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Feature Story Hailey Cone (GRCC/Hailey Cone)

GRCC student gaining following for her musical perspective

Shandra MartinezFriday, September 23, 2022
Hailey Cone, who is blind, is using her perspective as a member of the writing staff for “Inside the Score,” a YouTube channel that seeks to deepen the appreciation of classical, film, and art music.  
Longform Michigan produce at the lunch counter at George Long Elementary School in Grass Lake.

Major expansion coming for program that offers schools "10 Cents a Meal" to serve Michigan produce

Estelle SlootmakerThursday, September 22, 2022
The budget for the state of Michigan's 10 Cents a Meal has more than doubled each of the past two years, with $9.3 million available in the coming fiscal year to help schools purchase local fruits, vegetables, and legumes.
Partner Content Wayne State University chemical engineering student Renee O’Neill

Mi STEM Forward Program Leads the Way for Student Success

Sarah SpohnThursday, September 22, 2022
Michigan is leading the way in diverse mobility technologies. The University Research Corridor is an alliance of the state’s three leading research institutions, dedicated to driving the regional economy. Through the Michigan STEM Forward program, students are connecting with STEM-focused internships at some of the state’s leading innovative companies.   
Feature Story A student receives a COVID-19 vaccination at GRCC.

New vaccine rolls out: Where can you find yours?

Andrea GoodellTuesday, September 20, 2022
With fall on the horizon, public health officials are predicting a rise in COVID-19 cases. Those looking for a booster dose of the new bivalent vaccines in Ottawa, Allegan, or Muskegon counties can find more here.
Feature Story The Bebot drone will pick up trash from Muskegon beaches as part of a project funded by a $1 million Meijer grant.

Drones set to join Lake Michigan beach cleanup crews$1 million Meijer donation launching new program

Kelsey SandersMonday, September 19, 2022
Muskegon is participating in the Great Lakes Plastic Cleanup Program and will serve as home to the Pixie and BeBot drones, made possible thanks to a $1 million donation from retailer Meijer.
Feature Story KCAD group photo

Piecing together a sustainable fashion scene

Sarah SpohnMonday, September 19, 2022
Many are surprised to learn of West Michigan’s place in the international fashion industry scene. The Grand Rapids area is home to many designers, stylists, and 10+ different apparel and accessory manufacturers. Many of them are focusing on sustainability, shifting away from the wasteful footprint the industry is known for.
Feature Story Sharon DeHaan gets off at an accessible bus stop

Kalamazoo area’s accessible transit system has been almost 20 years in the making

Kym ReinstadlerFriday, September 16, 2022
Less than 10% of Kalamazoo’s nearly 800 bus stops were considered accessible a dozen years ago, but today almost half are accessible. In 2020, the city of Kalamazoo designated $180,000 of its sidewalk improvement budget to creating accessible bus stops in its five core neighborhoods. 
Feature Story UPword logo

Issue Media Group relaunches Upper Peninsula publication

UPword StaffThursday, September 15, 2022
Issue Media Group is excited to announce the relaunch of its online, community-informed, digital publication in the Upper Peninsula. UPword will focus on innovation, talent, entrepreneurship, social innovation, and community development, while featuring U.P.-based talent.
Longform Children play at the Children's Healing Center.

Grand Rapids offers nation's only safe recreation center for immunocompromised kids

Estelle SlootmakerThursday, September 15, 2022
Children with weakened immune systems can play and learn without fear at the Children's Healing Center – and their families can find support as well.
Development News Coffee sold by Last Mile Café.

Last Mile Café serves coffee, philanthropy and sustainability — and soon, the 49507

Estelle Slootmaker, Development News EditorTuesday, September 13, 2022
A Black-owned, woman owned business, Last Mile Cafe is opening a physical location at 1006 Hall St. SE that will package, roast and distribute its coffee brand as well as serve as a coffee shop.
Feature Story A grant was used by Heights of Hope to purchase affordable housing. (CFHZ)

From affordable housing to restorative justice, foundation awards $125K in grants

Shandra MartinezTuesday, September 13, 2022
The funds are being distributed to six organizations through the Community Foundation’s endowment.  
Feature Story Jennifer Owens is CEO of Lakeshore Advantage.

Lakeshore Advantage looking for business stabilization projects

Shandra MartinezTuesday, September 13, 2022
Lakeshore Advantage is seeking business stabilization projects for funding under the American Rescue Plan Act. Applicants should submit letters of intent by Sept. 22.
Feature Story A visitor checks out photos at the Stoudamire center.

Resilient Neighborhoods: Citizen photographers highlight safety-related issues on city's East Side

David SandsTuesday, September 13, 2022
An East Side Detroit nonprofit has partnered with U of M on an innovative community engagement that turns regular citizens into research photographers to explore issues of safety and surveillance in their neighborhoods.
Longform Help Home Personal ID* Program GPS ID bracelets.

Many happy returns: GPS ID bracelets help Michiganders living with dementia find their way home

Estelle SlootmakerThursday, September 8, 2022
A new collaboration in Calhoun County has helped 135 missing people with dementia return safely home – and made life easier for their caregivers, local law enforcement, and health care providers.
Feature Story Greg Nowak

Removing barriers so people can live their best lives

Matthew RussellWednesday, August 31, 2022
Improving old technologies with new is, in many ways, the heart of improving access for humans. It is also a great motivator for those with the talents to do so. Here are the people behind those efforts and why this work is so important to them and within the region.
Feature Story KarlKoelling

Exploring the local filmmaking and digital media scene: The reel deal

Sarah SpohnWednesday, August 31, 2022
Years ago, there were large incentives for making films in Michigan. Despite those incentives disappearing, many local filmmakers and digital media professionals still call Grand Rapids home, with West Michigan serving as the backdrop to many nationally-viewed artistic and commercial works.
Feature Story From left The Wood family at Celebration: Amy, Ellery and Aidan.

Theater chain finds ways to make more movies accessible to everyone

Paul R. KopenkoskeyTuesday, August 30, 2022
From Sensory Showtimes to closed captioning, Celebration Cinema is finding new ways to make movies and entertainment accessible to everyone.
Feature Story Jack Johnson, Volta co-founder and CTO (right) chats with attendees.

Founder pushes Volta Power Systems to leadership in lithium battery industry

Luke FerrisTuesday, August 30, 2022
Since 2014, Volta Power Systems has provided safe, powerful, and simple lithium-ion energy storage solutions for small to midsize businesses. The Holland company specializes in service industries, including RV, marine, utility, emergency, and military vehicles.   
Feature Story X

See how the redevelopment of this historic Farmington bank turned out — and why it matters

MJ GalbraithTuesday, August 30, 2022
“Fifteen years from now, we’ll look back at some of the times when we wanted to pull our hair out and we’re going to say that it was all worth it. Because this thing is going to stand forever,” says Alex Kocoves, CEO of GLP Financial Group.
Longform Carol Sodman-Morris serves as a home visit nurse for the Achieving Birth Equity Through Systems Transformation program.

Michigan project creates framework for communities to reduce racial disparities in infant deaths

Estelle SlootmakerThursday, August 25, 2022
The new effort aims to build community power, map local ecosystems, and provide equity training to reduce significant disparities in infant mortality.
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