Kalamazoo Gospel Mission does away with ‘mattress on the floor’ practice
For years, Kalamazoo Gospel Ministries has brought in mattresses to meet the need for overnight guests. Now, they're saying they're hopeful for a better solution.
Disability Network sounds the alarm about proposed major cuts to its budget
A proposed budget released by state House lawmakers this week recommends reducing funding for Michigan’s Centers for Independent Living by roughly 45 percent. The Michigan Disability Network represents 15 CILs across the state, including in Battle Creek and Kalamazoo. They provide services for people with...
Gun Amnesty Program Allows for Anonymous Drop-Off of Firearms at Local Churches
Seven churches are participating in Kalamazoo’s Gun Amnesty Program, which allows people to drop off a firearm with no questions asked by law enforcement. The program, also known as the Anonymous Firearm Retrieval Program, is designed as a means to help reduce gun violence in our community. “One gun...
Pfizer does not anticipate layoffs in Portage amid possible reduced demand for Covid shots
A Pfizer spokesman said on Thursday that the company does not expect to cut jobs at the Portage plant where it manufactures the Covid-19 vaccine it developed with German company BioNTech. On Wednesday the company noted in a press release that the FDA had approved Pfizer and BioNTech's "Comirnaty" Covid...
Michigan school bus crashes rise 6% as officials urge drivers to prioritize student safety
PORTAGE, Mich. — A new school year is underway, and with that, comes an increase in the number of packed school buses on the roads. A new report this week from the Michigan State Police (MSP) Criminal Justice Information Center (CJIC) shows there were over 1,000 school bus-involved crashes in 2024, up 6% from the...
911 centers are so understaffed, they’re turning to AI to answer calls
The company offers an AI voice assistant that helps 911 centers handle non-emergency calls.
Inmate forgotten in van sues Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office
KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WXMI) - One of seven inmates who were left locked inside a van at the Kalamazoo County Jail sued the county and two deputies for their plight. Dominique Motton filed the lawsuit in federal court on August 18, claiming the sheriff's office was deliberately indifferent to the people who were trapped...
The energy project sparking debate in Comstock Township
COMSTOCK TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — For several months, the prospect of a Battery Energy Storage System built near two schools has generated debate in Comstock Township. Developers said the project has been in the works since 2023. A Battery Energy Storage System, or BESS, would charge large batteries at night and...
8/29/25: Portage trash rates explained
Portage’s trash collection costs are going down, despite claims to the contrary. Also: A local music series is taking its tunes to the trails. And Kalamazoo’s Cracker Barrel is reborn. Nonprofit Spotlight: Cat Nap Lodge. Cat Nap Lodge Community Center provides shelter and medical care for stray cats...
One Killed, Five Transported After MI Collision
ALLEGAN COUNTY, MI – One person died, and five others were injured in a crash Wednesday morning, Aug. 27, along U.S. 131, police said. Allegan Central Dispatch started receiving calls around 5:30 a.m. regarding a two-vehicle crash on southbound U.S. 131 in Wayland Township. Details surrounding the crash were...
