Features

Feature Story Artwork from children in Taiwan.

4-H art exchange program connects rural Michigan students with their peers in China and beyond

For more than three decades, school children across Michigan have been exchanging their artwork with students in China and elsewhere. Thanks to the Michigan 4-H China Project, students don't have to travel across the globe to gain cultural awareness.

Feature Story Community Action House will use a grant from the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area to expand staffing and infrastructure for the Food Club & Opportunity Hub and respond to a growing demand for services.

$217K in grants fund programs across Holland and Zeeland

The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area has awarded $217,000 in grants to nonprofits addressing housing, basic needs, and youth services.

Feature Story Amanda Sleigh, Dowagiac assistant city manager, speaking at the recent event.

Dowagiac: Cooking up a new vision

Dowagiac, a small city in Cass County, is on the rebound. The city has been proactive working with businesses and developers and is home to a host of new projects, everything from new housing to park improvements to downtown renovations.

Feature Story stormykromerhats

Stormy Kromer uses U.P.-grown wool to create new cap

Two of the U.P.'s family-owned heritage brands have come together to create a limited-edition cap, crafted from wool produced in the Upper Peninsula.

Feature Story Newcomer Mohammed arriving at the airport to a welcome from Ruth, a member of the Cassopolis, Mich., private sponsor group that worked with Zaman during the 90-day resettlement period

Welcome to Michigan: It takes a community to integrate refugees to U.S. cultureNonprofit Journal Project

Welcoming refugees to Michigan is part and parcel Zaman International's work with Welcome Corps

Longform Deb Messing oversees Sanilac County Community Mental Health communications efforts to the county's rural residents.

Rural mental health providers overcome stigma, rugged individualism, and distance to provide care

Here's how three Michigan community mental health agencies serving rural populations have found ways to meet their unique needs by developing innovative programs and effective outreach.

Feature Story The EO Canopy is fully powered by sustainable sources and is being tested in a remote area of the U.P.

Five promising Michigan startups get backing from the Michigan Outdoor Innovation Fund

The Michigan Outdoor Innovation Fund's second round of investments support five innovative startups looking to change the way we enjoy the outdoors and more. 

Feature Story copperpeakhillside

Copper Peak moves closer to return of competition

Renovations are expected to begin in the spring at Copper Peak, a ski flying hill that once attracted international athletes. Advocates hope to bring international competitions and visitors back to the famed tower in the western U.P. 

Feature Story Lakeshore Advantage hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 13  to unveil its new headquarters, alongside incubator spaces that are for lease to startups and entrepreneurs.

Lakeshore Advantage unveils Next Center, a hub for startups and economic development

Lakeshore Advantage opens the Next Center, a cutting-edge hub in Holland aimed at fostering innovation, startups, and economic growth in Ottawa and Allegan counties.

Feature Story In addition to sharper scans, the new MRI provides entertainment options for patients, allowing them to listen to audio through headphones during scans, helping them to relax and stay still.

Cutting-edge MRI tech reduces wait times at Holland Hospital

Holland Hospital is among the first facilities in Michigan to use MRI technology that not only improves patient comfort and reduces scan times by a third but produces higher-quality imaging.

Feature Story Luke Taylor

Disc golf’s rising star: Isabella County’s Luke Taylor eyes the top

Luke Taylor, an 18-year-old from Isabella County and Sacred Heart Academy graduate, is turning heads in the professional disc golf world. Skipping collegiate competition, Taylor is one of few athletes to go straight from high school to the pros, where he currently ranks 27th in the Disc Golf Pro Tour’s world rankings. This season, Taylor tied for fourth at the Professional Disc Golf World Championships—a career-defining achievement that’s pushing him to set even higher goals.

Feature Story Battle Creek Habitat for Humanity

After 15 years of rehabbing houses, Battle Creek Habitat for Humanity launches new builds

“I feel good about what we’re doing. It’s pretty exciting. For our families, it’s their house, their project, and their own stability that they’re building. We’re just helping them along the way.”

Longform The students currently taking U-M School of Public Health course, Chatgpt/AI and Public Health.

Public health and AI: Great potential and a need for ethical policies

When applying AI to public health, great potentials exist for swifter, nimbler care and pin-pointed personalization. Its use also could exacerbate biases and the misuse of private information.  

Partner Content Elisabeth Berry and James D'Arcy

Legacy Society will sustain Autism Alliance of Michigan’s work for decades to come

AAoM is establishing its Legacy Society to recognize donors today for gifts that will provide dollars in perpetuity.

Feature Story medicaldisplay

Remote patient monitoring program improves healthcare of residents in rural communities

Rural residents often face hurdles in getting to the doctor's office. An 18-month-long pilot program to provide remote patient monitoring in three rural areas of Michigan showed positive outcomes in patient care and other concerns.  

Feature Story emmetstation

On target: Sportsmen's club rebrands to welcome more public participation in clay sports

A sportsmen's club rebranding to Emmet Clay Sports reflects the primary passion of its members as well as a nod to its long history in Emmet County in Northern Michigan.   

Longform Care Model Training recipients Dinora Quintanilla (far left) and Kim Poplaski (far right) with Care Model Training facilitator Vanessa Jimenez (center).

New training helps Kent County providers better connect residents in need to resources

Health Net of West Michigan's new Care Model Training provides frontline navigators with tools and tactics to better help residents access health care and social services.

Feature Story Small-old-reeds-lake

Grant fuels West Michigan’s agricultural revival with impact study

A $125,000 grant will be used to create a strategy to boost Muskegon and four other counties’ agricultural growth, part of a long-term plan to strengthen the regional economy.

Feature Story ennaction

Game developer with U.P. connections gets major funding for new launch

Co-founded by a Marquette native, a video game developer recently received major funding to launch new, action-packed game called Sparkball.

Feature Story Linwood Scenic Access list image

Linwood Scenic Access site opens a free pathway to the Saginaw Bay

The Linwood Scenic Access project, a decades-long dream, has opened to the public this fall. This new site provides free access to the Saginaw Bay, preserves the shoreline, and fosters a sense of community pride.