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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 .

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

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.

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

Local Volunteer Opportunities for Community Welfare in 2026
This April 18, Salina alone will host nine diverse volunteer projects from 8 a.

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.

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

Portland's $10 Million Budget Deal Saves 30 Jobs, But Trust Remains Elusive
After approving an $8.

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

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

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 .

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

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.

City events in 2026 could cripple small businesses without better planning.
The 2006 German World Cup generated 2.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.