Elmer the Mastodon’s Big Move and Other Local Headlines

A giant relic of the Ice Age, nicknamed Elmer by students at Oakland Community College, will leave its old home in Levinson Hall for a new exhibit at the Cranbrook Institute of Science. The move starts next week and will involve carefully disassembling the 10‑foot skeleton, shipping it to Bloomfield Hills, and re‑building it for a display slated to open in summer 2027. The loan agreement between the college and the museum makes this a long‑term partnership, turning Elmer into a centerpiece for future educational programs. In Van Buren Township, police chased an armed driver who was believed to pose a danger to himself or others. After a brief pursuit, the suspect reached his house on Sandalwood Avenue and allegedly locked himself inside with two family members. Officers held a standoff that lasted several hours before the man was taken into custody.A private pool party in Birmingham spiraled out of control when more than 150 guests arrived after a homeowner rented the space through a pool‑sharing app. Residents reported blocked driveways, public intoxication, and inappropriate behavior in front of families. Police received multiple calls on Saturday evening as the situation escalated. Tenants at a luxury Detroit apartment complex have raised concerns about unrepaired elevators, malfunctioning security gates, and slow responses from property managers. The issues prompted city inspectors to investigate the building’s maintenance backlog, which has been growing over several weeks. Southeast Michigan weather is expected to be wet and windy this Tuesday. A cooler pattern brings scattered showers and thunderstorms from noon until 10 p. m. , with a small chance of strong winds or hail in the western suburbs. Temperatures will stay mild, reaching the upper 70s, but residents should prepare for possible rain and gusty conditions.