Mark Wedel

Spring means it’s time to turn the bikes toward Lake Michigan for the Kal-Haven Trailblazer

On May 7, bikers will return to the Kal-Haven Trail to celebrate spring, Michigan, wheels, and gears. The Trailblazer, an annual community ride on the Kal-Haven Trail, will be back after being put on hold by COVID. 

‘Bleeding Out’ book discussion turns to ways to curb gun violence in Kalamazoo this summer

"What are we going to do this coming summer? What are some short-term recommendations we can offer our community and our leaders?" Walker Institute director Luchara Wallace voices the urgency behind the question. Read on to find out what is being done.

Kalamazoo leaders, police, anti-violence nonprofit representatives take on gun violence

Second Wave listened in as Western Michigan University's Walker Institute led discussions on the ideas put forward in "Bleeding Out"  and examines what police and community members alike can do about gun violence. 

StoryCorps goes in a new direction to help people realize what they have in common

Is it possible to get two strangers from opposite sides of the many divides in this country to talk, and not be at each other's throats? For StoryCorps Founder Dave Isay this is a necessity. "It's our dream that we convince the country that it's our patriotic duty to see the humanity in people with who you disagree."

Walkers help HRI exceed goal to raise funds for services helping people stay housed, or get housing

In 2021 Housing Resources, Inc., served 2,608 Kalamazoo County households who were facing eviction, housing crisis, or homelessness --  $11.1 million in financial assistance for emergency housing-related costs. And even more in COVID relief for renters. They are expecting even greater need for 2022.

A cold, wintry Saturday in March? Must be time to get in shape for the Kalamazoo Marathon

Just because it takes a serious workout to get in shape for the Kalamazoo Marathon doesn't mean it can't be fun. That's where Run Camp comes in.

CommuniTeen read in Portage tackles complicated issues of criminal justice system, race, and gender

Stadium Drive construction begins as Kalamazoo moves to slow traffic and create complete streets

The Stadium Drive project now underway will make the wide four-lane road into a "gateway" for downtown Kalamazoo and Western Michigan University. The project is also a gateway to the city's complete streets goals.

Jazz pianists will be getting their own Gilmore award with an $8 million endowment from Larry Bell

The first Larry J. Bell Jazz Artist will be selected in 2026. The award is similar to the Gilmore Artist Award, where jurors hunt for the classical pianists whose talent deserves a boost. An anonymous committee will choose the jazz recipient every four years.

Let’s talk: Why get vaccinated? COVID-19 is not done with us, public health figures say.

With every wave of cases, the pandemic has had a huge impact on both Bronson and Borgess, from their main hospitals to the small-town clinics. We recently spoke with three figures in Kalamazoo public health about the pandemic and where it stands now.