Joe Haveman speaks at a Ottawa County meeting.

Legislature’s automatic expungement vote is good for future of state, economy

Former State Rep. Joe Haveman shares why he is grateful that the Michigan Legislature finally passed laws allowing some felons to have their records expunged.

Amanda Chocko is Lakeshore Advantage's Director of Entrepreneurship.
Lakeshore Advantage entrepreneurship director takes on international role

Amanda Chocko has been elected to a three-year term on the board of the International Business Innovation Association. The Lakeshore Advantage Director of Entrepreneurship said the appointment gives her a bird’s-eye view of incubators’ and entrepreneurship managers’ best practices.

Just Goods Gifts recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate its new location.
Retailers find new home in Grand Haven’s refurbished Depot

Just Goods Gifts recently moved into the Grand Trunk railroad depot, which has been transformed into a retail center. Sales benefit the fair trade and social cause gift shop and the Momentum Center, its former home.

Jametta Lilly.
State task force leads the way on reducing Michigan’s COVID-19 racial disparities

Black residents have borne a disproportionate share of Michigan's COVID-19 cases and deaths, but in recent weeks those disheartening numbers have begun to turn around.

Sharon Yonker
Lighthouse Award recipient’s Purple Pride helps those on cancer journey

Sharon Yonker received this year’s Lighthouse Award, which celebrates a spirit of accomplishment and a triumph of excellence over indifference. The co-founder of BUCS Pride, a nonprofit that provides financial and community support to cancer patients, Yonker spreads Purple Pride throughout the area.

George Barfield, Deanna Rollfs, and Angelica Colon will be the panelists for the first antiracism town hall event.
Racist attack on race/racism town hall leaves organizers shaken, resolved to continue

The Momentum Center's first town hall on race and racism was interrupted with just that — racism. Participants of the virtual town hall were accosted with rapid-fire shouting of the n-word and other racial slurs as well as graphic pornography.

An eight-man team recently rode 369 miles in under 16 hours, crossing Michigan from south to north. In completing the course, the team set a new World Ultra Cycling cross state record.
8 cyclists, 1 Epic Ride, 1 new world record set in Michigan

An eight-man team recently rode 369 miles in under 16 hours, crossing Michigan from south to north. In completing the course, the team set a new World Ultra Cycling cross state record.

Lauren Kazee, an independent consultant, wrote the Michigan Department of Education's Social and Emotional Learning Competencies.
Michigan schools once lagged in behavioral health care. Here’s how they made it a priority.

Thanks to new findings, new funding, and a new focus on mental health, Michigan’s schools are expanding behavioral health services.

West Michigan brewers are modifying the base recipe for the Black is Beautiful stout and making it their own. Proceeds are donated to organizations that raise awareness of racial inequality and promote social justice.
Black is Beautiful collaborative takes hold at Lakeshore breweries

West Michigan brewers are modifying the base recipe for the Black is Beautiful stout and making it their own. Proceeds are donated to organizations that raise awareness of racial inequality and promote social justice.

Looking to reconnect with nature this fall? Check out Sanctuary Woods, just minutes from downtown Holland in beautiful Allegan County.
What to do in October? 8 ways to enjoy fall along the lakeshore

October is a prime time to get outdoors and enjoy the Lakeshore’s breathtaking fall foliage. Here are some suggestions for exploring the county’s parks and other special spots. This list includes options for everyone, regardless of age, ability, or interest.

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