Melorie Begay

Michigan

General Assignment Reporter at WGVU-TV (Grand Rapids, MI)

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Articles

Planned Parenthood of Michigan to close Jackson health center and 3 other locations

3 weeks ago | wkar.org | Melorie Begay

Planned Parenthood will permanently close its Jackson clinic at the end of this month. The reproductive health nonprofit made the announcement Wednesday. Citing threats and cuts to federal funding, Planned Parenthood of Michigan said it’s reducing its brick-and-mortar footprint and reorganizing its operations statewide to ensure long term sustainability. The nonprofit will also close two other locations, in Petoskey and Marquette.
MSU Student Democratic president on getting peers to vote in 2024 election

Oct 29, 2024 | ourcommunitynow.com | Melorie Begay

Share Throughout this election season, both the Republican and Democratic parties have consistently called on young voters to help push their candidates across the finish line. Note: WKAR reached out to multiple College GOP clubs in Michigan to invite their perspectives but did not hear back. Interview Highlights: Interview Transcription: Liam Rachichi: Oh, yeah. The pressure's definitely on.
New public charter school aims to boost literacy in Southeast Grand Rapids

Aug 29, 2023 | wgvunews.org | Melorie Begay

Located on 1050 Fisk Road SE, Gerald Dawkins Academy has an enrollment cap of 120 students. The school is named after Dr. Gerald Dawkins, lifelong educator who worked for Grand Rapids Public Schools and later became the first Black superintendent of Saginaw Michigan City Schools. The Grand Rapids-based Center for Sound Literacy is spearheading Gerald Dawkins Academy. Kate Alles is the Director of Instruction and Educational Support Services for the foundation.
City of Muskegon receives $3 million from Michigan EGLE for three redevelopment projects

Aug 28, 2023 | wgvunews.org | Melorie Begay

Funding from the Brownfield Redevelopment funds will go toward three projects including Adelaide Point, the former Shaw Walker Furniture Company, and Harbor 31. A $1 million grant be used for Adelaide Pointe to pay for the treatment of contaminated groundwater and the demolition of a concrete foundation. According to EGLE, the former foundry is contaminated with PFAS, petroleum and solvent compounds and metals.
Corewell Health Celebrates National Black Breastfeeding Week

Aug 23, 2023 | wgvunews.org | Melorie Begay

The events aim to shed a light on inequalities related to Black maternal and infant health. Amanda Rostic is the Senior Project Specialist for Corewell Health’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion team. She said that while breastfeeding is really important for mothers in general, it’s important to zero in on Black mothers.
City of Grand Rapids approves funding for police department drones

Aug 22, 2023 | wgvunews.org | Melorie Begay

The unanimous vote from commissioners was taken during a fiscal committee meeting. Nearly 100 thousand dollars will go toward the purchase and delivery of Unmanned Aerial Systems, or drones. The purchase and use of police drones has faced community pushback with many expressing concerns over privacy and possible discrimination against Black people. Meanwhile, the GRPD has said the drones would be used for investigations involving vehicle crashes, crimes, and hazardous material incidents.
Claimants withdraw four complaints against GRPD

Aug 21, 2023 | wgvunews.org | Melorie Begay

The four complaints involve discrimination based on race. All four individuals, including three children, are Black. The incidents occurred in 2017, 2018, and 2020 According to the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, in three of the complaints which were filed by parents on behalf of their children, officers had handcuffed and pointed guns at the minors. In a statement last week, Executive Director of the MDCR John E.
State investment in City of Grand Rapids projects by celebrated by local and state officials

Aug 18, 2023 | wgvunews.org | Melorie Begay

Gathering outside the soon to be demolished Martin Luther King Park lodge Michigan Sen. Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, State Rep. Kristan Grant, and Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss commended the state’s investment in the park. The city received $6 million to rebuild the facility as part of the state’s “Make It in Michigan” budget. The city says the new multi-use lodge will be accessible for all ages and abilities, open year round, safe, energy efficient and affordable for public use. State Rep.
City of Grand Rapids looking for volunteers to join CERT team to help in disaster situations

Aug 17, 2023 | wgvunews.org | Melorie Begay

The CERT team will be overseen by the city’s Office of Emergency Management. Members in the program will focus on disaster preparedness, response, and recovery training. The idea is to train community members how to deal with emergency situations if a disaster were to occur in Grand Rapids. The city says skills learned in the CERT program will allow the team to be resilient and help their families and neighbors while waiting for first responders.
SBA administrator visits with Grand Rapids Small Business Owners

Aug 17, 2023 | wgvunews.org | Melorie Begay

Guzman and Scholten toured the Downtown Market on Aug. 3, meeting with several small business owners who expressed their gratitude for the SBA, many of whom had sought assistance from the SBA during and following the pandemic. Guzman said it was heartening to see small businesses be resilient.