No Kings protest in Kalamazoo drew over 7,000.
No Kings protest in Kalamazoo drew over 7,000. Fran Dwight
No Kings protest in Kalamazoo drew over 7,000.
No Kings protest in Kalamazoo drew over 7,000. Fran Dwight

Voices of Youth: Shaped by the scroll — when likes define life Read Article

No Kings protest in Kalamazoo drew over 7,000.
Photo: No Kings protest in Kalamazoo drew over 7,000. Fran Dwight

As sponsors pull back, community organizations step up to support Battle Creek’s Pride Festival Read Article

Courtesy, BC Pride

Teens and mental health: The emotions beneath the behaviors Read Article

Cottonbro via Pexels.com

Voices of Youth: Death of transgender man Sam Nordquist raises concern for safety of trans youth Read Article

No Kings protest in Kalamazoo drew over 7,000.
Photo: No Kings protest in Kalamazoo drew over 7,000. Fran Dwight

Battle Creek man covets Michigan Works! award as he waits for his green card Read Article

Courtesy: Michigan Works! Southwest
No Kings protest in Kalamazoo drew over 7,000.
No Kings protest in Kalamazoo drew over 7,000. Fran Dwight

Features

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Feature Story Scenes from Z Acres Community Development

Planting the Z flag: One writer finds her version of home

Zinta AistarsThursday, July 4, 2024
On this birthdate of our nation's freedom, maybe you, too,  have dreams of finding your own version of independence and home. As the child of Latvian immigrants, Zinta Aistars never felt quite at home. Until she discovered a remote 10 acres with a 'writer's cottage.' Twelve years ago, she found Z Acres. And hasn't looked back.
Feature Story small-hunting-8 Equity

How Hunt 2 Heal provides free, accessible opportunity to spend time outdoors

Shandra MartinezSunday, June 30, 2024
Carson Nyenhuis started Hunt 2 Heal to provide an accessible outdoor experience for others after being outdoors helped him recover from a motorcycle accident that left him paralyzed from the chest down.
Feature Story SMALL-Adaptive-Zip Equity

Muskegon adventure park showcases accessible recreation

Shandra MartinezSunday, June 30, 2024
Muskegon Luge and Adventure Sports Park, located in Muskegon State Park, offers accessible recreation activities such as zip lining, archery, luge, rock climbing, and more.
Longform Series Teaser: Green Burial. Artist's comment: "A body transferring energy back into nature, back to the stars, and roots of dandelions releasing seeds." Sustainability

Green burial: An eco-friendly option increasingly embraced by families and faith communities

Casey GrootenThursday, June 27, 2024
Considering a green (or natural) burial for yourself or a loved one? An eco-friendly burial is a way of caring for the dead that minimizes environmental impact. Learn what is involved, about local initiatives, and how faith communities provide support.
Feature Story BIPOC Tech Technology and Innovation

Battle Creek is ground zero to change complexion of the region’s tech sector

Jane ParikhThursday, June 27, 2024
 “The exponential growth of electric vehicles, hydrogen vehicles, and semiconductor industry investments provides underserved populations an opportunity to leapfrog into higher-paying careers, and solidify African American economic freedom for decades.”
Feature Story County HOusing Community Development

County's Housing for All building momentum in Kalamazoo

Mark WedelThursday, June 27, 2024
Approved in 2020, the Kalamazoo County Homes for All Millage was a historic gesture by voters to increase housing affordability in the area. What's been the progress so far? County Housing Director Mary Balkema recently gave a rundown of past, present, and future projects.
Feature Story Kalamazoo County Land Bank Community Development

After years of planning, Eastside Square condominiums set to open in Kalamazoo

Al JonesThursday, June 27, 2024
Long-awaited Eastside Square, a mixed-use housing and commercial development on East Main conceived of by residents in partnership with the Kalamazoo County Land Bank, is complete and ready for occupancy. 
Feature Story Binder Park Zoo Arts and Culture

Day Trippers and Staycationers: A wealth of fun options for families in the Cereal City

Jane ParikhThursday, June 27, 2024
With the holiday weekend approaching, there's a lot to be said for staying close to home. In the first of this summer series focused on touring Calhoun County, we share fun family things to do in Battle Creek. Next up: new and old ways to learn about Cereal City's rich history.  
Longform The Inclusive Health Care Taskforce hosted an information and resource fair on June 13. Second Wave - MichiganHealthy Communities

Michigan coalition works to address health disparities for older adults

Estelle SlootmakerThursday, June 27, 2024
A broad coalition of Michigan organizations has come together to address health disparities that affect Michigan's rapidly growing population of older adults.
Partner Content OUCARES day camps create a space where autistic kids don’t feel judged, gain some independence from parents, and interact with peers. Second Wave - MichiganEquity

Summertime is “a time of possibilities” and challenges for autistic kids and adults

Estelle SlootmakerWednesday, June 26, 2024
Summer break creates opportunities for fun and family adventures along with the challenges of changing routines.
Longform Molly Brouwer, infant and family specialist; Bethany Vukusic, Maternal Infant Health Program team su Second Wave - MichiganCommunity Development

How public health cares for Michigan's infants and new parents

Estelle SlootmakerTuesday, June 25, 2024
Michigan’s state and local public health systems make great efforts to ensure that expectant mothers and infants get the best start possible.
Feature Story Devin DuMond KCAD, Assistant Professor, Digital Art & Design | Illustration Program

KCAD educator and artist Devin DuMond paints path for public art

Rapid GrowthTuesday, June 25, 2024
Devin DuMond's dual roles as an artist and educator underscore their commitment to nurturing talent while leaving a lasting impact on the community through public art.
Feature Story Children enjoy a fresh and nutritious meal with local produce, inspired by culinary professionals. Second Wave - MichiganKids and Education

How 10 Cents a Meal brings healthy food to more Michigan kids

Kelsey SandersMonday, June 24, 2024
The Michigan program supplements the food service programs’ budgets for fresh produce, encouraging a greater menu variety and healthier eating habits for kids statewide. 
Longform Two sisters Entrepreneurship

Siblings without rivalry: Two sisters reunite by running community-driven Kalamazoo businesses

Zinta AistarsThursday, June 20, 2024
There's the story. And then there's the story behind the story. Zinta Aistars uncovers a moving tale of how two community-positive entrepreneurs (who happen to be sisters) took very different paths in life — that ultimately converged in their hometown of Kalamazoo.
Feature Story UnSilenced Safe Communities

Breaking her silence to help other victims of sex trafficking in Battle Creek

Jane ParikhThursday, June 20, 2024
“We build a rapport and connect them to services they need. It’s not so much about education. It’s about awareness and doing street outreach to connect with victims. As they pursue recovery we want them to know they’re not walking that journey alone,”
Feature Story Drama Mamas Kalamazoo Central Arts and Culture

Amplifying the arts: Drama Mamas fundraising to make sure K Central stage voices are heard

Mike WenningerThursday, June 20, 2024
"Can you hear us NOW?" Drama Mamas (Papas and rising student stars, too) are raising money to purchase microphones to make sure that Kalamazoo Central High School cast members have their stage voices heard.
Longform Washtenaw County CMH reception Healthy Communities

Connecting to mental health services is as simple as picking up a phone

Joanne Bailey-BoorsmaTuesday, June 18, 2024
For Michiganders who are looking for answers on mental health care or are having a mental health crisis, help is only a phone call away.
Feature Story BC Housing Community Development

Foundation for housing equity in Battle Creek to be created with community

Thursday, June 13, 2024
A recent gathering of housing advocates in Battle Creek focused on systemic inequities and how to address them. The discussion is part of work that will culminate in the building of a housing equity plan for the community.
Feature Story Sacred Earth Sustainability

Refugia: How to find and create places of shelter during the climate crisis

Mike WenningerThursday, June 13, 2024
“The refugia model calls us to look for the seed of life where we are, concentrate on protecting and nurturing a few good things, letting what is good and beautiful grow and connect and spread."
Feature Story Juneteenth Equity

Juneteenth celebration in Battle Creek educates and inspires

Jane ParikhThursday, June 13, 2024
"I think about the day that 250,000 slaves learned they were free and how they celebrated. Juneteenth is a day to be able to reflect on those struggles and how people persevered, how they’ve been innovative, and how they built this country. This is America’s history and I think all people should know it."
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Battle Creek

Former local shelter transforms into lifeline for Southwest Michigan Veterans

“We are the only Veterans organization in Southwest Michigan doing what we’re doing. I like to call us a neutral spot. We don’t care what branch of the service you were in or what your discharge status is. People I’ve talked to have said it’s about time." For more On the Ground Battle Creek stories, please visit here.
 

Kalamazoo

Helping Vets in Kalamazoo who were 'smoked by life'


In 2024, 32,882 veterans experienced homelessness in the United States, and 68 of those were in Kalamazoo County, though local officials say they are sure that number has since increased. Many unhoused veterans don’t know there are benefits and programs that can help. Here’s how to get connected.Read the full story here. Read more stories here.
 

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