Stories

Partner Content Emmett Township Park.

New grants boost placemaking in St. Clair County

The Community Foundation of St. Clair County has made placemaking the center of its mission to connect people and places, from the coastlines of the St. Clair River to the rural stretches of the county’s western towns.

Longform Food Folks Fun's studio in Depot Town.

New Ypsi-based podcast network aims to uplift local community and neighboring businesses

The new podcast network Food Folks Fun will showcase a variety of local voices in order to promote the businesses, organizations, and people of Depot Town and beyond.

Longform Lotipha Renée Hunter performs at a drag bingo event at Uplift.

Drag as activism: Washtenaw County performers seek to "demystify" queerness in divisive times

Washtenaw County’s drag scene is stepping boldly into the political spotlight, using art and expression to counter rising anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment.

Feature Story This sandstone building in downtown Ishpeming has been dormant for more than 50 years.

Placemaking grant gives three U.P. cities a facelift

Renovation projects in Marquette, Negaunee and Ishpeming will not only help spruce up buildings but add to the vitality of their downtowns. The communities are the recipients of the state's revitalization and placemaking grants.

Feature Story A drone view of the campground, perched 200 feet above Lake Superior.

Camping with a view: Kona Hills Campground opens in Marquette

Three lifelong Marquette friends with a passion for the outdoors and rustic camping have come together to create their campground: Kona Hills Campground. The unique 80-acre site boast views of Lake Superior, the Huron Mountains and Marquette.

Feature Story Tim Klont is the CEO of MSHDA.

Regional Housing Partnerships do the critical work locally to move needle on Statewide Housing Plan

Michigan’s first-ever Statewide Housing Plan was released in June 2022, almost three years ago. A little over the halfway point of the comprehensive five-year plan, stakeholders and collaborative partners look at just how critical regional housing partnerships are in their own communities — moving the needle forward across the entire state. 

Development News michigantechuniversity

Michigan Tech joins national push to highlight impact of research funding

“We are pleased to welcome Michigan Tech to our effort to build a high-quality data resource that is ‘of, by, and for’ higher education institutions,” said IRIS Executive Director Jason Owen-Smith, a professor of sociology at the University of Michigan.

Development News salmonrlelease

Community Foundation of Marquette County awards more than $147,000 to local nonprofits

"These grants reflect the generosity of our donors and the incredible work being done by nonprofits on the ground. We're honored to help bridge the gap between those who want to give and those creating lasting impact in our communities," said Zosia Eppensteiner, CEO of the CFMC.

Feature Story Voices of Youth Kalamazoo

Voices of Youth: Shaped by the scroll — when likes define life

Social media plays a powerful role in the lives of teens, shaping their self-image, communication habits, and daily routines. While students recognize both the positive and negative impacts, many admit that constant exposure to online content affects how they see themselves and interact with the world.

Feature Story BC PRide

As sponsors pull back, community organizations step up to support Battle Creek’s Pride Festival

Amid a nationwide decline in corporate sponsorships for Pride events, Battle Creek Pride is pressing forward with its 2025 festival thanks to increased support from local businesses and community organizations. Despite political headwinds and funding shortfalls, organizers remain committed to celebrating and elevating local voices.

Innovation News Juneteenth celebrations in Ypsilanti.

Juneteenth in Ypsi grows into a weekend of activism, music, and faith, featuring gospel star

Ypsilanti's annual Juneteenth celebration will run a full weekend this year, including a day of action, a sickle cell anemia awareness walk, and a performance by a Grammy-winning artist.

Innovation News A flyer for Lattes and Bouquets.

Ypsi cafe to feature "flower bar" for attendees to build their own bouquets

Ypsilanti’s Bridge Community Cafe is collaborating with Detroit-based pop-up event planner Swanky Lady Couture for a series of hands-on bouquet-building events throughout July. 

In The News The Tina Turner Musical

Midland Center for the Arts closes out June with musical tribute, global concert and youth theater

Midland Center for the Arts ends June with three shows: a musical celebrating Tina Turner’s rise, the Camerata Singers’ Pan-American concert, and Freaky Friday. musical.

Feature Story "Teenagers matter. They’re a part of our communities, our families, our friendships. Their feelings and their struggles matter." Eve Cole

Teens and mental health: The emotions beneath the behaviors

Today’s teens face numerous challenges to their mental health, and nearly one in five teens surveyed reported experiencing a major depressive episode in the past year. In 2023, nearly a third of U.S. teens received mental health treatment, according to the CDC report. In Michigan, some of those teens saw practitioners and joined groups at OnPoint, which provides behavioral health and homelessness services in Allegan County.  

Feature Story "Teenagers matter. They’re a part of our communities, our families, our friendships. Their feelings and their struggles matter." Eve Cole

Teens and mental health: The emotions beneath the behaviors

Today’s teens face numerous challenges to their mental health, and nearly one in five teens surveyed reported experiencing a major depressive episode in the past year. In 2023, nearly a third of U.S. teens received mental health treatment, according to the CDC report. In Michigan, some of those teens saw practitioners and joined groups at OnPoint, which provides behavioral health and homelessness services in Allegan County.  

Feature Story All Gods Children Developmental Learning Center plans to be certified by  Michigan’s free PreK for All program by fall of 2025.

Detroit early education center preparing littles for “the next phase in life” despite challenges

All of Gods Children Developmental Learning Center in Detroit exemplifies the need for addressing early education professionals low wages and the need for increased state child care subsidies.