Lindsey Smith

Michigan's third largest K through 12 school district is in the early stages of forming a new 5 year plan. It'll cover everything from instruction to safety to athletics.

Grand Rapids Public Schools put together its first 5 year vision in February of 2009. Most of the goals set then have already been met or are being implemented. So they're looking to the community to help figure out how to keep the momentum going.

The Grand Rapids Juvenile Offense Index Report was released Thursday. It was produced by Our Community's Children (a partnership between the city and Grand Rapids Public Schools) with Grand Valley State University and Grand Rapids Police.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Virg Bernero is making a push to energize his political base as the general election nears. Polls show republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Snyder around 20 points ahead of his competitor with less than a week before the election. That hasn't stopped Democrat Virg Bernero's enthusiasm. The Lansing Mayor peppered West Michigan with 7 campaign stops Wednesday - including Battle Creek, Muskegon and Grand Rapids.

A Grand Rapids company is planning a major expansion. Michigan's Economic Development Corporation approved tax incentives for the company Tuesday.

Rosalynn Carter is in Grand Rapids raising awareness of mental illness. She's promoting her new book about how to end what she calls a "national mental health care crisis."

Michigan State University is partnering with three private colleges in west Michigan to give undergraduate students a head start in medical school.

It's not easy to get into medical school. Last year more than 6,000 students applied for 200 open seats at MSU's College of Human Medicine in downtown Grand Rapids.

Tea Party organizers in west Michigan are preparing to engage voters less than two weeks before the general election.

An advisory board voted unanimously to recommend city council pass the measure Thursday night.

The board has been studying the issue for months. They took it up at the request of Reverend Bill Freeman. The Holland pastor says those who spoke against expanding protections to those groups embody why it's needed. "I mean to be homosexual, or to be a lesbian or gay person in Holland - it would seem to be problematic. Because there are so many people who oppose them - oppose their existence," Freeman said.

Congressional candidates in Michigan's third district debated health care, education, and government spending in West Michigan Wednesday night.

Democrat Pat Miles is a Grand Rapids attorney who touts his moderate views in the generally conservative district. He's endorsed by a number of local republicans who claim their party's candidate, Justin Amash, is too extreme.

Candidates for Michigan governor have been making stops throughout the state in the final two weeks before the election. Republican Rick Snyder was in Grand Rapids Tuesday night.

About 80 people shared success stories they said are a result of the tax breaks passed two years ago.

Producers, actors, caterers, assistants, hotel owners, even personal trainers from all over west Michigan gathered to trumpet their success since the film incentives passed 2 and a half years ago.

Local approval is one of the first hurdles companies must overcome to get the tax breaks they want. The deadline to get tax breaks in 2010 is October 31st. That means there's a surge of projects in front of local city councils and commissions.