Livonia News Summary July 18, 2026
LIVONIA — 7/18/2026
Smoke forces Community Theatre to relocate
Lingering wildfire smoke pushed Livonia Community Theatre's production of Shakespeare's "The Tempest" out of Stymelski Veterans Park and into the Livonia Senior Wellness Center. Technical director Laura Duvall said the cast and crew are reworking the staging to keep everyone safe — and the shows free.
A 36-hour Spider-Man marathon is coming to Livonia
Phoenix Theatres Laurel Park Place is running a nonstop 36-hour screening of the new Spider-Man movie — a staff idea and the only marathon of its kind in southeast Michigan. It kicks off at noon on July 30, giving fans plenty of extra chances to catch it on the big screen.
Madonna football finds a new home at The Hawk
Madonna University Athletics and the City of Farmington Hills have struck a deal to make The Hawk community center the official home field for Crusaders football starting this season. The program, based out of Madonna's Livonia campus since it launched in 2020, has also used Livonia Public Schools and Detroit Catholic Central facilities along the way.
Livonia-trained weightlifter Sophie Shaft wins nationals
Metro Detroiter Sophie Shaft took the USA Weightlifting National Championship with the meet's top score and three new American records. She trains under coach Zach Caswell at Optimus Barbell in Livonia, who says her growth has been remarkable — and Shaft, a Canton resident, hopes her win inspires more young girls to try the sport.
Free concert series settles into Stymelski Veterans Park
The Music From the Heart concert series has moved from City Hall's south lawn to Stymelski Veterans Park, trading in more shade and an easier stage setup. It runs every Thursday at 7 p.m. through Labor Day weekend, pairing nicely with the Tuesday Summer Fun Concerts happening at the same park.