The Chronicle News No 102 JULY III 2026

Summer of Impact

Empowering minds through discovery, creativity, and community connection

Note From the Publisher | Summer if Impact: Celebrating the People Who Make Michigan Stronger

Summer has a way a way of being people together. Neighborhood festivals fill our parks. Children laugh on playgrounds. Volunteers roll up their sleeves. Small businesses welcome customers through their doors. Across Michigan, people are showing

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

Turn to Page 7  WKAR...

Parents, students, school staff members, and others are encouraged to nominate outstanding public-school educators for the Michigan Lottery’s 2026-27 Excellence in Education awards. All public-school employees may be nominated for the Excellence in Education awards, which recognize educators who go “above and beyond” to make a difference in the lives of children. To nominate a pub-

BY RUSSELL GARLAND

hen 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 firsthand how the Marine Corps

BY YANICE Y. CARTER

On January 8, 1867, a historic victory for civil rights was achieved when Congress granted Black men in Washington, D.C., the right to vote. This landmark decision was made possible by the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate overriding President Andrew Johnson's veto of the District of Columbia Suffrage Act. The legislation marked a significant step forward in the Reconstruction era’s efforts to extend democratic rights to African Americans.

The passage of this act was no small feat—it was the culmination of relent-

less advocacy by African American leaders and their allies, who fought tirelessly to secure equal rights during a time of profound racial division. The District of Columbia Suffrage Act set a powerful precedent, paving the way for future efforts to eliminate barriers to voting and expand democratic participation for marginalized groups.

This pivotal moment in history was not only a victory for those living in the nation's capital but also a symbol of progress in the larger struggle for racial equality and justice in the United States. It stands as a testament to the power of collective action and the enduring quest for civil rights.

This Day in Black History: A Milestone for Voting Rights in Washington, D.C. Shirley Chisholm: Made History as the First Black Woman in Congress

BY YANICE Y. CARTER

The United States Congress is as diverse now as it has ever been, however, when Chisholm was attempting to shatter that glass ceiling, the same was not true. During the racial tension of the late 1960s, she became the first Black woman elected into congress. She represented New York's 12th District from 1969 to 1983, and in 1972, she became the first woman to run for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination. Her campaign slogan: "Unbought and Unbossed". During her Kamala Harris's Vice Presidential campaign, she paid homage by using a similar slogan.

QUICK FACTS:

Born : November 30, 1924, Brooklyn, New York, NY

Died : January 1, 2005, Ormond Beach, FL

Spouse : Arthur Hardwick (m. 1977–1986), Conrad Chisholm (m. 1949–1977)

Awards : Presidential Medal of Freedom

Parents : Ruby Seale, Charles Christopher St. Hill

Siblings : Odessa Chisholm, Muriel Chisholm Party : Democratic Party

CAPITAL AREA TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY

PUBLIC MEETING

NOTICE

PROPOSED SERVICE CHANGES

Effective Aug. 24, 2026

The Capital Area Transportation Authority will host a series of public meetings to present proposed service changes effective Aug. 24, 2026. The following routes and services are included in the proposed service changes:

• Route 1 – Downtown Lansing – Meridian Mall: Weekday service frequency would change from every 9–15 minutes to every 15 minutes. Late-night service, Thursday through Saturday, would be eliminated. Final departures Monday through Saturday from the CATA Transportation Center (CTC) will be at 10:20 p.m. and from Meridian Mall at 11 p.m.

• Route 9 – South Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd – Miller: The outbound loop through downtown Lansing along Grand Ave and Capitol Ave would be eliminated, with buses traveling directly onto Kalamazoo Street from the CTC. Trips would depart approximately 5 minutes earlier from the South Pennsylvania Meijer traveling inbound.

• Route 18 – Capital City Crosstown: Buses would serve Spartan Village on all inbound and outbound trips. Stop-based service times will be adjusted.

• Route 20 – South Harrison – Jolly-Dunckel: Weekday service frequency would change from 30 minutes to every 40 minutes between 6:33 a.m. and 7:15 p.m. Buses will remain on Harrison Road and will no longer serve Spartan Village on all inbound and outbound trips.

• Route 46 – Mason, Limited: Service would be discontinued (see proposed Mason Connector change).

• Mason Connector: Monday-Friday service hours would be expanded to incorporate service hours no longer served by Route 46. Saturday service would be eliminated (see proposed CATA Rural Service (CRS) change).

• Route 48 – Williamston – Webberville, Limited: Service would be discontinued (see proposed Williamston/Webberville Connector change).

• Williamston/Webberville Connector: Monday- Friday service hours would be expanded to incorporate service hours no longer served by Route 48. Saturday service would be eliminated (see proposed CRS change).

• Mason Redi-Ride: Service would be discontinued (see proposed CRS change).

• CATA Rural Service (CRS): The City of Mason would be added to the service area, incorporating the former Mason Redi-Ride service area into the CRS zone. Saturday service from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. would be added, and same-day trip scheduling would be available. The distance-based fare for trips over 10 miles would be eliminated, and all trips would have a $2.25 fare across the expanded service area.

Details of service changes will be available online at cata.org. Representatives from CATA will be present at the open-forum public meetings listed below. There is no formal presentation planned, allowing CATA staff to meet and interact with attendees on an individual basis. Public comment is welcome. The same service information will be available at each meeting, allowing area residents to attend any session of their choosing.

July 21, 2026

July 22, 2026

Thursday, July 23, 2026

July 27, 2026

Meeting locations are accessible by CATA services. Spec-Tran rides must be reserved by 5 p.m. the evening before the session you plan to attend. Individuals requiring special accommodations should contact CATA Customer Experience at 517-394-1000. CATA will make every attempt to provide reasonable accommodation for requests submitted by 5 p.m. Monday, July 20, 2026.

For those unable to attend a meeting but would like to provide input, visit cata.org to review details, email comments to marketing@cata.org or submit written comments to:

August 2026 Service Changes Feedback

Capital Area Transportation Authority

Attn: Marketing Department 4615 Tranter Street, Lansing, MI 48910

Members of the public can also contact CATA Customer Experience at 517-394-1000, Mon.-Fri. 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sat.-Sun. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. All comments must be received by 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 28, 2026. Visit cata.org for the latest information.

U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin Endorses Matt Maasdam for Congress

Last Democrat to Win Michigan's 7th District Backs Maasdam as Candidate Best Positioned to Defeat Tom Barrett and Help Democrats Flip the House

BRIGHTON, MICH . — U.S.

Senator Elissa Slotkin, the last Democrat to represent Michigan's 7th Congressional District and the only Democrat to win the seat since 1998, today announced her endorsement of Matt Maasdam for Congress, backing the retired Navy SEAL as the Democrat best positioned to defeat Republican Congressman Tom Barrett this November.

Slotkin's endorsement comes as Democrats view Michigan's 7th District as one of the nation's premier bat-

tlegrounds and one of the most critical races in the fight to win back the House

majority and restore a check on President Donald Trump.

In 2024, Michigan's 7th District voted for Donald Trump for president and Tom Barrett for Congress, while simultaneously electing Slotkin to the U.S. Senate, underscoring her unique ability to build the coalition necessary to win one of the toughest swing districts in America. Slotkin flipped a similar version of the longtime Republican-held seat in 2018 and kept winning in difficult cycles, including in 2020, Slotkin was one of seven U.S. Representatives to win a seat on the same ballot as President Trump.

"Today I am endorsing Matt Maasdam to be the next Congressman from mid-Michigan and represent Michi-

gan's seventh congressional district. Mid-Michigan is where it all began for me, representing this district – from Charlotte, to Lansing, to Owosso, to Brighton, to South Lyon – in the U.S. House for six years,”said Senator Slotkin. “Matt has spent his life serving our country as a Navy SEAL and in the White House for President Obama. When he retired from the military, he chose to move back to Michigan to raise his family. Matt could have chosen lots of other paths, but he believes that service to the people of Michigan is the most important path he can take. We need fighters, and

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 organizer and East Lansing native, is one of three Democrats seeking the opportunity to challenge Republican Congressman Tom Barrett in November. He has centered his campaign on affordability, housing, healthcare, environmental protection, government accountability, and campaign finance reform.

In announcing his endorsement, Sanders praised Lawrence’s organizing background and progressive platform.

Former Michigan Governor and U.S. Energy Secretary

LANSING, Mich. — Former

Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm has endorsed Democrat Bridget Brink in Michigan’s 7th Congressional District race, adding another high-profile endorsement to Brink’s growing list of supporters.

Granholm, who later served as U.S. Secretary of Energy under President Joe Biden, praised Brink’s leadership, resilience, and public service.

“I have seen firsthand that Bridget Brink has the grit, savvy, and

“Will Lawrence is an accomplished organizer who co-founded the youth-led Sunrise Movement,” Sanders said in a statement. “Will is exactly the kind of leader we need in Congress.” Following the endorsement, Lawrence thanked his volunteers and supporters, saying the endorsement reflected the grassroots effort his campaign

Brink for Congress in Michigan’s 7th District in Democratic Primary

backbone to beat Tom Barrett and deliver for Michigan families,” Granholm said in a statement. “Raised by a single mom here in Michigan, Bridget became the first woman to serve as U.S. Ambassador in a war zone. When Trump demanded she help capitulate to Putin, Bridget resigned in protest, sacrificed her career, and came back home to Michigan to fight back. That’s the bold leadership that Bridget will bring to Congress.”

Brink, who served as the U.S.

Ambassador to Ukraine, said she was honored to receive Granholm’s endorsement and reflected on their time working together during Granholm’s tenure as Secretary of Energy.

“Governor Granholm is a visionary leader, coalition builder, and uniquely effective communicator,”

The Chronicle Regional Voter Guide 2026 | Your Vote. Your Voice. Your Community. Primary Election

The August 4, 2026 Primary Election will determine which candidates from each political party advance to the November General Election. Depending on where you live, your ballot may include federal, state, county, judicial, school board, and local races, as well as ballot proposals that affect your community.

This guide highlights many of the major contests affecting The Chronicle’s readers throughout Mid-Michigan and serves as a starting point for preparing to vote.

What Is the Primary Election?

Michigan’s Primary Election allows voters to help determine which candidates from each political party will appear on the November General Election ballot. Depending on your community, you’ll also vote on local offices, judges, school boards, and ballot proposals that directly impact your neighborhoods, schools, roads, parks, libraries, and other public services.

Important Election Dates

 Primary Election: Tuesday, August 4, 2026

 General Election: Tuesday, November 3, 2026

 Early Voting: July 25 – August 2, 2026

 Deadline to Register Online or by Mail: July 20, 2026

 Michigan Voter Information Center: Michigan.gov/ Vote

Before You Head to the Polls

 Confirm your voter registration.

 Verify your polling location.

 Review your sample ballot before Election Day.

 Bring an acceptable photo ID, or sign an affidavit if you do not have one.

 Polls are open 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.

What’s New in Michigan Voting?

Michigan voters continue to have access to expanded voting options, including:

 Early voting before Election Day

 No-reason absentee voting

 Secure absentee ballot drop boxes in many communities

Be sure to check with your local clerk for voting options and deadlines available in your area.

STATEWIDE RACES

Governor

Democratic

Jocelyn Benson

Chris Swanson

Republican

Mike Cox

John James

Perry Johnson

Aric Nesbitt

U.S. Senate

Democratic Abdul El-Sayed

Mallory McMorrow

Haley Stevens

Republican

Mike Rogers

Secretary of State Democratic Scan to read full story

WAITING FOR THE TO FALL! RED BALL

For a limited time in July, when the Red Ball is drawn, the Lottery will then draw a second set of Daily 3 numbers, giving you a second chance to win on the same ticket—making lots more winners! Visit your favorite Michigan Lottery retailer and play Daily 3 today.

An Open Letter to New Mothers

BY KRISTEN FREEMAN

Dear sister, in the depths of postpartum, I see you. I was you. I am you. Whether you are having a day of pure adoration, bottomless gratitude, of immense love for this new chapter in life, or you are battling internal conflict, confused thinking "what have I done?" If you are wondering if you can survive this season and hold all the responsibility of taking care of this precious, tiny human, you are not alone. Whether you feel achy, celebratory, tender, unraveled or you feel all of it in one swift moment, I see you. Your feelings, your sensations, and your emotions are valid.

You may be the mom who woke up in a puddle of her own breastmilk this morning. Laundering the sheets each day and wondering, "when will the oversupply regulate? When will the pain of engorgement subside? It will, eventually. You may be the one cringing, skin crawling with each latch, just waiting on the month mark you promised yourself. You may be evad-

lic-school educator, go to www.michiganlottery.com/excellence-in-education.

The Michigan Lottery established the Excellence in Education awards in 2014 to recognize outstanding public-school educators across the state during the school year.

One outstanding educator will be selected each week and will receive a $2,000 cash prize. At the end of the school year, one of these weekly award winners will be selected to receive the Lottery’s Educator of the Year award and will receive a $10,000 cash prize. Winners of the weekly award are featured in a news segment on the Lottery’s media partner stations:

WXYZ-TV in Detroit, FOX 17 in

ing the guilt you would feel if you 'gave it up' now. You may be the one anxiously awaiting your milk to come in, squeezing your breasts each time you are in the shower to check and see if there is anything in there.

Grand Rapids, FOX 47 in Lansing, WNEM-TV in Saginaw, WWTV-TV in Traverse City, and WLUC-TV in Marquette.

The winner of the 2026 Educator of the Year award was Brandon Bailey, a fifth-grade math and science teacher at Forest View Elementary. The school is part of the Cadillac Area Public Schools.

Hundreds of educators were nominated during the 2025-26 school year, which was the 12th year of the Excellence in Education awards program. Thirty-four of these nominees, including Bailey, were selected to

up, not because they have to, but because they care. That's what impact looks like. Too often, we measure success by titles, awards, or headlines. But some of the greatest contributions happen quietly. They happen when a mentor spends an extra hour with a young person. When a nonprofit stretches every dollar to serve another family. When a local business owner chooses to invest back into the community. When neighbors decide that someone else's struggle is their concern too.

These are the stories that deserve to be told.

At The Chronicle, we've always believed that our communities are filled with extraordinary people doing extraordinary things. They may not seek recognition, but their work leaves neighborhoods stronger, families more hopeful, and futures a little brighter.

You may be the mom whose milk never did come in, the one who never had the chance to try feeding her baby from her body. You may be carrying some shame about that. If so, I pray it lifts off you soon. You may have been the mama with a flailing baby, contorting and squirming and screaming themselves to sleep in your arms last night. You may have been the one crying right along with them, letting the noise machine drown you both out. You may have gotten six hours of sleep last night and still, you feel exhausted. You may be the mama who says “it's fine” when you know deep down, you need every bit of help you can get. You may be the mother in desperation wondering when 'the village' will come to the rescue. You may be the one who misses her social life, her work life, her love life. You may be the mama who cannot imagine going back to work in a couple of weeks or a couple of months. You may be the mom

develops leadership, teamwork, accountability, and resilience in young adults. Hosted by Recruiting Station Michigan, the multi-day workshop offered participants an inside look at recruit training, leadership exercises, educational opportunities, and the transformation process recruits undergo during Marine Corps training.

Before arriving, I had concerns.

“The first thing I was worried about was, at my age, trying to do the running, exercises, and obstacles that a 20-year-old has to do,” I admitted.

(up to 10 minutes) categories.

The short form video series "I Feel" is the brainchild of Pizzo, created with the goal to help parents and children from 4-8 years old identify and communicate their feelings.

"I'm thrilled with how children and families are connecting with the ‘I Feel’ series. As the creator, writer, and co-producer of the series, this recognition is an incredible honor. Almost everyday someone tells me how valuable the series is in supporting their children with social-emotional learning skills and mental health wellness,” said Pizzo.

to read full story

“My second worry was being yelled at by someone 30 years younger than myself.” After four days immersed in the experience, however, my perspective changed. Yes, the training environment was structured and demanding, but what stood out most was the level of teamwork and support. I encountered Marines who consistently checked on participants to make sure nobody was overdo -

“Even at the Emmys, several members of the audience told me they use the series often for their children, therapy clients, or as a reminder for themselves. How validating to know our education content at WKAR is reaching families in positive ways. I know that's the power of quality programing and confirmation that public media rocks!”

The second season, “I Feel Talks”, premiered in May of 2026 and builds on the first season by