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Longform Warmline peer support specialist Elizabeth Forejt of Grand Rapids.

Michigan's mental health "warmline" offers free peer support during pandemic

By Estelle SlootmakerTuesday, June 9, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has produced an alarming increase in mental health problems nationwide. But in Michigan, a newly established mental health “warmline” offers help from certified peer support specialists who can speak from their own experiences with mental health issues.
Development News Ballot

Received your absentee ballot application? City has mailed them to all registered voters

By Estelle Slootmaker, Development News EditorTuesday, June 9, 2020

Grand Rapids City Clerk mailed absentee ballot applications to all of its registered to voters for the August 4 primary and November 3 election. Here's why it's a secure way to vote.

Feature Story A protester carried this sign during the George’s Peaceful Unity Demonstration in Holland on June 7.

How I came to take a stand against racism

By Dave EdmondsTuesday, June 9, 2020
Dave Edmonds shares why he thinks it took so long for him to understand his role in racial inequality and why he is determined to make up for lost time.
Feature Story Anisa Reynolds believes protests will be key to long-lasting change.

Seeing Unity Demonstration diversity ‘powerful’ for local youth

By Baruch CarvalhoTuesday, June 9, 2020
Growing up black in Holland, a pair of 20-year-olds talk about the optimism they felt after thousands turned out for the community's Black Lives Matter protest. 
Longform listsaginaw

Return to natureHow a former industrial site will bring open space, recreation to Saginaw

By Brian AllnuttMonday, June 8, 2020

With a history of lumber, coal mining, and ironworks, a parcel of land in the heart of the Saginaw River Watershed is the region's newest park.

Feature Story More than 3,000 people lined Unity Bridge on June 7 to show their solidarity in standing against racism in America.

Thousands line Unity Bridge, ‘standing together’ for justice

BY ANDREA GOODELLMonday, June 8, 2020
“We choose unity. We choose peace. We choose togetherness,” co-organizer Shutaveya Ward says. “We can enact change by standing together.”
Feature Story Protestors walk along Douglas Avenue to the Unity Bridge.

Unity march surpasses expectations

By Matthew BickelMonday, June 8, 2020
Photo essay and video capture the sounds and sights of George’s Peaceful Unity Demonstration march in Holland on June 7. 
Feature Story Linear

How Linear Restaurant approaches reopening in Monroe North

By Leandra NisbetSunday, June 7, 2020
All restaurants in Michigan will be allowed to reopen for dine-in as of June 8 per the MI Safe Start re-engagement plan. Linear Restaurant in the Monroe North neighborhood shares how they will create a new normal and with new safety measures throughout the dining experience.
Feature Story Lucia Rios at a work event.

Accommodating remote work during pandemic helps shift conversation about access, inclusion

By Lucia RiosSunday, June 7, 2020
Lucia Rios hopes that once we’re out of quarantine, we don’t stop making access and inclusion an important topic. She, along with others who are disabled, don’t want to go back to business as usual.
Feature Story Rebekah VanZegeren is a former college athlete turned physical therapist.

Finding new ways to support health and fitness during COVID-19

By Rebekah VanZegerenSaturday, June 6, 2020
Former athlete Rebekah VanZegeren shares how physical therapists are providing a safe environment for recovery during the pandemic.
Feature Story Sue-Franz-photo

‘Short-lived hobby’ turns into a Rotary Project to provide PPE to fight pandemic

By Sue FranzFriday, June 5, 2020
What began as a little project by Sue Franz to help a friend in need quickly grew into the Rotary Fabric Mask Maker Club. Now, the group needs volunteers and donations to keep up with the demand.
Feature Story Otha

On families, mental health, and racial inequality: A Q&A with therapist Otha Brown

By Lauren Fay Carlson, Managing EditorThursday, June 4, 2020
In this special Q&A, Therapist Otha Brown of the Men’s Resource Center at The Fountain Hill Center explores discussing civil strife and racial inequality with our children, and the mental health impact of both COVID-19 and nationwide racial inequality on communities of color.
Feature Story shop-online-one

Expanding online presence can help businesses succeed now, come back stronger

Liz HoffswellThursday, June 4, 2020
With many people staying home, working from home, and social distancing, they are spending a lot more time online. That’s why now is the perfect time for businesses to expand their reach online, says Liz Hoffswell, a certified business consultant.
Longform pickerel-lake

'The Big Wild'A brief history of Michigan’s Pigeon River Country

By Patrick DunnWednesday, June 3, 2020
Creating and preserving Michigan's Pigeon River Country, known as "the Big Wild," has involved a long, sometimes contentious dance between conservation and the pressures of the outside world.
Feature Story This city-owned land next to the Grand Haven airport could be developed into a 32-house neighborhood.

Foundation’s $1.5 million investment targets creation of workforce housing

By Shandra MartinezWednesday, June 3, 2020
The 32-home development is being eyed for Grand Haven, with the goal of providing entry-level homeownership opportunities for people who often struggle to afford market-rate homes.
Innovation News HC

Local training program prepares refugee childcare providers for economic resiliency, independence

By Lauren Fay Carlson, Managing EditorTuesday, June 2, 2020
What started as a small business incubator to support the refugee community in West Michigan has become a lifeline for childcare providers and parents during COVID-19.
Feature Story Salvador and Jodi Munoz during a recent reunion in Mexico.

Coming home: Family navigates immigration during COVID-19 crisis

BY ANDREA GOODELLTuesday, June 2, 2020
After 12 years, Salvador Munoz was close to being reunited with his wife Jodi and their daughters, then came the COVID-19 crisis. The Holland family is working with Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates to get over the last hurdle. 
Innovation News Custer

Custer focusing on workplace re-engagement

By Estelle Slootmaker, Interim Innovation News EditorMonday, June 1, 2020
Custer innovates ways to help businesses create resilient COVID-19 workspace adaptations via design, tech, cleaning services, and change management as well as home office packages. 
Feature Story Attorney Sarah Yore-Van Oosterhout started nonprofit Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates.

Law is a tool to help for Holland immigration attorney and advocate

By Andrea GoodellMonday, June 1, 2020
Sarah Yore-Van Oosterhout started Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates to make sure that those who don’t have a voice are heard. The Holland area nonprofit offers low- or no-cost immigration legal counsel.
Feature Story Connor DenBleyker with his new kitten, Elmer.

Cat adoptions are up during quarantine

BY BARUCH DE CARVALHO Sunday, May 31, 2020
The Harbor Humane Shelter has seen an increase in first-time adopters since stay-at-home orders went into effect, says Executive Director Jen Self-Aulgur.
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