Lakeview’s Minges Brook Elementary named one of America’s Healthiest Schools

Once considered an overlooked option by parents, Minges Brook Elementary has transformed into a nationally recognized leader in student health and trauma-informed education.

GVSU, local leaders, celebrate Battle Creek Innovation Hub as central to regional transformation

The newly renovated Battle Creek Innovation Hub, launched through a partnership between GVSU, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, and Battle Creek Unlimited, aims to drive education, entrepreneurship, and community growth in Southwest Michigan.

From Broadway to Kalamazoo: ‘Come From Away’ brings radical kindness — and sold-out shows — to Farmers Alley

Farmers Alley Theatre’s record-breaking production of "Come From Away" is uniting Kalamazoo audiences through a powerful true story of compassion, community, and radical kindness in the face of crisis.

Where jazz still swings: Kalamazoo hosts all-star Trumpet Summit in honor of Roy Hargrove

The Roy Hargrove Trumpet Summit in Kalamazoo brings together world-renowned trumpeters, students, and the community for a free day of masterclasses and music, celebrating the legacy of a jazz legend and the city's growing reputation as a Midwest jazz hub.

Thrift with a mission: New Marshall store turns bargains into lifelines for Veterans

A new thrift store in Marshall, opened by Volunteers of America Michigan, is revitalizing a once-vacant plaza while supporting veterans and sustainability efforts through secondhand shopping.

The future Is Zerø-proof: Inside Kalamazoo’s first non-alcoholic bar

Zerø, Kalamazoo’s first non-alcoholic cocktail bar, offers a sensory-rich, community-driven experience that redefines nightlife through craft, intention, and zero-proof innovation.

Poetry in motion: Edison’s Arts & Culture Crawl brings music, murals, and verse to the streets

Kalamazoo’s Edison neighborhood will host its fall Arts & Culture Crawl on Saturday, Oct. 11, featuring live poetry, music, food, and family-friendly activities along Washington Avenue in a vibrant celebration of local art and community.

Celebrating and honoring Battle Creek’s Latin American cultures and contributions

Battle Creek celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month through vibrant cultural events, educational initiatives, and community advocacy led by the Battle Creek Latin American Heritage Initiative with support from the Battle Creek Community Foundation.

Chamber orchestra of horrors resurrects silent, scary movies in Kalamazoo — with a creepy twist

A quirky Kalamazoo chamber ensemble, Silent But Deadly, brings new life — and eerie original scores — to silent horror films in a spooky, immersive Halloween-season concert blending classical music, DIY sound effects, and vintage creepiness.

Pulse collaboration with MiLeap seeks to transform child care access in Michigan

The Pulse initiative is transforming early childhood in Michigan by bridging the gap between research and practice.

Our Sponsors

Gilmore Foundation

Our Media Partners

Battle Creek Community Foundation
Enna Foundation
BINDA Foundation
Southwest Journalism Media Collaborative
Southwest Michigan First
Milestone Senior Services
Consumers Energy

Common Ground Is Brewing

Support local stories and receive our signature roast straight to your door when you join at the Standard level (or above).

Drink Better, Read Local

Close the CTA

Don't miss out!

Everything Southwest Michigan, in your inbox every week.

Close the CTA

Already a subscriber? Enter your email to hide this popup in the future.