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Longform Kick Back & Breathe Southwest MichiganHealthy Communities

Kick Back and Breathe series brings fresh air and urgency to Kalamazoo’s air quality conversation

Caroline BissonnetteWednesday, July 9, 2025
“Kick Back and Breathe,” a free monthly event by the Institute of Public Scholarship, explores how air pollution impacts Black and Brown communities. Using data from local air monitors, the series empowers residents to understand their air and push for cleaner, healthier neighborhoods.
Longform Freehub Cycle Club Southwest MichiganKids and Education

"A simple, but perfect machine': Bicycle ministry picks up speed in Battle Creek neighborhood

Jane ParikhWednesday, July 9, 2025
"A bike is a metaphor for freedom. When you’re a kid, one of the first things you get is a bike, and you learn how to ride. It opens up the world, gives you access to opportunities, and exposes you to new people and places. A bike is a simple but perfect machine."
Partner Content It takes a village, not just healthcare workers, to keep people healthy. Epicenter - Mount PleasantHealthy Communities

MyMichigan Health calls on its “village” to impact social determinants of health

Gabrielle HaidererWednesday, July 9, 2025
Just as it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a village to address social determinants of health - factors such as education, transportation, food security, and more. In order to rise to the challenge of meeting the nationwide 2030 Healthy People goals, communities will have to work together.
Feature Story It takes a village, not just healthcare workers, to keep people healthy. Catalyst MidlandHealthy Communities

MyMichigan Health calls on its “village” to impact social determinants of health

Gabrielle HaidererWednesday, July 9, 2025
Just as it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a village to address social determinants of health - factors such as education, transportation, food security, and more. In order to rise to the challenge of meeting the nationwide 2030 Healthy People goals, communities will have to work together.
Feature Story Irma Guzman list Route Bay CityDiversity

From migrant worker to advocate, Irma Guzman offers a lifeline to families

Kathy RobertsWednesday, July 9, 2025
From a church basement in Bay City, migrant families find practical supplies and a supportive environment.
Feature Story welding UPword - UPEconomic Development

New welding center will strengthen U.P. economy

Jennifer DonovanWednesday, July 9, 2025
The new Daniel J. Kobasic Memorial Welding Center brings back trades skills instruction in the Delta Schoolcraft Intermediate School District. The new state-of-the-art welding center is also expected to bolster the local economy.
Feature Story saintslogo UPword - UPCommunity Development

Saints bring big sports experience to St. Ignace

Brice BurgeWednesday, July 9, 2025
The St. Ignace Saints are part of a four-team expansion that will create a new division in the league and provide a unique “big sports” entertainment to the Eastern Upper Peninsula.
Feature Story Former President and CEO Christi Coady Narayanan speaks at one of Opp Fund's anniversary events. Courtesy photo. Second Wave - MichiganBuilding Communities

OppFund looks back on impact with 40th anniversary; new leadership looks to continue legacy

Sarah SpohnWednesday, July 9, 2025
For more than 35 years, Christi Coady Narayanan led the transformative work of the Opportunity Resource Fund (OppFund), as the President and CEO of the nonprofit community development financial institution. She retired last month, passing the torch to the new President and CEO Byna Elliott, to continue the organization’s unwavering commitment and innovation in empowering individuals, businesses, and communities all over the state.
UPword - UP

Visit Keweenaw awards $100k in 2025 Destination Development grants

UPword StaffWednesday, July 9, 2025
“Each overnight stay in the Keweenaw helps make this region better,” said Brad Barnett, executive director of Visit Keweenaw. “Tourism doesn’t just support businesses – it supports trail access, land stewardship, and spaces our communities use every day. This program infuses tourism dollars into our community which benefits locals and visitors alike.”
Development News bikes UPword - UP

Hancock pursues new bike park and trailhead

Brice BurgeWednesday, July 9, 2025
“The end result of this project will tie together and showcase the existing park amenities of the Hancock Beach and Campground with an expanse of outdoor space available for trail-based recreation and ecotourism, thus creating a sustainable recreation asset for both locals and visitors to enjoy," said Ian Helman, Hancock Trails Club board member.
UPword - UP

Singapore owns 5% of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Its wealth fund bet on timber

Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Source: Bridge Michigan
UPword - UP

POV: This U.P. lift bridge is better than the Mighty Mac

Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Source: MLive
Feature Story Battle Creek Bronson Southwest MichiganHealthy Communities

Building trust, alleviating fear: A bold plan to transform Black healthcare in Battle Creek

Jane ParikhWednesday, July 9, 2025
Southwest Michigan Urban League is partnering with Bronson Battle Creek to launch health initiatives that expand access to care, wellness education, and financial resources. Priorities include promoting primary care, reducing barriers, and launching the “Afro Health Club” as a central hub for services and classes.
Feature Story Hastings Pride 2025 Southwest MichiganEquity

Voices of Youth: The uphill battle of smalltown Pride

Dale Krueger IVWednesday, July 9, 2025
Hastings, Mich., held its second annual Pride Festival, uniting LGBTQIA+ residents and allies in a powerful show of rural visibility despite local backlash. The event drew hundreds and marked growing support for queer youth in the small, traditionally conservative town.
Innovation News A student in Washtenaw Community College's welding lab. Concentrate - Ann Arbor/YpsiKids and Education

New WCC program offers professional welding training one weekend day per week

Lee Van RothTuesday, July 8, 2025
The Weekend Welders program allows students to earn up to two welding certificates and an associate's degree by attending classes just one day a week over 11 semesters.
Longform Bhakti Javiya is an AmeriCorps VISTA economic empowerment associate at Jewish Family Services in Ann Arbor. Concentrate - Ann Arbor/YpsiCommunity Development

AmeriCorps cuts would pose major threat to Washtenaw County nonprofits

Sarah RiggTuesday, July 8, 2025
From grandparents to low-income children, residents across Washtenaw County are being impacted by recent changes to federal AmeriCorps funding.
Longform Rx Kids has provided for the Wright family stability during an unpredictable time. Second Wave - MichiganKids and Education

More than a stipend: Rx Kids is transforming childhood beginnings

Brianna NargisoTuesday, July 8, 2025
Rx Kids, the country’s first universal and unconditional cash prescription program for pregnant people and infants, provides financial support to every eligible family within a geographic area, no income requirements, no strings attached. Families receive a one-time $1,500 payment during pregnancy and $500 per month during the baby’s first year of life.  
Feature Story Kevin Fischer3 Second Wave - MichiganCommunity Development

Medicaid cuts threaten Michigan’s mental health

Estelle SlootmakerTuesday, July 8, 2025
Federal Medicaid cuts threaten the very lives of those living with serious mental illness, disabilities, and substance use disorders as well as the quality of life and livelihoods of those managing their mental health care with medications and support that Medicaid currently covers.  
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