As federal funding for housing shifts, Kalamazoo pulls together to keep people off the street

Kalamazoo County finds ways to keep programs for the unhoused and those at risk of becoming homeless up and running as federal funding becomes uncertain.

Where experience meets enthusiasm: KCC Concert Band blends generations in “Awakened Voices”

Spanning generations from recent high school graduates to musicians with 70 years of experience, Kellogg Community College’s Concert Band brings together players in a community-driven performance shaped by flexibility, resilience, and a shared love of music.

Financial literacy efforts target homeownership disparities in Calhoun County

The Southwestern Michigan Urban League has launched a new financial literacy initiative in Battle Creek and Calhoun County aimed at equipping underserved families — particularly People of Color — with the knowledge and tools needed to build wealth and achieve homeownership.

Objects of Affection: From a crochet hook to a bowling ball, love stories in Kalamazoo

In honor of Valentine’s Day, Western Michigan University multimedia journalism students explore how everyday objects become powerful symbols of love, identity and memory through photos and captions.

Tribal Officers go undercover to combat human trafficking along I-94 corridor

The Nottawaseppi Band of the Huron Potawatomi received a $900,000 federal grant to combat human trafficking in Indian Country through undercover operations, victim-centered interventions, and collaborative efforts with local law enforcement along Michigan's I-94 corridor.

WMU students get a shot at $100K to turn big ideas into real businesses

Western Michigan University students are invited to pitch innovative business ideas in the new Cultivate 269 competition, where two winners will share $100,000 in seed funding and receive mentorship to help launch their ventures.

Lifting the ‘barrier of downpayment funds’: Calhoun County unveils Home Ownership Assistance Program

Calhoun County is investing $3 million in foreclosure funds through a partnership with Independent Bank to generate down payment and closing cost assistance for eligible homebuyers, turning past foreclosures into new opportunities for homeownership.

Breaking bread and building community at senior lunches

Milestone Senior Services provides free weekday lunches at 15 locations across Kalamazoo and Calhoun counties, serving nearly 600 older adults daily in a program designed to combat social isolation and nutritional risk through shared meals and community connection.

Art you want to walk in: ‘Future Now’ lands at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts

See some kicks for kicks at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, where the exhibition "Future Now" turns sneakers into art that blends design, culture, sustainability, and the irresistible urge to try them on.

Packed Kalamazoo forum grapples with fear, rights, and how to protect neighbors

Kalamazoo residents packed a public forum to learn their rights, discuss safety, and organize community response amid growing fears of ICE activity.

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.