Bob Johnson

1 week ago | mlive.com | Bob Johnson

SAGINAW, MI — For Jessica M. Patman, 42, the fight against cancer didn’t end with treatment. It continued in the form of mounting debt — and a system that made recovery even harder. Now, through her organization LIT (Live It Through), Patman is working to help others facing the same battle: Addressing the financial disparities people of color often encounter after a cancer diagnosis.

2 weeks ago | mlive.com | Bob Johnson

SAGINAW, MI — Fifteen years ago — well, almost (I’m a few months shy) — I took a part-time reporting job with The Saginaw News, not knowing just how far the journey would take me. I didn’t have a formal journalism degree. I didn’t have years of newsroom experience. But I had curiosity, a deep love for this community and a few editors and leaders at MLive who believed in me enough to give me a shot. That shot turned into the career of a lifetime.

2 weeks ago | mlive.com | Bob Johnson

SAGINAW, MI -- Some spots whisper good food. Others shout it. Crudup’s Chicken & Ribs sings a melody of smoky, juicy and bold flavors that talk to your tastebuds. Tucked quietly toward the back of the SVRC Marketplace in downtown Saginaw, Crudup’s isn’t one of those restaurants you just stumble upon. You either know about it, or you don’t. And if you do? Welcome to the club. Their barbecue has a loyal following. They now have a new item: BBQ jerk chicken.

2 weeks ago | mlive.com | Bob Johnson

SAGINAW, MI — More Saginaw County students are heading to college this fall with the help of the Saginaw Community Foundation (SCF), which celebrated a historic milestone Wednesday, June 4, during its annual scholarship reception at Horizons Conference Center in Saginaw Township. This year marks a record-breaking milestone for the SCF, according to Chamika Ford, program officer for scholarships and teaching grants.

2 weeks ago | mlive.com | Bob Johnson

SAGINAW, MI — They’ve lived it. They’ve survived it. Now they’re out to stop it. A group of Saginaw businessmen and mentors known as Team LOYALTY is taking an unapologetically street-level approach to interrupt cycles of violence and steer young men toward better paths—using hard-earned credibility and life experience as their primary tools. The men are not part of a formal program or government-funded initiative.