Home

From blue light to green light: Former Kmart site set for affordable housing and childcare

Eight years after plans began, redevelopment of the former Kmart site in Battle Creek is moving forward with an 80-unit affordable and workforce housing development with an on-site childcare center, backed by tax credits, philanthropic support, and local partners.
Latest stories
From blue light to green light: Former Kmart site set for affordable housing and childcare
Eight years after plans began, redevelopment of the former Kmart site in Battle Creek is moving forward with an 80-unit affordable and workforce housing development with an on-site childcare center, backed by tax credits, philanthropic support, and local partners.
Fewer options, fuller ERs: The behavioral health fallout of Medicaid cuts
MHA advocates for state funding that preserves behavioral health care and keeps rural hospitals open.
Groove for Good: Kalamazoo climate night blends beats and big ideas
Kalamazoo residents are invited to a lively night of music, community conversation, and climate action at “Groove for Good – Climate Action Night,” a fundraiser at Old Dog Tavern supporting local environmental efforts.
Distance isn’t a barrier to supporting LGBTQ youth in Battle Creek, Vermontville, and beyond
Christine Terpening founded “I’ll Be Your Rock” in Vermontville to create supportive spaces for LGBTQ youth, and her organization is now expanding to rural communities across Michigan and beyond.
Neighbors lead the way in Southwest Michigan tornado recovery
The storm spawned four tornadoes across Lower Michigan, ranging from EF-0 to EF-3 intensity.
Kalamazoo Cookie Exchange to celebrate Women’s History Month and support Black women-owned businesses
Community members will gather March 28 at Urban Exposure Garden for the Kalamazoo Cookie Exchange, a Women’s History Month event celebrating baking, neighborhood connection and three Black women-owned local businesses.
Symphonic Beats celebrates women, proves Kalamazoo’s hip hop culture is thriving
Blending symphony, rap, poetry and dance, the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra’s “Symphonic Beats” celebrated women in hip-hop culture while showcasing the strength of Kalamazoo’s local scene.
Plunge, sweat, connect: House of Plunge brings contrast therapy to Benton Harbor
House of Plunge in Benton Harbor’s Arts District combines cold plunges, saunas, and recovery therapies as a one-stop shop for “feeling darn good.”
Battle Creek turns housing into a benefit for early childhood educators
A new initiative in Battle Creek will provide rent-free housing and a pathway to homeownership for early childhood educators, aiming to boost compensation, stabilize the workforce, and address the financial challenges facing one of the lowest-paid professions.
Planet Z: Climate anxiety meets Gen Z resolve
Born into a planet in crisis, Gen Z carries the weight of climate anxiety. Planet Z, our yearlong series created by Gen Z writers, explores what it means to come of age in the climate crisis — and how they’re meeting it with collective resolve.
March for Meals Month celebrates 63 Years of delivering more than food in Southwest Michigan
During March for Meals Month, Milestone Senior Services is hosting a baking-themed fundraiser while highlighting how its volunteer-driven Meals on Wheels program delivers nutritious meals and vital wellness checks to hundreds of senior residents each day.
Collaborative collisions: Entrepreneurs ‘Reach Forward’ to find new opportunities and connections in Kalamazoo
The Reach Forward Conversations Event brought local entrepreneurs, product sellers, and buyers together to spark connections that could lead to contracts, growth opportunities, and stronger small-business networks in the Kalamazoo area.
A publication of

Issue Media Group is a multi-local network of digital news outlets focused on community transformation through solutions journalism. We highlight the people and projects tackling challenges and driving change. Through its national, regional and local publications, IMG connects communities, shares impactful solutions, and inspires progress.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

You can unsubscribe from the newsletter at any time. Have a question? Contact us or review our privacy policy for more information.

Solutions that work, from communities like yours. Explore innovative stories from across our network showcasing how neighborhoods are solving today’s challenges together.

Our Sponsors

Gilmore Foundation

Our Media Partners

Battle Creek Community Foundation
Enna Foundation
BINDA Foundation
Southwest Journalism Media Collaborative
Southwest Michigan First
Milestone Senior Services

Don't miss out!

Everything Southwest Michigan, in your inbox every week.

Close the CTA

Already a subscriber? Enter your email to hide this popup in the future.