Features

Feature Story Columnist Lucia Rios participated in a disability etiquette panel discussion during the Disability: IN conference last month.

What is disability etiquette?

Lucia Rios explores what is disability etiquette, why it is open to individual interpretation, and whether there are universal attitudes on certain topics.

Longform Michigan News Agency

Extra! Extra! Michigan News, area's oldest 'newsstand,' still standing amid changing times

Kalamazoo's last-standing 'newsstand' is still the place to go to check Kalamazoo's pulse. Once filled with newspapers from around the world, Michigan News has migrated toward the literary — thousands of books, many by local authors, hosted readings, and the largest collection of magazines around. Read all about it!

Longform Color the Creek

PHOTO ESSAY: Tour the vibrant murals of Color the Creek

In its 8th year, Battle Creek's Color the Creek is a much-anticipated event, transforming the city into a lively canvas. Check out these eye-popping murals photographed by On the Ground's John Grap.

Longform Calhoun County Youth Center

No longer a 'juvenile home,' new name reflects new focus for Calhoun County Youth Center

“I think there’s a negative aura around youth and detention facilities and youth who commit crimes... They aren’t bad kids, they’ve just made a poor choice,” says Tori Benden, Calhoun County Youth Center Director. Programming changes are helping to build self-worth and confidence in youth.

Feature Story Global Ties

Global Ties Kalamazoo: The power of exchange in a big little city

Global Ties Kalamazoo introduces Kalamazoo to the world and brings the world to Kalamazoo. Compared to cities like New York or Chicago, Kalamazoo might not seem like a draw for foreign dignitaries and international leaders in their fields, but the memorable homestays and sense of community make the city an appealing destination. 

Longform Voices of Youth Mental Health

Voices of Youth: Weathering the 'perfect storm' of middle school social life

Changing schools, onset of puberty, social media, post-pandemic after-effects, and increased pressures to succeed create a 'perfect storm' for middle-school-aged students, particularly as they navigate their social lives. Voices of Youth's Henry Bickel interviewed a teacher and school counselor to find out more.

Longform Affordable Housing Eastside Project

East Main Street Condo project progresses, will provide housing in Kalamazoo's Eastside Neighborhood

Construction work is progressing on six condominium units and 1,800 square feet of commercial space at 1601 E. Main St., spearheaded by the Kalamazoo County Land Bank to help the Eastside Neighborhood develop affordable, mixed-income housing, and more space for new businesses.

Partner Content AAoM held a back-to-school event at Corner Health in Ypsilanti on Aug. 16.

Health and wellness are the building blocks for a successful school yearAAoM helps little Michiganders with autism be prepared.

Prioritizing children’s health and wellness is the first step toward ensuring they are prepared for a successful school year and able to fully participate in learning.

Feature Story Attendees took part of DAKC's Celebration of ADA took part in a checkpoint activity to learn about the history of the Disability Movement.

PHOTOS: Celebrating 33 years of ADA while advocating for a better future

Disability Advocates of Kent County marks the Americans with Disabilities Act anniversary with an event that educates and advocates for a better future.

Feature Story Brown Boy Brown Girl

Brown Boy Brown Girl founder wants kids of color to see themselves in what they read and write

Children's author and mother Teresa Baker sought to fill a gap in programming for young people of color. Brown Boy Brown Girl, LLC markets books by BIPOC authors, holds a youth reading/writing program, and so much more.

Longform BC Transit

Driving home the need for increased, sustainable public transportation in Calhoun County

A lack of reliable, affordable public transportation is a recurring obstacle for many Calhoun County residents. A countywide transportation service is on the table. The cities are for it, but the rural communities are hesitant to get on board. Mallory Avis dispells some myths about the plan.

Feature Story Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra

Longest, continuously operating Michigan orchestra celebrates its 125th in Battle Creek

From ragtime to Celtic music, the Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra's 125th season has something for everyone. "If you’re happy and you love the music, clap when you want," says Anne Harrigan, BCSO Music Director. "We are here for everybody, not just the One Percent.

Longform College student and former migrant worker Dilayla Martinez with Migrant Legal Aid attorney Molly Spaak.

Michigan's migrant farm workers face many health challenges, but help is available

Many of Michigan’s migrant farm workers risk injuries, illness, and chronic disease, which often go untreated. State and nonprofit programs are available to help.

Feature Story StoryCorps

StoryCorps revisits Kalamazoo to offer residents preservable story moments

StoryCorps first came to Kalamazoo in 2007. Since then StoryCorps has had a special connection to WMUK and Kalamazoo, returning for a Military Voices Initiative project and the One Small Step project. During its recent visit, 96 special stories were recorded.

Longform Michigan's goal is to have the voluntary universal pre-kindergarten for 4-year-olds in place by 2027.

PreK for All: Other states and cities share models for Michigan’s universal preschool program

A wealth of knowledge is available from other states and cities in building a universal preschool program for Michigan.  

Longform National Night Out

Kalamazoo's National Night Out goes all out in six neighborhoods

National Night Out is a Kalamazoo summer tradition, a chance to connect with neighbors, police, and resources. People "need to see the fun and silly, interactive side of law enforcement," says Community Service Officer Dajanick Barlow. "We do a lot of good things in the community." Check out these great photos!

Feature Story Nuestra Casa

VOCES poised to serve growing Latinx community in Calhoun County with Nuestra Casa

With increases expected in the Calhoun County Latinx population, VOCES (voice in Spanish) is moving to a new building that is four times the size of its previous headquarters. And to reflect the change, VOCES will take on a new name — Nuestra Casa — for its new home.

Partner Content womensleadershipgroup

Narrowing the gender gap in municipal leadership

The Michigan Municipal League is working to narrow the gender gap in the leadership posts in municipal government. Its Women's Municipal Leadership Program has helped women across the state rise to higher leadership positions in local government. The program has become a national model. 

Feature Story BC KPS

Kindergarten Success Program prepares Battle Creek's youngest learners

 In its sixth year, Battle Creek's free summer Kindergarten Success Program helps students entering kindergarten have academic, social, and structural advantages. “I’m trying to give my son the experiences I didn’t get,” says Jahkeem Stone, a KSP parent. “I’m trying to get him to be well-rounded and boisterous and comfortable with himself.”

Feature Story Back to School Bash

Family Health Center’s 17th Annual Back To School Bash set for Aug. 11

The Family Health Center's Back to School Bash is an event counted on by over 1,500 families each year for well-child visits, immunizations, and school supplies. Plus it's a fun way for families to wrap up the summer.

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.