Proposed City of Grand Rapids requirements for lead dust testing would reduce childhood lead poisoning.

Community leader and activist Barbara Rapaport will receive the Ledy Award for Community Engagement for her work with nonprofits, promoting literacy and education and helping leaders optimize human capacity.

Finding a love for music at an early age, Grand Rapids native Sarena Rae was able to find her voice and share part of her story. Now, in her 20s, she is using her passion to help other musicians and amplify other stories and voices.  

Skot Welch, Julia Swenson and Carl Dunker are three designers who live and work in West Michigan. They share the ways they work to create a community where people belong.

D.J. Demers, who is hearing impaired, brings his unique stand-up style to LaughFest on March 8 at the Special Olympics Michigan Unified Sports & Inclusion Center in Grand Rapids. His opening act will be local comedian Jon Cauchi, who is visually impaired. 

Although Temple Grandin is a widely sought-after professor for animal science and veterinary colleges, she couldn’t get into veterinary school when she failed the math portion of the SAT. The educational system is screening out visual thinkers such as herself, Grandin says.

The process of buying a home can be daunting for first-time homebuyers. Nonprofit organization ICCF's introduction to homeownership class provides education, counseling and support to help individuals achieve their dreams of homeownership.  

The West Michigan premiere of Grammy-nominated "Considering Matthew Shepard" will be performed by the Holland Chorale and the Park Church Choir on Feb. 25-26.