Battle Creek

Battle Creek activist collects over 80 bikes for local kids

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BATTLE CREEK– Battle Creek residents should keep an eye out for over 80 kids riding through the streets on their brand new bicycles, thanks to city activist Bobby Holley. 

Kids across the nation have become more acquainted with being indoors than in past years due to COVID-19 and the state’s mandatory orders in regards to staying indoors and staying safe. For Battle Creek social justice activist Bobby Holley that needed to change. 

On July 1, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer made an executive order to lift mask mandates and allow social gatherings to start up again throughout the state. This would come just after the beginning of summer for most Michigan kids. A summer that Holley said kids needed to be outside participating in. 

“These kids, man, they’ve been inside for months. No summer camps, no field trips or nothing.

Environment

Typhoon victims got less, still need international aid

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By BECKY McKENDRY
Capital News Service
LANSING – When Typhoon Haiyan, also known as Typhoon Yolanda, devastated the Philippines last month, Americans sprang into action. Just not as many as expected, according to a national report. Compared to other recent international disasters like the 2010 earthquake in Haiti and the 2011 tsunami in Japan, fewer Americans paid attention to news of the typhoon and are donating to relief efforts, according to the Pew Research Center report. At least over 55 percent of Americans reported “very closely” following the earthquake in Haiti and tsunamis in Japan and the Indian Ocean. Only 32 percent of Americans report following Typhoon Haiyan.

Business & Economy

When it comes to food, pantries work all year

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By BECKY McKENDRY
Capital News Service
LANSING – As food banks and food pantries across the state prepare for the challenges of the holiday season and talk of looming cuts to federal food benefits, there is one message they’d like you to carry well into the new year. People are hungry year-round. “The holidays are a busy time in volunteering and donating,” said Anne Schenk, senior director of advancement at Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan in Detroit. “But sometimes people forget that we have these needs all year.”
Schenk said volunteers and donations tend to taper off in spring and plateau during the summer. That can be especially challenging, as donations are often in high demand when children are on spring and summer breaks – and not receiving meals at school.