Features

Feature Story The stately Manistique Bank building was constructed in the early 20th century.

Making a small difference in Manistique

The historic Manistique Bank building in downtown Manistique is undergoing a renovation for commercial and residential uses.

Longform Lunchtime at Oehrli Elementary School in Montague, Mich.

Michigan's free school meals yield high returns for student health and academic success

Michigan has become one of eight states to make free school meals available to all, creating notable benefits for students' health.

Feature Story The Ocean Navigator docks at the new $5 million pier along Houghton's waterfront.

Small ports welcome uptick in Great Lakes cruises

Interest in cruising the Great Lakes continues to grow, and small ports along Michigan's vast shoreline are welcoming more passengers. They're disembarking to explore downtowns, historic sites and natural landmarks. 

Feature Story groundedrv

New fund helps startups in the great outdoors

Got a great idea to improve time in the outdoors? A new innovation fund helps entrepreneurs throughout the U.P. and Michigan get their outdoor recreation companies up and running and their products to market.   

Feature Story Week 1 simulation began with participants visiting the different ‘locations’ to complete assigned tasks for the week.

Jail release simulation exercise illustrates obstacles to reentering the community

First-of-its-kind simulation aims to teach law enforcement, county officials and others about the challenges incarcerated people face when they return to society. 

Feature Story LG Energy Solutions Michigan marked the completion of the structural steel plant on May 16 for a new $1.7 billion 'smart' battery plant in Holland. (LGES)

State gives $2.8M to upgrade roads for LG Energy Solution expansion

A state infrastructure grant will support a new facility by LG Energy Solution, which is expected to bring 600 new jobs and $2.2 billion of private investment to Allegan County.

Feature Story One possible way the river could look if it were freed from its concrete channel.

Rising tide of optimism eddies around Battle Creek river naturalization project

Rivers are often urban areas' greatest natural resources. In Battle Creek, plans to restore, beautify, and re-imagine the Battle Creek River are taking shape, thanks to many partners.

Partner Content Mushroom House List

Elevate grants help small Michigan businesses level up

Although headquartered in Indiana, the FHLBank of Indianapolis provides access to grant programs and resources for small businesses throughout Michigan. The Elevate Grant aims to generate more economic opportunity for all, and helps small businesses like Mushroom House Tours in Charlevoix and The Poke Bowl in Flint to level up.  

Partner Content AAoM Kids List

When it comes to autism and mental health, stigma and discrimination play a huge role

Being autistic does not mean a person cannot experience good mental health. However, studies have shown that 78% of autistic children have at least one mental health condition. Stigma and discrimination are often a contributing factor.

Feature Story trinityhealthshelby

Q & A with rural hospital leaders

The COVID-19 pandemic’s effects are still being felt in health care systems across the nation. It's the same in rural Michigan communities. We spoke with Munson Healthcare and Trinity Health Grand Haven and Shelby Hospital to hear their perspectives, concerns, and future outlooks. 

Partner Content Carlson's Fishery opened in 1904 at Fishtown in Leland.

More than just a filet of fish

Iceland has figured out how to use almost 100% of every fish caught – not just the filet. By making things like durable leather, beauty products and skin graft bandages, it’s increased the value of Atlantic cod from about $15 to over $5,000. Can this approach help the struggling Great Lakes fishery?  

Feature Story Marysville Community Center is located at 876 E. Huron Blvd.

100 years of community spirit: The history of Marysville

Explore the history of Marysville as the city celebrates its 100-year anniversary on May 10 at Alexander's Premier Banquet Facility. 

Feature Story small-fiber

Holland’s community-owned broadband network building ‘fiberhoods’

Holland’s first “fiberhoods” will go live this summer, and the build-out is expected to be completed in summer 2026.

Feature Story Fishing list

Bay City lands four fishing tournaments this summer

Hundreds of anglers will visit the Saginaw Bay and Saginaw River in June and August for four high-profile fishing tournaments. The tournaments should have a substantial impact on the local economy.

Longform Corey Houser.

Southeast Michigan expungement fairs set formerly incarcerated job-seekers on road to employment

Michigan Works! Southeast and other partners have been making it easier for formerly incarcerated job-seekers to expunge their records for at least 10 years.

Longform Robert Sheehan  and colleague, Valerie Jamerson, take a look at the new Tool Kit.

Social Work Career Promotion Tool Kit shares benefits and pathways to rewarding careers

The toolkit is designed to enhance recruitment and promote social work career opportunities across the state. It includes sample language for websites, emails, and social media posts as well as recommended language for various professionals, including high school guidance counselors, college academic advisors, and behavioral health providers. There are also photographic materials for outreach usage.   

Feature Story Vision and hearing screenings vital to children’s health, academics, and social success.

More state funding needed for children’s hearing and vision screening

In Michigan, around one million school aged children take part in hearing and vision screenings each year. Approximately 88,000 of them need help and are referred for further hearing and vision services. These services are vital to children’s overall health as well as to their academic and social success. 

Feature Story The latest installation in Port Austin's barn art project is a mural by Detroit artist Bakpak Durden. Inspiration came from a local poet.

Detroit artist Bakpak Durden's mural is the latest barn art in Port Austin project

The newest installation in Port Austin's popular barn art project is a mural by Detroit artist Bakpak Durden. The work, “Confronting Loneliness,” was inspired by the poems of Port Austin poet Jane Mayes.

Feature Story orvbylake

New 'ride' showcases Cadillac as an ORV destination

The growing popularity of off-road vehicles prompted the Cadillac Area Visitors Bureau to take another look at local roads. The result? The newly designated ORV Scenic Ride offers outdoor enthusiasts a 100-plus-mile excursion through woods and scenic spots in Wexford County.   

Feature Story The new University of Michigan facility in Wayland is staffed by three primary care physicians and three advanced practice providers.

U-M Health-West opens new $10.4M Wayland Health Center

University of Michigan Health-West has opened a new, larger $10.4 million Wayland Health Center to address the needs of Wayland’s growing population.