Stories

Longform Cherry Raisin Walnut Bread at B-Cubed Bakery.

3 Ypsi bakeries have opened in the past 2 years, and owners see "room for all of us to thrive"

Three new locally-owned bakeries have opened recently in Ypsilanti and Ypsilanti Township, all emphasizing local ingredients, community involvement, and networking with other small business owners.

Feature Story Irma Guzman list

From migrant worker to advocate, Irma Guzman offers a lifeline to families

From a church basement in Bay City, migrant families find practical supplies and a supportive environment.

Feature Story The new Daniel J. Kobasic Welding Center building.

New welding center will strengthen U.P. economy

The new Daniel J. Kobasic Memorial Welding Center brings back trades skills instruction in the Delta Schoolcraft Intermediate School District. The new state-of-the-art welding center is also expected to bolster the local economy.

Feature Story saintslogo

Saints bring big sports experience to St. Ignace

The St. Ignace Saints are part of a four-team expansion that will create a new division in the league and provide a unique “big sports” entertainment to the Eastern Upper Peninsula.

Visit Keweenaw awards $100k in 2025 Destination Development grants

“Each overnight stay in the Keweenaw helps make this region better,” said Brad Barnett, executive director of Visit Keweenaw. “Tourism doesn’t just support businesses – it supports trail access, land stewardship, and spaces our communities use every day. This program infuses tourism dollars into our community which benefits locals and visitors alike.”

Hancock pursues new bike park and trailhead

“The end result of this project will tie together and showcase the existing park amenities of the Hancock Beach and Campground with an expanse of outdoor space available for trail-based recreation and ecotourism, thus creating a sustainable recreation asset for both locals and visitors to enjoy," said Ian Helman, Hancock Trails Club board member.

Feature Story Black Healthcare

Building trust, alleviating fear: A bold plan to transform Black healthcare in Battle Creek

Southwest Michigan Urban League is partnering with Bronson Battle Creek to launch health initiatives that expand access to care, wellness education, and financial resources. Priorities include promoting primary care, reducing barriers, and launching the “Afro Health Club” as a central hub for services and classes.

Innovation News A student in Washtenaw Community College's welding lab.

New WCC program offers professional welding training one weekend day per week

The Weekend Welders program allows students to earn up to two welding certificates and an associate's degree by attending classes just one day a week over 11 semesters.

Longform Bhakti Javiya is an AmeriCorps VISTA economic empowerment associate at Jewish Family Services in Ann Arbor.

AmeriCorps cuts would pose major threat to Washtenaw County nonprofits

From grandparents to low-income children, residents across Washtenaw County are being impacted by recent changes to federal AmeriCorps funding.

Longform Rx Kids has provided for the Wright family stability during an unpredictable time.

More than a stipend: Rx Kids is transforming childhood beginnings

Rx Kids, the country’s first universal and unconditional cash prescription program for pregnant people and infants, provides financial support to every eligible family within a geographic area, no income requirements, no strings attached. Families receive a one-time $1,500 payment during pregnancy and $500 per month during the baby’s first year of life.  

Feature Story Kevin Fischer3

Medicaid cuts threaten Michigan’s mental health

Federal Medicaid cuts threaten the very lives of those living with serious mental illness, disabilities, and substance use disorders as well as the quality of life and livelihoods of those managing their mental health care with medications and support that Medicaid currently covers.  

Innovation News Rowers at the inaugural RowFest.

Free beginner rowing lessons offered in Ypsi Township in advance of national rowing championship

Two free rowing classes will be offered to the public as part of RowFest 2025, a national rowing championship coming to Ford Lake in Ypsilanti Township this year.

Feature Story A prescribed burn at Kensington Metropark.

Where there's smoke, there may be environmental renewal: How parks use fire to support nature

A burning field, forest, or prairie in your local park may be an alarming sight, but sometimes it's actually a sign of an intentional, controlled process with significant benefits for the environment. 

Feature Story Kaysi Hohner in welding class at Saline High School.

Diversity in skilled trades: Women find rewarding work in traditionally male-dominated fields

In the latest installment of our Voices of Youth series, student writer Lillian Gentry interviews female students and adults about their experiences in skilled trades.

Feature Story A new grant program in Muskegon Heights is helping commercial property owners upgrade storefronts and revitalize the city’s core.

Facade grant program launches to boost Muskegon Heights downtown renewal

New grant supports storefront upgrades in Muskegon Heights’ core, encouraging private investment alongside public revitalization efforts.

Feature Story A couple stands in the dining area of a staged CLT home at 2080 Union, highlighting the space.

Dwelling Place expands affordable homeownership through Community Land Trust

Dwelling Place’s Community Land Trust program creates lasting affordable homeownership opportunities across West Michigan for working families and single-income households.