Stories

Feature Story bookshelf

KDL offers free mini libraries throughout the community to reach readers where they are

In partnership with local businesses, organizations and library patrons, Kent District Library (KDL) offers KDL Free Libraries scattered throughout the community. The boxes or shelves featured in airports, buses, local businesses and residential neighborhoods offer free, ready-to-grab books to anyone.

Feature Story Ebony Roach

Promise Scholar headed to U-M shares her lifelong love of learning

It won’t be in a box with her other belongings, but Promise Scholar Ebony Roach will take a lifelong love of learning with her when she heads to the University of Michigan in the fall. She’s also carrying a tremendous sense of gratitude to her family, teachers, and friends who’ve helped her succeed.

Feature Story GRCC students in their Metallica Scholars shirts

GRCC receives third Metallica foundation grant to provide skilled trades training

Metallica’s All Within My Hands Foundation recently awarded $25,000 to Grand Rapids Community College, marking the third time GRCC has received funding from the legendary band. The grant will help GRCC Workforce Training to continue a program that provides technical education and hands-on welding experience.  

Feature Story Janee’ Beville

A look back at the YPCC and a presenter’s advice to help improve mental, emotional health

With the continued impacts of COVID-19 being seen at all levels, it is more important than ever to make personal health and well-being a priority. For people of color, overcoming barriers to access as well as potential stigmas pose additional challenges. At the recent Young Professionals of Color Conference (YPCC), local counselor Janee’ Beville shared insights on the importance of mental and emotional care.

Innovation News mural

Creston business relaunches as nonprofit Lions and Rabbits Center for the Arts

Creston’s Lions and Rabbits has relaunched as a nonprofit, Lions and Rabbits Center for the Arts, which allows the organization to expand its social and economic impact through public art and programming.

Feature Story The Lakeshore offers myraid opportunities for outdoor yoga and pilates.

Making the most of summer with outdoor yoga and Pilates on the Lakeshore

While social activities ramping up as COVID-19 restrictions ease, there are still places to slow down and enjoy nature while getting in a great workout. If you’re ready to give yoga or Pilates a try, check out these classes that are offered in a park, on the beach, or aboard a ship.

Development News Nick Occhipinti

Green Gavel scoring system rates Michigan’s Supreme Court’s environmental impacts

Michigan League of Conservation Voters online Green Gavels' tool rates Michigan Supreme Court justices’ decisions on environmental issues.

Feature Story Herrick District Library is hosting a free program about census records.

‘Hopping Through History’ makes sense of census, offers tips on genealogical research

Why is the census important? Find out by joining “Hopping Through History — Making Sense of the Census.” The virtual Herrick District Library program also will examine how participants can use census data in researching their family history.

Longform Brian Nicholson, MiCAL program director for Oakland County-based crisis services agency Common Ground, takes a call for the Michigan Crisis and Access Line (MiCAL).

New mental health crisis line to roll out across Michigan

The new service is now available in Oakland County and Michigan's Upper Peninsula – and it's just the first step of a larger plan to roll out improved mental health crisis services across the state.

Feature Story ICCF1

An interview with ICCF CEO Ryan VerWeys on the Franklin Campus Project

The Inner City Christian Federation (ICCF), in partnership with the Madison Church, is now offering affordable housing and other services on the southeast side of Grand Rapids at their recent development at 415 Franklin.

Innovation News Theater

Host Productions LLC plans to open a community theater and more on the West Side

Grand Rapids-based theater production company plans to invest $750,000 on the West Side to transform a vacant building into a permanent home.

Feature Story MLK Neighborhood Association

The “new” MLK Neighborhood Association – Developing neighborhood block champions

After reemerging in 2020, the Martin Luther King (MLK) Neighborhood Association has continued to strive and move forward through the unexpected COVID-19 pandemic with the goal to continue caring for one other and advocating for the community. Even through the challenges, the faithful few have come together virtually, working on their mission to continue enhancing the overall quality of life in the neighborhood and building on the rich history that has become a known part of the community for over 40 years.

Feature Story Lakeshore storyteller Mike Lozon authored 12 historical books over his career.

A tribute to Mike Lozon: The Lakeshore’s storyteller

Many are mourning the passing of journalist, photographer and author Mike Lozon, one of The Lakeshore’s first contributors. Representatives of the organizations he supported are sharing what made his work so special for our community.   

Feature Story Summer enrollment at Grand Rapids Community College is up 7.1% from a year ago.

State programs play a role in GRCC’s 7.1% increase in summer enrollment

Grand Rapids Community College, which recently kicked off its second summer semester, reports enrollment this season is up 7.1% over 2021 and 5.9% from before the pandemic. The increase is attributed in part to students taking advantage of state programs that help with tuition costs.

Development News Student

Pulse software frees teachers to interact more effectively with online students

West Michigan-developed Pulse software helping teachers working virtually to monitor their students’ progress more closely in Kenowa Hills Public Schools, Wyoming online charter, and other Michigan schools.

Longform Eastern Market in Detroit.

How do you feed a state in crisis? Michigan Food Security Council report plans ahead

A recent report by the state's new Food Security Council examines response to food security issues during COVID-19 and how we can learn from it in the long term.

Feature Story Salvador Lopez

Housing and education equity advocate Salvador Lopez to fill GRCC board vacancy

Grand Rapids Community College has named Salvador Lopez, a GRCC graduate with extensive involvement in education and community support, to fill a board seat vacated by Kathy Crosby. Lopez runs the nonprofit KConnect, which focuses on ensuring all children have an equitable path to economic prosperity. 

Longform Sarah Milanowski, marketing and communications specialist with LifeCircles PACE, accompanies a PACE participant.

Little-known Michigan programs provide all-inclusive support for older adults to age at home

The PACE model provides comprehensive medical and social services at low or no cost to older adults who live at home

Partner Content Fresh Conversations participant LaDonna Johnson prepares to eat a corn salad she made using a recipe she got from the program.

Fresh Conversations inspires Detroit seniors to eat healthy and move more

A weekly nutrition class offered by the Methodist Children’s Home Society is helping seniors become more mindful about making healthy food and fitness choices.

Feature Story The Rapid 1

Residents leverage alternatives to driving as generational perspectives on transit shift

Generational shifts in transportation have prompted a new outlook on alternative transportation and highlight solutions for getting around without a vehicle.