COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

May 15 2026FINANCE

Maine’s 25‑Year Journey of Helping People Own Homes and Grow Businesses

MaineStream Finance, a nonprofit rooted in Penquis, has marked a quarter‑century of making money more reachable for Mainers. From the start in 2001, its goal has been simple: give people who don’t fit traditional bank rules a chance to buy homes, start or grow businesses, and build solid financial f

reading time less than a minute
May 11 2026BUSINESS

Making Bangor Better: How a New YMCA Hub Could Change the Region

Downtown Bangor is getting a big upgrade with a $57. 8 million project to build a fresh YMCA center. Older buildings can’t always keep up with modern needs, so replacing the current 45, 000-square-foot space with a newer 82, 000-square-foot building makes sense. This isn’t just about bigger rooms—it

reading time less than a minute
Apr 30 2026SPORTS

Reno’s soccer team faces a year-long wait for its new home

Reno’s upcoming professional soccer team won’t step onto the field until 2028, pushing back its first season by a full year. The delay comes as the stadium and surrounding entertainment district slowly take shape in South Reno. Work begins this fall after permits are approved, but the original 2027

reading time less than a minute
Apr 22 2026SPORTS

New Play Field Lights Up Hazelwood Community

Pittsburgh’s Hazelwood Green area just got a fresh sports venue that will keep kids active for years. A big ribbon‑cutting ceremony brought together NFL boss Roger Goodell, Steelers president Art Rooney II, coach Mike McCarthy and future draft picks. They played on the field with local youth and Spe

reading time less than a minute
Mar 26 2026OPINION

New Library? Time to Decide

El Cerrito’s old library, built 76 years ago, can’t keep up with modern needs. The city has tried before: a $30‑million bond in 2016 fell short of the two‑thirds vote required. Now Measure C sits on the ballot and only needs a simple majority to pass because of a petition‑driven process. The new bu

reading time less than a minute
Feb 14 2026EDUCATION

From Hardship to Hope: A Dallas Story of Community and Opportunity

In a neighborhood where survival often takes precedence over dreams, Kamila Vargas-Gonzalez defied the odds. She grew up in Bachman Lake, a community where families like hers struggled to make ends meet. Her mother worked multiple jobs, yet they still moved frequently, chasing affordable rent. The f

reading time less than a minute
Jan 23 2026BUSINESS

A Fresh Start for Park Heights: Big Plans and Bigger Dreams

In Baltimore's Park Heights, a big change is coming. A group of organizations has joined forces to build something new. They have secured $44 million to create a mixed-use community. This project will bring affordable housing and spaces for businesses. The focus is on Belvedere Avenue, near the Piml

reading time less than a minute
Jan 18 2026BUSINESS

Medina's Zoning Debate: Finding a Balance for Development

In Medina, Ohio, a discussion is underway about a proposed development at the corner of West Liberty Street and Yorktown Drive. The key question is whether to change the zoning of the land to allow for a wider variety of uses, or to find an alternative solution. The two parcels in question are curr

reading time less than a minute
Jan 04 2026BUSINESS

Flint's 2025: Growth, Gaps, and Goodbyes

Flint saw a lot of changes in 2025. New buildings went up, and some old problems stayed. It was a year of big plans and a few setbacks. First, let's talk about the good stuff. Flint got some shiny new spots. A new YMCA opened downtown in April. It's part of a bigger project called LiveWell on Harri

reading time less than a minute
Jan 03 2026OPINION

Rogers Park: A Unique Neighborhood Facing Zoning Challenges

Rogers Park is a special place. It's a small, family-friendly neighborhood tucked in the northeast corner of Anchorage. It's different from the larger, busier Rogers Park Community Council District. The neighborhood is just a tiny part of that bigger area. Rogers Park has a rich history. It started

reading time less than a minute