Dr. Alexander Marinica of Detroit Medical Center embraces Toni Wilson, 65, of Warren, during a follow-up appointment at DMC Sinai-Grace Hospital in Detroit on Friday, May 8, 2026. A year earlier, Marinica removed two large tumors from Wilson’s left leg after years of pain and limited mobility. The surgery gave Wilson the ability to walk independently again, allowing her to visit her mother’s grave for the first time in years. “You are my angel,” Wilson told Marinica.
Michigan State junior defender Faith George (14) advances the ball down the field as Colorado sophomore defender Lilian Zamorano (24) defends during a women's soccer match at DeMartin Stadium in East Lansing, Mich., on Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026. Michigan State defeated Colorado 3-2.
Freddy Nicholson, 29, reads a manifesto he wrote about getting sober outside the Ferry Building on the morning of Sunday, May 31, 2026, in San Francisco, California. Written on the first day of his recovery from drug addiction, the manifesto served as a commitment to himself and a reminder of the life he hoped to rebuild. Reading it again three days later offered a chance to reflect on the challenges he has overcome and the progress he has made.
Pastor Michael Venyah embraces Rubin Roig, 42, of Puerto Rico, as the two bow their heads in prayer following a worship service at Soulwinners Fellowship Church in Lansing, Mich., on Sunday, April 12, 2026. After decades of preaching on college campuses across the country, Venyah is shifting his focus toward building personal relationships and mentoring members of his congregation. “I have no control over people’s response,” Venyah said, reflecting on his years of evangelism and his belief that his responsibility is to spread the message, regardless of how others receive it.
Tyler Landrow lies on the ground alongside fellow cast members during a performance of “Matilda” at West Bloomfield High School in West Bloomfield, Mich., on Saturday, May 3, 2025. The performance came amid concerns over potential funding cuts threatening the future of the school's theater program. “Matilda was such an incredible experience. We weren't just a cast, we became a family,” Landrow said. “I'll never forget our first full run-through. When the final scene ended, it hit us all at once. We had actually done it. We had created something special together.”
Kourtian, a Michigan State junior studying agribusiness management and a Marine Corps veteran, places an American flag near The Rock during a Sept. 11 memorial on Michigan State University's campus in East Lansing, Mich., on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026. Student organizations planted 2,977 flags to honor the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks ahead of the 25th anniversary. “I feel this is a small way to try to give back and try to remember it,” Kourtian said, reflecting on his military service and the lasting impact of the attacks.
Muskegon’s Camiyah Bonner (4) celebrates with her team after winning the MHSAA Division 1 state final at the Breslin Center in East Lansing, Mich., on Saturday, March 21, 2026. Muskegon defeated Detroit Renaissance 34-29.
Sam Gravling, 29, smokes a cigarette while sitting in the dirt beside the livestock pens during the Super Kicker Rodeo on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026, in Midland, Mich.
Michael Wallace, a professional rodeo clown from Illinois, applies his signature red and white makeup inside his truck before the 56th annual Spartan Stampede at the Livestock Pavilion on Michigan State University's campus in East Lansing, Mich., on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026. A former bull rider who transitioned to entertaining nearly 20 years ago, Wallace now balances life as a husband and father of three with protecting fallen riders and entertaining crowds. “I’m not a circus clown,” Wallace said, emphasizing that his role in the arena is rooted in protection, not parody.