Stories

Longform Terry Dangerfield, superintendent of Lincoln Park Public Schools, talks with Nicole Chubb, the district's executive director of special education. The district received funding from Michigan's Education Equity Fund.

CARES Act dollars support Michigan children's mental health through state's Education Equity Fund

328 Michigan public school districts and charter schools have received dollars from the new state fund to support students' mental health and bridge the digital divide.

Feature Story Laura Bergells

Published Together: 7 Tiny Tips That Can Make a Big Difference for Remote Workers

Working from home since 1999, Laura Bergells of Maniactive shares her tips for working from home. 

Development News Robert Cloy

“Shade is an equity issue": How JEDI guides Friends of Grand Rapids Parks

Non-profit organization, Friends of Grand Rapids Parks plans its work to address JEDI, justice, equity, diversity and inclusion, in light of historical inequities that guided development of parks as public spaces in the past.

Feature Story Vice President for Enrollment at Grand Valley State University

Grand Valley Pledge will help first-generation students pay for college in Calhoun County and beyond

Navigating college can be a challenge for first-generation college students. A tuition-free opportunity will help those who choose Grand Valley State University.

Feature Story “One-third of everything we eat depends on pollination,” says Don Lam, of the Holland Area Beekeepers Association (HABA). “Imagine losing one bite out of every three.”

From school programs to clubs, the growing efforts to save honeybees

Students at one Lakeshore high school will be studying the insects up close, thanks to a federal grant that will put cameras in hives.

Longform A person uses the DayTwo Precision Nutrition app.

Saginaw health workers among first to try new tech that creates personalized diets for diabetics

Over the past year at Covenant HealthCare in Saginaw, employees living with Type 2 diabetes have participated in a pilot program that develops personalized diets for them based on the unique population of microbes found in their digestive systems.

Feature Story Hope Network

Affordable resources for non-emergency medical transportation needs throughout Kent County

For both seniors and community members at large, having affordable, convenient access to medical services and other resources is essential. There are several community programs and resources to assist individuals age 60 and over with non-emergency medical transportation.

Feature Story GRCC is testing basketball players weekly for COVID-19 through a partnership with Ferris State.

GRCC-Ferris collaboration keeps student-athletes safe with COVID-19 testing

GRCC basketball players, coaches, and training staff receive weekly COVID-19 antigen tests through a partnership with the Ferris College of Pharmacy. Testing is expected to continue through the end of the season.   

Longform Camren Stott.

For Michigan’s Indigenous residents, decolonized food is medicine that decreases health disparities

Educators across Michigan are working to improve the health of the state's Indigenous people by reconnecting them to the foods and agricultural practices that are their pre-colonial heritage.

Feature Story Leslie Griswold 2

Vaccination effort spurs massive collaboration between Kent County and local health care providers

The Kent County Health Department and local health care providers are collaborating on what may be the biggest inter-organizational vaccination effort in Michigan’s history.

Do Good Mural by Nick Nortier

Well-known DAAC and Skelletones set to reopen giving young artists and musicians a place to innovate

In the early 2000’s, the DAAC and Skelletones were two of the city’s popular all-ages venues for young musicians to innovate and find community. Now, they’re reopening with the same mission. 

Feature Story Robby Fischer 1

Attracted to GR's collaborative music history, Dogtown Studio builds up our artists' community

Publisher Tommy Allen sits down with Dogtown Studio’s Co-Founder Robby Fischer (both wearing N95 masks) to learn firsthand how this Westside studio is helping our area musicians connect more fully to their audience. 

Feature Story Mission Read

Community collaborations encourage literacy with early-stage reading and library programs

The Literacy Center of West Michigan’s Community Literacy Initiative aims to empower parents, caregivers and leaders with accessible tools and resources to improve literacy for all ages across the area. Partnering with local organizations, area schools, and district libraries, the Community Literacy Initiative develops and implements goals and strategies to improve literacy utilizing inclusive methods.

Feature Story Rob McCarty 1

Providing equitable access to the Black community during COVID-19

As the COVID-19 vaccine rolls out, Ada firefighter, Rob McCarty, sheds a light upon the historical mistrust the Black community has faced within the health care system.

Feature Story Plans are in full swing to have the former JCPenney store in The Shops at Westshore mall in Holland Township renovated in time for fall 2021 classes.

GRCC eyes fall opening for Lakeshore campus

Bringing a community college to Ottawa County expands options for students, educators say. GRCC’s location along commercially rich U.S. 31 is also a plus.

Development News Nathan Baar

HealthBar advances concierge-style health care

Nathan Baar, RN launched HealthBar, a concierge-style health care practice mainly staffed by contracted registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and nurse practitioners. HealthBar provides businesses and others support around COVID-19 and more.


Feature Story Tom Cizauskas (Gerald R Ford Airport), Jeffrey and Sana Perry (Perry's Quality Exteriors LLC), Kevin Holman (One Legacy Heating and Cooling)

Taking action to address challenges of underrepresented construction industry businesses

The Builders Exchange of Michigan, through its Construction Allies in Action initiative, is launching the Strong Foundations Program. This Program seeks to provide underrepresented businesses with the tools, connections and support needed to grow and sustain their organizations.

Feature Story For the second year in a row, GRCC Nursing students posted perfect pass rates on their licensure exams.

GRCC Nursing students pass licensing exams on first try

It’s the second year in a row all GRCC grads passed the exam on the first attempt. A curriculum that increases interactive experiences is one reason for success.

Feature Story Kwame Alexander will visit Hope College virtually during a Big Read Black History Month event Feb. 26.

Celebrating Black History Month on the Lakeshore

The Lakeshore offers several opportunities to celebrate Black History Month while maintaining social distancing.

Longform Juan (cacao and coffee farmer), Chad Morton and Efren Madriaga

Published Together: The heart opening journey of a superfood in our backyard

Local entrepreneur and product developer, Chad Morton, shares what he is working on, how he arrived at this point, and lessons he’s learned along the way related to the current state of the world we live in.