Stories

Partner Content AAoM NAT Conference vendors include autistic artists and entrepreneurs.

Beyond awareness, autism acceptance affirms neurodiversity and improves lives

Estelle SlootmakerFriday, April 25, 2025
The Autism Alliance of Michigan and other advocates for autistic people are working hard to move from raising autism awareness to fostering autism acceptance. 
Feature Story Patient rights form

Protecting patient rights: How community mental health goes above and beyond

Brianna NargisoFriday, April 25, 2025
MI Mental Health spoke with Wil Morris, CEO Sanilac County Community Mental Health about how local agencies help mental health patients navigate their rights.
Feature Story Matt Acker, co-owner of Pavement Ends, is all smiles at the start of the race.

Gravel, growth, and the future of Barry-Roubaix in rural Michigan

Tommy AllenWednesday, April 23, 2025
In Hastings, the Barry-Roubaix gravel cycling race has become the largest event of its type in the world, driving economic revitalization, fostering community connections, and promoting an inclusive trail culture in a rural town that attracts thousands of visitors every spring.  
Feature Story Marcus Ringnalda, construction consultant and historic preservationist, purchased the Four Star Theatre and formed the Friends of Four Star, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to save the iconic building and restore it as a multi-use cul

Historic theater revives as creative hub for community

Rapid Growth Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Once a movie house and nightclub, Grand Rapids' Four Star Theatre now hosts storytelling, music, and grassroots events year-round.  
Feature Story Chasity Fedon (left) participated in the Summer Youth Career Readiness Program last summer and said it gave her the tools and confidence to earn her first paycheck. Pictured with her manager her manager, Alysa Hoy, she is still employed there.

Summer career program expands to serve more youth

Rapid GrowthWednesday, April 23, 2025
The West Michigan Works! six-week paid summer program offers teens across seven counties real-world job experience, skills training, and career exploration. Applications are open now through May 5.
Feature Story West Michigan’s booming hospitality sector is featured on the 2025 HotJobs! list as a top career path with growth potential.

Hospitality Jobs heat up on 2025 HotJobs! List

Rapid GrowthMonday, April 21, 2025
West Michigan’s booming hospitality sector is featured on the 2025 HotJobs! list as a top career path with growth potential.  
Longform Summit Pointe Youth Services staff, from left, Matt Jones, Beth Decker, Sam Stover, Melissa DeDie, a

Community mental health and child welfare collaborate to care for Michigan’s vulnerable children

Estelle SlootmakerFriday, April 18, 2025
Michigan’s community mental health (CMH) agencies are the lead in providing mental health care for children in the child welfare system.
Feature Story For 10-year-old Connor Trelfa, the Spencer Township branch of the Kent District Library isn’t just a place to borrow books, it’s a second home.

Literacy Matters: 5 stories that celebrate the evolution of our libraries

Tommy AllenFriday, April 18, 2025
Libraries are transforming into lively centers of belonging, with these five stories showcasing how Kent County’s libraries ignite curiosity, foster connections, and promote community-wide learning.
Feature Story Gail Eichorst is a volunteer driver with Disability Network West Michigan.

Volunteers find purpose, fulfillment at Disability Network West Michigan

Shandra MartinezFriday, April 11, 2025
Volunteers at Disability Network West Michigan find satisfaction through meaningful roles, supporting events, community programs, and accessibility initiatives.  
Feature Story Alan Hartline wears a Local Flavor t-shirt at Kingma's Market entrance.

From Detroit to Grand Rapids: How a community-focused grocer flourishes despite challenges

Tommy AllenThursday, April 10, 2025
During these times of increasing grocery prices and the strong presence of big-box stores, Kingma’s Market nestled in Grand Rapids’ Cheshire neighborhood wonderfully showcases how local flavor, community spirit, and thoughtful leadership can truly transform what a neighborhood grocery store can be.  
Feature Story Rynita McGuire, crowned Ms. Wheelchair Michigan 2025, uses her platform to inspire mentorship, advocate for inclusion, and challenge disability stereotypes.

Ms. Wheelchair Michigan 2025 advocates for the mentorship she wishes she had

Shandra MartinezWednesday, April 9, 2025
Rynita McGuire, crowned Ms. Wheelchair Michigan 2025, uses her platform to inspire mentorship, advocate for inclusion, and challenge disability stereotypes.
Feature Story A workplace ESL course at HNI helps immigrant employees overcome language barriers, build confidence, and access greater opportunities on the job.

Workplace ESL program empowers Hope Network Industries employees

Shandra MartinezWednesday, April 9, 2025
A workplace ESL course at HNI helps immigrant employees overcome language barriers, build confidence, and access greater opportunities on the job.
Feature Story GVSU’s proactive use of the Michigan Achievement Scholarship is lowering student debt and expanding college access for thousands of Michigan families.

GVSU reduces student debt with state scholarship program

Shandra MartinezWednesday, April 9, 2025
GVSU’s proactive use of the Michigan Achievement Scholarship is lowering student debt and expanding college access for thousands of Michigan families.  
Longform Jessica Rickert

Breaking Barriers: Dr. Jessica Rickert inspires native dentists

Shandra MartinezWednesday, April 2, 2025
Jessica Rickert, DDS, the first American Indian female dentist, advocates for oral health equity and inspires Native youth through mentorship and representation.
Feature Story A revamped library at Kent County Juvenile Detention Center, supported by a partnership with volunteers and KDL, improves behavior and literacy.

Library overhaul builds culture of reading at youth detention center

Shandra MartinezMonday, March 31, 2025
A revamped library at Kent County Juvenile Detention Center, supported by a partnership with volunteers and KDL, improves behavior and literacy.
Feature Story Influencers and friends Stefanie Schaffer and Erika Nala Franco toured Grand Rapids in their wheelchairs. Their video is out now.

Wheel the World designation spotlights GR’s accessibility

Shandra MartinezMonday, March 31, 2025
Grand Rapids' commitment to inclusivity takes center stage as Wheel the World highlights the city's accessible attractions, dining, and experiences.
Feature Story Volunteers walking to planting sites, ArborFest 2024, photo by Tiffany Fant (Mo'Photography LLC).

ArborFest unites neighbors to grow Grand Rapids' tree canopy

Shandra MartinezMonday, March 31, 2025
Grand Rapids’ ArborFest brings volunteers together to plant trees, restore urban canopies, and foster community connections.
Feature Story Surrounded by members of the 2025 class, GVSU President Philomena V. Mantella shares the success of the DCIH.

Healing the Pipeline: GVSU’s bold response to a regional nursing crisis delivers four years later

Tommy AllenMonday, March 31, 2025
How a state-of-the-art health education center, powered by philanthropy and partnerships, is reshaping the future of care in West Michigan.
Feature Story andrewdoyleronyob

Now showing: Calvin University filmmakers among the highlights of environmental film festival

Genevieve FoxFriday, March 28, 2025
Folks from all over Michigan gathered in Manistee to promote environmental stewardship through an annual film festival and other events.  
Feature Story Cody Kirby, visiting economics professor at Grand Valley State University’s Seidman College of Business, and Daniel Montanera, assistant professor of economics there, Co-authored a paper calling Grand Rapids a "beacon of light" for health care jobs.

Study: Greater Grand Rapids a ‘beacon of light’ in health care hiring

Paul R. KopenkoskeyFriday, March 28, 2025
A study by two economics professors finds that Greater Grand Rapids’ healthcare labor market and real wages in key occupations are a “beacon of light” amid Michigan’s slower job growth.
Load More Stories
Focus Areas
Copyright © Issue Media Group. All rights reserved.