Increased deportation enforcement leaves many Edison families living in fear
Today, the chance of detainment and deportation is real for many undocumented immigrants. In Edison, that means some families live in fear of being separated.
On the Ground
On the Ground helps to tell the stories of the people, projects, and innovations that are creating “what’s next” for Southwest Michigan.
Published by Southwest Michigan Second Wave, the mission of On the Ground is to connect readers to the area's most visionary and active people, businesses, and organizations — elevating a wide diversity of voices and contributing to the community conversation about what it means to call Southwest Michigan home.
Our journalists engage residents through regular listening sessions, events, and conversations to build trusted relationships that shape the community’s unique, solutions-oriented stories. We want to know what you think because what you think matters.
The On the Ground Battle Creek team includes Project Editor Jane Parikh and Photographer John Grap. The On the Ground Kalamazoo team includes Project Editor Al Jones and Photographer Fran Dwight. The Managing Editor for both series is Theresa Coty O'Neil.
HAVE A STORY IDEA?
We’re always looking for story content. Send your Battle Creek or Calhoun County ideas to otgreporter18@gmail.com. Send your Kalamazoo or Kalamazoo County ideas to editor@swmichigan.secondwavemedia.com.
Spreading gravel on a hot day is a Building Blocks’ way of meeting the neighbors
Neighbors build friendships as they come together on improvement projects as part of the Building Blocks program.
Washington Writers’ Academy shows off its writing skills during Art Hop
Washington Writers' Academy shows off its artistic flair and opens doors for its first Art Hop event.
How will Edison keep moving ahead? Neighborhood explores artistic answers
Artists find a place to call home in Edison and Edison calls on them for their ideas to lift the neighborhood.
Washington Writers’ Academy invites the community to see its work during June 1 Art Hop
Art Hop in the Edison neighborhood adds Washington Writers' Academy for June 1 festivities.
Transformation: When lives change, a neighborhood can change
Esteven "Esto" Juarez finds his life transformed and now works with those committed to finding a way to deal with group violence.
Despierta awakens Hispanic American Festival and now moves to larger venue
Despierta Kalamazoo moves the Hispanic American Festival to Growlers Stadium and closer to the Edison Neighborhood.
Edison is disability friendly, but unfriendly sidewalks are among issues to be addressed
Affordable housing makes Edison a place where many with disabilities live. The neighborhood is both accommodating and in some places hazardous for those navigating broken sidewalks.
As the Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year, Damarion Johnson learns how to take center stage
For Damarion Johnson, being named Kalamazoo Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year taught him he had skills he didn't even know about.
Empowering Women in Edison: Two women who help others find their own strengths
Veteran services, legal assistance, working for birthing justice, a belief that rhythm is life, and having babies is part of the rhythm are all part of the work of two Edison nonprofits helping women.
