4 GROUNDCOVER NEWS GROUNDCOVER Local Independent Journalism Summit! On July 15, 2026, Groundcover News along with El Central Hispanic News hosted a nonprofit local independent journalism summit in Mexicantown in Southwest Detroit. Groundcover Board President Anna Gersh gets the credit for arranging the event. Bridge Detroit, Planet Detroit and Eastern Michigan University's Journalism & Media Studies Program also attended. Groundcover News rented a bus for vendors and writers — shout out to Rock Star Transportation for a comfortable and safe ride from the Groundcover office and back. The first stop was to El Central Hispanic News’ main office at 4200 W. Vernor Hwy, where they explained their production process and how they deliver the best news product to their community. Like Groundcover News, El Central uses print format (newspapers); it serves the southwest Detroit area. El Central Hispanic News is Michigan's oldest, largest and only bilingual Hispanic newspaper. “El Central is a very well-regarded publication. There was a presentation from freelance journalist Martina Guzmán, who knows the recent history and has a long background in the news business. It was very informative, though I was disappointed she couldn’t stay for the rest of the summit,” said Cynthia Price, Groundcover editor. The second destination was a healthy eatery and creative space called Vamonos (“Lets Go!” in English) at 4444 W. Vernor Hwy, where members from two additional Detroit community-serving news publications met up for lunch to discuss local independent journalism. Thanks to Vamonos for being a great host with excellent authentic Mexican food. Bridge Detroit, affiliated with the Groundcover Vendor Code While Groundcover is a non-profit, and paper vendors are self-employed contractors, we still have expectations of how vendors should conduct themselves while selling and representing the paper. The following is our Vendor Code of Conduct, which every vendor reads and signs before receiving a badge and papers. We request that if you discover a vendor violating any tenets of the Code, please contact us and provide as many details as possible. Our paper and our vendors should be positively impacting our County. • Groundcover will be distributed for a voluntary donation. I agree not MIKE JONES Groundcover vendor No. 113 AUGUST 7, 2026 well-known nonprofit news source Bridge Michigan, is an online news publication that was founded on a belief that Detroit’s 700,000 residents deserve a transparent, innovative and diversely staffed news organization. Bridge Detroit is laser-focused on lifting up the issues that Detroiters themselves identify as important to their lives. Planet Detroit is also an online publication that is rooted in Detroit. It is an independent nonprofit local news organization designed to inform readers about the environment and public health. Their mission is to drive informed action through community-centered independent environmental and climate journalism by amplifying local voices, holding power accountable, and spotlighting solutions to inspire hope and action across Michigan and the Great Lakes. On July 16, 2026, those of us who live in the midwest or eastern part of the United States experienced something we have rarely experienced before in this part of America. The Canadian wildfires left a blanket of smoke that forced millions to shelter in place for 48 hours or more. On that very day, I was reflecting on the journalism summit the day before, to ask for more than the cover price or solicit donations by any other means. • When selling Groundcover, I will always have the current biweekly issue of Groundcover available for customer purchase. • I agree not to sell additional goods or products when selling the paper or to panhandle, including panhandling with only one paper or selling an issue more than 4 weeks old. • I will wear and display my badge when selling papers and refrain from wearing it or other Groundcover gear when engaged in other activities. • I will only purchase the paper from Groundcover Staff and will not sell to or buy papers from other Groundcover vendors, especially The first stop on Groundcover's field trip to Southwest Detroit was El Central Hispanic News. and what I got out of it and what I learned. As I looked out of the window to see the hazy sky and the smell of smoke from the wildfires, environmental journalism came to mind. When one thinks of news, one might not think environmental news is as important as regular news we see, hear and read everyday. As we came to find out, environmental news is something we ought to pay more attention to. At Vamonos we were seated at different tables with news reporters from the different publications at each table, where we discussed local independent journalism. Then we engaged in an open discussion, starting off with a representative from each table explaining what they discussed at their table about being a news reporter and the communities they serve and impact. At the table where I sat we talked about an array of topics, but mainly we talked about our personal experiences as journalists in our respective areas. Groundcover News vendor and vendors who have been suspended or terminated. • I agree to treat all customers, staff, and other vendors respectfully. I will not “hard sell,” threaten, harass or pressure customers, staff, or other vendors verbally or physically. • I will not sell Groundcover under the influence of drugs or alcohol. • I understand that I am not a legal employee of Groundcover but a contracted worker responsible for my own well-being and income. • I understand that my badge is property of Groundcover and will not deface it. I will present my badge when purchasing the papers. • I agree to stay off private property when selling Groundcover. • I understand to refrain from writer Felicia Wilbert attended the summit and will be representing Groundover News at the International Street Papers conference in Scotland this September 2026. She commented, “It was a very interesting event and I’m glad to see nonprofit publications come together to discuss and collaborate on ideas concerning keeping nonprofit independent publications thriving in order to serve their communities.” Christine Ferretti is the managing editor for Bridge Detroit and an award-winning journalist with more than 20 years of reporting experience. “It's really impactful to come together and discuss ways we can better address shared challenges and serve our audiences. Nonprofit news outlets do and should continue to find ways to collaborate and cross-publish content to give readers more of the engagement opportunities and stories that they need, want and deserve,” said Ferretti. selling on public buses, federal property or stores unless there is permission from the owner. • I agree to stay at least one block away from another vendor in downtown areas. I will also abide by the Vendor Corner Policy. • I understand that Groundcover strives to be a paper that covers topics of homelessness and poverty while providing sources of income for the homeless. I will try to help in this effort and spread the word. If you would like to report a violation of the Vendor Code or leave positive review of a Vendor experience please email contact@ groundcovernews.com or fill out the contact form on our website.
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