Features

Feature Story Jen Vander Heide returns to Grand Rapids Public Library as deputy director.

GRPL’s new deputy director brings global experiences to the role

Jen Vander Heide returns to Grand Rapids Public Library as deputy director, bringing global insights and a decade of experience to elevate the library’s services and impact.

Feature Story Alex Aguilar-Delgado says securing The Rapid's Wave card was a snap at GRCC.

New free bus pass eases transportation strain for GRCC students, employees

GRCC and The Rapid partner to provide students with free bus passes, improving access to education by easing transportation challenges.

Longform K-Connect's data dashboard for Kent County.

Local health statistics are a click away as community health dashboards proliferate in Michigan

Community health dashboards are readily available online resources that compile various health data for different regions.

Feature Story Kent District Library's Write Michigan Short Story Contest is free to enter for youth. Adults pay a $10 entry fee, although scholarships are available.

Write Michigan contest inspires creativity and connection across the state

KDL’s Write Michigan Short Story Contest invites Michiganders of all ages to share their stories, fostering creativity and connection statewide. Deadline is Nov. 30.   

Feature Story fragmentslist

How 2 West Michigan designers are turning plastic waste into art

Two KCAD alumni are transforming plastic waste into durable recycled materials. They are showcasing their sustainable innovation at the “Fragments to Form” exhibit,  which runs through Nov. 22.

Feature Story Adrian Butler is a DJ, producer, content creator, and artist.

Exhibit A’s comeback celebrates Grand Rapids’ unique style and collaborative spirit

As Grand Rapids readies itself for the electrifying return of Exhibit A, there’s a palpable energy running through our city’s creative community, which is being included and elevated once again in this beloved event that has not been staged since 2019.

Longform Jae Gerhart, manager of farm programs for Trinity Health Ann Arbor, at The Farm at Trinity Health in Ypsilanti. The Farm offers a produce prescription program for those who struggle to afford healthy food.

Medicaid funding could expand and sustain Michigan's produce prescription programs

Michigan is seeking approval for a new funding structure that could use Medicaid dollars to pay for programs that offer "prescriptions" for free fresh fruits and vegetables.

Feature Story GVSU President Philomena Mantella extends a warm welcome to the inaugural recipients of the Michigan Growth Office’s Make MI Home grant.

GVSU secures $200,000 grant to attract diverse grad students – and keep them here

GVSU plans to use a $200,000 grant through Michigan’s “Make MI Home” program for diverse talent retention and community integration.

Feature Story  Shane Scherer, director of the Peter Secchia Military and Veteran Resource Center, speaks as part of the Military Connected/Student Veteran Orientation, which returned this fall as a way to provide specialized support for veteran students.

GVSU earns gold status as a top veteran-friendly university for 10th year

Veteran Shane Scherer continues the mission to make the West Michigan campus welcoming for military veterans.  

Feature Story The Grand Rapids Promise Zone Scholarship Program offers enhanced financial support and services to help GRCC students succeed.

Expanded GR Promise Zone Scholarship boosts support for GRCC students

The Grand Rapids Promise Zone Scholarship Program offers enhanced financial support and services to help GRCC students succeed.  

Feature Story The Rev. Ginny Mikita facilitates a monthly grief support group for people whose animal companions have died.

Chaplain’s grief support group alleviates heartache of losing animal companions

The Rev. Ginny Mikita facilitates a monthly grief support group for people whose animal companions have died.

Feature Story Community mental health agencies from all over the state came to the 2024 rally to show support for their clients and friends and to advocate for a stronger mental health system.

20th 'Walk a Mile in My Shoes' rally promotes public mental health care

Community Mental Health Association of Michigan (CMHA) Walk a Mile in My Shoes Rally congregates advocates from across Michigan to support public behavioral health care. 

Longform Nurses like District Health Department #10’s Becky Gossman RN are only one facet of the future public health workforce.

Redefining public health in Michigan: A vision for a post-pandemic future

The Michigan Association for Local Public Health is advocating for a transformative vision of public health, one that accounts for the complexities of today’s diverse communities and the ever-evolving landscape of health needs. 

Feature Story Kent County Emergency Manager Scott Corbin is sworn in.

Kent County’s new emergency manager sets sights on community resilience

Scott Corbin, Kent County’s new emergency manager, says he will focus on “preparedness, resilience, and risk reduction.”

Feature Story Members of the Grand Raggidy Roller Derby practicing blocking. This weekend, Oct. 18-20, the city will host the 11th annual Mitten Kitten Mash-Up.

Grand Raggidy Roller Derby bringing 11th Annual Mitten Kitten Mash-Up to GR

The Mitten Kitten Mash-Up, to be held on Oct. 18-20, is a roller derby tournament in Grand Rapids, showcasing inclusivity, competition, and community spirit.

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