Stories

Feature Story

The Harrington Inn at 1026 Military St. in Port Huron.

The Keel - Port HuronArts and Culture

Historical properties highlight the history of the Blue Water Area

Joseph HayesThursday, July 25, 2024

Take a trip through the Blue Water Area, showcasing a few of the area's most prestigious historic homes and buildings.

Innovation News

Concentrate - Ann Arbor/YpsiTransportation

$3 million in state funds will support completion of Washtenaw County's B2B Trail

Rylee BarnsdaleThursday, July 25, 2024

Huron-Waterloo Pathways Initiative Executive Director Kiff Hamp says that there are currently 10 miles left to complete the trail.

Longform

Southwest MichiganArts and Culture

Yes, there really is a nightlife in Kalamazoo!

Mark WedelThursday, July 25, 2024

Writer Mark Wedel wondered what there was to do in Kalamazoo After Dark. In this short series introduced last week, Wedel takes us on his first visit to hear the Andrew Fischer Quartet at Dabney & Co. 'Yes, there really is a nightlife in Kalamazoo.'

Feature Story

Southwest MichiganKids and Education

Early Childhood Educators in Battle Creek feeling the support

Jane ParikhThursday, July 25, 2024

Rent, mortgage, and utility support are available to early childhood educators in Battle Creek through the American Rescue Plan Act and W.K. Kellogg Foundation funds.

Feature Story

Southwest MichiganSustainability

Faith rooted in the Earth: Kalamazoo pagans honor the seasons, cycles, and web of life

Zinta AistarsThursday, July 25, 2024

Modern paganism is a religious movement founded on principles derived from living on this planet we call home. And its practices and tenets have a lot to teach us about Earth and human care during this time of climate crisis.

Feature Story

Rural Innovation ExchangeCommunity Development

Supporting and strengthening local news

RIX StaffThursday, July 25, 2024

The Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation has joined a national effort -- Press Forward -- to revitalize local news and information.

Feature Story

The LakeshoreArts and Culture

The healing power of horsesHorses partner with people at this innovative center in Fennville

Chuck MarshallThursday, July 25, 2024

Horses partner with people at the Red Horse Center in Fennville to provide transformative ways to heal and grow using a trauma-informed approach.

Feature Story

Southwest MichiganEntrepreneurship

With women's basketball in the spotlight, a semi-professional team takes the floor in Kalamazoo

Al JonesThursday, July 25, 2024

Meet Felicia Nikia Thomas, founder and coach of the Kalamazoo Blaze, the area's new semi-pro women's basketball team.

Feature Story

Battle Creek Community Foundation Youth Alliance

Southwest MichiganCommunity Development

Voices of Youth: Youth advisory councils give youth experience seeking and funding solutions

Trey SebringThursday, July 25, 2024

Foundation-based youth advisory councils provide a valuable opportunity for youth to speak up about issues and solutions they think will matter.

Feature Story

Southwest MichiganSustainability

Voices of Youth: Meet the man helping to make Kalamazoo a more sustainable city

Dmitri AgdanowskiThursday, July 25, 2024

The City of Kalamazoo aims to be 'net zero' by 2050. Kalamazoo's Sustainability Planner Justin Gish plans to help the city get there. VOY's Dmitri Agdanowski sits down with Gish to find out more.

In The News

ICCU and MyMichigan Health partner for “Play It Safe! Kids’ Health and Safety Day” on August 9.

Epicenter - Mount PleasantCommunity Development

Celebrate August in Mt. Pleasant: A guide to late summer events

Daria BlondThursday, July 25, 2024

As summer draws to a close, Mt. Pleasant is bursting with vibrant events and activities to make the most of the season. From live music and art battles to community health days and local markets, there's something for everyone. Explore all the exciting happenings and plan your month!

Development News

Just two miles east of Northwoods Wholesale Outlet, on Pinconning Road, you’ll find Cattail Kayak Rental in Pinconning County Park, on the Saginaw Bay.

Rural Innovation Exchange

Nor’East Outdoors opens storefront and possibilities

Amy HutchinsonThursday, July 25, 2024

Nor’East Outdoors began in Midland during the pandemic as a kayak rental business. Now, four years later, owner Stacie Schurmann has opened a storefront downtown and is expanding into bike rentals.

Development News

“Advanced air mobility is an incredible economic opportunity for the state of Michigan,” says Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II.

Rural Innovation ExchangeTechnology and Innovation

Traverse Connect to launch pilot program using drones to deliver medical supplies to rural residents

MJ GalbraithThursday, July 25, 2024

“Advanced air mobility is an incredible economic opportunity for the state of Michigan,” says Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II.

Development News

Rendering of the proposed Maley Park Playground in Honor.

Rural Innovation ExchangeCommunity Development

Village of Honor plans to activate underutilized park space with new playground

MJ GalbraithThursday, July 25, 2024

“This addition to Maley Park will provide a safe place for children to play and explore the world around them,” says Dan Gilmartin, CEO and Executive Director of the Michigan Municipal League.

Rural Innovation Exchange

The U.P.'s Island Resort & Casino plans expansion

Brice BurgeThursday, July 25, 2024

“The new facility is designed to better accommodate larger events, including business conventions,” says Tony Mancilla, general manager for Island Resort & Casino. “By offering expanded meeting space conveniently located between Lower Michigan and Northern Wisconsin, we will meet the increased demand from regional groups."

Longform