina Belin and supported by Motor City Match.