Features

Feature Story Communities throughout the Lakeshore are hosting Fourth of July events, many ending the day with fireworks, such as these from Grand Haven.

July things to do: Holidays, festivals, concerts and county fairs make this a month for celebration

Summer is in full swing, with Bike Time in Muskegon, LAUP Fiesta week in Holland, the Coast Guard Festival and beach volleyball in Grand Haven, and a car show in Zeeland.   

Feature Story Huge CNC Machines at Tarus's factory in Sterling Heights.

TARUS turns 40 with bold moves and innovation in manufacturing and software

As TARUS celebrates 40 years in Sterling Heights, the Michigan-based manufacturer is forging a bold new path—combining precision tooling for critical industries with the launch of its custom-built software platform, VERAX ERP, to help manufacturers thrive.

Feature Story The Balkan Paradise Orchestra.

All-female Spanish ensemble to bring Balkan brass music to Ann Arbor Summer Fest

Barcelona’s genre-blending Balkan Paradise Orchestra will light up the Ann Arbor Summer Festival's Rackham Stage with a free show on June 22, promising a vibrant fusion of Balkan folk, jazz, classical, and street music.

Innovation News Penny Miller-Nelson

From fields to the classroom: Helping students grow, meet Penny Miller-Nelson

Midland Public Schools Superintendent Penny Miller-Nelson reflects on her journey from a family farm to educational leadership.

Feature Story Digital rendering of the Lincoln Avenue Loft project in Port Huron.

Port Huron’s Lincoln Avenue Loft project aims to address urgent housing needs

The Lincoln Avenue Loft Project will bring 40 income-restricted workforce housing units to a central Port Huron site, addressing the city’s deepening housing crisis. With supportive services, transit access, and proximity to key employers, the development aims to create long-term stability for working families and residents.

Feature Story Julia Lemieux behind the bar at Shoey’s Long Bar.

As ICE plans to move into Baldwin prison, residents hope jobs will stay

In Lake County — population 12,000 — a new ICE facility is opening in a shuttered private prison, promising to create hundreds of jobs in the poorest county in the state. The reopening is part of what has long been an on-again, off-again relationship between county residents and North Lake Correctional Facility, and many residents have doubts about whether the jobs will last.

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 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.

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.

Feature Story The owners of the Three Bridges Distillery and Taproom.

Three Bridges distillery expands with craft brews, event space and bigger dreams

Three Bridges Distillery is expanding with a new event space, growing its craft beer and spirits offerings, and eyeing broader distribution while keeping its community roots.

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. 

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.

Feature Story Trans Youth

Voices of Youth: Death of transgender man Sam Nordquist raises concern for safety of trans youth

The recent death of Sam Nordquist, a transgender 24-year-old, has called attention to a rise in violence and discrimination against transgender youth.  Many are addressing this issue, but also say much still needs to be done to protect trans youth.

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