Tommy Allen, Lifestyle Editor

A major attraction of GR Stories is its focus on research within community reporting to provide context.

GR Stories: How community storytelling builds bridges, fosters belonging, & preserves hidden history

Tommy AllenWednesday, March 26, 2025

Call to Climate Justice event (Climate Action & Adaptation Plan kickoff event) in partnership with C4.

How the city of Grand Rapids is working to reduce CO2 by more than half by 2030

Solange SifaFriday, February 28, 2025

(From left) Peggy Helsel, development director at DAKC; Jenny Gauld, designer at Steelcase; Kamara Sudberry, global inclusive design leader at Steelcase; and Vicky Schmidt, a high-level paraplegic and longtime DAKC test pilot.

Beyond compliance: Area nonprofit and corporation are redefining inclusive workplaces

Tommy AllenFriday, February 28, 2025

Under the leadership of President and CEO Dale Robertson, the Grand Rapids Public Museum has embraced Universal Design for Learning.

How GRPM is leading with Universal Design for Learning

Tommy AllenWednesday, February 26, 2025

Franciscan Life Process Center Art Director Kathleen Bechtel

Designed in Michigan: Reawaken creativity at the Franciscan Life Process Center

Tommy AllenWednesday, February 26, 2025

So much more than a selfie station, Photographer Hwa-Jeen Na at entry The Nature of Color exhibition.

Seeing color anew: Takeaways from The Nature of Color exhibit with Hwa-Jeen Na

Tommy Allen Wednesday, January 29, 2025

Meghan Distel, a Tony Awards voting member, ponders the legacy of Broadway Grand Rapids and the impact theatre has had on the region.

Broadway Grand Rapids: Accessibility, innovation raise the curtain for all

Tommy Allen, PublisherTuesday, January 21, 2025

Newly-elected Grand Rapids Mayor David LaGrand.

Mayor David LaGrand brings personal passion to Grand Rapids’ transportation future

Shandra MartinezWednesday, January 15, 2025

In 2023, Rapid Growth launched Voices of Youth, giving young writers a platform to share stories close to home.

Looking forward: three times that our publisher took us there

Rapid GrowthTuesday, December 31, 2024

Rapid Growth Publisher Tommy Allen reflects on the stories that shaped 2024.

Looking at 2024, we are witnessing in Grand Rapids an expansive new narrative emerging.

Tommy AllenTuesday, December 24, 2024

Nathan Dlouhy appreciates how DAKC's Interview Day helps him to be his best self.

DAKC event empowers young adults with disabilities through mock interviews and job connections

Tommy AllenWednesday, December 18, 2024

Mayor Bliss reflects on nine years as mayor and two decades of service to Grand Rapids.

A look back at Mayor Rosalynn Bliss's tenure: leadership, legacy, and vision

Tommy AllenWednesday, December 18, 2024

LaSandra Gaddy (center), the new president and CEO of the Grand Rapids Community Foundation (GRCF), talks to supporters.

Grand Rapids Community Foundation leader focuses on legacy, justice, and collaboration

Tommy AllenWednesday, December 11, 2024

Katrina Furman, the newly appointed Anishinaabe curator and member of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians looks into an exhibit that features the flag of her people as well as a ballot that bear the names of one of her ancestors.

Anishinabek: The People of This Place exhibit is a new era for Indigenous representation at GRPM

Tommy AllenWednesday, December 11, 2024

Kids are intrigued by David Smith's use of metal in Untitled (Rebecca with a Turtle), ca. 1956-57.

David Smith: Sculpting space, nature, and legacy at Meijer Gardens

Tommy AllenWednesday, December 11, 2024

"P" is for Patti (Smith) as well as Public (Transportation).

How a life without a car led to financial freedom and a three-story home

Shandra MartinezWednesday, December 4, 2024

Uncle Goose owner Pete Bultman believes their blocks promote critical thinking skills that last a lifetime.

Uncle Goose: Building a legacy of play, imagination and sustainability

Tommy AllenWednesday, December 4, 2024

Stories of hope, currated by Publisher Tommy Allen.

Hope is a four-letter word: Publisher Tommy Allen shares reasons to be hopeful

Tommy AllenThursday, November 28, 2024

Alex Aguilar-Delgado says securing The Rapid's Wave card was a snap at GRCC.

New free bus pass eases transportation strain for GRCC students, employees

Shandra MartinezTuesday, November 5, 2024

Adrian Butler is a DJ, producer, content creator, and artist.

Exhibit A’s comeback celebrates Grand Rapids’ unique style and collaborative spirit

Tommy Allen, PublisherWednesday, October 30, 2024

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Across Our Network

"Embracing Our Differences": Billboard-sized artwork explores inclusion, kindness, understanding
Source: 83Degrees
Ann Arbor nonprofit's affordability solution: Thousands of new housing units in walkable communities
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A place to call home: How housing impacts health
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HISTORY LESSON: In telling the Great Migration story, don't leave out the ugly parts
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Doctors expand dental care access for veterans in need
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Study: Greater Grand Rapids a ‘beacon of light’ in health care hiring
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A mother-son road trip of identity and self-discovery hits the Flint Rep stage
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Understanding measles: Prevention, symptoms and vaccination
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Rural woodworking school teaches carving and life skills to Michigan and Wisconsin students
Source: Rural Innovation Exchange
Higher education leaders defend diversity, equity, and inclusion amid federal pressure
Source: Midland

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