But hiding behind this humble country church veneer, critics said, is a loose confederacy of similar minded people. Driven by an idea of life drawn from the pages of the King James version of the Bible, which they believe to the only word of God without error or omission, the leaders of these churches are deities of sorts, who nurture a cult-like sphere of influence prone to extreme sexism, purity constructs, bans on interracial or inter-religious marriages and education that fail to address anything beyond the insular communities in which they live. more

Emily, who asked City Pulse not to use her real name in this story for fear of retaliation from church members, moved to northern Michigan with her husband and young family in tow. more

Ruthie Heiler wants to understand the years of sexual abuse she endured at the hands of a teacher at an Up North Independent Fundamental Baptist church. She also wants justice.  more

Rebekah Chatfield remembers the first time Lee Chatfield allegedly abused her like it was yesterday — long before Lee became a state lawmaker, several years before she married his brother.  more

When Webster Township in Washtenaw County was attacked by ransomware, officials had to implement a new website, new emails and new anti-virus and ransomware software to resolve the problem. more

Michigan ranks eighth in the country for potato production and contributes about $1.2 billion annually to the state’s economy, according to the Michigan Potato Industry Commission.  more

The state-funded grants provide matching incentive funding up to 10 cents per meal to purchase and serve Michigan-grown fruits, vegetables and legumes. more

Following the Oxford High School shooting last November, the state House approved a five-fold increase in grant money to hire school resource officers, even as school districts remain divided on the cops-in-schools issue. more

Lansing Mayor Andy Schor wants to relocate, renovate or reconstruct City Hall. more

Art Austin, 79, is a retired GM employee and still tough as nails. He’s a drag racer who might brag about a perfect driving record, a hard earner who couldn’t run the risk of missing his son’s basketball game. He doesn’t hoard memorabilia from his past, making his recollection of the freedom and friends that fueled his life his most prized possessions.  more

For the last eight years, a familiar annual cycle has been constantly repeating itself in Lansing. more

In response to a rapid increase in gun violence and homicide in Lansing, a newly formed nonprofit organization wants to open a shelter and home in the former Teen Challenge Center on Lansing’s northwest side for men transitioning out of foster care, prison and homelessness.  more

By a 7-0 vote, the Lansing City Council decided tonight on an appointed replacement for disgraced First Ward City Councilman Brandon Betz. It’s Brian Daniels. more

Three applicants for the City Council will advance to another round of interviews. more

Lansing Mayor Andy Schor is expected to unveil plans tomorrow afternoon for a new performing arts center and concert venue. more

The Council’s Committee of the Whole begins interviews at 6 p.m. at City Hall. Readers can watch the meeting live online through City TV. Click here. more

With art ranging from giant mobiles to miniature paintings, artists from across the country are collaborating to face the climate crisis with a new exhibit in Metro Detroit. more

The average distance to an abortion provider near Detroit or Grand Rapids is less than 15 miles.  more

Banning natural gas hookups in new homes and businesses at the local level is the latest example of environmental extremism, according to Sen. Dale Zorn, R-Ida, who proposes prohibiting local bans. more

As officials continue grappling with what some call the “Great Resignation,” Ryan Hundt doesn’t see it as a quitting catastrophe among workers. more