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Community

Stay informed about local news, initiatives, and the people who make our community thrive.

Local musicians performing at a benefit concert in the Grand Civic Auditorium, raising funds for immigration services, with an engaged audience.

Local Musicians Host Benefit Concert for Immigration Services

Last night, a single guitar riff echoing through the historic Grand Civic Auditorium helped raise over $75,000, enough to provide legal representation for 25 asylum seekers in Maplewood County.

Sophie Nguyen· May 5· 3 min
A close-up of a calendar highlighting the Illinois primary election date, symbolizing the importance of early election deadlines for voters and candidates.

Navigating varied primary election deadlines

While many voters focus on November general elections, the Illinois primary for 2026 is already set for March 17, a full 20 months away.

Derek Molina· Apr 24· 3 min
Diverse Philadelphians working together in a park on a community sustainability project, with a green skyline in the background.

Philly Launches 2026 Fund for Community-Led Urban Sustainability

Since 2023, 31 MIT Freedom Summer Fellows have contributed to over $100 million in grant applications, including a successful $3 million EPA Climate Pollution Reduction grant for Hawaii.

Sophie Nguyen· Apr 14· 5 min
Historic DeLand's Woodland Boulevard, bustling with activity, tree-lined, and charming, a finalist in the 'Best Main Street in the South' competition.

DeLand's Woodland Boulevard Reaches Final Round in Best Main Street Contest

DeLand's Woodland Boulevard has reached the final round of Garden & Gun magazine's 'Best Main Street in the South' competition. Public voting is open until April 7 to determine if this Florida gem takes the top spot.

Derek Molina· Apr 7· 3 min
Diverse community members engage in local wellness activities like yoga and health screenings in a vibrant urban park, symbolizing accessible grassroots health initiatives.

Beyond the Gym: How Local Wellness Programs Are Reshaping Community Health

Local wellness programs are increasingly reshaping community health by bringing accessible initiatives directly into neighborhoods. These grassroots efforts foster collective well-being beyond traditional healthcare settings.

Derek Molina· Mar 31· 6 min
A poignant image of Vietnam War veterans, some in uniform, being honored at a community ceremony with applause and American flags, symbolizing a long-awaited welcome home.

Local Communities Honor Vietnam War Veterans on National Day of Recognition

On National Vietnam War Veterans Day, local communities are finally giving a proper "welcome home" to service members with ceremonies and official proclamations of gratitude.

Derek Molina· Mar 30· 4 min
Families enjoying a sunny day at South Haven's South Beach during the Best Beach Day 2026 celebration, with Lake Michigan in the background.

South Haven readies Best Beach Day 2026 community celebration

South Haven's South Beach, recently crowned Best Beach in Michigan in the 2026 USA TODAY 10BEST Readers' Choice Awards, is gearing up for a community-wide celebration.

Sophie Nguyen· Sep 6· 2 min
Diverse volunteers of different ages collaborating happily in a sunlit community garden, fostering growth and connection.

7 Volunteer Programs for Community Building in 2026

Beyond good deeds, volunteering has been shown to reduce mortality and increase overall functioning, making it a powerful, yet often overlooked, public health intervention.

Sophie Nguyen· Aug 17· 7 min
Diverse New Yorkers working together on a community project, demonstrating the positive impact of local volunteering and strong community bonds.

Local Volunteering: Types, Trends, and Community Impact

In New York City, volunteer participation is double the rate seen at state and national levels, according to NYCService .

Sophie Nguyen· Jul 21· 7 min
Diverse group of new residents arriving in a welcoming city in 2026, symbolizing opportunity and integration into the community.

8 Local Resources for New Residents in 2026

While the 2026 Multicultural Festival will host nearly 80 organizations offering resources for newcomers, some of the most impactful support for new residents comes through highly specialized, paid ca

Sophie Nguyen· Jul 8· 6 min
Diverse families and children enjoying free summer activities like splash pads and park games in a sunny, vibrant community park.

7 Free Summer Activities for Kids and Families in 2026

As summer care costs soar, forcing families into tough choices, cities like Milwaukee are stepping up.

Sophie Nguyen· Jun 18· 5 min
A vibrant community center scene showing diverse individuals receiving and giving support, symbolizing effective local aid and connection.

Navigating Community Services and Local Support in 2026

St. Francis House, a single Boston facility, serves over 252,000 meals and provides 13,000 showers annually. This immense, daily demand for basic community support offers immediate relief and dignity

Sophie Nguyen· May 20· 5 min
Diverse volunteers of different ages and backgrounds actively participating in community welfare projects like planting and cleaning in a sunny park.

Local Volunteer Opportunities for Community Welfare in 2026

This April 18, Salina alone will host nine diverse volunteer projects from 8 a.

Sophie Nguyen· May 7· 6 min
A diverse family enjoys a picnic in a sunny Cambridge park, with children playing happily on a nearby playground, showcasing a perfect family-friendly outdoor setting.

Top 5 Family-Friendly Parks in Cambridge for Picnics and Playdates in 2026

Looking for the best family-friendly parks in Cambridge? This guide breaks down the top picks for picnics, playdates, and nature exploration, catering to kids of all ages.

Sophie Nguyen· Apr 6· 8 min
Fire truck arriving at a large apartment complex fire at night, with smoke billowing, highlighting the impact of firefighter staffing shortages.

Firefighter staffing shortages delay responses, impacting Orange.

Only four Amherst firefighters were initially on-scene at the Olympia Drive apartment complex fire, which ultimately destroyed two buildings and displaced 232 people, highlighting a critical issue for

Derek Molina· Aug 22· 6 min
Portland City Hall at dusk with a symbolic flickering candle in the foreground, representing the delicate balance of job savings and lost public trust.

Portland's $10 Million Budget Deal Saves 30 Jobs, But Trust Remains Elusive

After approving an $8.

Derek Molina· Aug 17· 5 min
Split image showing Florida state government on one side and essential local community services on the other, highlighting the conflict over property tax cuts.

Florida Property Tax Cuts Could Cripple Local Services

In Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis initially proposed a sweeping property tax cut, only to backpedal after local Republican officials protested the potential impact on essential services, demonstrating

Derek Molina· Jul 11· 6 min
Journalist Melissa Montalvo working late in a newsroom, illuminated by her laptop, with a journalism award visible in the background.

Local media awards boost journalism, but barriers remain.

Melissa Montalvo's investigation into security guard force in homeless shelters earned her first place in Investigative Writing, a testament to the tangible impact recognized by local media awards, ac

Derek Molina· Jun 26· 5 min
Citizens engaging with local news, symbolizing community accountability and the fight against public corruption.

Local journalism's role in community accountability is vital for 2026.

In judicial districts across the nation, prosecutions for public corruption were notably more frequent when a nonprofit news outlet operated within the area, according to theajp .

Derek Molina· Jun 7· 8 min
A sparsely furnished office representing the NYC Office of Community Safety, highlighting its minimal staffing and potential for failure.

NYC Engagement Office Risks Failure Without Real Community Input

New York City's newly unveiled Office of Community Safety, designed to boost mass engagement and address critical community issues, will initially operate with just two staff members, according to pbs

Derek Molina· May 5· 5 min
The exterior of a performing arts center in San Diego, with an empty stage visible through a window, under a darkening sky.

San Diego's Arts Funding Cuts Threaten Community Fabric and Local Economy

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria has proposed eliminating all city funding for local arts and culture organizations, reducing a $13.

Sophie Nguyen· Apr 29· 5 min
A city street with small businesses, highlighting the potential impact of large upcoming events on local commerce.

City events in 2026 could cripple small businesses without better planning.

The 2006 German World Cup generated 2.

Derek Molina· Apr 28· 7 min
An abandoned newspaper printing press, symbolizing the decline of local news and its impact on community engagement and democracy.

Local News is Critical for Democracy. Its Decline Threatens Civic Engagement.

In the U.S., 59% of adults highly attached to their communities follow local news very closely, compared to just 27% of unattached individuals. This stark difference shows local information is crucial

Derek Molina· Apr 24· 5 min
An empty, old-fashioned newspaper stand on a deserted street, symbolizing the collapse of local news outlets and the resulting information void in communities.

Local News Collapse Risks Democratic Deficit, Report Warns

At least 293 local newspapers have closed in the UK since 2005, representing about a third of the sector, according to GOV.

Derek Molina· Apr 17· 5 min
National Guard soldiers and local firefighters collaborate during a simulated garage fire training exercise, demonstrating critical inter-agency coordination for community safety.

Our Safety Is Not a Budget Line-Item: We Must Fund National Guard Training

National Guard training with local emergency services is a non-negotiable cornerstone of community safety and disaster preparedness. These joint exercises forge seamless coordination, ensuring a unified, life-saving response in moments of crisis.

Sophie Nguyen· Apr 8· 6 min
A bustling main street at golden hour, showcasing diverse people interacting happily outside independent shops, cafes, and a bookstore, symbolizing a vibrant local economy and strong community.

Why Supporting Local Businesses Is the Only Way to Secure Our Community's Future

Supporting local businesses is more than a feel-good gesture; it's the most critical investment for a resilient local economy and a unique community identity.

Derek Molina· Apr 7· 6 min
Diverse city residents enjoying a vibrant urban park with lush trees and green spaces, promoting brain health and community well-being amidst modern architecture.

To Protect Our Brains, We Must Invest in Urban Green Spaces Now

New research reveals environmental factors accelerate brain aging, making urban green spaces critical for public health and cognitive well-being. Investing in these areas is essential for a safer, healthier, and more prosperous city.

Derek Molina· Apr 5· 8 min
Diverse community members actively participating in a local meeting, symbolizing the power of local input over distant, centralized government decisions.

Top-Down Reorganizations Fail Communities; Local Input Is The Only Fix

When decisions about our national forests and local services are made in distant capital buildings, the results are often costly and ineffective. Here's why local community input is the only way forward.

Derek Molina· Apr 5· 7 min
A diverse community gathers around a striking modern public sculpture in a bustling city square at sunset, illustrating the positive impact of art on urban life.

Public Art Isn't a Luxury; It's a Smart Investment for Our Community's Future

Public art is not a luxury but a critical strategy for community engagement, cultural identity, and economic growth. Learn how strategic investment in art builds a more resilient and vibrant city.

Derek Molina· Apr 5· 6 min
A dedicated journalist works late in a historic, dimly lit newsroom, symbolizing the crucial but challenged role of local journalism as a community watchdog.

Our Community's Watchdog Is Fading. Here's Why Investing In Local Journalism Is Crucial.

Local journalism is the bedrock of an informed community, fostering connection and holding leaders accountable. As newsrooms face challenges, investing in local news is an investment in our civic infrastructure and the health of our democracy.

Derek Molina· Apr 4· 7 min