Stories

Feature Story FTolder

Community matters: Grand Rapidians age without fear

If we’re being honest with ourselves, most of us view aging through the lens of fear. But while most standardized systems of care have made minimal progress towards improving the quality of life for older Americans, some individuals and organizations here in Grand Rapids are finding ways to hack their way to a higher standard of aged living.

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To love Grand Rapids into greatness means authentic community engagement

Residents, community organizers and leaders on Grandville Avenue are experiencing their neighborhood change as development comes in. Here we discuss how interdependent relationships are most effective when power is shared. 

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Amar a la grandeza de Grand Rapids requiere un autentico compromiso con la comunidad

Residente y lideres de la avenida Grandville estan viendo el cambio occurir en sus comunidades. Aqui discutimos compo compartiendo el poder y desarollando relaciones interdependientes es la manera de crear un cambio positivo. 

Custer, Inc. opens second tech-focused office on Hall St.


Feature Story Blanca Santizo

Women of the avenue: The strength of Grandville Ave.

This photo series is a glimpse at the everyday life of women residing on Grandville Avenue through the lens of a visual narrative.

Feature Story Students in the Youth Empowerment Project are changing Muskegon for the better.

Speaking up: The voices and actions of Muskegon's youth are changing our city

Volunteering. Tackling race relations. Mentoring. Urban farming. Rehabilitating homes. The students in Community enCompass' Youth Empowerment Project are doing all of this and more. Pay attention to these Muskegon teenagers: they're creating a better present, and future, for all of us.

Feature Story Josefina

Mujeres de la avenida: La fuerza de la avenida Grandville

Esta serie de fotos es un vistazo a la vida cotidiana de las mujeres que residen en la avenida Grandville a través de la lente de una narración y un collage.

Feature Story UIX Studio

UIX: Local creative professionals can build a business at Little Space Studio

Alysha Lach White is boosting local creativity and creatives by expanding the Little Space Studio into a place where freelancers and others can get work done.

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The future of The Rapid and the road to yes: Transit millage passes despite rocky journey

The Rapid celebrates the passing of their transit millage for another 12 years. And Though the issue of funding public transportation might seem straightforward, here in Grand Rapids, the millage question was a complex one, and now that the votes have been cast, Rapid Growth sought to clear the dust with a recap of the journey, and a hopeful—albeit murky—look into the future.

Feature Story Samariz Hernández Cruz

We remember Samariz Hernandez Cruz: a legacy of advocacy, strength, and leadership

We mourn the loss of Samariz Hernandez Cruz, mother, daughter, and friend to many on Grandville Avenue. 

New Wikiwiki Poke Shop and Oyster Bar brings unique flavors to quick service concept


Innovation News INcultured

Strictly Business: The women who own Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids is already home to many women owned and operated businesses, and with this development boom we are likely to see a continued rise in women's ownership and leadership. Nationally, business growth among women entrepreneurs continues to be on the rise.

Feature Story Kids Walking

Choosing to stay close to home: Five families commit to an underutilized neighborhood school

In 2016, MLive reported that 26 percent of Michigan students are enrolled outside of their home school district. Instead of opting for school of choice, this fall, five families in the Alger Heights/Garfield Park neighborhoods took a bold step: they organized and committed to sending their kindergarteners to their under-performing neighborhood school, Brookside Elementary.

Feature Story HipHop

Hip Hop Academy students advocate, articulate, and find creative expression through music

Hip Hop Academy, a group of talented and passionate individuals, not only work to advance their own craft and skills, but look for ways to empower the community with their art and by mentoring youth.

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A shared meal on Grandville Avenue

We had the privilege to be invited to share a meal among residents of Grandville Avenue hosted at the Roosevelt Park Neighborhood Association.

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Una comida compartida en la avenida Grandville

Tuvimos el privilegio de ser invitados a compartir una comida entre los residentes de la avenida Grandville en la Asociación de Vecindarios de Roosevelt Park. Estas son sus historias.

Feature Story OTG Muskegon Hamburger Mikey employees funny

Muskegon's phoenix: The life and flight of Midtown's Third Street

In Midtown Muskegon, life is good. Where once there were abandoned buildings, shops and restaurants are opening. People who left the city are coming back to start businesses. Third Street is rising.

Feature Story TommyBW

G-Sync: Growing pains are natural (and so is healing them)

The act of listening in a city still has incredible power. Publisher Tommy Allen looks around and finds plenty of opportunities  for us to engage more fully with each other in our neighborhoods. 

Partner Content Jeanane Charara, Michigan Science Center distance learning coordinator

This new program allows Michigan students to learn from science professionals—anywhere

ECHO, a new distance learning program created by the Michigan Science Center, uses video conferencing to connect classrooms with a museum educator who conducts interactive lessons in real time.

New Kent County nonprofit launches public-private pilot program for improving foster care outcomes