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Innovation News Corn Grinding

Enjoy Homestead Sundays, bird banding, kayaking at Chippewa Nature Center this summer

Chippewa Nature Center’s summer lineup includes free, family-friendly educational events. Highlights include Homestead Sundays, bird banding, paddling excursions, and guided nature experiences.

Innovation News The front of Chef Sergey’s Bakery in the historic Ashman Circle

Making home (& bread) from scratch: Meet Natalia Iakovleva

Natalia Iakovleva found new beginnings in Midland, where she blends Ukrainian heritage and homemade bread into a story of resilience, warmth, and starting over from scratch.

In The News The Esther Gerstacker Fireworks Show starts at 9:45pm on Sat, August 5.

Midland to host Fourth of July block party with music, baseball, and fireworks

Midland will celebrate July Fourth with live music, food, baseball, and fireworks across downtown and Dow Diamond, offering all-day, family-friendly festivities for the community.

Feature Story Pups enjoy Plymouth Pool

Staying cool and safe this summer

With record heat already hitting Midland, residents are finding ways to stay safe and cool. From health tips to splash pads, the city offers plenty of options.

Innovation News Penny Miller-Nelson

From fields to the classroom: Helping students grow, meet Penny Miller-Nelson

Midland Public Schools Superintendent Penny Miller-Nelson reflects on her journey from a family farm to educational leadership.

Feature Story The owners of the Three Bridges Distillery and Taproom.

Three Bridges distillery expands with craft brews, event space and bigger dreams

Three Bridges Distillery is expanding with a new event space, growing its craft beer and spirits offerings, and eyeing broader distribution while keeping its community roots.

In The News The Tina Turner Musical

Midland Center for the Arts closes out June with musical tribute, global concert and youth theater

Midland Center for the Arts ends June with three shows: a musical celebrating Tina Turner’s rise, the Camerata Singers’ Pan-American concert, and Freaky Friday. musical.

In The News Midland Soccer Club

Midland Soccer Club’s $10M indoor turf facility to boost youth sports, regional growth

Midland Soccer Club’s new $10 million indoor turf facility promises year-round play and is expected to be a game-changer for youth sports and regional development.

Feature Story  “Know all the theories, master all the techniques, but as you touch a human soul, be just another human soul.” - Carl Jung, psychologist, as quoted by Megan Welke, LMSW

Forward Therapy builds connections, provides quality mental health care in Great Lakes Bay region

Forward Therapy and Consulting blends mental health care with strong community and staff support, aiming to expand services while fostering a culture of collaboration and trust.

Innovation News Boots

Walk Midland returns for summer 2025 with weekly community strolls

Walk Midland invites residents to enjoy free, weekly group walks throughout summer, promoting wellness and community connection across various Midland locations.

In The News A  performer at the 2024 Great Lakes Bay Pride Festival goes off-stage to teach the crowd some dance moves

Great Lakes Bay Pride celebrates Pride Month with events across the region

Great Lakes Bay Pride celebrates Pride Month 2025 with inclusive events across mid-Michigan, including festivals, fitness, drag shows, and community gatherings promoting LGBTQ+ joy and visibility.

Feature Story Housing Forward

Housing Forward takes lead on Region G housing partnership

Housing Forward has been named the lead for Region G’s housing initiative, aiming to improve affordability and access across eight counties under Michigan’s Statewide Housing Plan.

Longform PreK for All ensures that every 4-year-old in Michigan has access to a high-quality preschool experience, regardless of income.

“A lifeline for families,” PreK for All expands access and raises expectations

Enrollment in PreK for All is now open for all families, no matter their income. The program operates across a mixed delivery system, including local school districts, public charter schools, private child care providers, Head Start programs, and community-based organizations.    

Partner Content Event helps autistic children and adults get used to the airport environment and boarding experience.

On Board for Autism: Airport simulation helps autistic kids take flight

To help autistic people and their families manage  these challenges, Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM), Delta Airlines, and the Detroit Metropolitan Airport partner to host On Board for Autism events that prepare them to successfully take a flight.

Longform small-judy-logan

Dental aid helps cancer patients regain health and dignity

HNC Living Foundation provides dental care, nutrition, and support to head and neck cancer patients facing financial and treatment challenges.

Partner Content Boy in classroom

Blueprint for school funding would ensure equitable resources in special education

The MI Special Education Finance Reform Blueprint would ensure that Michigan adequately and equitably funds public special education in Michigan. 

Feature Story All Gods Children teacher

No-cost pre-K for all Michigan 4-year-olds enrolling for 2025-26 school year

QA with Jeffrey Capizzano, Policy Equity Group, on the implementation of Pre-K for All no-cost preschool for Michigan 4-year-olds.

Innovation News Cailey Brown

Quiet work with loud impact: Meet Cailey Brown

Cailey Brown reflects on her journey into child advocacy, the weight of forensic interviewing, and finding purpose through healing work.

In The News All Abilities Parade

Midland Abilities Parade returns May 17 to celebrate inclusion and accessibility

The Abilities Parade returns May 17, celebrating inclusion, accessibility, and community through art, activities, resources, and family-friendly fun.

In The News The Summer Art Fair runs Saturday-Sunday, June 3-4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Midland’s summer favorites set to return with art, music and family fun

Midland’s beloved summer traditions are gearing up for their return, with a full slate of outdoor events planned to bring art, music, and family fun back to the heart of downtown.