Officials are predicting more extreme weather in Michigan this week after floods and confirmed tornadoes.
West Michigan
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan kids miss a lot of school. Rural districts trying to change that
Michigan has the highest rate of chronic absenteeism in the Midwest. In rural southwest Michigan, districts are using research-backed tactics to get kids in class.
Posted inQuality of Life
Beyond books: Michigan libraries reinventing role as reading wanes
Libraries across Michigan are lending tools and cookware, hosting clothing swaps, repair cafés and indoor farmers markets. ‘We’re so much more than (a place) for checking out books,’ one official said.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Opinion | Let’s recognize historic moon flight by Grand Rapids native Christina Koch
Even though one of the Artemis II mission’s astronauts is from our region, there has been little media attention highlighting that fact. While our local astronauts of the 1960s-1990s are revered and respected, let’s also recognize Christina Koch.
Posted inQuality of Life
Most Michigan counties gained population last year. See where
Michigan’s population grew between 2020 and 2025, new Census estimates show, but some parts of the state are doing better than others.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan falls behind in race to save disappearing farmland
Thousands of farms and hundreds of thousands of acres of farmland have been lost to development and other economic pressures in recent years. Michigan does less than most to stem the tide.
Posted inBusiness Watch
West Michigan faces job losses and uncertainty, as economy takes toll
Artificial intelligence is leading to job losses. Despite headwinds, business leaders hope to lean into AI and expand tech.
Posted inBusiness Watch
West Michigan has economic momentum, but sees signs of slowdown
The Grand Rapids region saw population gains slow and jobs flatline, but it remains a leader in the state and nation on several key economic metrics.
Posted inTalent & Education
Michigan schools scramble to ready students with disabilities for future
The Calhoun Intermediate School District’s new Lunger House helps students with disabilities prepare for life after school, a time many disability advocates call ‘the opportunity cliff.’
Posted inBusiness Watch
Battle Creek faces life after Cereal City following Kellogg sale
The WK Kellogg Co. has been bought by an Italian candy maker, and some worry about what that means for the future of the Cereal City.