The latest from Southwest Michigan.
Ever Wanted to Tour a Lighthouse? Now You Can in St. Joseph
Tours of the historic lighthouse will be offered from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays beginning June 7. The price to walk to the top of the inner light tower is just $5, while tours of the base level are free.
Kalamazoo Named One of the Top 12 Most Affordable Places to Live in the U.S.
Kalamazoo proves you don’t have to sacrifice culture, opportunity, or community to live affordably. From affordable housing to The Kalamazoo Promise to Bell’s Brewery and a thriving craft beer scene, you can live well—and thrive— for less in Southwest Michigan.
National Champs! Western Michigan Hockey’s Dream Season Ends with First Title
After a magical, historic, and unforgettable season, Western Michigan hockey ensured its final act was even more extraordinary. The No. 1-ranked Broncos (34-7-1) showed they belonged on the national stage –– soaring to their first-ever national championship by dominating Boston University, 6-2, and capping the program’s best season ever with the sport’s ultimate prize.
Legendary Kalamazoo Country Club Readying for this Season; Transforming for the Next
With the arrival of spring and the start of the 2025 golf season, members of Kalamazoo County Club are invited to embrace this final year on its original course before the club unveils its reimagined future! Owned and operated by Greenleaf Hospitality Group, the transformed KCC is set to debut in early 2026, redefining the private club experience while strengthening its legacy as a premier destination in Southwest Michigan.
WMU Hockey Ranked No. 1 in the Nation for First Time in Program History
Western Michigan University’s hockey team is No. 1 in the nation for the first time ever, securing the program’s first trip to the Frozen Four over the weekend. Go Broncos! The Semifinal game takes place on Thursday, April 10 at 5 p.m. in St. Louis. Let’s go Broncos!
Kalamazoo Pub Rolls Back Prices to 1990 to Celebrate 35th Anniversary
Party like it’s 1990! To commemorate 35 years in business, each of the eight original items still on the menu will be available Thursday, March 27, at the same price points they were introduced at in 1990 at the original Main St. Pub, which still operates at 4514 W. Main St. in Kalamazoo. All six locations will be participating.
Free Rock/Pop & Jazz Concert coming to LMC on April 9
Come and listen to a free live performance! The Lake Michigan College Visual and Performing Arts department promises a musical journey when they present the Rock/Pop and Jazz Band Concert at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 9 at the LMC Mendel Center Hanson Theatre. The concert is free and tickets are not required.
Radio Station in Kalamazoo Named College Station of the Year
Western Michigan University’s student-run radio station, 89.1 WIDR FM, was named the Best College/University Station (more than 10,000 students) at the 85th annual Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) awards. WIDR was also selected as the top honor winner of the Abraham & Borst Award for Best Overall Station.
From Kalamazoo to the NFL: A Kalamazoo Promise Success Story
Etienne LeSuer’s journey from Kalamazoo to the NFL is a testament to the power of education, opportunity, and hard work. As a Higher Promise student, Etienne pursued his passion for sports and marketing, gaining hands-on experience at Western Michigan University, the New Orleans Saints, and now, the NFL. Read on to learn more about Etienne’s inspirational story as he prepares for his next big move to New York!
Fundraising Campaign Underway for New Park at Site of Former School in Niles
A fundraising campaign to turn the site of a former school building into a park has begun in the city of Niles. The Ferry Street School was built in 1867 and was used for various purposes until it burned down in 2023. The original facade of the school will serve as an entryway to the new Ferry Street School Memorial Park and will include seating and a stage to host small music shows, concerts, or family reunions.
Kalamazoo Rx Kids is Ready to Launch, Giving $7,500 to All Families with New Babies
Kalamazoo’s new Rx Kids program—available to all expectant parents and babies born after Feb. 1, 2025—will open for enrollment this week. The first-of-its-kind program for Kalamazoo offers a no-strings-attached cash payment of $1,500 mid-pregnancy and $500 each month during the first year of a baby’s life for families in the city limits.
Experience Communal Dining at Farrand Hall with Local Flavors
At Farrand Hall, the focus is on good food and good company. Unlike a traditional restaurant, everyone who comes is served the same meal and sits together at a large 40 top table. Guest chefs are scheduled for every Saturday from May through October.