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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.
Feature Story Riot

Dawn breaks after protest: Community cleanup provides unexpected opportunity for dialogue

Photo Essay by Bud Kibby, Editorial by Lauren Fay Carlson, Managing EditorSunday, May 31, 2020
On Saturday, May 30, over 3000 people gathered downtown Grand Rapids to protest the killing of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis. What began as a peaceful event ended in violence and the destruction of dozens of properties downtown. Though officials are still working to determine the details of the escalation, hundreds gathered on Sunday to clean and repair damaged spaces in a much-need show of solidarity.
Feature Story scott-shelly-photo

Marketing agency continues giving back amid pandemic

By Scott Millen Saturday, May 30, 2020
Scott Millen shares how he and his wife, Shelly, are keeping the faith and their commitment to nonprofits even as their small business struggles during the global pandemic.  The good news is 2 Fish Company business was approved for a PPP loan and things are looking up. 
Feature Story Lorena

La Lucha Fund supports undocumented and mixed-status families with direct payments during COVID-19

By Michelle Jokisch PoloFriday, May 29, 2020
La Lucha Fund was created as a short-term emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and is designed to provide financial resources directly to undocumented and mixed-status families in Kent County who are not eligible for unemployment, CARES Act relief, or other government support.
Partner Content The YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids' Nutrition in Action program.

Nutrition in Action serves kids and adults an extra helping of health

By Estelle SlootmakerFriday, May 29, 2020
For the past 15 years, the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids has brought its Nutrition in Action program to West Michigan schools and other organizations serving families and individuals with income challenges.
Feature Story beach-photos-567

Pandemic, erosion force restrictions at state, county parks

By Mike Lozon Friday, May 29, 2020
Photo essay illustrates how the potent combination of coronavirus guidelines and high-water levels will create a different experience at lakeside beaches from Holland to Grand Haven this summer.
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