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Feature Story Aztec

How tattoo parlors are reopening in West Michigan

By Allison ArnoldMonday, June 15, 2020
Monday, June 15, after months of shuttered doors, tattoo and piercing parlors across Michigan will be allowed to reopen ... with restrictions. Those seeking a final sitting for a large tattoo or a piercing or body art for the first time can once again visit these venues for self expression.
Feature Story Attorney Peter D. Rhoades

Post-pandemic business world brings many questions

By Peter D. RhoadesMonday, June 15, 2020
Meet Attorney Peter D. Rhoades, who is beginning a new series of columns to answer questions about how small businesses can navigate the legal issues that arise in the wake of the pandemic.
Longform Memes used by the Berrien County Health Department and Spectrum Health Lakeland to promote COVID-19 awareness.

In COVID-19 crisis, Michigan's public health pros leverage social media for good

By Estelle SlootmakerSunday, June 14, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic is the first public health crisis of the social media age, and public health officials have used social media platforms to spread important knowledge and fight misinformation.
Feature Story Chris Riker is Vice President of Advancement and Donor Services at the GHACF.

Foundation matching donations to Restoring Hope fund for COVID-19 relief

By Shandra MartinezFriday, June 12, 2020
The Grand Haven Area Community Foundation has launched an initial $150,000 challenge match to raise money for the Community Relief & Recovery Fund. 
Feature Story Jermale

How Grand Rapids small business owners reopen amid racial strife and COVID-19

By Matthew RussellThursday, June 11, 2020
For Grand Rapids entrepreneurs, racial inequality, social unrest, and COVID-19 are playing a role in their efforts to reopen, to stay positive, and to support their communities. Three entrepreneurs explore staying grounded and thinking differently during turbulent times.
Feature Story Waterfront trash typically consists of small, mostly plastic items.

Lake cleanup organizers shift tactics amid pandemic, erosion, high water

By Mike LozonThursday, June 11, 2020
Environmentalists who organize lake and river cleanups in West Michigan are fine-tuning their tactics in the wake of high-water levels and the coronavirus pandemic.
Partner Content Riddle Elementary students at their school garden.

How edible schoolyards in Lansing help feed the community

By Claire CharltonThursday, June 11, 2020
An afterschool gardening club at three Lansing-area elementary schools helps kids learn how food gets from their own school gardens to their table – and how to improve their community's overall food security.
Feature Story Gloria Lara is the Executive Director of the Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance.

LEDA launches weekly conversations on racial inequalities

By Shandra MartinezWednesday, June 10, 2020
The Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance has launched a series of weekly Facebook Live events, leading up to the virtual 2020 Summit on Race and Inclusion: Vision & Voices on July 21.
Feature Story Michael McDermott performs at Seven Steps Up in 2019.

Community rallies behind ‘beloved’ music venue owners

By Shandra MartinezWednesday, June 10, 2020
Donations have come from near and far to keep Seven Steps Up afloat until the listening room can reopen. One musician even wrote “The Song Will Rise” about what makes Michelle and Gary Hanks' historic venue so special.
Longform Warmline peer support specialist Elizabeth Forejt of Grand Rapids.

Michigan's mental health "warmline" offers free peer support during pandemic

By Estelle SlootmakerTuesday, June 9, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has produced an alarming increase in mental health problems nationwide. But in Michigan, a newly established mental health “warmline” offers help from certified peer support specialists who can speak from their own experiences with mental health issues.
Development News Ballot

Received your absentee ballot application? City has mailed them to all registered voters

By Estelle Slootmaker, Development News EditorTuesday, June 9, 2020

Grand Rapids City Clerk mailed absentee ballot applications to all of its registered to voters for the August 4 primary and November 3 election. Here's why it's a secure way to vote.

Feature Story A protester carried this sign during the George’s Peaceful Unity Demonstration in Holland on June 7.

How I came to take a stand against racism

By Dave EdmondsTuesday, June 9, 2020
Dave Edmonds shares why he thinks it took so long for him to understand his role in racial inequality and why he is determined to make up for lost time.
Feature Story Anisa Reynolds believes protests will be key to long-lasting change.

Seeing Unity Demonstration diversity ‘powerful’ for local youth

By Baruch CarvalhoTuesday, June 9, 2020
Growing up black in Holland, a pair of 20-year-olds talk about the optimism they felt after thousands turned out for the community's Black Lives Matter protest. 
Longform listsaginaw

Return to natureHow a former industrial site will bring open space, recreation to Saginaw

By Brian AllnuttMonday, June 8, 2020

With a history of lumber, coal mining, and ironworks, a parcel of land in the heart of the Saginaw River Watershed is the region's newest park.

Feature Story More than 3,000 people lined Unity Bridge on June 7 to show their solidarity in standing against racism in America.

Thousands line Unity Bridge, ‘standing together’ for justice

BY ANDREA GOODELLMonday, June 8, 2020
“We choose unity. We choose peace. We choose togetherness,” co-organizer Shutaveya Ward says. “We can enact change by standing together.”
Feature Story Protestors walk along Douglas Avenue to the Unity Bridge.

Unity march surpasses expectations

By Matthew BickelMonday, June 8, 2020
Photo essay and video capture the sounds and sights of George’s Peaceful Unity Demonstration march in Holland on June 7. 
Feature Story Linear

How Linear Restaurant approaches reopening in Monroe North

By Leandra NisbetSunday, June 7, 2020
All restaurants in Michigan will be allowed to reopen for dine-in as of June 8 per the MI Safe Start re-engagement plan. Linear Restaurant in the Monroe North neighborhood shares how they will create a new normal and with new safety measures throughout the dining experience.
Feature Story Lucia Rios at a work event.

Accommodating remote work during pandemic helps shift conversation about access, inclusion

By Lucia RiosSunday, June 7, 2020
Lucia Rios hopes that once we’re out of quarantine, we don’t stop making access and inclusion an important topic. She, along with others who are disabled, don’t want to go back to business as usual.
Feature Story Rebekah VanZegeren is a former college athlete turned physical therapist.

Finding new ways to support health and fitness during COVID-19

By Rebekah VanZegerenSaturday, June 6, 2020
Former athlete Rebekah VanZegeren shares how physical therapists are providing a safe environment for recovery during the pandemic.
Feature Story Sue-Franz-photo

‘Short-lived hobby’ turns into a Rotary Project to provide PPE to fight pandemic

By Sue FranzFriday, June 5, 2020
What began as a little project by Sue Franz to help a friend in need quickly grew into the Rotary Fabric Mask Maker Club. Now, the group needs volunteers and donations to keep up with the demand.
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