This edition of The Chronicle News is connected by a common thread: communities building opportunity, preserving history, restoring what was nearly lost and preparing the way for what comes next.

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

Courtesy Photo: Chronicle News Publisher and Editor Yanice Y. Carter There is something about August that feels like a new beginning. Fresh notebooks are stacked on store shelves, backpacks are being filled, and parents are checking school calendars. Children are wondering who their teachers will be while families squeeze the last little bit of summer out of these warm Michigan days. But going back to school has never been only about going back to a building. It is about goin

LANSING, MI — August 3, 2026 — The Michigan Chicken Wing Festival is officially returning to downtown Lansing for its 12th annual celebration on Saturday, September 5, and Sunday, September 6, 2026. The highly anticipated community event will take over Adado Riverfront Park (300 N. Grand Ave.) from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM daily, offering a weekend filled with food, music, and family entertainment. This year’s festival features more than 30 unique wing flavors served by premier l

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

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

Courtesy Photo: Vera Riley EAST LANSING, MI — Gospel artist Vera Riley is thrilled to announce the upcoming release of the highly anticipated new single, "Thanks!," scheduled to debut across all major digital streaming platforms on July 24th. The track serves as a vibrant anthem of gratitude, celebrating God's goodness and abundant blessings. Penned by Riley herself, the song represents a significant milestone in her musical career. She co-produced the single alongside the ta

Courtesy Photo: Dena K. Morgan City of Jackson Michigan Mayoral Candidate 2026 As the August 4, 2026, mayoral primary approaches, Dena K. Morgan is asking the citizens of Jackson for the opportunity to serve as their next mayor. She believes the role of mayor is about rebuilding trust between residents and City Hall, listening to the people, and turning ideas into meaningful action. “I want to build trust with the citizens at City Hall, deliver the will of the people, and mak

Photo Credit: The Chronicle Media Group-A Key to the City. A Lifetime of Service. Congratulations to Mr. Gregory Eaton on receiving the Key to the City during Lansing’s Juneteenth Celebration. A well-earned honor for a man whose legacy has helped shape our community for generations. There are moments when a community pauses to recognize an individual whose life has quietly shaped generations. At this year’s Lansing Juneteenth Celebration, one of those moments unfolded as Lans

Courtesy Photo: Pictured from left to right are Chatum Taylor, member of the Lansing Community College Board of Trustees; Tanya McClain, Interim Chief Diversity Officer for Lansing Community College’s Office of Empowerment; Yanice Y. Carter, Publisher and Editor of The Chronicle News; Lansing City Council Member Trini Pehlivanoglu; and Shirley Carter-Powell, Founder and Executive Director of Against All Odds Foundation, during The Chronicle News 40th Anniversary Legacy Gala h

Courtesy Photo: Chronicle News Publisher poses in the iconic “Rosie the Riveter” stance, symbolizing courage, strength, resilience and freedom. “Every generation leaves behind its own soundtrack. Through journalism, storytelling, and community engagement, The Chronicle News remains committed to helping preserve the voices, victories, and visions that shape our future.”-Yanice Y. Carter, Publisher As we celebrate Black Music Month and continue our 40th year of serving the comm

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

LANSING, MI — 40 Dubb Podcast, in partnership with The Chronicle News, will release two highly anticipated episodes on Friday, June 19, featuring distinguished Lansing natives Dr. Monica Allen and Mark Stiles. Dedicated to preserving and celebrating the stories, experiences, and legacy of those who grew up in Lansing during the 1970s and 1980s, 40 Dubb Podcast continues to build a digital archive of community voices that helped shape the city and its culture. The June 19 rel

Photo Credit: Chronicle Media Group-These young men represent the next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, fathers, and change-makers. Through mentorship and guidance, they are building the confidence and character needed to make a lasting impact. On Saturday, my son Liam and I attended a parent and youth workshop hosted by the IMOGUL Mentoring Group at the Delta Township District Library. What we experienced was far more than an informational meeting. It was a powerful rem

For Angel Taylor, investing in young people is more than a calling, it is a lifelong commitment to building stronger families and communities through education, mentorship, and service. As the leader of the Reading Readiness Summer Camp hosted at Christ’s Kingdom Builders Church and Community Center, Taylor works to create meaningful opportunities for youth to learn, grow, and discover their potential. The free summer program provides academic enrichment, cultural education,

For Vera Riley, success has never been about choosing between creativity and entrepreneurship. Instead, she has built a path that allows her to embrace both. Known throughout the community for her music and uplifting spirit, Riley has also found success as an independent consultant with Jafra Cosmetics, where she combines beauty, mentorship, and business ownership to empower others. Her journey with Jafra began by watching her mother build a successful career with the company

Courtesy Photo: DJ, media personality, and entrepreneur Metro Melik will curate the evening’s soundtrack, bringing signature energy, culture, and creativity to the celebration When guests gather to celebrate 40 years of The Chronicle News, they will be welcomed by more than inspiring stories, community leaders, and unforgettable moments. They will also experience a carefully curated soundtrack provided by one of Mid-Michigan’s most recognizable cultural ambassadors, Metro Mel

At their core, The Chronicle News and 40Dubb Podcast share a common mission: preserving stories, celebrating culture, and ensuring the voices of our community are never forgotten. For nearly 40 years, The Chronicle News has documented the people, events, achievements, and moments that have shaped Lansing and Mid-Michigan. Through print, digital media, radio, publishing, and community engagement, The Chronicle has worked to preserve history while creating a platform for voices

Few individuals have dedicated as much of their lives to education, leadership, and community service as Dr. Maxine Hankins-Cain. Born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia, Dr. Hankins-Cain built a distinguished career spanning more than four decades in education. Throughout her professional journey, she served as a classroom teacher, academic coach, principal, Director of Elementary Education, and Superintendent of Sankofa Shule Public School Academy, helping shape the lives of c

Courtesy Photo: Deborah Allen, Founder and CEO Spotlight Lipstick For Deborah Allen, beauty is about much more than makeup. It is about confidence, self-love, and helping women recognize their value at every stage of life. As Founder and CEO of Spotlight Lipstick, Allen has built a beauty brand specifically designed for mature women. Through lip products, skincare, education, and encouragement, Spotlight Lipstick helps women over 40 embrace their beauty, confidence, and wisdo