SWMI Journalism Collaborative

Local Realtors urged to explore how they can help when it comes to answering the housing crisis

Can Realtors be part of the solution when it comes to solving the housing crisis? One local Realtor urges her collegues to find a way.

Battle Creek volunteer Kathy Antaya: Advocate and champion for people who are poor or discriminated against

Through community gardening, Kathy Antaya became involved in equity and racial healing initiatives. "I’m a full-time volunteer and community activist,” she says.

Day-to-day interactions with happy customers keeps Pastrami Joe’s owner going

In 2022, Andrew Scibbe’ purchased Pastrami Joe’s Deli in Marshall. Two years later, he reopened a second location in downtown Battle Creek.

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.

Lifelong dream realized with opening of catering and takeout business in Battle Creek

Mitts 2 Pits Catering is the latest tenant in a building at 78 Calhoun Street that has incubated dreams for several restaurateurs in Battle Creek. Owned by the husband-and-wife team of Benjamin and Denise Young, the catering and take-out business opened its first brick-and-mortar location in April. Here's their story.

La Loma Supermercado brings authentic flavors — and cultural pride — to Battle Creek

La Loma Supermercado, a new $3 million Mexican and Latin American grocery and taqueria in Battle Creek, is bringing authentic flavors, cultural connection, and community vibrancy to the region.

La Loma Supermercado trae sabores auténticos — y orgullo cultural — a Battle Creek

La Loma Supermercado, un nuevo supermercado y taquería de $3 millones en Battle Creek, está trayendo sabores auténticos, conexión cultural y mayor vitalidad comunitaria a la región.

‘Simplemente no podemos competir’: Agricultores del suroeste de Michigan atrapados entre altos costos laborales e importaciones baratas en medio de la incertidumbre migratoria
A different kind of fight club: ChampsDen is a place to spar and a safe haven for young people

ChampsDen Boxing Club in the basement of a home in the Edison neighborhood was created in 2019 by Kalamazoo native Jadschi Green who has boxing in his blood.

Charting the Road to Success: A program from El Concilio Kalamazoo boosts Latinx entrepreneurship

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation awarded the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce $2.5 million. That money went to four organizations inlcuding El Concilio in Kalamazoo. It is now providing access to economic development resources in Spanish for businesses like Tacos El Jefe.

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