The spirit of birds inspires line of cards and new business for Battle Creek artist and entrepreneur

What started as a way to lift her spirits through art is turning into a business for Battle Creek's Laura Otte. She calls it The Orignal Tweet.

Katrina Jones and Janay Clark.
Michigan’s direct care workers confront shortages of PPE and providers as pandemic rages

For these essential workers, social distancing is impossible – and personal protective equipment (PPE) is both indispensable and alarmingly difficult to obtain.

The activists next door: A new generation of activists lift Black voices and community in Kalamazoo

Uplift Kalamazoo is living up to the mission in its name by doing the work that needs to be done. Right now that often means making sure people have food to eat.

Planting seeds: National movement with local ties works to restore Native cultural food traditions

Once forced to abandon their way of life, the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi are among those Native Americans nationwide who are teaching tribe members traditional ways of fishing, foraging, planting, and hunting. 

Daisy Manriquez.
“I’ve been where they are”: Van Buren County nutrition educator journeys from student to teacher

As an eighth-grader, Daisy Manriquez loved learning to garden through programming supported by Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program education (SNAP-Ed) funding. Today, Manriquez is 24 and her job is leading SNAP-Ed programming for a new generation.

A Joy for All robotic dog.
Michigan agencies distribute robotic pets to help elders combat loneliness during pandemic

One agency has already distributed 80 robotic pets to elders in its service area, and others across Michigan are either considering or actively preparing efforts to hand out hundreds more.

The Black 14 Philanthropy, Mormon church and local groups join efforts to distribute food, PPE

Community comes together to distribute 40,000 pounds of food and 1,200 initial PPE Resource Kits to distribute to Battle Creek residents.

Sean Hollins and Sonya Bernard-Hollins recognized for contributions to Kalamazoo and arts community

Couple helps authors bring their stories to life through words and art. And she helps girls see the possibilities in the world. 

City of Kalamazoo gets set for first-ever Civil Rights Board

Seven members of the City of Kalamazoo's Civil Rights Board Local will hear complaints that are to be investigated by the Kalamazoo city attorney or his designee. 

New Battle Creek City Commissioners are learning what their constituents want them to tackle

The new Battle Creek City Commissioners have deep roots in the community and are ready to get to work for their constituents.

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