Derek Molina
Local Editor
Derek Molina is a dedicated local journalist with a passion for community reporting. Before joining City & Local, Derek worked as a beat reporter for the 'Community Chronicle,' where he won an award for his series on local business growth. He also spearheaded a project highlighting the revitalization efforts in the historic district, earning him recognition from the city council. Derek is committed to providing residents with the information they need to stay connected and engaged with their neighborhoods.
Expertise
Coverage Areas
Latest Articles
Protest Erupts Over Clarksville Senior Center Proposed Changes
Clarksville's proposed budget for the senior center includes a staggering $178,500 for public relations, even as residents protest the city's takeover of the Ajax Turner Senior Center and the recent f
Jun 7, 2026 · 2 min read
What Are Local Zoning Laws and How Can Citizens Influence Them?
Despite countless public meetings and petitions, local residents cannot directly write, change, or expand the zoning laws dictating their neighborhoods’ development.
Jun 7, 2026 · 3 min read
The Stark Divide in Urban Green Space Access
In some cities, residents have access to urban green spaces at a rate 27,813 times greater than those in the least accessible cities, revealing a stark divide in quality of life.
Jun 7, 2026 · 5 min read
Community Housing: Designing for Senior Well-being
In Philadelphia's Kensington neighborhood, a $27 million, 61-unit apartment building is rising, marking the first major development by the city's housing authority in an area often overlooked.
Jun 6, 2026 · 5 min read
Pacifica Declares Emergency Over Severe City Pier Damage
Just months after a previous closure for repairs, the Pacifica Municipal Pier was taped off indefinitely on Thursday, June 4, 2026, after city crews discovered massive cracks threatening its structura
Jun 6, 2026 · 6 min read
Local communities face service gaps despite municipal promises
More than one-third of New York City's annual operating budget comes from grants and revenues from New York State or the federal government, a deep reliance on external funding for local services Volc
Jun 6, 2026 · 4 min read
Portland, Maine: Best Walkable City in the US for Exploring on Foot
Portland, Maine, a city often overlooked in national travel discussions, was recently named the best city in the U.
Jun 6, 2026 · 4 min read
AI Travel Planners Threaten Authentic Experiences
A tourist's anticipated trek to Peru's 'Sacred Canyon of Humantay' ended abruptly when they found themselves stranded on a rural road, with no guide and no such destination existing.
Jun 6, 2026 · 3 min read
Milwaukee Public Transport: A 2026 Guide to Fare Caps and Passes
In January 2026, single-ride fares for the Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) will increase by 37.
Jun 5, 2026 · 6 min read
How LA Metro's Fare Capping Works for Effective Transit
Since June 2023, a 1.
Jun 5, 2026 · 4 min read
Local journalism's decline erodes community ties and accountability
Montclair's Township Council is considering a $52,500 contract for a community engagement platform that culls social media, even as local newsrooms shrink.
Jun 5, 2026 · 3 min read
How Property Tax Assessments Work and How to Appeal
A successful property tax appeal for a missing exemption can put a refund check in a homeowner's hand within 3-4 weeks.
Jun 4, 2026 · 4 min read
Local volunteers save communities billions
Between September 2022 and 2023, over 75.
Jun 4, 2026 · 3 min read
London Public Transport: 2026 Fare Hikes and Accessibility
Starting March 1, 2026, a round-trip adult ticket on some public transport lines will increase from £13 to £13.50.
Jun 4, 2026 · 4 min read
Cultural Immersion Programs: Beyond Tourist Traps
Cultural immersion programs actively transform students into empathetic, adaptable global citizens.
Jun 4, 2026 · 3 min read
How to Engage With Local Community Initiatives
Most factors influencing community engagement relate to project organization, not community engagement itself, according to a study published in PMC .
Jun 3, 2026 · 4 min read
City Public Transit Fares: How to Save Money in 2026
A single adult passenger traveling from Seattle to Bainbridge Island pays $11.
Jun 3, 2026 · 3 min read
California primary election results show early leads for key races
With only 46% of votes counted in key statewide races, California's primary election on June 2 leaves the fate of gubernatorial successors and crucial U.
Jun 3, 2026 · 3 min read
Daraxonrasib extends life in pancreatic cancer trial
Pancreatic cancer patients receiving the new drug Daraxonrasib lived nearly twice as long as those on standard chemotherapy in a recent Phase III trial.
May 31, 2026 · 4 min read
Urban development impacts green spaces, prioritizes housing needs
Rochester's City Council approved the sale of a half-acre Charlotte Street green space for $150,000 on April 21, 2026.
May 30, 2026 · 2 min read