Section

Community

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

A vibrant public mural depicting a jazz trio on a brick wall in a bustling city street, with diverse pedestrians admiring the artwork, symbolizing community identity and economic vibrancy.

To Thrive, Our City Must Invest in Public Arts Programs Now

Our local government must increase its investment in public arts programs. They are the lifeblood of our community’s identity, the engine of our economic vibrancy, and the foundation for our future.

Sophie Nguyen· Apr 3· 7 min
Diverse community members of all ages reading, learning, and connecting in a bright, modern public library, symbolizing investment in education and future.

To Neglect Our Libraries Is to Neglect Our Future: A Case for Investment

Public libraries are not relics but essential infrastructure for education, community development, and digital equity. Increased investment in these institutions is a fundamental necessity for a thriving community.

Aaron Blake· Apr 1· 5 min
Diverse community members smiling and engaging with local art, showcasing the vibrant impact of arts funding on urban life and cultural identity.

Our City's Soul is at Stake: Why Community Funding for Local Arts is Non-Negotiable

Robust community funding for local arts and culture isn't a luxury; it's a fundamental investment in our city's economic health, social cohesion, and unique identity.

Sophie Nguyen· Mar 31· 6 min
Diverse citizens actively participate in a transparent local government budget meeting, reviewing financial charts in a sunlit council chamber, symbolizing civic engagement and accountability.

Our Budgets, Our Business: Why Local Government Transparency Is Non-Negotiable

True civic strength requires unwavering local government transparency and robust citizen participation in budget decisions. Without them, accountability becomes a hollow promise and governance an opaque exercise conducted behind closed doors.

Derek Molina· Mar 31· 8 min
A lively outdoor market featuring local artists displaying their vibrant paintings, unique pottery, and handcrafted jewelry, with diverse people browsing and engaging.

Supporting Local Artists and Cultural Events Isn't a Luxury, It's Our Lifeline

Supporting local artists and cultural events is a fundamental investment in our community’s economic vitality, social fabric, and unique identity. It's not a luxury, but an essential service that cultivates our city's soul and fosters connection.

Sophie Nguyen· Mar 30· 7 min
A vibrant local coffee shop with customers enjoying themselves, showcasing community support and a positive online presence.

Local Businesses Face Rising Costs for Digital Reputation Management

Dark Hall Coffee, a local Arizona shop, turned a rude online comment about its gothic theme and Pride representation into a viral T-shirt campaign.

Sophie Nguyen· Sep 5· 3 min
Mail-In vs. In-Person Voting: Grita Canta Vota Explains What's at Stake in 2026

Mail-In vs. In-Person Voting: Grita Canta Vota Explains What's at Stake in 2026

The debate over mail-in vs. in-person voting is a political trap, distracting from the smartest way to cast your ballot, especially for Latino voters. Organizations like Grita Canta Vota empower voters with facts to make confident, secure choices.

Sponsored by Grita Canta Vota· Aug 17· 7 min
Exploring Domestic and International Mission Opportunities With Thirst Missions

Exploring Domestic and International Mission Opportunities With Thirst Missions

This article explores domestic and international mission opportunities with Thirst Missions, highlighting how short-term trips allow individuals and groups to put faith into action and support local ministries. It discusses the unique benefits of both domestic and international missions, emphasizing service, discipleship, and building lasting relationships.

Sponsored by Thirst Missions· Aug 17· 6 min
Albany skyline with citizens advocating for electoral reform and ranked-choice voting, symbolizing a hopeful future for city elections.

Albany Lawmakers Advance Ranked-Choice Voting for City Races

A citizen group in Albany has already gathered 3,200 signatures, aiming to force a vote on ranked-choice voting for city elections, reports Wamc .

Derek Molina· Jul 21· 2 min
Aftermath of an EF1 tornado in Louisiana, showing damaged homes, debris, and emergency response vehicles under a cloudy sky.

Multiple EF1 Tornadoes Confirmed in Louisiana

The National Weather Service confirmed three EF1 tornadoes ripped through Southeast Louisiana, including parts of Jefferson and Orleans parishes, with peak winds reaching 95 mph, causing unexpected da

Derek Molina· Jun 22· 2 min
A lively Medellin market stall showcasing abundant fresh fruits and vegetables, with a cozy cafe visible in the background.

Medellin Ranks 20th in Time Out's 2026 Best Cities for Food

Medellin's food scene is a paradox: ranked only 20th globally by Time Out's 2026 list, yet 94% of its locals rate it excellent—the second-highest approval worldwide.

Sophie Nguyen· Jun 18· 2 min
How Thirst Missions Simplifies Planning a Youth Group Mission Trip (An Insider's Guide)

How Thirst Missions Simplifies Planning a Youth Group Mission Trip (An Insider's Guide)

Thirst Missions simplifies planning youth group mission trips by handling logistics like transportation, lodging, and ministry coordination, allowing leaders to focus on spiritual preparation and relationships. This guide highlights how their all-inclusive approach makes mission trip planning less overwhelming for churches and Christian schools.

Sponsored· Jun 10· 5 min
Netta Walker's play 'Keerah' features a summer romance between a Black American poet and an Irish writer, reviewed at Definition Theatre.

Netta Walker's Keerah Play Earns Solid Review at Definition Theatre

Actor Netta Walker, celebrated for her stage performances, has debuted as a playwright with 'Keerah,' a summer romance that just earned a 3-star review from the Chicago Tribune .

Marco Alvarez· Jun 7· 2 min
Clarksville residents protesting outside the senior center against proposed changes and city takeover, holding signs and expressing concern.

Protest Erupts Over Clarksville Senior Center Proposed Changes

Clarksville's proposed budget for the senior center includes a staggering $178,500 for public relations, even as residents protest the city's takeover of the Ajax Turner Senior Center and the recent f

Derek Molina· Jun 7· 2 min
Why Washington, DC Firms Choose Breen Consulting Group for GSA Contract Management (2026 Data)

Why Washington, DC Firms Choose Breen Consulting Group for GSA Contract Management (2026 Data)

Washington, DC firms seeking GSA contract management frequently choose Breen Consulting Group for their 'hands-on' approach, actively managing programs and resolving complex federal compliance issues. Unlike many consultants, Breen acts as an extension of their clients' staff, helping secure and manage lucrative government contracts.

Sponsored· Jun 5· 6 min
Chicago skyline at sunset with visible smog, a person in the foreground wearing a mask.

Chicago Air Quality Unhealthy Through Thursday Morning

As of mid-afternoon on Monday, July 14th, Chicago's air quality index value hit 137, signaling unhealthy conditions.

Hannah Pierce· May 28· 2 min
The Chicago skyline at night, with distant, blurred police lights, symbolizing the city's ongoing challenges with gun violence.

Chicago shootings overnight injure multiple people across city

In a grim discovery early Sunday, 18-year-old Cristian Jose Rojas Barrios was found shot in the chest and leg, hands tied behind his back, in a Chicago bathtub.

Hannah Pierce· May 24· 2 min
5 Essential Community Support Programs at The Findley Foundation to Help Rebuild Your Life

5 Essential Community Support Programs at The Findley Foundation to Help Rebuild Your Life

The Findley Foundation in Milwaukee offers an integrated approach to healthcare by addressing underlying social determinants of health. It provides essential services under one roof, treating the whole person rather than isolated ailments through its five core community programs.

Sponsored· May 21· 6 min
Chicago neighborhood street with native plants, some tall and others trimmed low near the sidewalk, illustrating new city regulations.

Chicago Council Approves Native Plant Rules, 10-Inch Limit Near Sidewalks

Chicago's new native plant rule has everyone talking!

Hannah Pierce· May 21· 2 min
Rochelle Park residents protest a council decision to transfer 911 dispatch services, demanding a public referendum.

Rochelle Park Council Approves 911 Transfer, Residents Seek Referendum

Despite the Rochelle Park Township Council's recent vote to transfer 911 dispatch services to Bergen County for a decade, residents have already organized a petition to force a public referendum on th

Derek Molina· May 16· 2 min
City of Tacoma skyline at dusk with a symbolic representation of a budget deficit, highlighting financial challenges and resilience.

Tacoma faces $27M budget gap, plans mergers

The City of Tacoma is grappling with a projected $27 million budget deficit, forcing it to freeze hiring and plan department mergers that won't fully take effect until 2027.

Derek Molina· May 15· 2 min
Why DC Metro Experts Recommend Community Engineering™ for Climate Resilience in 2026

Why DC Metro Experts Recommend Community Engineering™ for Climate Resilience in 2026

The DC Metro area is grappling with an escalating climate crisis where traditional infrastructure alone is insufficient; experts now recommend Community Engineering™ as a new framework for urban resilience. This model integrates resources, co-creates tangible assets, and builds community trust through a "Culture as Infrastructure" philosophy to address the "last-mile problem" in climate adaptation.

Sponsored· May 13· 7 min
An empty polling station in Lubbock with a solitary ballot box, illustrating the record low voter turnout for city and school elections.

Low Turnout Expected for City and School Elections

Early voting for Lubbock's city and school elections hit an all-time low compared to May elections dating back to 2006.

Derek Molina· Apr 30· 2 min
Diverse volunteers of all ages collaborating on a sunny day to clean a riverbank, showcasing community spirit and local impact.

Digital platforms boost 2026 local volunteerism, but engagement depth is key.

In a small town of 10,000, a single Facebook group mobilized 300 volunteers for a river cleanup in under 48 hours.

Sophie Nguyen· Sep 1· 4 min
Diverse community members actively volunteering and participating in local events, demonstrating civic engagement despite economic challenges.

Community engagement strategies evolve with shifting demographics and economic trends

Higher wage rates now correlate with a lower likelihood of volunteering, quietly eroding the capacity for unpaid community contributions despite widespread organizational efforts.

Derek Molina· Aug 15· 4 min
Diverse local business owners and construction workers collaborating successfully on a large-scale airport infrastructure project, symbolizing inclusive employment.

Local Business Collaboration Boosts Inclusive Employment

On a $380 million project at Los Angeles International Airport, construction giant Skanska quadrupled its goals for local small business participation.

Marco Alvarez· Aug 4· 4 min
A diverse crowd enjoys an outdoor art market in Midtown, Detroit, with vibrant murals and local vendors, highlighting community engagement and economic activity.

Community Art Events Drive Economic Growth and Engagement

In Midtown, Detroit, the Art and Belonging Martkt opened in September, hosting a variety of events from a sneaker competition with Reebok to Black History Month exhibitions, demonstrating how communit

Derek Molina· Aug 3· 3 min
A thriving community garden in an urban area, symbolizing access to fresh food, with a backdrop hinting at past food access limitations.

What Are Food Deserts and Why Do They Matter for Health and Economy?

In the United States, average life expectancy at birth is nearly five years lower in low-income communities with limited access to healthy food compared to high-income areas with abundant access.

Derek Molina· Jul 16· 8 min
A powerful storm with lightning striking a damaged power line tower, with a flooded town in the background, symbolizing the impact of severe weather on utility infrastructure.

Severe Weather's Billions-Dollar Toll on US Utility Infrastructure Resilience

In 2022 alone, the United States endured 18 severe weather calamities that collectively cost $17.

Derek Molina· Jul 16· 4 min
A diverse group of happy seniors actively participating in different programs and social events within a bright, modern, and welcoming senior center.

What Services Do Senior Centers Offer in 2026?

Every day, over one million older adults walk through the doors of more than 11,000 senior centers across the nation.

Derek Molina· Jul 11· 5 min