Daniel Schoenherr is a Lansing-based reporter and photographer covering health, politics and the environment across Michigan communities.
His work can be found in nearly two dozen Midwest papers, including the Detroit Free Press and Bridge Michigan.
Health
Emergency transport for mental health a challenge in the UP
LANSING — In 2024, an Upper Peninsula support group director sought a court-ordered pickup for an individual threatening suicide. Her experience sheds light on the region's problematic mental health transportation system, which burdens law enforcement resources and residents suffering from depression. Featured in the Marquette Mining Journal, Bridge Michigan.
Politics
Working-class Osceola County can’t afford to ignore politics, presidential election
REED CITY — From the local ice cream shop to keeping incomes up, working-class Osceola County is looking at the economy as the 2024 election approaches. Featured in the Detroit Free Press.
Environment
Pepper wars: Michigan grower disputes Pepper X’s record for world’s hottest pepper
HOWELL — A Michigan pepper grower's experience with superhot peppers combined with independently-reviewed lab reports indicate the world's hottest pepper may not be what its owner claims. Featured in Great Lakes Echo and 5+ Michigan papers.
Photo & Video
Click a picture to read the full story.
Human biology junior Aesha Zakaria writes "Be certain we are steadfast" onto a banner at an anniversary memorial for Michigan State Humphrey fellow and Israeli bombing victim Tariq Thabet on Oct. 30, 2024.
Author, activist and daughter of Malcolm X Ilyasah Shabazz answers audience questions at Erikson Hall during Michigan State's fourth annual Malcolm X Community Forum on Jan. 21, 2024.
United Farm Workers Community Organizer Daniel Oropeza speaks to students during a "Know Your Rights" presentation at the Multicultural Center on Feb. 18, 2025. The union advocates nationwide to protect Hispanic and Latino community members from deportation.
Punks with Lunch volunteer, Daniel Rainers, right, mans the harm-reduction product table at Reutters Park on March 16, 2024. "I was a social worker in Germany," he said. "I wanted to do something similar here, and I was a punk as a kid."
The Fledge's founder, Jerry Norris, poses for a photo in the community center's "maker space" on Feb. 27, 2025. The decentralized community support organization provides the tools needed for people to "build something" and find fulfillment, Norris said.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer begins her the annual State of the State address on Jan 24, 2024. She begins with an analogy: "Like some of you, I am a product of the ‘80s. I love big hair and bold leather jackets."
A Michigan State student holds a sticker featuring the transgender pride flag provided by Michigan State Gender and Sexuality Campus Center staff at the university's Transgender Day of Remembrance event at Erikson Hall on Nov. 20, 2024. The annual observance honors the memory of people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence.
Entomology junior E Inch holds a handful of worm-filled vermicompost at the MSU Recycling Center on Feb 3, 2025. A portion of food waste from MSU dining halls is composted here, Inch said. Once the nutrient-rich waste has decomposed enough, it is moved into the vermicompost greenhouse for the center’s population of worms to feast on.
Journalism junior Cassidy Howard, left, and digital storytelling senior Aidan Tripp, right, pose for a portrait at the Communication Arts and Sciences building on Jan. 25, 2025. Howard and Tripp were director and assistant director respectively for their short film, What's Left Behind.
Faceless singer and forestry junior Cooper Randall performs for a full house at Phoenix House Cooperative in East Lansing, Michigan during their Valentine's Day party on Feb. 15, 2025.
MSU Bug House caretaker and entomology junior E Inch, left, gives a presentation on finding research opportunities to members of the university Bug Club on Jan. 28, 2025. The club meets for different activities every other Tuesday during the regular academic period.
International Students Association President Celia Madrid and others cut the ribbon in the grand opening ceremony for the student group's new headquarters at the International Center on Jan. 31, 2025.
Michigan State University’s Ultimate Frisbee captain shares what's familiar about the unconventional sport
LANSING — MSU Ultimate frisbee captain Will Zamsky has been throwing disks on the university's team for years. The sport's rules are comparable to football, he said, and the action is just as exciting.
Exploring Lake Huron sinkholes may help find life on other planets
The biotic properties of finger-like cyanobacteria growths in Lake Huron’s Middle Island Sinkhole are helping scientists search for extraterrestrial life. The microbes resemble life on other planets, experts say.
Second Place, Michigan Press Association’s College Better Newspaper Contest — Feature Story