Tour groups explore our history, as seen in this statue honoring Lyman Parks, the city’s first African American mayor.
Tour groups explore our history, as seen in this statue honoring Lyman Parks, the city’s first African American mayor. Photo by Tommy Allen
Visitors explore the Annual Student Exhibition at FSU's Kendall College of Art and Design.
Visitors explore the Annual Student Exhibition at FSU's Kendall College of Art and Design. Courtesy of KCAD
Instructor Shawn Nichols leads the Monday night adult band class at East Hill's Triumph Music Academy
Instructor Shawn Nichols leads the Monday night adult band class at East Hill's Triumph Music Academy Tommy Allen
Tommy Allen
Disability Advocates of Kent County celebrates another successful Interview Day.
Disability Advocates of Kent County celebrates another successful Interview Day. Tommy Allen
Grand Stand Pictures welcomes Detroit's Marvin Towns, special segment director, for the final day of "A City Within a City" production.
Grand Stand Pictures welcomes Detroit's Marvin Towns, special segment director, for the final day of "A City Within a City" production. Tommy Allen

Features

Longform Community collaborations help coordinate shelter, food, clothing, and other basic needs alongside behavioral health services. Community Action of Allegan County home-delivered meals drivers.

Mental health agencies strengthen services through community collaborations

Brianna NargisoWednesday, July 16, 2025
Across Michigan, community mental health (CMH) agencies are expanding their reach through partnerships with local organizations that address housing, transportation, and other barriers to care. These collaborations aim to create a more coordinated and accessible mental health system, particularly for individuals with complex needs.  
Longform Rx Kids has provided for the Wright family stability during an unpredictable time.

More than a stipend: Rx Kids is transforming childhood beginnings

Brianna NargisoWednesday, July 16, 2025
Rx Kids, the country’s first universal and unconditional cash prescription program for pregnant people and infants, provides financial support to every eligible family within a geographic area, no income requirements, no strings attached. Families receive a one-time $1,500 payment during pregnancy and $500 per month during the baby’s first year of life.  
Feature Story Paralympic gold medalist Matt Scott gifted a track chair to Divya Harkema, 12, of Grandville.

The Hartford Nationals brings adaptive sports, champions, and big impact

Shandra MartinezWednesday, July 16, 2025
Grand Rapids hosts nation’s top adaptive athletes, promoting inclusion, local pride, and over $2 million in visitor spending.
Feature Story Kevin Fischer3

Medicaid cuts threaten Michigan’s mental health

Estelle SlootmakerWednesday, July 16, 2025
Federal Medicaid cuts threaten the very lives of those living with serious mental illness, disabilities, and substance use disorders as well as the quality of life and livelihoods of those managing their mental health care with medications and support that Medicaid currently covers.  
Feature Story Left to right: Keira Vander Kolk, Brandon Barker, and Logan Anderson.

New scholarship aims to inspire ‘future of agribusiness’

Rapid Growth StaffTuesday, July 15, 2025
Three West Michigan students earn scholarships aimed at strengthening farming with innovative approaches and fresh talent.
Feature Story Hastings Pride 2025

Voices of Youth: The uphill battle of smalltown Pride

Dale Krueger IVFriday, July 11, 2025
Hastings, Mich., held its second annual Pride Festival, uniting LGBTQIA+ residents and allies in a powerful show of rural visibility despite local backlash. The event drew hundreds and marked growing support for queer youth in the small, traditionally conservative town.
Feature Story Christopher Tallon

GR author explores cults, courage, and astral projection adventure

Shandra MartinezWednesday, July 9, 2025
Christopher Tallon’s latest novel follows a brave EMT on a supernatural mission, blending real-life experiences with suspense and imagination.  
Longform Cross-sector collaborations have become a vital part of Michigan’s evolving approach to mental health care.

Commmunity mental health partnerships with first responders a win-win for communities

Brianna NargisoMonday, July 7, 2025
Across Michigan, community mental health (CMH) agencies are redefining crisis response through deep partnerships with EMS, law enforcement, and fire departments. These cross-sector collaborations have become a vital part of Michigan’s evolving approach to mental health care.  
Longform Shelley Roossien, Accessibility and Inclusion Specialist at KDL, leads children through a building exercise.

Inclusive Literacy Alliance fosters early reading in Kent County kids with developmental differences

Brianna NargisoMonday, July 7, 2025
The Inclusive Literacy Alliance is a collaborative, county-wide effort to improve early reading outcomes for children with developmental differences. Parents, educators, service providers, and advocates are piloting solutions that make early literacy more accessible and effective for children who are blind or low vision, deaf or hard of hearing, or autistic.
Feature Story The 2025 Developer Day was held at West Michigan Construction Institute in Grand Rapids.

Developer Day, report guide smart growth across West Michigan communities

Shandra MartinezSaturday, July 5, 2025
The Right Place’s Developer Day and annual report combine data and dialogue to help municipalities and developers pursue strategic growth.
Feature Story Vivienne Blanco Bond, 9, and her sister, Serafina, 7, take part in KDL’s Summer Wonder program by reading "The Wilder Child," written by their aunt, Nicolette Sowder.

Summer Wonder program sparks joyful learning across Kent County families

Shandra MartinezThursday, July 3, 2025
Kent District Library’s Summer Wonder program blends books, creativity, and curiosity into a fun, flexible routine that keeps kids learning all summer.
Feature Story A couple stands in the dining area of a staged CLT home at 2080 Union, highlighting the space.

Dwelling Place expands affordable homeownership through Community Land Trust

Shandra MartinezWednesday, June 25, 2025
Dwelling Place’s Community Land Trust program creates lasting affordable homeownership opportunities across West Michigan for working families and single-income households.
Feature Story BUSTED offers layered accessibility, including an Exhibition Youth Guide.

Face-to-face: Meijer Gardens’ “BUSTED” exhibit revolutionizes the way we see our shared humanity

By Tommy AllenWednesday, June 25, 2025
An intimate, thought-provoking sculpture show explores identity, visibility, and human connection through contemporary busts that reflect who we are today.
Feature Story Two former members of the Grand Rapids Black Sox.

Published Together: Whitecaps honor Black Sox, support youth with Delta Project Night

Joel Van Kuiken Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Black Sox Night at LMCU Ballpark celebrates Black baseball history and supports youth of color through Delta Project partnership.
Feature Story Jamiel Robinson

GR-led coalition wins grant to strengthen Black business ecosystem

Shandra MartinezTuesday, June 24, 2025
Jamiel Robinson and regional partners secure state funding to expand a unified, cross-county support network for Black-owned businesses in West Michigan.
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