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.

At Kalamazoo’s Mic Check & Connect, art is the icebreaker

At Mic Check & Connect, Kalamazoo artists gather not just to perform, but to spark intentional conversations that turn creative expression into genuine community and collaboration.

New complex at Burdick and Vine will mark the intersection of needed housing and healthy living

Jamauri Bogan is partnering with Bronson Healthcare to build an 85-unit, mixed-use residential complex that helps address the critical shortage of housing in Kalamazoo County.

Voices of Youth Commentary: More teens reverting to vinyl and CDs to protest large streaming services

'The 2026 Music Media Reset’ means teens and others are ditching digital music and opting instead for LPs and CDs.

Battle Creek clears the runway for drones and autonomous flight

Battle Creek is becoming a national hub for drones and autonomous flight by building the digital infrastructure needed for safe, long-distance operations and future aviation jobs.

Tsunami Lab to build a new generation of owners before Kalamazoo businesses wash away

Thanks to Kalamazoo Forward Ventures, a wave of help is coming to address a potential 'Silver Tsunami' of mostly Baby Boomer-owned small business closures in Kalamazoo — the program aims to help preserve jobs, wealth, and legacy.

New Michigan program provides support, services for adults who want to stay in their homes

A new state-funded Michigan program is helping adults stay in their homes by offering free, personalized counseling on long-term care, and community-based support services.

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.