GRAND RAPIDS OPINION

Editorials, Columns, Letters to the Editor

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 for legislators to pull over, pop the hood and fix this by funding a stripped-down, efficient program. The current version... Full story »

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

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) Full story »

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) Full story »

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

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

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. Full story »

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

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.  Full story »

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 large part matters of parochial concern and distinct personalities, not broad messages. Of course, that has not stopped Republicans and... Full story »

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

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

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

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 65 years, bearing nine children and leading to many grandchildren, including current Grand Rapids City Clerk Lauri Parks. The Rev.... Full story »