Featured Stories

Helping to write beautiful stories: Leaders under 30 empower youth in Grand Rapids

By Natalie Tomlin Thursday, January 25, 2018

Impassioned to guide first generation students toward a college degree; to provide quality mental health care to all people, regardless of their background; and to create intimate relationships free of violence, these leaders under 30 are making a difference for youth in GR.

Education, Michigan Nightlight

DACA: A personal view from here to Washington

Tommy Allen, Publisher Thursday, January 25, 2018

Rapid Growth's Publisher Tommy Allen sat down to speak with two Dreamers whose lives will be upended along with the estimated 800,000 other Dreamers if DACA is not renewed.

Immigration, Talent Dividend, Tommy Allen, Lifestyle Editor

UIX: Preventative medicine begins with access to exercise in Grand Rapids

By Matthew Russell Thursday, January 18, 2018

Access to adequate nutrition, shelter and education are basic rights of those living in West Michigan, and access to physical fitness is no different. More so now than ever before, individuals of differing ability and resources are able to access opportunities for physical fitness.

healthcare, Healthy Living, Non Profit, nonprofit, Non-Profit, Urban Innovation Exchange

Southeast Community

The state of Grand Rapids housing costs: A 10-year review

By Marjorie Steele Thursday, January 18, 2018

“The rent is too damn high” is a common sentiment here in Grand Rapids, where rapid growth has resulted in a higher cost of housing. Take a look at the last 10 years of changing and rising costs of housing in GR.

Development, Real Estate, Sense of Place

Belknap-Monroe North, Eastown, Heritage Hill, Garfield Park-Alger Heights-Grandville Ave, East Hills - Cherry Hill, Creston-Cheshire, Center City, East Grand Rapids, Franklin-Eastern, Baxter

Single Girls Guide promotes safety and respect for women while dining

By Lauren Fay Carlson Thursday, January 18, 2018

Are you a single lady? Or just a woman who wants to visit an establishment alone, knowing she is safe and in good company? Enter Single Girls Guide, the site we've all been waiting for.

Areas of Concern, Bars, Dining & Nightlife, Sense of Place, Small Business

RapidChat: Molly Singleterry

By Jenna Morton Thursday, January 11, 2018

"I am a writer—not a speaker," admits Molly Singleterry, host and organizer of CreativeMornings GR. But modesty must be one of this woman's strong suit—because it is clear that Molly is nothing short of wonderful at capturing everyone's attention within the (very crowded) room of this monthly speaker series.

Arts & Culture, Building Communities, RapidChat

Looking forward in 2018: Rapid Growth staff spells out their new year's hopes and dreams

By Rapid Growth Staff Thursday, January 11, 2018

For our first edition of 2018, the Rapid Growth staff divulges their hopes, their trepidations, and their goals for the new year. Here's what Rapid Growth is looking forward to in 2018.

Building Communities, Building Grand Rapids, Community Engagement

VIDEO: Celebrating the strength and spirit of a rising Muskegon

By Anna Gustafson, On The Ground Muskegon Lakeshore Editor Thursday, January 11, 2018

To mark the end of our On The Ground Muskegon Lakeshore series, we present this video as a celebration of the spirit of Muskegon, of the amazing people and incredible work we’ve seen throughout the area.

Arts & Culture, Bars, Building Communities, Business Development, Community Engagement, Craft Brewing, Development, Dining & Nightlife, Education, Environment, Food, nonprofit, On The Ground, On The Ground Muskegon Lakeshore, tourism

Muskegon Lakeshore

Inside transracial adoption: Stories of adversity, acceptance, and intentional love

By Jane Whittington Thursday, January 11, 2018

Transracial and international adoption can be as daunting as they are inspiring, and transracial and transcultural families face a unique set of challenges even after the children settle in at home. Michigan Nightlight explores three of these family's stories.

Community Engagement, Cultural, Education, Michigan Nightlight, Non Profit, nonprofit, Non-Profit

Neighborhoods of GR: Alger Heights, a community of little intentional actions

By Natalie Tomlin Thursday, January 11, 2018

Alger Heights is the only area of Grand Rapids that experienced growth during the Great Depression and WWII. Take a closer look at this vibrant, tight-knit community.

Building Grand Rapids, Community Organizing, Real Estate, Restaurants

Garfield Park-Alger Heights-Grandville Ave

Science education: It's not just for kids at the Michigan Science Center

By David Sands Thursday, December 21, 2017

STEM jobs are being touted as critically important in the U.S., which is one reason why the Michigan Science Center offers programs targeted at audiences of all ages.

Museums, Talent & Tech

The Emery House Bed & Breakfast at 446 W. Webster Avenue in downtown Muskegon.

A trip back in time: Muskegon's historic homes take center stage at Nelson neighborhood tour

Thursday, December 21, 2017

Some of Muskegon's oldest, and grandest, homes were on display during the Nelson Neighborhood Improvement Association's Christmas tour. Along with people from throughout West Michigan, our photographer got to explore the houses that have played host to downtown residents for more than a century.

Community Engagement, events, Historic Sites, On The Ground Muskegon Lakeshore, Preservation, Real Estate

Muskegon Lakeshore

Passing it down: Leaders under 30 envision the future of youth in Grand Rapids

By Natalie Tomlin Thursday, December 21, 2017

Leaders under 30 are making a big impact with youth in Grand Rapids. Check out of three of these inspirational leaders in the first of a two-part series.

Education, Michigan Nightlight, Non Profit, nonprofit, Non-Profit, Public Education

Garfield Park-Alger Heights-Grandville Ave, East Hills - Cherry Hill

A spirited quest: The journey to find Grand Rapids' best cocktails

By Lauren Fay Carlson, Managing Editor Thursday, December 21, 2017

Where are you sipping your favorite cocktails this holiday season? In a quest to find, taste, and explore local spirits and concoctions, Managing Editor Lauren Fay Carlson and Publisher Tommy Allen went searching for some of Grand Rapids' best cocktails.

Dining & Nightlife, Restaurants, Sense of Place

Midtown

With eyes on preservation, Muskegon tackles future of Hackley Administration Building

By Anna Gustafson, On The Ground Muskegon Lakeshore Editor Thursday, December 21, 2017

The Muskegon Public Schools will likely soon sell the Hackley Administration Building, and community leaders are determined to see it fall into hands that will preserve the historic structure.

Arts & Culture, Community Engagement, Education, Government, Historic Sites, Museums, On The Ground Muskegon Lakeshore

Muskegon Lakeshore