Public News Service

Wayne State University was named nationally as a top 15 Voter Friendly Campus last October, out of 262 U.S. institutions. It's the only one in Michigan, according to the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, Student Affairs in Higher Education. (Adobe Stock)

Michigan voting: Major changes enhance access for fall elections

Michigan's upcoming fall elections will highlight significant strides in voting accessibility. Recent measures, such as nine days of early voting and …

The $80.1 million investments from the U.S. Department of Agriculture are part of President Joe Biden's commitment to advance equity for people who have been historically underserved and adversely affected by persistent poverty and inequality. (ysbrandcosijn/Adobe Stock)

USDA funds 28 housing units in Michigan's Alpena County

Braving the week's icy conditions, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and several members of the Legislature highlighted the state's housing crisis at …

By 2030, more than one in five Americans will be at least 65 years old, and by 2050, the number of people age 60 and older globally is expected to double to more than 2 billion. (Halfpoint/Adobe Stock)

Study examines climate advocacy for seniors

While scientists say extreme climate changes are happening more frequently, a new study aims to link aging adults to it's risks and their potential …

the National Young Farmers Coalition delivered a letter to House and Senate Agriculture Committee leadership signed by 175 national, regional and local organizations in support of the Increasing Land Access, Security and Opportunities Act. (Johnstocker/Adobe Stock)

Young farmers advocate for climate changes, face land-access issues

Young Farmers in Michigan hope the new Farm Bill will include key benefits regarding land access so they can continue to pursue farming passionately…

The 17th annual 100 Best Adoption Friendly Workplaces list includes a diverse group of organizations, representing 22 industries. The companies offer an average of $14,831 in financial reimbursement for adoption costs and an average of nine weeks paid leave. (deagreez/Adobe Stock)

MI families begin new futures as National Adoption Month ends

Many parents complete their families through adoption, and November has been the month to encourage awareness, recognize those still waiting to be …

More than 30,000 labor activists have signed a letter calling on top U.S. union leaders to

Postal Workers become largest union to demand ceasefire in Gaza

One of the nation's largest labor unions has become the latest organization to demand a ceasefire in Gaza as Israel's war with Hamas plays out…

AARP's Fraud Watch Network has a list of current scams and how to recognize and avoid common scams, including videos breaking down how scams work. (Adobe Stock)

Scams, fraud take mental-health toll, especially on older adults

Scams and fraud have long-lasting effects on a person's mental well-being, but the latest research found the emotional toll is particularly high on …

Pipeline Number 5 lies beneath the Straits of Mackinaw. Opponents claim the aging oil line threatens the largest freshwater system in the world. (ehrlif/Adobe Stock)

Fast-track Line 5 permitting push met with protest

Michigan's Senate GOP pushed for fast track of Enbridge's Line 5 tunnel construction at a press conference this week. Sen. John Damoose, R-Harbor …

Michigan is among 20 states to receive a multiyear grant from the Pritzker Children's Initiative. (SneakyPeakPoints/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

MI coalition helps get cash influx to improve childcare

The coalition known as "Think Babies Michigan" has advocated for more than $36 million in funding to offer grants to child-care providers for infants …

In 1981, the United Nations adopted a resolution encouraging the need for an International Day of Peace. The celebration was observed for the first time in 1982. (ananaline/Adobe Stock)

Honoring peace in polarized times: Midland marks International Day of Peace

In cities across the globe, including the Michigan city of Midland, various organizations are commemorating International Day of Peace today…

National Voter Registration Day is a nonpartisan civic holiday celebrating democracy. It has gained momentum since it was first observed in 2012. (Robert Yap/Adobe Stock)

Today is National Voter Registration Day

Today is National Voter Registration Day. Michiganders have many locations where they can register to vote, such as community colleges, universities…

The AARP's Andrus Awards are held once a year in each participating state, and also nationally.(piter2121/Adobe Stock)

Last Call for Nominations for AARP-Michigan Volunteer Award

Anyone can nominate a Michigan resident over age 50 for one of AARP's most prestigious awards, but it must be done by Friday. The Andrus Awards are …

According to the American Heart Association, people feel more confident performing Hands-Only CPR and are more likely to remember the correct chest-compression rate when trained to the beat of a familiar song. (9dreamstudio/Adobe Stock)

From Beyoncé to 'Baby Shark,' the Right Tune Can Save a Life

With popular artists like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift touring Michigan this summer, the American Heart Association is reminding people that some of …

The U.S. Census Bureau says Asian-Pacific Islanders make up a growing part of America's immigrant community. (Adobe Stock)

Community Group Helps Asian-Pacific Island Migrants Adjust to Life in U.S.

Thousands of immigrants arrive in the United States every year, knowing very little about the language, culture and civic ways of their new homeland…

Jon Kent (kneeling) and a cadre of volunteers are raising vegetables and feeding the community from their urban farm at Charlevoix and Lakeview streets in East Detroit. (Sanctuary Farms)

Young Farmers of Color: Feed Detroit, Fight Injustice, Protect Climate

By Britny Cordera for Yes! Magazine.Broadcast version by Mark Richardson for Michigan News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-…

Nearly 40% of Michigan households include at least one member over age 60. (eggeggjiew/Adobe Stock)

Online Platform Helps Older Michiganders Get Connected, Socialize

More than 40% of older Michiganders live alone, and studies show the pandemic has exacerbated loneliness for many. The State of Michigan has renewed …

Comins Township was the winner of last year's Put Your Town on the Map Challenge, to build a new town square and event center. (Wikimedia Commons)

Call to MI Small Towns: Submit Proposals to Attract Visitors, New Residents

As small towns struggle to recover from the pandemic, a grant program called Put Your Town on the Map aims to support ideas for revitalization…

Some Michigan counties are able to provide at-home COVID-19 vaccinations for homebound residents. (Adobe Stock)

Help for Michigan's Homebound: COVID Vaccine Outreach Expands

LANSING, Mich. -- More than two million Michiganders are fully vaccinated for COVID-19, and a focus now is to ensure people who are homebound are …

The Detroit Black Community Food Security Network is reimagining ways to grow food in cities, inspired by urban gardens in the 1960s and 70s. (espiegle/Adobe Stock)

Black-Led Food, Land Justice Groups: Land Leads to Self-Determination

By Ruth Terry for Yes! Media. Broadcast version by Lily Bohlke for Michigan News Connection reporting for the YES! Media-Public News Service …

Thousands of meals will be prepared by local restaurants in Jackson and given to families in need. (AdobeStock)

Innovative Program Helps Restaurants and the Hungry

LANSING, Mich. -- With no end in sight to the economic turmoil spurred by the pandemic, a mid-Michigan community is launching an innovative program …

Just about half of teenage mothers earn their high school degree before age 22. (AdobeStock)

New Council Gives Michigan Young Parents a Voice

LANSING, Mich. -- The voices of expectant and parenting youths are being amplified by the first-ever Michigan Young Parent Advisory Council. Diamond …

Online platforms are expanding social and learning opportunities for Michiganders of all ages during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Virtual Events Open Up New Worlds for Older MI Adults

LANSING, Mich. -- With COVID-19 unlikely to disappear anytime soon, Michigan's leading advocate for older adults is taking advantage of technology to …

The federal CARES Act provided some additional funding for programs that provide meals for seniors, but it's important that people who need these resources reach out. (congerdesign/Pixabay)

For Hungry Michigan Seniors, Help is a Phone Call Away

LANSING, Mich. -- Organizations throughout the state are trying to ensure no senior goes without food as the world fights the COVID-19 pandemic…

The federal government has started sending stimulus checks as part of the CARES Act. (AdobeStock)

Some Michiganders Need to Take Action to Receive Stimulus Money

LANSING, Mich. -- The federal government is starting to dole out some financial relief to Michiganders during the COVID-19 pandemic through stimulus …

The Michigan Community Service Commission is supporting 29 MLK Day of Service projects in 2020. (Adobe Stock)

Celebrating Dr. King in Michigan: "Everyone has Something to Give"

LANSING, Mich. -- From young students to business professionals, today Michiganders from all walks of life will honor the legacy of Martin Luther …

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide counselors helped 65,000 Michigan tax filers receive $28 million in refunds last year. (Adobe Stock)

Ramping Up for Tax Season with AARP Michigan's Tax-Aide Team

LANSING, Mich. -- Tax season officially starts soon, and hundreds of volunteers are finalizing their training so they can help Michiganders prepare …

About 2,000 children are adopted in Michigan each year. (Adobe Stock)

"The One Day in Court Where Everyone Comes Out Happy"

LANSING, Mich. – November is National Adoption Month, and courts around Michigan are celebrating people who open their hearts and homes to …

Age-friendly communities are considerate of residents from all walks of life and of any age. (Adobe Stock)

Advancing Age-Friendly Communities in Michigan

LANSING, Mich. – A growing movement in Michigan and around the world is working to ensure communities are able to serve the needs of people of …

The three dozen women newly elected to the U.S. House last week surpassed the 24 female newcomers elected in 1992, the last time political pundits declared it the �Year of the Woman.� (Rawpixel.com/Stocksnap)

Will Women Maintain Their Election Momentum?

LANSING, Mich. — Votes are still being counted, but we already know the number of women elected to the U.S. House of Representatives last week …

Michigan voters have three Proposals to decide on the November ballot, including two that could impact future elections. (Tim Evanson/Flickr)

Election Day 2018: Making the Most of Your Vote in Michigan

LANSING, Mich. — Election Day is just three weeks away, and with so much at stake, Michigan voters are encouraged to ensure they're fully …

In non-presidential election years, typically two-thirds of the people who turn out to vote are age 50 or older. (Pixabay)

Mid-term Election 2018 : Can Michigan Voters "Be the Difference?"

LANSING, Mich. — The November election is pivotal for Michigan's future, and a new effort is underway to encourage all Michiganders to make …

Bessemer used grant money from the AARP Community Challenge to install bike racks around the town designed by a local artist. (City of Bessemer)<br />

Michigan Communities Challenged to Improve Livability

LANSING, Mich. – With the nation facing an aging population, many communities are examining ways to become places where people of all ages can …

Outside of metro Detroit, a new study finds many Michiganders don't know any Muslims or much about their everyday lives. (cohdra/morguefile)

As Hate Crimes Rise, New Study Highlights Contributions of MI Muslims

DEARBORN, Mich. -- They are doctors, philanthropists and entrepreneurs, but they're also the victims of hate crimes, discrimination, and profiling…

Seating in outdoor areas is one factor communities consider when planning age-friendly amenities. (Pippalou/morguefile)

Another Michigan City Aims to Become "Age-Friendly"

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Grand Rapids has earned a reputation as one of Michigan's most "hip" cities, but it also wants to be at the forefront of the …

More than 1,000 peace and nonviolence actions will take place globally this week. (Peace Quest Greater Lansing)

Michiganders Invited to Give Peace a Chance This Week

LANSING, Mich. – Faith groups, grassroots activists and community organizations from all over Michigan will come together this week to reject …

AmeriCorps volunteers are working with groups such as CEDAM to serve communities across Michigan. (R. Diskin)

AmeriCorps National Service Programs Seek Michigan Members

LANSING, Mich. – Across Michigan, more than 1,400 members with the AmeriCorps national service program are dedicating a year of their lives to …

Volunteers wearing red hope to cut some of the red tape for Flint residents to have water pipes replaced. (M. Hornbeck/AARP MI)

AARP Volunteers to Help with Flint Pipe Replacement

FLINT, Mich. – Thousands of Flint homes still need to have their water lines replaced, an effort that will have volunteers fanning out across …

President Donald Trump's actions to roll back environmental regulations will be the focus of Earth Day demonstrations this week, in Michigan and across the country. (Anthony Baker/Wikimedia Commons)

New Focus for Earth Day 2017: National Security?

LANSING, Mich. – The Earth Day commemorations this coming Saturday will have a new focus – the Trump administration. As the president …

Help is available to ease some of the tax-time burden. (Pixabay)

Free Tax Help Available for Michiganders

DETROIT -- Tax season can be a stressful time for many, but free help is available across the state to ease some of that burden and make sure …

Volunteers are needed to help refugees adjust to life in Michigan. (Samaritas)

Beyond the Protests: How to Help Refugees in Michigan

DETROIT – With President Donald Trump's travel ban currently on hold and refugees once again allowed to resettle in Michigan, those who work …

Many immigrants in Michigan are confused and fearful in the wake of President Trump's order. (Welcoming Michigan)

Immigration Orders Spark Fear, Confusion Across Michigan

DETROIT -- With one of the largest populations of Middle Eastern immigrants in the nation, Michigan is feeling the ripple effects of President …

Only pennies for progress? Contributions to charitable foundations are booming, but only small portions are going to social justice groups and causes. (jmiltenburg/morguefile)

Report: Big Decade for Philanthropy Doesn't Translate to Social Justice

LANSING, Mich. – It's been a big decade for foundations receiving tax deductible contributions, but a new report takes a close look at how much …

Michigan Blood provides blood to 60 hospitals in the state. (LG-Ukraine/Flickr)

Michigan Blood Seeks 'O Negative' Donors During Summer Slump

LANSING, Mich. – Health officials are asking Michiganders to consider helping to save a life during the dog days of summer. The organization …

An event in Detroit tonight focuses on building equality, opportunity and prosperity in Michigan communities. (Night Out for Safety and Liberation)

Changing the Narrative of a Night Out for Safety

LANSING, Mich. - Communities in Michigan and other states will celebrate National Night Out tonight to promote safety through police-community …

The Kalamazoo River settlement requires that Enbridge strengthen supports for other pipelines in the Great Lakes. (Terry Johnston/Flickr)

Kalamazoo Settlement Renews Calls to Shut Down Line 5

LANSING, Mich. – The settlement reached in the Kalamazoo River oil spill is intensifying calls from citizen and environmental groups to shut …

Nearly 600,000 Michiganders received medical care from a community health center in 2014.

Bipartisan Support Norm for Health Centers in MI, Nation

LANSING, Mich. – Hundreds of thousands of Michiganders receive medical care each year from community health centers, and even more could be …

About 1,800 refugees arrived in Michigan in fiscal year 2016. (Pixabay)

Welcoming Refugees a Win-Win for Michigan?

LANSING, Mich. – Despite divisive political rhetoric over the past year on the issue of refugees, many cities in Michigan are welcoming with …

Michigan men are encouraged to take charge of their health during Men's Health Week and year-round. (Oleander/Morguefile)

Men's Health Week in Michigan: Making Health a Priority

LANSING, Mich. - As some Michiganders search for the perfect Father's Day present, some medical professionals suggest offering the gift of health…

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MI: Community Issues and Volunteering