Brandon Copeland of Grammotones - a space where culture thrives and community grows.
Brandon Copeland of Grammotones - a space where culture thrives and community grows. Tommy Allen
For future biologist Nicholas Wells, the Grand River doubles as both classroom and mentor.
For future biologist Nicholas Wells, the Grand River doubles as both classroom and mentor. Tommy Allen
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

Feature Story Nathan Biller

Grand Rapids builder launches backyard housing venture to ease shortage

Shandra MartinezThursday, September 11, 2025
Entrepreneur Nathan Biller’s MI Backyard Build helps homeowners create accessory dwelling units, boosting affordable housing and income in Grand Rapids.
Feature Story Estelle Slootmaker with her new children’s book, Places Where the Sun Don’t Shine.

Journalist's whimsical children’s book celebrates collaboration, community roots

Shandra MartinezThursday, September 11, 2025
Journalist Estelle Slootmaker teams with designer and illustrator to publish a locally produced children’s book, highlighting creativity and community collaboration.
Longform Camille Proctor

Early identification of disabilities critical for Michigan’s littles

Brianna NargisoTuesday, September 9, 2025
Consistent access to early intervention for Michigan kids with learning disabilities and developmental differences is vital, yet often out of reach.
Partner Content AAOM Hero Walk

Autism Hero Walk: Grab your capes and get ready to fly!

Estelle SlootmakerMonday, September 8, 2025
Join 5,000 families at the Detroit Zoo Sept. 20 for the Autism Hero Walk, celebrating Michigan’s autism community with fun, support, and resources.
Feature Story Christopher Tallon highlights 10 diverse and original Grand Rapids podcasts as refreshing alternatives to celebrity-driven shows.

Looking for real voices? These 10 Grand Rapids podcasts deliver big

Christopher TallonFriday, August 29, 2025
Author and podcaster Christopher Tallon spotlights 10 Grand Rapids podcasts that are diverse, original, and refreshing alternatives to mainstream, celebrity-driven shows.
Feature Story Dale Robertson, GRPM’s president and CEO, loves the research behind his favorite carousel animal.

Carousel of belonging: a real joy ride (coming soon)

Tommy AllenWednesday, August 27, 2025
At the Grand Rapids Public Museum, a beloved 1928 Spillman Carousel is being reborn – not just through careful preservation, but by placing accessibility and belonging at the heart of its future.  
Feature Story Brandon Copeland of Grammotones

One beat at a time: Brandon Copeland and the creative heart of community-building

Tommy AllenWednesday, August 27, 2025
Brandon Copeland has dedicated 20 years to demonstrating how artists can inspire community, culture, and the future of Grand Rapids, from DIY hip-hop shows to his live-work storefront, Grammotones.
Feature Story Attendees networking at last year’s Tech Week Grand Rapids Kick-Off event at GLC Live at 20 Monroe.

Wozniak to keynote Grand Rapids Tech Week as city earns LinkedIn honor

Shandra MartinezWednesday, August 27, 2025
Tech Week Grand Rapids surges with 115 events, featuring Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, as LinkedIn names city best for careers.
Feature Story KDL’s Vibes program pays artists, streams local music, and hosts Vibes Fest on Sept. 13, connecting community members with West Michigan’s diverse musicians.

Kent District Library’s Vibes Fest showcases West Michigan musical talent

Shandra MartinezWednesday, August 27, 2025
KDL’s Vibes program pays artists, streams local music, and hosts Vibes Fest on Sept. 13, connecting community members with West Michigan’s diverse musicians.
Feature Story Hope Network’s buses offered a rare chance for contestants to ride together, since most vehicles fit only one wheelchair.

Women share rare ride at Ms. Wheelchair America in Grand Rapids

Shandra MartinezTuesday, August 26, 2025
Contestants at Ms. Wheelchair America experienced accessible transportation together in Grand Rapids, highlighting community partnerships improving inclusion and mobility.
Longform The interviews were filmed by GR-MiFi volunteers in a trailer donated for the day by Pioneer Construction.

West Side reunion films oral histories that bridge generations

Shandra MartinezThursday, August 21, 2025
Neighbors return to share memories as volunteers film oral histories to preserve Grand Rapids’ West Side community’s lessons for future families.  
Feature Story Global Detroit

Global Detroit helps founders succeed from the rural reaches of the U.P. to farmers feeding the city

Kahn DavisonWednesday, August 20, 2025
The Global Entrepreneur in Residence Impact Report shows 174 jobs created from the program, and $28.1 million in venture capital has been raised. Moving forward, officials want to see the progress increase and the universities take on a bigger role in propelling that. 
Feature Story Second annual memorial for unclaimed neighbors to be held at Oak Grove Cemetery in Grand Rapids.

Oak Grove Cemetery memorial to honor Grand Rapids’ unclaimed dead

Estelle SlootmakerWednesday, August 20, 2025
Memorial honors unclaimed Grand Rapids neighbors at Oak Grove Cemetery, inviting all ages to pay respects to unhoused and forgotten lives.
Feature Story Mitch Ermatinger of Speciation Cellars has been selected for a 2025 Comcast RISE grant.

Comcast supports growth with 100 grants for West Michigan entrepreneurs

Shandra MartinezWednesday, August 20, 2025
Now in its fifth year, Comcast RISE delivers $160 million nationwide, including 100 new grant packages in Grand Rapids and Muskegon.
Feature Story Sanilac County CMH CEO Wilbert Morris presents iPad to Sanilac County Sheriff Paul Rich

Meeting rural Michiganders' mental health care needs

Estelle SlootmakerTuesday, August 19, 2025
Michigan’s rural residents face different challenges when accessing mental health care than residents of urban areas. Transportation issues, loneliness, and limited group therapy options can compound their mental health needs. To address these challenges, community mental health (CMH) agencies like Sanilac County Community Mental Health innovate community-based solutions that meet their populations where they are at.   
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Growth & Innovation

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The West Fulton district, often referred to as the 'U to the Zoo,' runs along its namesake street from Grand Valley State University's booming downtown campus on the east to historic John Ball Park and Zoo on the west.

 

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