Features

Partner Content Boy in classroom

Blueprint for school funding would ensure equitable resources in special education

The MI Special Education Finance Reform Blueprint would ensure that Michigan adequately and equitably funds public special education in Michigan. 

Feature Story All Gods Children teacher

No-cost pre-K for all Michigan 4-year-olds enrolling for 2025-26 school year

QA with Jeffrey Capizzano, Policy Equity Group, on the implementation of Pre-K for All no-cost preschool for Michigan 4-year-olds.

Innovation News Cailey Brown

Quiet work with loud impact: Meet Cailey Brown

Cailey Brown reflects on her journey into child advocacy, the weight of forensic interviewing, and finding purpose through healing work.

In The News All Abilities Parade

Midland Abilities Parade returns May 17 to celebrate inclusion and accessibility

The Abilities Parade returns May 17, celebrating inclusion, accessibility, and community through art, activities, resources, and family-friendly fun.

In The News The Summer Art Fair runs Saturday-Sunday, June 3-4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Midland’s summer favorites set to return with art, music and family fun

Midland’s beloved summer traditions are gearing up for their return, with a full slate of outdoor events planned to bring art, music, and family fun back to the heart of downtown.

Development News innovation_award_list_image.jpg

Local students earn college scholarships and grants for their school during STEM competition

Students from four local Great Lakes Bay Region schools – including Midland –participated in the 12th annual A.H. Nickless Innovation Award competition at SVSU. .

Feature Story Midland Police

Behind the badge: A ride-along reveals the humanity in policing

A firsthand police ride-along with Officer Lance Beyerle unveils real compassion, everyday challenges, and community commitment in Midland’s law enforcement.

Longform Lauren LaPine

Medicaid cuts would destabilize mental health care: How Michigan is responding

Proposed Medicaid funding cuts would dismantle critical services, especially for residents facing poverty, mental illness, or substance use disorders — and reduce access to mental health services for all.

Longform SMALLBrush-Mentone

Indiana nonprofit’s oral health program reaches 39 states

McMillen Health’s Brush program equips families and educators with easy-to-understand oral health tools, transforming access in underserved communities.

Partner Content AAoM NAT Conference vendors include autistic artists and entrepreneurs.

Beyond awareness, autism acceptance affirms neurodiversity and improves lives

The Autism Alliance of Michigan and other advocates for autistic people are working hard to move from raising autism awareness to fostering autism acceptance. 

Longform Summit Pointe Youth Services staff, from left, Matt Jones, Beth Decker, Sam Stover, Melissa DeDie, a

Community mental health and child welfare collaborate to care for Michigan’s vulnerable children

Michigan’s community mental health (CMH) agencies are the lead in providing mental health care for children in the child welfare system.

Innovation News Jacqueline Leapheart

Meet Jacqueline Leapheart

A Midland native juggles nonprofit work, photography, and mentorship while honoring a family legacy at Adoption Option Inc. and advocating for inclusivity and youth empowerment.

In The News Josh Holliday

New VP of Marketing, Communications & Sales at Midland Center for the Arts is a familiar face

Midland Center for the Arts is welcoming back a familiar face, Josh Holliday, to his new role of Vice President of Marketing, Communications & Sales.

In The News CNCschoolList

Chippewa Nature Center celebrates Earth Week with all-ages, hands-on fun

Chippewa Nature Center celebrates Earth Week with hands-on, all-ages activities designed to promote environmental awareness, outdoor learning, and fun for families in the Midland area.

Development News "There is just something innately good for you in a forest. It’s good for your soul," says Whiting.

Arbor Day unites Midland community through tree planting, education

ReLeaf Michigan and Dow Gardens celebrate Arbor Day with tree plantings at Wallen Park and school visits, promoting environmental education, community engagement, and sustainability in Midland.

Feature Story Musical fun out on the playground

Michigan expands free preschool programs: Enrollment now open

All Michigan 4-year-olds now qualify for free preschool through GSRP, offering flexible, play-based learning across various settings, with enrollment open for 2025-26.

Feature Story "... at least 17 children at any time are boarding in an emergency department across the state.”

Michigan's hospitals and improved pediatric behavioral health care

The Michigan Health and Hospital Association addresses pediatric behavioral health care with data, advocacy, and grant funding of member hospital programs. 

Longform Jessica Rickert

Breaking Barriers: Dr. Jessica Rickert inspires native dentists

Jessica Rickert, DDS, the first American Indian female dentist, advocates for oral health equity and inspires Native youth through mentorship and representation.

Innovation News Alexy Woody

Exploring the arts & outer space: Meet Alex Woody

Alex Woody, Communications and Public Relations Manager at Midland Center for the Arts, found a passion for arts storytelling through theater. 

In The News Grace A. Dow Memorial Library Spring Break movies

April brings a full calendar of fun to Midland

April in Midland is packed with exciting events for everyone. Jump into spring with a talent show, Easter celebrations, bodybuilding competition, and a chili cook-off.