Stories

Partner Content Nicole Milton

FHLBank Indianapolis first-time home ownership program making Michiganders’ dreams a reality

FHLBank Indianapolis HomeBoost program offered up to $15,000 in down payment and closing and counseling costs assistance in its pilot year. For the program's return, those who qualify can receive up to $25,000.  

Longform A rendering of the future Fresh! by Gleaners.

Fresh food pantry set to open near Detroit, building upon other innovative Michigan models

Gleaners Community Food Bank has broken ground on Fresh! by Gleaners, an innovative concept that will make free, fresh food available to people living in Wayne and Macomb counties.

Feature Story Project Connect Flyer

Project Connect brings together Sanilac County residents and resources

Taking place 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, September 26 at the Sandusky Fairgrounds, Project Connect will share resources, services, food, health care access, and more with county residents in need.

Feature Story Local public health works alongside families.

U.P. campaign affirms “Local Public Health Cares”

The six Michigan health departments covering the whole Upper Peninsula teamed up to promote the importance of public health in their communities and raise awareness about the many services they provide.

Feature Story Holly Johnson and Tripp Frey of the Frey Foundation.

Frey Foundation turns 50: Lessons in giving for all philanthropists

Grand Rapids-based Frey Foundation celebrates 50 years of place-based giving, offering valuable lessons for philanthropists of all means and sizes.  

Feature Story The Going PRO Talent Fund grants will benefit several industries, with manufacturing receiving the most awards, 54.

GoingPro grants boost workforce development across West Michigan

Benteler Automotive is one of 94 regional employers that have been awarded $4.8 million in the Going PRO Talent Fund grants. These awards will support skill development and workforce capabilities across multiple industries.

Feature Story Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss.

Mayors talk transit: The intersection of public transportation and West Michigan’s economy

Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss and Walker Mayor Gary Carey highlight the critical role of public transit in supporting economic growth and business development in their cities.

Longform Danielle Atkinson, founder and national director of Mothering Justice, has been instrumental in advocating for paid leave in Michigan.

Paid sick leave and family leave are moving forward in Michigan. Here's what's next.

For more than a decade, Michigan advocacy groups and some legislators have been working to expand paid leave from work for Michiganders – and this year, their efforts are paying off in two major ways.

Feature Story Narcan (naloxone) saves lives by reversing an opioid overdose. An easy-to-use nasal spray, it's a vital tool in combating the opioid crisis. An allocation of Kent County’s opioid settlement dollars will increase Narcan accessibility.

Kent County uses opioid settlement to roll out services to fight addiction

A $19 million settlement has set into motion Kent County’s efforts to combat the opioid crisis by investing in a wide range of services, including jail-based programs that aim to reduce post-incarceration overdoses.

Special Report Vibrant South Division Street serves as a border for the Heartside neighborhood.

Heartside Rising: The arts inspire growth in eclectic Grand Rapids neighborhood

The Heartside neighborhood has emerged as a burgeoning arts district in downtown Grand Rapids, and development is expected to strengthen its economic health.  

Feature Story Ripple Effects

New Community Inclusion Center in Portage creating Ripple Effects

"We don’t get to choose how other people parent because we don’t know their child or their child’s needs so really it’s a place where you be the family that you are and we want to encourage you, pat you on the back, let you know to keep going."

Partner Content Hero Walk family team

Autism Hero Walk raises funds while raising awareness

Promoted as "Michigan's largest gathering of the autistic community — 6,000+ families and autistic persons coming together to celebrate everyday superheroes,” The Autism Hero Walk takes place from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak.

Feature Story Northern Lakes CMH's behavioral health homes serve residents of six Northern Michigan counties.

Behavioral Health Homes: A transformative approach in Michigan

Behavioral health homes provide holistic care that addresses both the physical and mental health needs of individuals, ensuring a coordinated and patient-centered approach. 

Feature Story PHN-Sinan-Mikhael-administers -MMR-VaccineLIST

Immunizations have long spared Michiganders from disease and death

In March 2024, Michigan experienced its first confirmed case of measles since 2019, reporting five unrelated cases throughout the state as of April 10. These cases were only some of many throughout sixteen other states, leading public health officials across Michigan to quickly respond.

Feature Story  Dr. Annie Bishop, of Rise Wellness Chiropractic, is pictured with Kristin Revere, owner of Gold Coast Doulas.

Rising diaper costs impact families: West Michigan diaper drive offers support

Since the pandemic, diaper prices have surged by 48%, costing families up to $1,000 a year per child. A diaper drive in September hopes to collect 15,000 diapers to distribute to families in need.

Feature Story Tech Week events will take place all over Grand Rapids.

Tech Week Grand Rapids: How a bold idea sparked a regionwide celebration of innovation

What began as a four-day pilot project with less than two months of preparation has transformed into Tech Week Grand Rapids, a major event driving the region’s tech growth. The third iteration begins next month.  

Feature Story Guillermo Cisneros, President & CEO, West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, listens to staff input on the new design.

West Michigan Hispanic Chamber unveils plans for new headquarters, welcomes interim leader

The West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce unveils plans for its new headquarters and appoints Bank of America's Domingo Munoz as interim chief operating officer through a leadership exchange program.

Feature Story Keith Morgan, president and CEO of the South Kent Area Chamber of Commerce.

Driving growth: How business and transit collaboration is shaping the future of Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids business leaders and transit officials address the challenges of urban and suburban transportation to support regional economic growth.  

Feature Story Tours were conducted by members of the Ada Hotel staff at the community opening.

New Ada Hotel opens, embracing village's rich history

A modern hotel, owned by Cheri DeVos, opens along the Thornapple River in Ada, blending stylish design with historical charm and featuring two restaurants.