From its much-loved taquerias to its colorful public art, the southwest side celebrates its diversity. With emerging local galleries, successful Mexican and Asian markets, and locally owned small businesses, the area is home to many of Grand Rapids' Latino groups and includes Garfield Park, Alger Heights, and Grandville Avenue, among others, and pride in culture abounds.
Can you imagine loading software on your computer from 1994? Neither can Lifestyle Editor Tommy Allen, who takes a close look at why he's voting "no" on the upcoming ballot proposal on term limits for Grand Rapids government.
As West Michigan continues to grow, it's important that we begin to dive in and talk with the officials who are impacting the policies and projects in our community. Land banks are part of our fabric now, but in the years ahead their role will most certainly be debated. Lifestyle Editor Tommy Allen uncovers the big deal behind land banks.
We all engage in bar talk, but what happens in the bar usually stays in the bar...that is, until Lifestyle Editor Tommy Allen meets dizzybird records. Find out what happens when two music-loving Grand Rapidians meet over a drink and create something new.
Think those stereotypical jokes about lawyers being greedy and cutthroat are true? Au contraire: Since its inception, Community Legal Services of West Michigan's 37 volunteer attorneys have donated more than 500 hours of free legal assistance to people who cannot afford to hire an attorney. Do Good editor Victoria Mullen reports.
As we begin the next decade of river restoration work in Grand Rapids, Lifestyle Editor Tommy Allen talks with Mayor Heartwell about the mighty Grand River's past and future.
Lifestyle Editor Tommy Allen reflects on a couple's comments at the start of summer and finds something beautiful that ends with the launch of a Silver Line. Along the way, he wonders if the word "progressive" has come to mean something new as the city moves forward.
UICA's Exit Space Project is about to debut something truly amazing at the street level, but G-Sync Lifestyle Editor Tommy Allen asks if we're ready as a community for what these new murals, a form of street art, will signal within our region. Hold the spray paint and read on.
What happens when we only give lip service to a civil rights matter? G-Sync's Lifestyle Editor Tommy Allen finds out it means absolutely nothing and, on the heels of the Mackinac Policy Conference, calls for our state lawmakers to pass important legislation.
Spring is a season of hope and this year Lifestyle Editor Tommy Allen suggests we emerge from winter's grip and attempt some bold moves. Inspired by City Hall's recent move to repeal a few pesky outdated ordiances that have run their course, he says it's time to shake off a few more this week.
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