Features

Feature Story Christopher Tallon

GR author explores cults, courage, and astral projection adventure

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Feature Story KCAD design students explore inclusive design by navigating kitchen activities from a wheelchair user's perspective.

KCAD students redesign kitchens to promote inclusive, user-informed housing solutions

Design students at KCAD partner with Disability Advocates of Kent County to create hands-on, accessible kitchen displays that challenge industry standards and expectations.

Feature Story Tim Klont is the CEO of MSHDA.

Regional Housing Partnerships do the critical work locally to move needle on Statewide Housing Plan

Michigan’s first-ever Statewide Housing Plan was released in June 2022, almost three years ago. A little over the halfway point of the comprehensive five-year plan, stakeholders and collaborative partners look at just how critical regional housing partnerships are in their own communities — moving the needle forward across the entire state. 

Feature Story "Teenagers matter. They’re a part of our communities, our families, our friendships. Their feelings and their struggles matter." Eve Cole

Teens and mental health: The emotions beneath the behaviors

Today’s teens face numerous challenges to their mental health, and nearly one in five teens surveyed reported experiencing a major depressive episode in the past year. In 2023, nearly a third of U.S. teens received mental health treatment, according to the CDC report. In Michigan, some of those teens saw practitioners and joined groups at OnPoint, which provides behavioral health and homelessness services in Allegan County.  

Feature Story All Gods Children Developmental Learning Center plans to be certified by  Michigan’s free PreK for All program by fall of 2025.

Detroit early education center preparing littles for “the next phase in life” despite challenges

All of Gods Children Developmental Learning Center in Detroit exemplifies the need for addressing early education professionals low wages and the need for increased state child care subsidies.

Feature Story Jennifer Maxson

Published Together: Why investing in mentorship means investing in Michigan

Grand Rapids is leading in job growth; however, many employers still struggle to retain talent. In RG's version of the op-ed, Jennifer Maxson of Jennifer Maxson & Associates argues that mentorship—not additional hiring—is the key to building stronger teams, fostering a sense of belonging, and securing Michigan’s future.

Feature Story Raquel Guzman and Robert Anthony Alvarez at their firm's "quinceañera" celebration at the Goei Center on June 18.

Avanti Law marks 15 years with scholarships for GR students

Avanti Law Group celebrated its anniversary by awarding 17 scholarships through its nonprofit, supporting students across Grand Rapids in high school, college, and law school.

View All Stories

 
Looking for news about the people and projects going on in Ottawa County, from Grand Haven to Holland, check out The Lakeshore.

Find all the stories here.

Growth & Innovation

View All Stories

Featured Focus

Featured Place