Fran Dwight

Kalamazoo Middle Eastern music groups connect cultures and people Read Article

Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra

Survivors of sex trafficking have a S.A.F.E. Place to go for support Read Article

John Grap
Fran Dwight

Downpayment Assistance in Kalamazoo expands to help more people buy homes Read Article

Courtesy Photo KNHS

Kalamazoo County Housing Millage portal opens for creative new solutions Read Article

Fran Dwight
Fran Dwight

Calhoun County Administrator Kelli Scott looks ahead to 2023 Read Article

Fran Dwight

Kait Rose, one “Bad Mother,” making her voice heard throughout West Michigan Read Article

Fran Dwight

Ride YourWay fills niche for wheelchair-accessible transportation service in West Michigan Read Article

Fran Dwight

Features

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Longform SLD student Rayla in a tutoring session. Kids and Education

For some first through fourth graders reading is hard, but SLD's multi-sensory approach helps

Casey GrootenWednesday, January 11, 2023
Kalamazoo Youth Literacy Program SLD Read Seeks Tutors to help new young readers feel like school belongs to them, too. “Working with kids, you get more back than you give them,” says one tutor, calling it “a feel-good hour.”
Longform 2022 Annual Round-Up Community Development

It's time for our annual round-up

Kathy JenningsWednesday, January 11, 2023
What were 2022’s most-read Southwest Michigan Second Wave’s stories? Read on to find out what you might have missed.
Longform Boonikka Herring Diversity

Battle Creek's Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation continues to work for positive change

Jane ParikhWednesday, January 11, 2023
In five years, Battle Creek’s Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation has changed conversations and deepened relationships, as well as been a catalyst for positive change.
Feature Story Kazoo Mastadon logo Technology and Innovation

Something to toot about: Kalamazoo has its own Mastodon server

Mark WedelWednesday, January 11, 2023
Mastodon has arrived in Kalamazoo!  Is it a large extinct mammal or a local ‘instance’ that’s part of the fediverse? Correspondent Mark Wedel will help you decide.
Feature Story Kathy with camera Entrepreneurship

Southwest Michigan Second Wave ushers in 2023 with new editorial management

Wednesday, January 11, 2023
Southwest Michigan Second Wave announces a change in editorial leadership as longtime Managing Editor Kathy Jennings expands her role with parent company Issue Media Group.  
Feature Story Call line staff working in the team room at Summit Pointe’s First Step Urgent Care. Second Wave - MichiganHealthy Communities

Community mental health agency call lines connect Michiganders with local crisis care

Rylee BarnsdaleTuesday, January 10, 2023
A call to a local community mental health crisis line can sometimes be more direct and offer services that may not be available when calling 988 or MiCAL.
Feature Story On the Ground Battle Creek Human Relations Board Diversity

Kyra Wallace to leave the Southwestern Michigan Urban League In April

Jane ParikhTuesday, January 10, 2023
Longtime Southwestern Michigan Urban League President and CEO Kyra Wallace is preparing to leave after 17 years. But she’s committed to staying connected.
Feature Story Helm Ad Second Wave - MichiganEconomic Development

Issue Media Group launches new publication ‘The Helm’’ serving Greater Sandusky Region

Issue Media GroupWednesday, January 4, 2023
Issue Media Group is excited to announce the company’s latest online news platform – The Helm Sandusky. This publication will tell the stories of investment, innovation, entrepreneurship, and individuals that are shaping the Greater Sandusky Ohio region.
Feature Story The iBill Talking Banknote Identifier, is a small, handheld device that quickly identifies the bill’s denomination. Equity

Currency readers available for Michiganders who are blind or visually impaired

Shandra MartinezMonday, January 2, 2023
Michiganders who are blind or visually impaired can now apply to receive an audible currency reader at no cost through the Michigan Braille and Talking Book Library.
Longform Voices of Youth Daniel Fall 2022 Safe Communities

Voices of Youth: School violence, a photo story

Daniel KibeziFriday, December 30, 2022
This photo story features the work of Daniel Kibezi a student at Milwood Middle School in the sixth grade. This is Daniel’s second session with Kalamazoo Voices of Youth. He enjoys photography and uses this art form to explore the topic of policing in schools. 
Longform VOICES OF YOUTH KALAMAZOO MENTAL HEALTH Healthy Communities

Voices of Youth: Teen mental health, a photo story

Plamedie EkumbakiFriday, December 30, 2022
This story features the work of Plamedie Ekumbaki a freshman at Kalamazoo Central High School. She was drawn to youth mental health as a topic and illustrated it through pictures. 
Longform Voices of Youth In school violence 2022 Safe Communities

Voices of Youth: In School Violence, a photo story

Habakuki KibeziFriday, December 30, 2022
This photo story features the work of Habakuki Kibezi, who attends Loy Norrix High School. This is his first Voices of Youth Kalamazoo session. He chose photography to illustrate the problems and solutions associated with in school violence.
Longform Solar panels are part of the village's SMART Park. Rural Innovation ExchangeCommunity Development

Cassopolis: A village reimagined

Greg TaskerThursday, December 22, 2022
A rural community in southwestern Michigan looks for a brighter future, tapping grants and other monies to revamp its downtown and add new amenities, including a beach, a pier and a skate park.
Longform SWM Journalism Collaborative Healthy Communities

No-cost mental health helps for those seeking a holistic approach

Zinta AistarsThursday, December 22, 2022
A variety of holistic mental health options exist that are free or nearly so. Here is a roundup of research-proven ideas to increase well-being.
Longform Voices of Youth Kalamazoo Climate Sustainability

Voices of Youth: Why teens should care about climate change, and what's being done locally

Conner McBrideThursday, December 22, 2022
Climate change is a growing concern for both youth and adults. Our Voices of Youth correspondent examines what Kalamazoo is doing to protect the environment.
Longform Voices of Youth Safe Communities

Voices of Youth: Schools try to improve safety. Some students and their families remain fearful

Regina KibeziThursday, December 22, 2022
Safety measures and programs aimed at curbing gun violence among youth are in place and numbers of gun-related incidents in Kalamazoo are decreasing. Our Voices of Youth correspondent, Regina Kibezi, examines what’s being done about gun violence and how local youth are affected.
Longform Spirit Springs Farm Entrepreneurship

Apples of John Claridge’s eyes: Marcellus heirloom apple farm boasts 80 varieties

Channon MondouxThursday, December 22, 2022
For a living taste of history, visit Marcellus’ Spirit Springs Farm started by the late John Claridge. The 70-year-old orchard features over 80 heirloom apple varieties. A new generation of the family is keeping the spirit alive in the orchard. And those who tour the land appreciate its unique offerings.   
Longform On the Ground Battle Creek ALICE VETS Equity

Latest ALICE report suggests veterans' assistance is helping but work still needs to be done

Jane SimonsThursday, December 22, 2022
A recently released report from the Michigan Association of United Ways (MAUW) and its research partner, United For ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed)  veterans' needs outstrip available resources, especially those struggling financially.
Longform Housing Solutions Milestone Senior Services Healthy Communities

Milestone Senior Services helps elders stay in homes — one furnace, handrail, and ramp at a time

Al JonesThursday, December 22, 2022
Milestone Senior Services administers several programs and services to help seniors and the disabled live independently, including home repairs and the installation of safety features. “They really care,” one senior says. “A lot of people might come in and do something. But these people really care.”
Longform Housing Solutions Playgrown Home Start update Building Communities

Home Start Initiative believes its approaches to affordable housing will help project move forward

Mark WedelThursday, December 22, 2022
Services from financial education to emotional health and daycare are part of the package that is Playgrown Home Start, a community of 10 homes near what was once a tent encampment of the unhoused. The project is seeking funding and the project leader says: "I have faith in our grantors, I have faith, I have so much faith in this project and our team."  
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Battle Creek

A call for foster families

There's a need for more foster care homes in Calhoun County, especially for youth who identify as LGBTQ+.  A mom who has fostered more than 30 children talks about why her family keeps opening their home. For the full story, click here. For more stories, please visit here.
 
 

Kalamazoo

Home of her own

At one point, in a one-bedroom apartment on Vine Street Kathy White had seven kids living in that one-bedroom apartment. Her family members had nowhere else to live and so she took the in. After 50 years sharing her home with so many family members, she now has her own space. Many local residents double-up because the housing market makes it hard to find affordable housing.  Read the full story here. Read more stories here.
 

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