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The Chronicle News
Connecting Communities

Where Community Becomes the Story
The Chronicle highlights the voices, moments, and movements shaping communities.

Michigan & Regional
Comprehensive coverage of stories shaping Michigan communities across Greater Lansing and surrounding counties, including Ingham, Eaton, Clinton, Shiawassee, Jackson, Barry, Ionia, and Livingston. We report on local government, public safety, economic development, education, and community events with accountability and depth throughout the Tri-County region and beyond.


Eastern Michigan Alumni Head to East Lansing for EMU-Michigan State Football Weekend
EMU Alumni & Friends tailgate will bring Eagles fans to the Michigan State campus ahead of the Sept. 12 matchu EAST LANSING, Mich. — Eastern Michigan University is taking its green and white on the road this September, inviting alumni, friends and football fans to gather in East Lansing before the Eagles take on Michigan State University. The EMU Alumni & Friends Tailgate at MSU will be held Saturday, Sept. 12, from noon to 3 p.m. at Munn Intramural Field, 363 Chestnut Road i

The Chronicle News
1 day ago2 min read


Justice League of Greater Lansing Michigan awards Reparations Scholarships to 10 students
Not-for-profit organization is working to address the racial wealth gap in Greater Lansing caused by centuries of systemic inequalities 2026 recipients-supporters-by Paradiso Productions.jpg — Recipients of the 2026 Reparations Scholarships are surrounded by their families and supporters as well as volunteers of the Justice League of Greater Lansing Michigan at the Reparations Scholarship Reveal & Celebration event July 25. LANSING, Mich — Justice League of Greater Lansing M

The Chronicle News
2 days ago4 min read


From Ypsilanti to Google I/O: EMU Students Build a Growing Technology Community
Student-led Google Developer Group creates new pathways for collaboration, innovation and opportunity at Eastern Michigan Chanuth Jayatissa is pictured in a technology-focused setting reflecting his work with Eastern Michigan University’s Google Developer Group and the broader developer community. Jayatissa helped build EMU’s student-led technology network, creating new opportunities for collaboration, innovation and professional growth. YPSILANTI, Mich. — What began as an ef

The Chronicle News
6 days ago3 min read


What Is Black History Worth? Wright Museum Seeks Public Investment in Detroit’s Cultural Legacy
The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit stands as one of the nation’s leading institutions dedicated to preserving and sharing the history, culture and contributions of African Americans. Image via Flicker DETROIT, Mich. — The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History has spent more than six decades preserving stories that could easily have been ignored, forgotten or erased. Now, one of the nation’s most significant institutions dedicate

The Chronicle News
6 days ago4 min read


Bonita Mitchell Brings Message of Hope, Healing to Dowagiac With Rhythm & Resource Fair
DOWAGIAC, Mich. — For gospel recording artist, author and entrepreneur Bonita Mitchell, the message behind “Believe, Don’t Give Up” extends far beyond the music. This weekend, Mitchell will bring that message directly to southwest Michigan through the Believe, Don’t Give Up! Rhythm & Resource Fair, a free community event focused on hope, mental wellness, faith and practical support. The event will take place Saturday, Aug. 22, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Mt. Zion Missionary Bap

The Chronicle News
7 days ago3 min read


Lansing’s NOVA Initiative Aims to Create a Bridge From Homelessness to Permanent Housing
The NOVA Lansing Housing Initiative proposes a 50-unit transitional housing community using compact “Mod Pods” for adults experiencing homelessness in Lansing and Ingham County. Each individual pod is designed with heating and cooling, secure entry, lighting, electrical outlets, storage, emergency egress, and other basic safety features, with ADA-compliant units also available. Shown are exterior and interior views of a Mod Pod, a display outlining pod features, and City of L

The Chronicle News
7 days ago7 min read


More Than a Grocery Store: Eastside Lansing Food Co-op’s Fight to Survive Is Tied to a Decades-Long Neighborhood Vision
ELFCO needs stronger September sales to remain open, but the story of the neighborhood grocer is connected to decades of community development on Lansing’s Eastside LANSING, Mich. The Eastside Lansing Food Co-op, commonly known as ELFCO, is facing a financial challenge that could determine whether the neighborhood grocery store remains open. The co-op has told supporters that it must average at least $1,200 in daily sales throughout September. If that goal is not reached, the

The Chronicle News
7 days ago8 min read


MVAA leaders take veteran services on the road during four-day western UP tour
Courtesy Photo: Left to right: MVH nurse Susannah LaCombe, Army veteran Todd Codd, MVAA director Terry Sabo and Navy veteran Gerry Bathurst. LANSING, Mich. — Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) director Terry J. Sabo and deputy director Todd Butler spent four days in the western Upper Peninsula (UP) meeting directly with veterans and the organizations that serve them, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to bringing veteran services and resources into communities across Mi

The Chronicle News
Aug 123 min read


Local Land Banks Are Economic Game Changers Across Michigan, New Report Finds
Local Land Banks Are Economic Game Changers Across Michigan, New Report Finds Study finds land banks prevented tens of thousands of vacancies and generated billions of dollars in community benefits over 20 years MICHIGAN — A new study reveals that local land banks are economic game changers across Michigan, in the state’s cities, rural communities and everywhere in between. The findings show that land banks improve neighborhoods and commercial corridors, decrease vacancies, i

The Chronicle News
Aug 105 min read


MVAA launches “Talk to Your” campaign to encourage conversations with veterans
LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) has launched their new “Talk to Your” campaign, an initiative encouraging Michigan residents to have conversations with the veterans in their lives about various aspects of life after service. The campaign aims to motivate family and friends to reach out to their veterans about their military experiences, the benefits they earned from their service and their mental health. “When veterans are able to talk to loved o

The Chronicle News
Aug 52 min read


Historic Old U.S. 27 Motor Tour Returns to Greater Lansing August 19
LANSING, MICH. – Aug. 5, 2026 – Choose Lansing® announces that Michigan’s Capital Region will be a key stop for one of Michigan’s premier annual automotive events: The Historic Old U.S. 27 Motor Tour. Downtown DeWitt, near Old 27, is the host location for the motor tour’s passage through the mid-Michigan area. The public is welcome to view the vintage automobiles in DeWitt just off Old 27 from 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 19, 2026. Area auto-enthusiasts may also regi

The Chronicle News
Aug 51 min read


Bernie Sanders’ Endorsement Highlights William Lawrence’s Grassroots Congressional Campaign
LANSING, Mich. — Democratic congressional candidate William Lawrence continues to build support in Michigan’s competitive 7th Congressional District race, including a high-profile endorsement announced in May from U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont. The endorsement positioned Lawrence among a growing list of candidates backed by national progressive leaders as Democrats compete for the party’s nomination ahead of the August primary. Lawrence, a Lansing-area community organiz

The Chronicle News
Jul 192 min read


WKAR Storyteller Wins at Michigan Emmy® Awards 2026
Courtesy Photo: Robin M. Pizzo holds two Emmy® Awards for the WKAR series "I Feel" EAST LANSING, MI; June 19, 2026 — Robin M. Pizzo, WKAR director of education, is the recipient of two 2026 regional Emmy® awards from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Michigan chapter. Pizzo was recognized for the series “I Feel” in the Children/Youth/Teen and Writer-Short Form Content (up to 10 minutes) categories. The short form video series "I Feel" is the brainchild of P

The Chronicle News
Jul 192 min read


Uplift Our Youth Foundation Continues a Legacy of Investing in Greater Lansing's Next Generation
For more than two decades, the Uplift Our Youth Foundation has remained committed to one simple but powerful belief: when young people are given opportunities to succeed, entire communities flourish. Founded in 2002 by the late Larry Leatherwood, the Greater Lansing-based nonprofit has become one of the region's enduring champions for youth development. Leatherwood envisioned an organization that would not only provide financial assistance to youth-serving organizations but a

The Chronicle News
Jul 52 min read


VOA Michigan Launches Thrift Showroom on Popular Livestream Shopping App, Whatnot
Nonprofit to expand its thrift enterprise to live sell clothing and accessories to create community while increasing revenue to help fund essential programs for veterans, seniors, and families SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (July 1, 2026) – VOA Michigan (formerly Volunteers of America Michigan) today announced the launch of its new MI Thrift by VOA Michigan showroom on Whatnot, a popular, fast-growing livestreaming e-commerce app founded in 2019. The new revenue-producing enterprise will

The Chronicle News
Jul 52 min read


Boots on Ground, Books in Hands
Courtesy Photo: 150,000 books. Countless dreams. 📚✨WKAR’s Robin Pizzo and her team continue to put books directly into the hands of children across Mid-Michigan, helping build stronger readers, learners, and communities. 150,000 books into the tiny, curious, precocious and sometimes reluctant hands of children across mid-Michigan was never a goal Robin Pizzo, director of education at WKAR, considered reaching within six years. Yet, with each event she attended as a public me

Robin M. Pizzo M.Ed.Director of Education WKAR
Jun 173 min read


Michigan Celebrates Freedom: A Statewide Guide to Juneteenth 2026 Events and Festivals
Across Michigan, communities are gathering to celebrate Juneteenth with festivals, parades, educational programs, cultural performances, health initiatives, and family-friendly activities honoring African American freedom, resilience, and achievement. From Lansing’s longstanding 33-year celebration to growing observances in Grand Rapids, Flint, Detroit, Kalamazoo, Benton Harbor, and historic Idlewild, Juneteenth continues to unite communities through reflection, education, an

The Chronicle News
Jun 173 min read


Judge Wanda M. Stokes | A Legacy of Leadership, Service & Justice
Courtesy Photo: The Honorable Judge Wanda Stokes. 30th District Circuit Court Ingham County Michigan For decades, Judge Wanda M. Stokes has been a respected leader, advocate, and trailblazer whose work has helped shape communities throughout Mid-Michigan. Her distinguished career in law, public service, and community leadership has earned her recognition as one of the region’s most influential voices for justice, equity, and opportunity. Throughout her career, Judge Stokes ha

The Chronicle News
Jun 42 min read


From Assumptions to Understanding: A Chronicle Writer Reflects on the Marine Corps Educators Workshop
When many people think about Marine Corps training, they often imagine nonstop yelling, impossible physical challenges, and intense discipline. That was certainly part of what I expected before attending the 2026 Michigan Marine Corps Educators Workshop at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island in South Carolina. As a writer representing The Chronicle News, I was invited alongside educators, community leaders, and media professionals from across Michigan to experience first
Russell Garland
May 272 min read


Lansing to Host 2026 WFTDA North America Playoffs at Lansing Center
Lansing will welcome high-level roller derby competition this weekend as the 2026 WFTDA North America Playoffs – Michigan come to the Lansing Center, May 29–31, 2026. Hosted by Lansing Roller Derby, the three-day tournament will feature top-ranked teams from across North America competing in a WFTDA-sanctioned postseason event. The tournament includes 12 teams and 17 games, with teams battling for placement and advancement toward the 2026 WFTDA Championships. Modern roller de

The Chronicle News
May 271 min read
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