Under-recognized frontline workers help spread word on COVID-19 vaccine in Michigan

Community health workers have been integral to getting the word out about COVID-19 vaccine safety and effectiveness. 

Poems on Buses is back: Friends of Poetry brings youth poetry to Metro Transit riders once again

It's been a long time since the Kalamazoo Friends of Poetry presented poems on local buses. Now the poems are back. They are some of the winners of the Poems That Ate Our Ears Contest.

KCC explores a new way to find adjunct faculty as COVID-related resignations lead to staff shortages

Kellogg Community College has had a wave of retirements and resignations post-COVID. Now the school is trying a job fair to see if it can attract new faculty.

Military training helps Veteran to change careers and grow franchise coffee shops in Battle Creek

When Charles Solano was a freshman at MSU he spent a lot of time at the very first Biggby coffee shop. Soon the Marine Veteran will be the owner and operator of five of the popular coffee shops in and around Battle Creek.

PODCAST: Combating older adults’ loneliness during COVID – and beyond

On this week's episode of Michigan's State of Health, we're digging into how COVID-19 raised awareness of the challenges Michigan's older adults face – and how to better address them.

The hands-on focus of Kzoo Makers has survived the social-distancing era

Despite the quarantining and social distancing Kzoo Makers has continued to attract creative builders, engineers, artists, and crafters and has even been a home for growing businesses.

Dr. Leslie Pelkey, Cherry Health’s chief medical officer.
Lack of broadband access is a barrier to health care – and Michigan is aiming to eliminate it

COVID-19 exposed Michigan's digital divide, and its sobering effect on residents' ability to access health care during the pandemic. But efforts are underway to address it.

Battle Creek voters approve funding for improvements including creation of an arts academy

When voters were asked for a second time to approve funding that would allow improvements to two schools in the Battle Creek Public School district they said "yes."

The Thumb Blessing Box on the Thumbody Express.
Thumb-area collaboration blesses bus riders with food and more

For over a decade, Tuscola County Intermediate School District has worked with Michigan Fitness Foundation to respond to needs in the community by delivering nutrition education and physical activity promotion through Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education programs. 

The Dump: Marshall mountain bikers have a well-kept secret in this difficult trail

The Dump trail, near Marshall, is maintained by volunteers who also manage a Facebook page that contains alerts, updates, and comments from people who have ridden and hiked the trail. They say everyone who loves it adds to it.  

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.