Features

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.

Feature Story U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten, D-Grand Rapids, secured $750,000 for the project through her 2024 Community Project Funding Requests, one of just 15 she can make annually.

West Michigan Sports Commission breaks ground on Meijer Sports Complex expansion

The Meijer Sports Complex expansion will improve accessibility in West Michigan, adding inclusive sports fields, pickleball courts, and facilities for all abilities.

Feature Story LifeWays Staff

LifeWays peer support and recovery staff inspire clients to 'walk the walk'

LifeWays employs peer support specialists and recovery coaches for clients to work with throughout their recovery journeys. 

Feature Story Marcus Drenth of NineTen Media

Marketing agency looking to offer pro bono services to 3 West Michigan nonprofits

Grand Rapids' NineTen Media offers pro bono digital services to local nonprofits.  

Feature Story University of Michigan Health-West is the first hospital in West Michigan to offer histotripsy, a therapy that uses ultrasound waves to destroy cancerous tumors without surgery.

UM Health-West first West Michigan hospital to offer ultrasound technology for liver tumors

University of Michigan Health-West is the first hospital in West Michigan to offer histotripsy, a therapy that uses ultrasound waves to destroy cancerous tumors without surgery.

Feature Story Zaria McCroy speaks.

Disability Network honors Southwest Michigan advocates of independence, accessibility

Two Southwest Michigan residents and an organization were honored by the Disability Network Southwest Michigan for their work to advance independence and accessibility.”

Feature Story Chris Sain Jr.

How entrepreneur and philanthropist Chris Sain Jr. supports Grand Rapids youth and education

Chris Sain Jr. uses his path from star high school athlete to millionaire investor to inspire and educate local youth.

Feature Story Children can engage with Weathering Emotions through a variety of interactive stations spread throughout the exhibition.

GR Children’s Museum exhibit helps children understand grief

“Weathering Emotions” is a new interactive exhibit at the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum designed to help children and families explore grief and other emotions.

Feature Story Davenport University and Gentex leaders formalized their commitment to education and workforce development with a signing ceremony Sept. 30 at the corporation’s office in Zeeland.

Gentex partners with Davenport University to offer scholarships for employees

Gentex Corporation is partnering with Davenport University to provide corporate education scholarships to its employees and their families.

Feature Story Executive director Sharon Caldwell-Newton of CSNIP welcomes the media to a tour with Wolverine Building Group.

New CSNIP veterinary facility to meet growing demand for affordable pet care

CSNIP’s new 12,000-square-foot clinic in Walker will double capacity, providing affordable veterinary care to West Michigan families with pets.

Feature Story Gerald R. Ford International Airport’s new sensory room offers a calming space for neurodivergent travelers, reducing anxiety and improving accessibility.

Ford airport unveils sensory room for neurodivergent travelers

Gerald R. Ford International Airport’s new sensory room offers a calming space for neurodivergent travelers, reducing anxiety and improving accessibility.

Longform Joe Volpe, program manager at Ferndale's Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center.

Mental health takes heavy toll on Michigan's LGBTQ youth

Mental health is a major challenge for Michigan youth in general, but the problem is even greater for the state's LGBTQ youth.

Partner Content Parents indicated that needed services like speech therapy, occupational therapy, and paraprofessional support were inadequate.

Survey activates education advocacy for Michigan children with disabilities

Special Education Experience (SEE) survey results revealed that needed improvements in special education that the state identified in 2014 have not been made.  

Feature Story Julia Kelly was selected to lead Kent County's new Public Defender Office.

Leader of new Kent Public Defender Office has experience, drive

Julia Kelly, who has extensive indigent defense experience and deep community involvement, was selected to lead Kent County's new Public Defender Office.

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