Stories

Longform Health journalism infographic

Michigan innovators step up to reverse nationwide decline in health journalism

The loss of health journalism has had wide-ranging impacts on the communities health reporters once served. But a variety of innovative solutions have arisen to fill the gap and restore some of the coverage that's been lost.

Feature Story Baruch de Carvalho

The anxiety of getting sick during the pandemic

College student Baruch de Carvalho describes the roller coaster of emotions that come when you are sick but don’t know if you have COVID-19.

Feature Story Usually scarce on a Saturday, parking space along 8th Street in downtown Holland is abundant during the pandemic.

Stay-at-home order brings ‘eerie quiet’ to gathering spaces

Photographer Mike Lozon captures the transformation of the Holland landscape during the pandemic. This spring, the downtown feels like a ghost town with Tulip Time canceled and most businesses temporarily shuttered to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Feature Story Restaurants

SpartanNash partners with local restaurants to reach customers at the grocery store

Launching on April 23, the Restaurant Meals to Go program offers familiar, pre-prepared menu items from local restaurants in 25 participating SpartanNash grocery stores.

Longform Mt-Elliott-Park-Detroit-01-256.jpg

How Michigan turned $1 billion in oil and gas revenue into conservation

Michigan has preserved thousands of acres of land through the Michigan Natural Resource Trust Fund. Here's the story on how we did it.


Feature Story GVSU

Standardized testing and COVID-19: GVSU makes changes to admission policies

For those applying to college, COVID-19 has severely impacted testing and application processes. Understanding this challenge, Grand Valley State University is not requiring SAT or ACT standardized test scores for students applying to the university in fall 2021. Associate Vice President for Financial Aid Michelle Rhodes and Director of Admissions Jodi M. Chycinski discuss the policy change.

Feature Story Deb

Published Together: COVID-19's impact on the deaf and hard of hearing

Deb Atwood, Executive Director of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, explores communication and accessibility of information for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing amid COVID-19.

Feature Story share-the-stimulus

#ShareTheStimulus campaign offers ways to ‘invest in our community’

Ottawa County nonprofit and government leaders are encouraging people who don't need their COVID-19 relief checks to use the extra money to help those who are struggling.

Feature Story Liz Hoffswell is a small business expert.

What small business owners need to know about stimulus loans

Small business owners should apply for their PPP loans ASAP,  says Liz Hoffswell, a certified business consultant. In her column, she explains the Paycheck Protection Program and other CARES Act stimulus loan options. 

Feature Story Randy

Mental health under COVID-19: Creating intentional group work while quarantined

Psychotherapist, Consultant, and Writer Randy Flood explores the power of an intentional work group amid quarantine.

Partner Content Bay Mills' 2019 "Honoring Our Veterans" powwow.

Rec-Connect program encourages culturally appropriate recreation in Bay Mills Indian Community

Demonstrations of new physical activities are just one way the Rec-Connect program aims to inspire more physical activity as part of healthy living in the community in a culturally-appropriate way.

Feature Story Walk

In your neighborhood: The 43rd Annual Walk for Good Food

Over the past 42 years, the Access of West Michigan Walk for Good (formerly the Hunger Walk) has raised more than $6 million for dozens of local and international nonprofits addressing hunger and food insecurity. In light of COVID-19, instead of congregating in the center city, people who have registered to walk will chart their own 5K courses within their own neighborhoods, all the while adhering to social distancing guidelines.

Feature Story Mindset

Mindset Meals founders talk healthy eating, partnership, and delivery during quarantine

Healthy eating duo Eric Freeman and Mallory Malloy explore their journey to local meal prep company Mindset Meals. Still delivering during COVID-19, Mindset Meals provides healthy, pre-portioned meals for those seeking a fresh spin on takeout during quarantine.

Feature Story Bing

Published Together: The benefits of flowers for Michiganders' quality of life

CEO of Eastern Floral and Board Member of the West Michigan Asian American Association Bing Goei explores the benefits of flowers for quality of life, as well as his plans for providing this resource during COVID-19 shutdowns.

Feature Story kathryn-agar-kitten1

Fostering kittens during the pandemic

GVSU student Kathryn Agar is spending her extra time at home to care for orphan kittens. She shares how fostering is challenging but rewarding volunteer work. (Spoiler alert: lots of adorable kitten photos)

Innovation News GVSU Charter

GVSU Charter Schools Office urges its educators to be innovative as distant learning begins in MI

GVSU Charter Schools Office says it has kept education moving forward since the earliest days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Feature Story Paul

Published Together: What COVID-19 is telling us about equity

Certified diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) consultant Paul T. Doyle discusses how COVID-19 has widened racial disparities and increased the need for equity and systems change.

Partner Content Students prepare for a food tasting.

MARESA promotes healthy eating and fitness in the rural Upper Peninsula

The Marquette-Alger Regional Educational Services Agency (MARESA) is working with 18 elementary schools in seven counties in the central UP to encourage healthy eating and physical activity. 

Feature Story Jeff Robinson of Hybrid Machining removes a 3D printed face mask from a printer donated by Reed City on March 30, 2020 at Hybrid Machining in Holland. Robinson is donating his time and his space to help create more face shields and masks for essentia

Volunteers launch 3D printer network to fill gap amid PPE shortage

It began as a small group of West Michigan volunteers making Personal Protective Equipment on their 3D printers to protect the health of frontline workers during the COVID-19 outbreak. And then it quickly grew into 3Dc19.com, a multi-state network of volunteers. Meet the people who made this happen. 

Partner Content An educator leads a Linking Lessons session.

Linking Lessons brings healthy lifestyle basics to Metro Detroit teens

Linking Lessons puts registered dietitians, chefs, and other community health educators in Michigan middle and high schools to teach kids about how to make impactful changes in their diets and physical activity.