Fran Dwight
Fran Dwight
Fran Dwight

Empowering voices: Black disability history workshop returns Read Article

Fran Dwight

Reclamation & Testimony: Kalamazoo nonprofit premiers stories of the unhoused Read Article

Casey Grooten

Preserving Indigenous language focus of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Read Article

Building businesses and community at Jerico in Kalamazoo's Edison neighborhood Read Article

Fran Dwight

PHOTOS: Rootead's annual Youth Drum and Dance Ensemble wows once again Read Article

Fran Dwight

Small blueberry farm survives by going organic Read Article

Battle Creek breakfast companies unite to raise funds for United Way — one cereal box at a time Read Article

Features

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Feature Story Renee Thompson with Disability Advocates of Kent County makes adjustments to the new walker being loaned to Ronny Richardson through DAKC's Occupational Therapy Equipment Loan Closet. Equity

Finding belonging through empowerment: One journey with Disability Advocates of Kent County

Tommy AllenSaturday, February 1, 2025
For Ronny Richardson, Disability Advocates of Kent County's Occupational Therapy Equipment Loan Closet didn't merely provide him with needed medical equipment; they extended personalized support to empower him and help him fully participate in his community. 
Feature Story Phyllis Neal found a way to give back in retirement through the AARP and Disability Network West Michigan. Equity

AARP program helps seniors find purpose and make a difference

Shandra MartinezFriday, January 31, 2025
After retiring from social work, Phyllis Neal sought a meaningful way to give back. An AARP program led her to Disability Network West Michigan, where she found a renewed sense of purpose and full-time employment.
Feature Story Rx Kids Healthy Communities

Rx Kids expands its prescription for health, hope, and opportunity in Kalamazoo

Al JonesThursday, January 30, 2025
Kalamazoo Rx Kids will provide participants a one-time, lump-sum, prenatal allowance of $1,500 and an additional $500 per month for the first 12 months of a newborn's life. Sponsored by the Kalamazoo Community Foundation and partners, the program will begin in February.
Feature Story Kellogg Community College Chorus Arts and Culture

Music program hits the high notes at Kellogg Community CollegeAssociate of Fine Arts in Music degree launching

Jane ParikhThursday, January 30, 2025
Kellogg Community College is growing its music program as it launches an Associate of Fine Arts in Music degree in Fall 2025.
Feature Story Shonda Buchanan Arts and Culture

A Kalamazoo poet's journey home and her upcoming book on Nina Simone, 'The High Priestess of Soul'

Casey GrootenThursday, January 30, 2025
Shonda Buchanan, poet, memoirist, and Western Michigan University Professor of English, returned home to Kalamazoo where her family has deep roots. Her upcoming book, "The Lost Songs of Nina Simone" will be released in May 2025.
In The News Interdunal Wetlands Sustainability

Rare interdunal wetlands under threat from development, climate change in Michigan

Sam KappThursday, January 30, 2025
Wetlands located near freshwater dunes are 'globally imperiled,' according to Dr. Tiffany Schriever, a freshwater ecologist and WMU Associate Professor. Michigan's interdunal wetlands are home to rich and rare ecological diversity and need protection.
Feature Story A WAY HOME IN THE COLD Community Development

Kalamazoo’s homeless face cold waves -- natural and political

Al JonesThursday, January 30, 2025
As the unhoused struggle to get out of the cold they  also facethe harsh possibility of a loss of services from local and state organizations as the new Trump administration looks to freeze federal grants and loans. The status of the funding freeze is fast-moving and may have changed by the time you read this story. 
Feature Story Gadson Chris Pompey Healthy Communities

Road to Recovery: Transportation to treatment steered by peer support drivers who've been thereKalamazoo's RSL Transportation pilots program

Mark WedelThursday, January 23, 2025
"These drivers bring a unique understanding of recovery through their own lived experiences, which helps clients feel safe, understood, and free from judgment as they take transformative steps toward recovery."  
Feature Story La June Montgomery Equity

W.K. Kellogg Foundation President authors two new books on healing and celebrating difference

Jane ParikhThursday, January 23, 2025
"After reading these books, I hope people will feel more empowered to engage with our stories — their own story, the stories we all share, and the story we can write together."  
Feature Story Brush the Block Arts and Culture

Brush the Block Mural Festival aims to paint the town vibrant in Kalamazoo

Maya JamesThursday, January 23, 2025
“We would very much like to have public art everywhere in our city, It conveys a message that people are invested here."  
Feature Story Dreamers Ball Equity

Dream for BIPOC Battle Creek Collaborative Endowment gets jump start at Dreamers Ball

Jane ParikhThursday, January 23, 2025
"By investing in these organizations' long-term sustainability, we're creating a  model for community investment that will benefit generations to come."
Feature Story Meghan Distel, a Tony Awards voting member, ponders the legacy of Broadway Grand Rapids and the impact theatre has had on the region. Equity

Broadway Grand Rapids: Accessibility, innovation raise the curtain for all

Tommy Allen, PublisherTuesday, January 21, 2025
Broadway Grand Rapids is changing lives through creative accessibility programs and collaborations within the community. With tools like the GalaPro app and tactile Touch Tours, the theater makes sure that everyone can enjoy the enchantment of live shows. Under the leadership of Meghan Distel, it establishes a fresh benchmark for inclusivity, demonstrating here in West Michigan that theater is meant for everyone.  
Feature Story NHBP Gathering Equity

Tribal Voices Amplified: A new era of representation in Michigan legislative historyNHBP among 12 tribes included

Jane ParikhThursday, January 16, 2025
 Michigan is the first state in the nation to establish a legislative office for official tribal consultation with the establishment of Bill 5600. Tribes will consult on laws regarding issues such as land, water, wildlife, and economic development.
Feature Story Hands Across Eleanor Arts and Culture

Hands across Eleanor: An oral history of a unique downtown Kalamazoo business corner

Mark WedelThursday, January 16, 2025
"Set the Wayback Machine to 1977." Flipside, Mr. President's, Sarkozy's, Missias — places that might jog a few memories. A December gathering that included former business owners explored the history of this iconic corner.
Feature Story I Got Your Backs Kids and Education

Continuing to have people’s backs through a foundation in Marshall

Jane ParikhThursday, January 16, 2025
“We knew we needed to do something to carry on his legacy...Every time we have a request come in or we’re able to give to a child or make a difference in some way, we know this would be something Issac would want to be part of. It helps to keep him alive in our lives.”
Longform A Way Home 530 S. Rose Community Development

New income-based senior apartments take on tenants at 530 Rose in downtown Kalamazoo

Al JonesThursday, January 16, 2025
The new 64-unit senior housing development, 530 Rose Place, is a five-story structure that includes off-street parking on the ground level and lounges on each of its living floors. It will feature a central courtyard that will have greenspace and a fountain.  
Feature Story The Urban Collaboratory’s work includes a focus on community water systems and health impacts related to contaminants like microplastics and PFAS. Second Wave - MichiganCommunity Development

Public health focus on the built environment improves health for Michiganders

Rylee BarnsdaleTuesday, January 14, 2025
Public health and infrastructure go hand in hand, as organizations across Michigan work to address the built environment's critical role in shaping health outcomes.
Feature Story The Disability Network Southwest Michigan team poses for a holiday photo. Building Communities

DNSWM campaign highlights staff’s lived experiences and community impact

Shandra MartinezMonday, January 13, 2025
Disability Network Southwest Michigan's ‘We Are Who We Serve’ campaign highlights staff’s experiences and commitment to empowering persons with disabilities.
Feature Story Healthy House for Women Arts and Culture

Beyond the Headlines in 2024: Journalists reflect on stories that impacted them

Thursday, January 9, 2025
A look back at the stories of 2024 through the eyes of your Southwest Michigan Second Wave writers.
Feature Story Women's Giving Group Community Development

Women in Albion and Marshall make an impact through collective giving groups

Jane ParikhThursday, January 9, 2025
Collective giving groups, especially among women, continue to rise in popularity. We introduce you to two such Southwest Michigan groups to find out how they were formed and why they are thriving.
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Battle Creek

Kellogg Community College launches new Associate of Music degree

Kellogg Community College is growing its music program as it launches an Associate of Fine Arts in Music degree in Fall 2025. For the full story, click here. For more stories, please visit here.
 

Kalamazoo

Joyful Streets, Real-world Struggles: "Happy Cities" author on the journey to transform Kalamazoo 

"What I've noticed in Kalamazoo is, that the city has been taking action to make some changes that in the short term some people might find uncomfortable, but in the long term are going to set the city on course for more vitality, more health, more equity, and I would say more happiness for the people who choose to live here."  Read the full story here. Read more stories here.
 

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