Features

Feature Story Flint native K-Dub sits inside his shop K-Dubs Tattoos on September 21, 2023. (Xzavier Simon | Flintside)

The conscious art of tattoos with K-Dub of K-Dub's Tattoo

As part of our 'On the Ground' series, Flintside spoke with tattoo artist K-Dub inside his shop in Flint’s Ballenger Hwy neighborhood to discuss his passion for art, tattooing, his spiritual awakening, and more.  

Partner Content Kittie Tuinstra outside of the new Shelby Trails Apartments.

A bank few likely ever heard of helps Michigan communities thrive

An Affordable Housing Program grant from Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis allowed Dogwood Community Development to complete Shelby Trails apartments.  

Feature Story Emily Miller, Crime Victims Legal Assistance Project managing attorney.

Scams rob Michigan elders of millions, but health providers and nonprofits offer help

Michigan organizations that provide health care and other services for older adults are working to reduce the impact of scams through education and legislative help.

Feature Story Located at 601 Saginaw Street, the consignment-style space in downtown Flint known as Shops on Saginaw is host to 20 unique vendors in Genesee County.

Explore and meet some of the local vendors inside Shops on Saginaw

The consignment-style space in downtown Flint known as Shops on Saginaw is host to 20 unique vendors in Genesee County. Take a look at some of those vendors and what 100K Ideas is doing to encourage growth and success for small local businesses.

Feature Story Home-based early childhood educators are essential to Michigan's childcare and preschool landscape.

Mixed delivery of Michigan’s PreK for All could include home-based early childhood educators

A common concern about PreK for All that came up during listening sessions was the role of home-based childcare and early education providers.

Feature Story “This is the best job I’ve ever had. I enjoy meeting new people and having good conversations,” expresses Robert Roland inside Rob's G Bar & Grill on September 20, 2023.

'Have a drink and make a friend' at Rob's G Bar & Grill in Flint

“I’ve always been here for the community. I will always be here for the community.” Flint native Robert Roland discusses opening his new business Rob’s G Bar & Grill, the services offered, and his goals for the future.

In The News This year's Pink Night Palooza will be held at the Flint Institute of Music Capitol Theatre on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023.

Pink Night Palooza 2023 makes its premiere at FIM Capitol Theatre in October

This year's Pink Night Palooza will be held at the Flint Institute of Music Capitol Theatre on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023. The annual fundraiser directly helps to relieve the financial burdens of patients fighting various types of cancer.

Feature Story Michael Williams, president and CEO of Orchards Children's Services, a child and family services agency with locations in Genesee, Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties.

Michigan's foster children face mental health challenges – but these agencies set them up to succeed

All foster children experience some form of trauma, but Michigan's child and family service agencies are working to provide the mental health services foster kids desperately need.

In The News Flint’s longest-running lip sync showcase 'Mott, Motown & More' happens Friday, Sept. 22 as part of Mott Community College’s Centennial celebration.

MCC gears up for this year's 'Mott, Motown & More' Celebrity Lip Sync Show

“This promises to be a night to remember.” Flint’s longest-running lip sync showcase 'Mott, Motown & More' happens Friday, Sept. 22 as part of Mott Community College’s Centennial celebration.

Feature Story Karen Sheridan and Sarah Price star in the stageplay ‘Rain on Fire’ focuses on a family dealing with the opioid crisis in the rural woods of Northern Michigan.

‘Rain on Fire’ play showcases painful impact of opioid crisis on a family

Running now through Oct. 1 at the FIM Flint Repertory Theatre, the stageplay ‘Rain on Fire’ focuses on a family dealing with the opioid crisis in the rural woods of Northern Michigan. The complex family drama is full of twists, turns, and even some laughs as they try to heal.

In The News Now open for business, The Poke Bowl brings fresh food options with a flavorful twist to Flint's downtown area.

The Poke Bowl brings fresh, flavorful food options to downtown Flint area

"It feels very surreal to see this thing actually come into fruition." Now open for business, The Poke Bowl brings fresh food options with a flavorful twist to Flint's downtown area.

Feature Story Steven Banks, known creatively as This Life. We Lead., poses confidently at Cranbrook House & Gardens in Bloomfield Hills on August 7, 2023.

The art, education, and rhymes of music artist Steven Banks (a.k.a. This Life. We Lead.)

“If you got this opportunity here, why not do it big and make something dope?” Steven Banks, creatively known as This Life. We Lead., talks about his journey as an educator and music artist, the evolution of his sound, and who he truly makes music for.

In The News Members of last year's Flintside Journalism Fellowship for the neighborhood of Sarvis Park include (left to right) Milton Straham, Victoria McKenze, Eartha Logan, and Tyonna McIntyre.

We are looking for Ballenger Highway residents to join our community correspondent program

Flintside is currently looking for four Ballenger Highway neighborhood residents to participate in our Flintside Journalism Fellowship. The deadline for consideration is October 15, 2023.

In The News Robert Riggs. American, 1896-1970. Chemical Plant, Wyandotte, Michigan, 1950. Tempera. Collection of the Muskegon Museum of Art.

New exhibit at FIA displays American realism and the evolution of America’s identity

The newest exhibition at the Flint Institute of Arts features the style of American realism through various paintings, drawings, and sculptures that capture the maturation of America’s identity.

Feature Story Grand Haven resident Lesa Jordan with Sheyenne Cole, a counselor in Senior Resources of West Michigan's Behavioral Health at Home program.

Behavioral health at home helps Muskegon-area older adults improve quality of life

Multiple organizations in the Muskegon area are bringing trained counselors to the homes of older adults who face mobility or transportation challenges.

Feature Story Attendants collect free school items from the Gift of Life Michigan table during the ‘Back to School Rally’ at Bethel United Methodist Church in Flint on Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023.

In Pictures: Back to School Rally at Bethel United Methodist Church

Food, fun, and community were the highlights of this year's Back to School Rally at Bethel United Methodist Church. The yearly event provided students with backpacks and supplies to ensure a great start to the new school year.

Feature Story prek2

Michigan looks to create a better career path for early childhood educators

Would you like to have an opportunity to provide insight, feedback, and recommendations to inform Michigan’s efforts to expand GSRP (PreK for All)? Share your thoughts on the online MI PreK for All feedback form.

In The News The Franklin Avenue Mission celebrates its 3rd annual Fam Jam event on Saturday, September 16, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The 3rd annual Fam Jam brings Christian family fun to Flint's east side

"Bringing hope and light to our neighbors is what we do and want to be known for." The Franklin Avenue Mission celebrates its 3rd annual Fam Jam event on Saturday, September 16, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Feature Story Northern Lakes Community Mental Health Authority Grayling location.

Michigan’s rural CMHs work hard on improving access to mental health resources

MI Mental Health spoke with Northern Lakes Community Mental Health Chief Operations Officer Joanie Blamer and Sanilac County Community Mental Health CEO Wil Morris on addressing the mental health and wellness needs of rural communities.   

Feature Story Flint native Jamie Burton-Oare's new film 'BREATHE' reimagines the last day of Eric Garner's life and addresses the critical issue of over-policing in America.

Jamie Burton-Oare's 'BREATHE' explores life of Eric Garner and the issue of over-policing

Flint native Jamie Burton-Oare's new film 'BREATHE' reimagines the last day of Eric Garner's life and addresses the critical issue of over-policing in America.