Beyond the Headlines in 2024: Journalists reflect on stories that impacted them
A look back at the stories of 2024 through the eyes of your Southwest Michigan Second Wave writers.
Community Development
Latest in Community Development
Dreamers Ball in Battle Creek celebrates MLK’s legacy while building for the future
“MLK Day is probably one of the most celebrated holidays among those who are into any form of justice and in our community. We have not always had a communitywide celebration of Dr. King and so we felt it was good to leverage the unity around the ideas of Dr. King to host our event in the form of a Dreamers Ball to remember his vision."
Voices of Youth: Meet Darrin Slade, the tough, new superintendent of Kalamazoo Public Schools
With a year under his belt, Kalamazoo Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Darrin Slade has instituted some stricter student conduct rules and is pleased with the success. But he says there's still a ways to go.
Voices of Youth: How safe is the Kalamazoo River?
Voices of Youth Sophie Baldwin speaks with Doug McLaughlin, executive director of Kalamazoo Watershed Council, to learn more about the pollutants in the Kalamazoo River and what impacts they have.
For Christmas, this Kalamazoo group is booking hotel rooms for the unhoused
A local advocacy group is working to provide a safe and warm Christmas setting for up to 100 unhoused people in the greater Kalamazoo area. Find out how Kalamazoo Together for the Unhoused is working to raise money, collect contributions, and schedule volunteer efforts for its third annual Heads in Beds for Christmas.
A New Vision for Public Health in Michigan
Michigan has stepped forward with a comprehensive Public Health Call to Action, a set of recommendations crafted by the Michigan Public Health Advisory Council (MPHAC) to guide the state’s journey toward a more equitable and resilient health system.
Voices of Youth: ACLU, YWCA Kalamazoo sue Michigan over Medicaid’s abortion coverage ban
ACLU Kalamazoo and YWCA Kalamazoo are bringing a suit against the State of Michigan because of a ban on funding abortion care for Medicaid recipients.
Voices of Youth: Ten things teens should know about voting
Even though the 2024 presidential election has come and gone, many youths will turn 18 in the coming year and be eligible to vote. Voices of Youth's Anas Elkafrawy has identified 10 important things to know before teens cast their first vote.
Voices of Youth: Classroom ‘Cozy Corner’ lets teens take emotional break
Pillows and nooks aren't just for elementary school classrooms. Adolescents also benefit from an inviting, comfy space to take a time out. One Loy Norris High School teacher created a classroom Cozy Corner — and her students are benefiting.
Queer Activist in Battle Creek prepares to go silent to stay safe
Many in the LGBTQIA+ community are taking steps to protect themselves from the threat of Project 25 to roll back rights. As a response, one Queer Activist in Battle Creek plans to keep a low profile while reducing household expenses and getting important papers in order.
Dreamers Ball in Battle Creek celebrates MLK’s legacy while building for the future
“MLK Day is probably one of the most celebrated holidays among those who are into any form of justice and in our community. We have not always had a communitywide celebration of Dr. King and so we felt it was good to leverage the unity around the ideas of Dr. King to host our event in the form of a Dreamers Ball to remember his vision."
Voices of Youth: Meet Darrin Slade, the tough, new superintendent of Kalamazoo Public Schools
With a year under his belt, Kalamazoo Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Darrin Slade has instituted some stricter student conduct rules and is pleased with the success. But he says there's still a ways to go.
Voices of Youth: How safe is the Kalamazoo River?
Voices of Youth Sophie Baldwin speaks with Doug McLaughlin, executive director of Kalamazoo Watershed Council, to learn more about the pollutants in the Kalamazoo River and what impacts they have.
For Christmas, this Kalamazoo group is booking hotel rooms for the unhoused
A local advocacy group is working to provide a safe and warm Christmas setting for up to 100 unhoused people in the greater Kalamazoo area. Find out how Kalamazoo Together for the Unhoused is working to raise money, collect contributions, and schedule volunteer efforts for its third annual Heads in Beds for Christmas.
A New Vision for Public Health in Michigan
Michigan has stepped forward with a comprehensive Public Health Call to Action, a set of recommendations crafted by the Michigan Public Health Advisory Council (MPHAC) to guide the state’s journey toward a more equitable and resilient health system.
Voices of Youth: ACLU, YWCA Kalamazoo sue Michigan over Medicaid’s abortion coverage ban
ACLU Kalamazoo and YWCA Kalamazoo are bringing a suit against the State of Michigan because of a ban on funding abortion care for Medicaid recipients.
Voices of Youth: Ten things teens should know about voting
Even though the 2024 presidential election has come and gone, many youths will turn 18 in the coming year and be eligible to vote. Voices of Youth's Anas Elkafrawy has identified 10 important things to know before teens cast their first vote.
Voices of Youth: Classroom ‘Cozy Corner’ lets teens take emotional break
Pillows and nooks aren't just for elementary school classrooms. Adolescents also benefit from an inviting, comfy space to take a time out. One Loy Norris High School teacher created a classroom Cozy Corner — and her students are benefiting.
Queer Activist in Battle Creek prepares to go silent to stay safe
Many in the LGBTQIA+ community are taking steps to protect themselves from the threat of Project 25 to roll back rights. As a response, one Queer Activist in Battle Creek plans to keep a low profile while reducing household expenses and getting important papers in order.
