Introducing the Nonprofit Journal Project
Nonprofits are on the frontlines of our communities, delivering critical social services and employing more than 470,000 Michiganders. We're documenting their stories.
Nina Ignaczak's Latest Articles
Facing a changing future, Midland reimagines its identity
In the wake of an historic merger between Dow and DuPont, Midland’s civic leaders are finding new ways to strengthen the city's image for young talent.
Michigan’s big wins and losses in the fight against invasive species
A Q&A with Lisa Brush of The Stewardship Network, a group that has revolutionized how Michigan's land managers strategize and collaborate to keep natural areas healthy, functional, and free from invasive species.
Powering the Mitten: How does electricity get to your smartphone?
You plug in your smartphone and voila -- it's charged up and ready to whisk you off to cyberspace. But how exactly do those electrons get into your phone? Read on to find out.
How ‘smart’ is Michigan’s electrical grid?
You may have a smart meter on your house, but what's so "smart" about it? We explore Michigan's foray into the "smart grid" and how it affects you.
Powering the Mitten: What mix of fuel will power Michigan’s future?
Electricity in Michigan comes mostly from coal and nuclear power, but that's set to change in the next decade. DTE Energy's Nick Khouri talks about how the utility is planning for the change.
Powering the Mitten: What’s next for our renewable energy future?
Michigan's Renewable Portfolio Standard sunsets in 2015, and legislators, utilities and advocates are getting ready to decide what's next for renewable energy in Michigan. Here's a look at some facts behind that debate.
Why Michigan is a leader in place-based education
Dr. Doris Terry Williams, executive director of the Rural School and Community Trust, discusses the need for place-based education in both rural and urban environments and how Michigan's Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative is leading the charge.
Place-based education motivates, connects learning to community
Michigan schools have an engagement crisis, but place-based education is one way of turning that around by making learning relevant to communities.
Energy efficiency: It’s all about saving cash, cleaning up carbon, and creating local jobs
When it comes to energy, there is no cheaper source than the stuff we waste. Our "Powering the Mitten" series takes an in-depth look at how Michigan is faring on energy efficiency and where we might head in the future.
