Grand Rapids Opinion

Author's argument that unappreciated gifts drag down economy isn't Scroogish, it's foolish

2009-11-08T09:07:44Z

Gifts mostly aren't perceived to be worth the money they cost us.

Editorial: Fort Hood tragedy

2009-11-08T14:00:00Z

Service members regularly face the prospect of death or injury in the commission of duties. But the danger typically comes from a hostile enemy in a foreign land, not from one of their own on a U.S. Army base. More...

Editorial: Sen. Whitmer’s reforms

2009-11-08T14:00:00Z

State Sen. Gretchen Whitmer wants to stop budget cuts to schools, a good goal. Her method, however, is just silly politics. The East Lansing Democrat would require that if lawmakers cut school funding, their own salaries be cut, too. That...

Column: Michigan leaning Republican as poll shows desire for change among independent voters

2009-11-08T09:32:48Z

While N.J.'s election last week can’t predict what will happen in Michigan a year from now, self-identified independents in Michigan are no less angry with the economic status quo.

Ruth Butler: It's OK to do the 'girl thing' when it suits us

2009-11-08T08:32:04Z

Longtime friends and co-workers, we knew pretty well how to eat together: in restaurants, mostly. We knew what we liked, and we knew who should prepare it: someone else.

Editorial: School bus bungle

2009-11-07T14:00:00Z

Michigan’s school bus inspection program has promoted safety for public and private school students for 20 years. Failing to fund it is yet another way Lansing lawmakers let schools down in the budget process this year. It’s not too late...

How fixing sinks can be an act of mercy

2009-11-07T09:00:20Z

Home Repair Services strives to make "Kent County look like God's kingdom."

Are sex-offender laws in need of reform?

2009-11-06T17:25:06Z

A Muskegon-area man succeeded this week in having his name removed from the state's registry.

Photos of the Week

2009-11-06T16:20:06Z

Rockford's Jacob Banaszak pumps his fist and lifts up teammate Nick Smythe after Smythe scored in the second half versus East Kentwood Friday at Rockford. (Cory Olsen | The Grand Rapids Press)...

Photos of the Week

2009-11-06T16:20:04Z

West Catholic's Steve O'Rourke stops Catholic Central running back Dan Quinn in the backfield during their Friday playoff game at West Catholic High. (Paul L. Newby II | The Grand Rapids Press)...

Photos of the Week

2009-11-06T16:20:01Z

Gary Allen opens for Dierks Bentley Sunday night at Van Andel Arena. (Emily Zoladz | The Grand Rapids Press)...

Photos of the Week

2009-11-06T16:19:55Z

Grandvalley state's James Berezik stops Northern Michigan's D.J Oke during their game Saturday. (Delbridge Langdon Jr. | The Grand Rapids Press)...

Belle Isle: How to manage Detroit's island beauty

2009-11-06T16:11:13Z

Belle Isle deserves a nuanced conversation as to its funding and management -- not one that begins and ends at whether or not there should be an entrance fee or become a Huron-Clinton Metropark. There are many options to consider for preserving, protecting and enhancing Detroit's island park.

Pete Hoekstra, Vern Ehlers poised to vote no on health care reform bill; Hoekstra rallies troops in opposition

2009-11-06T15:29:23Z

U.S. House of Representatives moves toward a vote on a sweeping health-care reform bill Saturday.

A DIY backyard wedding

2009-11-06T14:30:00Z

Think a reception at home won't be...special enough? The easygoing, enchanting touches in our "Homecoming" feature, including flatware wrapped in bandanas, carafes of champagne and cherries, and floral coasters, are guaranteed to turn any backyard into a charming wedding venue. Bonus for all you DIYers: we've got hands-on details aplenty, from "chandeliers" to tablecloths.

Editorial: The tremors from Tuesday

2009-11-06T14:00:00Z

Drawing profound conclusions from limited data is dangerous anywhere, including in off-year elections. Results from Tuesday’s local and state balloting — whether in Virginia’s governor’s race or the battle for the Grand Rapids Board of Library Commissioners — were in...

Former Grandville couple stationed at Fort Hood: Shooting was 'just crazy'

2009-11-06T00:14:59Z

Family had canceled plans to be at one the buildings where shooting occurred.

Actress Jane Seymour visits Grand Rapids, shares her 'open heart philosophy'

2009-11-05T22:16:30Z

The actress' maxim has guided her painting, jewelry design and her vision of helping others.

Health care reform, Republican-style

2009-11-05T17:00:58Z

Is House Republican version of health care bill attempt at reform or political stunt?

Editorial: The Rev. Lyman Parks: A true leader

2009-11-05T14:00:00Z

Long before the Rev. Lyman Parks became Grand Rapids’ first black mayor and a seminal figure in city history, he proved he wasn’t willing to wait. He proposed to his wife, Cleo, on their first date, a union that lasted...

Mr. Nofs, don't go hating Detroit

2009-11-05T04:33:50Z

Kick me out of the Michigan Hicks Club.I don't hate Detroit.Some people must assume I hate Detroit because I wear plaid shirts, own a shotgun and live next to a cornfield.By "some people," I mean you, Mike Nofs.Congratulations on winning...