Tour groups explore our history, as seen in this statue honoring Lyman Parks, the city’s first African American mayor.
Tour groups explore our history, as seen in this statue honoring Lyman Parks, the city’s first African American mayor. Photo by Tommy Allen
Visitors explore the Annual Student Exhibition at FSU's Kendall College of Art and Design.
Visitors explore the Annual Student Exhibition at FSU's Kendall College of Art and Design. Courtesy of KCAD
Instructor Shawn Nichols leads the Monday night adult band class at East Hill's Triumph Music Academy
Instructor Shawn Nichols leads the Monday night adult band class at East Hill's Triumph Music Academy Tommy Allen
Tommy Allen
Disability Advocates of Kent County celebrates another successful Interview Day.
Disability Advocates of Kent County celebrates another successful Interview Day. Tommy Allen
Grand Stand Pictures welcomes Detroit's Marvin Towns, special segment director, for the final day of "A City Within a City" production.
Grand Stand Pictures welcomes Detroit's Marvin Towns, special segment director, for the final day of "A City Within a City" production. Tommy Allen

Features

Feature Story Jennifer Maxson

Published Together: Why investing in mentorship means investing in Michigan

Jennifer MaxsonThursday, June 19, 2025
Grand Rapids is leading in job growth; however, many employers still struggle to retain talent. In RG's version of the op-ed, Jennifer Maxson of Jennifer Maxson & Associates argues that mentorship—not additional hiring—is the key to building stronger teams, fostering a sense of belonging, and securing Michigan’s future.
Feature Story Raquel Guzman and Robert Anthony Alvarez at their firm's "quinceañera" celebration at the Goei Center on June 18.

Avanti Law marks 15 years with scholarships for GR students

Shandra MartinezThursday, June 19, 2025
Avanti Law Group celebrated its anniversary by awarding 17 scholarships through its nonprofit, supporting students across Grand Rapids in high school, college, and law school.
Feature Story Volunteers help out at Ken-O-Sha Park

Grand Rapids park becomes ground zero for ecological and cultural restoration

Shandra MartinezTuesday, June 17, 2025
Scientists and Indigenous leaders partner to restore native plant life and cultural practices in one of Michigan’s most biodiverse urban parks.
Feature Story SMALLMike

Human connection, not code: West Michigan CEOs say right-brain leadership is the future of work

Shandra MartinezTuesday, June 17, 2025
Two West Michigan CEOs unveil a book on neuroscience-based leadership intended to help organizations scale culture, foster connection, and unlock team potential.
Feature Story Newaygo is among the communities receiving money for placemaking projects.

West Michigan communities awarded grants to help with placemaking projects

RIX StaffTuesday, June 17, 2025
West Michigan communities receive $1.3M RAP funding to create parks, pavilions, and community hubs that transform vacant spaces into gathering places.
Feature Story SMALLJuliaEntrance.

Julia Child exhibit draws food lovers from across West Michigan to Muskegon

Shandra MartinezMonday, June 16, 2025
An interactive Julia Child exhibit at the Muskegon Museum of Art is attracting visitors region-wide with cooking demos, history, and events through Sept. 1.
Feature Story Gentex employees volunteer at the company's annual electronics recycling event.

Gentex recycling event boosts community engagement with sustainability

Shandra MartinezSunday, June 15, 2025
Gentex’s annual electronics recycling event empowers employees, families, and friends to reduce e-waste and support environmental responsibility.
Feature Story Small-yesterdog

Same dog, new tricks: Yesterdog’s legacy continues in Grand Rapids

Tommy AllenWednesday, June 11, 2025
What happens when one of Grand Rapids’ most beloved restaurants changes ownership after almost 50 years? At Yesterdog, the answer isn’t about reinvention—it’s a genuine dedication to preserving the heart of a neighborhood business.
Feature Story Click this image to watch Flora's animation about the stink bug.

Flora's animated guide to fighting invasive species

Flora Duckworth-GuerraWednesday, June 11, 2025
As part of Rapid Growth's Voices of Youth series, Flora Duckworth-Guerra created a two-part visual guide exploring six invasive species and how to combat them. Part two focuses on the spotted lanternfly, garlic mustard, and the stink bug.
Feature Story SMALLVOY_Flora_Duckworth-Guerra

Flora's illustrated guide to managing invasive species

Flora Duckworth-GuerraWednesday, June 11, 2025
As part of Rapid Growth’s Voices of Youth series, Flora Duckworth-Guerra created a two-part visual guide exploring six invasive species and how to combat them. Part one spotlights the butterfly bush, sea lamprey, and giant koi.
Feature Story smallbaynards

Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives raising funds for expansion

Shanika P. CarterSunday, June 8, 2025
GRAAMA launches $3 million campaign to expand its mission of preserving, honoring, and passing down Grand Rapids’ Black history and stories.
Longform PreK for All ensures that every 4-year-old in Michigan has access to a high-quality preschool experience, regardless of income.

“A lifeline for families,” PreK for All expands access and raises expectations

Brianna NargisoSaturday, June 7, 2025
Enrollment in PreK for All is now open for all families, no matter their income. The program operates across a mixed delivery system, including local school districts, public charter schools, private child care providers, Head Start programs, and community-based organizations.    
Partner Content Event helps autistic children and adults get used to the airport environment and boarding experience.

On Board for Autism: Airport simulation helps autistic kids take flight

Estelle SlootmakerSaturday, June 7, 2025
To help autistic people and their families manage  these challenges, Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM), Delta Airlines, and the Detroit Metropolitan Airport partner to host On Board for Autism events that prepare them to successfully take a flight.
Feature Story veterans

Veterans in St. Clair County can rely on community mental health

Monique BedfordSaturday, June 7, 2025
St. Clair County Community Mental Health (St. Clair County CMH) continues to meet veterans’ mental health care needs. A certified community behavioral health clinic (CCBHC), St. Clair County CMH offers veterans a wide range of services regardless of their ability to pay or residency. 
Feature Story All Gods Children teacher

No-cost pre-K for all Michigan 4-year-olds enrolling for 2025-26 school year

Estelle SlootmakerSaturday, June 7, 2025
QA with Jeffrey Capizzano, Policy Equity Group, on the implementation of Pre-K for All no-cost preschool for Michigan 4-year-olds.
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Growth & Innovation

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