Good morning, Southfield.

A report released on Dec.

8 outlines holiday retail trends and offers strategies to boost small businesses. Southfield merchants can use its insights to adjust operations for the busy season.

Developer Jon Crater of Metro Bloks presented a proposal last Monday at Southfield City Hall for a 110,000 sqft data center on Inkster Road (between 11 Mile and 696) that would create 35 jobs and include a DTE substation.

Council members raised concerns; public comment is set for next week.

Gas prices dropped 14 cents to $2.82 per gallon statewide yesterday, with Metro Detroit averaging $2.87 — Southfield stations may see similar savings as lower demand and rising inventories prompt further declines.

Leland House owners reached an agreement with DTE after an emergency court hearing Monday, Dec.

8 to pay an outstanding utility bill so that more than three dozen tenants can remain in their homes; the deal prevents any forced moves.

Michigan Social Security beneficiaries with birthdays from the 1st to 10th will receive their payment tomorrow, Dec.

10, and a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment will take effect on Dec. 31 + average checks will increase by about $56 monthly starting in January.

Detroit Medical Center enacted new visitor restrictions yesterday as flu cases rose.

The new rules bar visitors under 12 and limit others to two per patient, with exceptions for terminal cases, and cover all locations including the Children's Hospital of Michigan.

The Lions will face the Rams Sunday at 4:25 p.m. in a must-win game to boost their 53 percent playoff odds despite losing safety Brian Branch (out for the season); coach Dan Campbell said the team is adding veteran Damontae Kazee to strengthen defense ahead of the contest.

Michigan Veterans Career Fair

9 AM – 3 PM — Radisson Hotel Southfield-Detroit — Free admission — Connect with hiring employers in the Detroit area and explore job opportunities across various industries.