Pride Festival in Battle Creek maintains a focus on being family-friendly and welcoming to all

As BC Pride begins celebrations, organizers, allies, and advocates are excited to celebrate. "We are your friends, neighbors, and colleagues. We contribute to our community in many positive and impactful ways and we are here to stay.”

Voices of Youth: Is face-to-face communication a ‘dying art’?

“There are times when students would rather listen to the Bible in Chinese and Mozart at two times speed than listen to their teacher." Cell phones have become the 'third person' in the room of any in-person conversation. What are the impacts?

To build a bridge: Kalamazoo Chinese Academy nurtures cultural roots and fosters new speakers

In its 52nd year, the Kalamazoo Chinese Academy serves more than 50 area families, teaching language, performing arts, and traditional dance to both Chinese and non-heritage learners.

PHOTOS: 2024 Kindleberger Summer Festival of the Performing Arts

The 2024 Kindleberger Summer Festival for the Arts took place from July 10 to 15 in Parchment. This longstanding, popular festival brings the community together in celebration of the arts, autos, and more. Check out Fran Dwight's joyful photos.

Nick Wahl, 26, was able to become a first-time home buyer with the purchase of this home in the Oakwood Neighborhood.
Getting started: How tough is it to find a home to buy in the Kalamazoo area?

“It used to be, we’d list a home on Monday and I’d get a call on Tuesday to show it on Wednesday. Now we list it on Monday and I get a call asking if I can show it in 5 minutes,” says Jim Hess, a Realtor with Jaqua Realtors in Kalamazoo. Prospective buyers -- and sellers -- have to be prepared for a brisk selling market in multiple price ranges, real estate professionals say.

DNSWM launches #DWord Campaign during Disability Pride Month

Disability Network Southwest Michigan (DNSWM) has launched the #DWord campaign, aiming to reshape cultural perceptions of the word "disability."

Michigan Health and Hospital Association represents all community hospitals in the state.
How public health collaborations with hospitals benefit Michigan’s communities

Yours, Mine and Ours — Public Health spoke with Lauren LaPine, Michigan Health and Hospital Association senior director of legislative and public policy about how various public health agencies and programs collaborate with hospitals across the state.  

Downtown construction: An unlikely catalyst for revitalized nightlife in Kalamazoo?

Kalamazoo street work may be slowing you down; that could have some advantages for a burgeoning downtown nightlife scene. Stay tuned for more stories in our summer series on Kalamazoo After Dark.

Capturing the magic: Balloon festival photos of Battle Creek’s Field of Flight

If you missed Battle Creek's Field of Flight Airshow and Hot Air Balloon Festival this year, be sure to mark your calendar for next year. On the Ground Photographer John Grap captured some photos for us — and a story, too.

Battle Creek Fire Department seeks to modernize its facilities

Long-overdue updates to Battle Creek's fire stations will help bring the structures into the 21st Century. The city is seeking a $20 million plus bond to fund the improvements.  

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