Stories

Feature Story Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) training for staff at Muskegon Luge and Adventure Sports Park. Pictured from left to right: Jeff VanDyke and Brad Hastings.

Accessibility champion recognized for impact in Muskegon community

Brad Hastings, advocacy and outreach coordinator at Disability Network West Michigan, is honored with Muskegon’s Future 15 Award for his work in disability advocacy and improving community accessibility.

Longform Danielle Atkinson, founder and national director of Mothering Justice, has been instrumental in advocating for paid leave in Michigan.

Paid sick leave and family leave are moving forward in Michigan. Here's what's next.

For more than a decade, Michigan advocacy groups and some legislators have been working to expand paid leave from work for Michiganders – and this year, their efforts are paying off in two major ways.

Feature Story Narcan (naloxone) saves lives by reversing an opioid overdose. An easy-to-use nasal spray, it's a vital tool in combating the opioid crisis. An allocation of Kent County’s opioid settlement dollars will increase Narcan accessibility.

Kent County uses opioid settlement to roll out services to fight addiction

A $19 million settlement has set into motion Kent County’s efforts to combat the opioid crisis by investing in a wide range of services, including jail-based programs that aim to reduce post-incarceration overdoses.

Special Report Vibrant South Division Street serves as a border for the Heartside neighborhood.

Heartside Rising: The arts inspire growth in eclectic Grand Rapids neighborhood

The Heartside neighborhood has emerged as a burgeoning arts district in downtown Grand Rapids, and development is expected to strengthen its economic health.  

Feature Story Ripple Effects

New Community Inclusion Center in Portage creating Ripple Effects

"We don’t get to choose how other people parent because we don’t know their child or their child’s needs so really it’s a place where you be the family that you are and we want to encourage you, pat you on the back, let you know to keep going."

Partner Content Hero Walk family team

Autism Hero Walk raises funds while raising awareness

Promoted as "Michigan's largest gathering of the autistic community — 6,000+ families and autistic persons coming together to celebrate everyday superheroes,” The Autism Hero Walk takes place from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak.

Feature Story Northern Lakes CMH's behavioral health homes serve residents of six Northern Michigan counties.

Behavioral Health Homes: A transformative approach in Michigan

Behavioral health homes provide holistic care that addresses both the physical and mental health needs of individuals, ensuring a coordinated and patient-centered approach. 

Feature Story PHN-Sinan-Mikhael-administers -MMR-VaccineLIST

Immunizations have long spared Michiganders from disease and death

In March 2024, Michigan experienced its first confirmed case of measles since 2019, reporting five unrelated cases throughout the state as of April 10. These cases were only some of many throughout sixteen other states, leading public health officials across Michigan to quickly respond.

Feature Story  Dr. Annie Bishop, of Rise Wellness Chiropractic, is pictured with Kristin Revere, owner of Gold Coast Doulas.

Rising diaper costs impact families: West Michigan diaper drive offers support

Since the pandemic, diaper prices have surged by 48%, costing families up to $1,000 a year per child. A diaper drive in September hopes to collect 15,000 diapers to distribute to families in need.

Feature Story Tech Week events will take place all over Grand Rapids.

Tech Week Grand Rapids: How a bold idea sparked a regionwide celebration of innovation

What began as a four-day pilot project with less than two months of preparation has transformed into Tech Week Grand Rapids, a major event driving the region’s tech growth. The third iteration begins next month.  

Feature Story Guillermo Cisneros, President & CEO, West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, listens to staff input on the new design.

West Michigan Hispanic Chamber unveils plans for new headquarters, welcomes interim leader

The West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce unveils plans for its new headquarters and appoints Bank of America's Domingo Munoz as interim chief operating officer through a leadership exchange program.

Feature Story Keith Morgan, president and CEO of the South Kent Area Chamber of Commerce.

Driving growth: How business and transit collaboration is shaping the future of Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids business leaders and transit officials address the challenges of urban and suburban transportation to support regional economic growth.  

Feature Story Tours were conducted by members of the Ada Hotel staff at the community opening.

New Ada Hotel opens, embracing village's rich history

A modern hotel, owned by Cheri DeVos, opens along the Thornapple River in Ada, blending stylish design with historical charm and featuring two restaurants.

Feature Story 62-B District Court Judge Amanda Sterkenburg will oversee one of two new domestic violence courts in Kent County.

New domestic violence specialty court launching in Kent County

Two judges and the Domestic Violence Action Network aim to hold offenders accountable, provide comprehensive support to victims

Feature Story Chris Bardeggia discusses The Right Place's AI Roadmap during  the group's Manufacturers Council Aug. 14.

The Right Place launches AI roadmap to support manufacturers

The Right Place's Manufacturing Council has unveiled an AI roadmap designed to guide local manufacturers through the complex and rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence.

Feature Story A high jumper competes in the 2024 Hartford Nationals.

West Michigan to Host 2025 and 2026 National Adaptive Sports Championship

Grand Rapids will host the 2025 and 2026 Hartford Nationals, showcasing adaptive athletes and highlighting the city’s commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and world-class sporting events.

Feature Story Duncan Lake Early Childhood Center preschool teacher Robin Trocinski uses the Kent County Library District to expand the Caledonia school's curriculum.

Preschool teachers embrace Kent District Library's wealth of resources

Preschool teachers at Duncan Lake Early Childhood Center enhance learning by   using resources from Kent District Library.

Feature Story Isabelle Buckler, a senior at Kendall College was a user experience intern at Gentex this summer.of Art and Design of Ferris State University,

Classrooms to Careers: Gentex interns shape company

Isabelle Buckler, a senior at Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University, channeled her classroom experience into her role as a user experience intern this summer.   

Feature Story SMALL-Meena-Ariagno

West Michigan resident Meena Ariagno brings global perspectives to podcasting

West Michigan resident Meena Ariagno, an Indian-American immigrant with roots extending from Uganda to London, is giving people in West Michigan a global platform with her podcast series.