Stories

Feature Story Nearly a third of Michigan adults report having at least one disability.

Series to explore the state of West Michigan’s growing disability community

This article begins a weekly series that will explore the challenges faced by those with disabilities along with the efforts across West Michigan to address the discrimination and inequity.

Partner Content Jake Williams, Gleaners Community Food Bank nutrition education manager, and Bridget Brown, director for Gleaners' Food Secure Livingston program, at Shared Harvest Pantry in Howell.

SNAP-Ed inspires healthy eating in Southeast Michigan food pantries

Gleaners Community Food Bank is working to bolster nutrition security by actively sourcing a variety of fruits and vegetables for food pantries, and by providing nutrition education information for pantry guests. 

Longform Timothy Michling, research associate in health affairs at the Citizens Research Council of Michigan and author of a report entitled "Michigan Falls Short on Mental Health Services."

How can Michigan address its dire shortage of mental health professionals?

Even as mental health issues have risen worldwide, Michigan has fallen behind on having enough health professionals to address that trend.

Feature Story GVSU

Think we can't fix the talent pipeline issue here? Spectrum and GVSU have thoughts on that.

The BHSH Spectrum Health West Michigan Nurse Scholar program seeks to fill the nursing pipeline with an education scholarship program built in partnership with Grand Valley State University and a more than $19 million investment.

Feature Story Attendees at the 2020 Cause Camp. (Courtesy)

Grand Haven’s Do More Good brings Cause Camp to West Michigan

The nonprofit leadership and marketing event Cause Camp has been nationally recognized by Forbes as a “must-attend” event for the nonprofit sector. It will take place at DeVos Center in Grand Rapids on May 2-3.

Feature Story Students at a recent GRCC Lakeshore Campus event. (GRCC/Andrew Schmidt)

GRCC plans open houses at main, Lakeshore campuses

Those who attend the events – planned for April 16 at the main campus and April 23 at the Lakeshore campus –- have a chance to win a $500 scholarship. 

Longform An intergenerational Spanish class at the Ypsilanti Senior Center.

Intergenerational programs bring younger and older Michiganders together to promote healthier aging

With funding from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, the national nonprofit Generations United is bringing generations together to build communities that work better for all.

Feature Story Macomb County Jail

Push to improve conditions for Michigan's incarcerated prompts research, proposals for new facility

A 2019 Michigan study found that nearly half of incarcerated individuals were charged with a “divertable" offense. Now, a decades-long effort from researchers, lawmakers, corrections professionals, and families is making a case for improved conditions for inmates with mental health and substance abuse disorders. Could a new facility in Macomb make a difference?

Partner Content Children in the Three Sisters Garden in Buckley.

SNAP-Ed programs grow change in Michigan's northwestern rural communities

Covering five northern Michigan counties, Northwest Education Services (NES) nutrition educators use a community-based approach that recognizes the unique strengths and challenges of each community they serve.

Innovation News women in construction

Construction industry is ‘not just a man’s world’ at CD Barnes

CD Barnes Construction uses its Women in Construction initiative to showcase the opportunities and future careers in the construction industry.

Longform Shelby Township resident Nicholas Tabarias has rediscovered his love of writing and performing music since recovering from gambling addiction.

Michigan tackles dramatic rise in problem gambling

Numerous Michiganders have struggled with problem gambling since online gambling was legalized in the state, but help is available.

Feature Story child getting vaccinated

Decline in childhood immunizations leads to risk of resurgence

While the pandemic emphasized the importance of the COVID-19 vaccine, it also highlighted a need for other vaccinations to be discussed. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reports significant drops in childhood immunization rates across both county and state levels.

Feature Story James Hurt

City Commission and DTE Energy partner with The Rapid to fuel vehicles with renewable natural gas

In an innovative three-way partnership, the city of Grand Rapids, The Rapid and DTE Energy look to repurpose waste into renewable natural gas to fuel city vehicles. This initiative seeks to decrease carbon emissions and improve the community.

Feature Story Spring Lake is hosting a community-wide Easter egg hunt.

Things to do in April: Spring Fling, hunt for eggs, free movie night

Spring has sprung and Easter is just around the corner. There are plenty of things to do along the Lakeshore in April from Easter egg hunts to watching live performances. 

Feature Story Guitarist Blake Rhein playing with his band Durand Jones and The Indications

Holland-raised musician shares about touring, making President Obama’s list of favorite music

From taking lessons in Holland as a teen to making President Obama’s list of favorite music, Blake Rhein, guitarist for funk and soul band Durand Jones and The Indications, talks about his journey.

Feature Story In the early 1940s, Sam Valenti married Grace Bommarito, and into a legacy bakery business.

How a small Italian bakery grew into a 90-year-old family legacy

Bommarito Bakery in St Clair Shores is the kind of place customers, who visited as children, now bring their children and grandchildren. Italian immigrants Jim and Rose started the family business in Detroit in 1925, selling cookies, lemon ice, gelato, and wedding cakes, but the next generation are bringing more even delights to their patrons. 

Innovation News Kyd Kane

Poetry project gives community opportunity for self-expression & art creation

Drawing on her personal experience using poetry as a form of self-expression, Poet Laureate Kyd Kane is giving the community a space to do the same through a new project that will turn into a traveling art exhibit.

Feature Story Samuel Coleridge-Taylor

How a small orchestra increased access to the music of once-renowned Black composer

The Holland Symphony Orchestra has made the music of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor available for orchestras around the world to perform. 

Feature Story man with puppet

KDL Strategic Plan uses system-wide teamwork to bolster culture

The Kent District Library (KDL) 2021-2023 Strategic Plan is well underway, with the goal of being an indispensable community resource. Jaci Cooper, director of projects and planning of KDL, provides an update on implementation.

Partner Content Signage promoting physical activity in Baldwin.

District Health Department #10 builds healthier communities in 10 Michigan counties

DHD#10 uses a variety of evidence-based programs and approaches to create a broader culture of health through their policies, systems, and environmental change work.