Reading the Blueprint intended to end gun violence
NowKalamazoo’s Beyond Bullets project breaks down the new Blueprint for Peace.
Author
Ben Lando
Ben's Latest Articles
7/21/23: A wake-up call exit at KPS
A KPS trustee issues one final critique of district leadership before moving to new district to teach. Also: bus drivers, custodians, and food workers will get a raise in an effort to lure and keep enough staff. And the new state schools budget increases funding to local districts.
7/20/23: New hires to fight climate change, opioid crisis
Kalamazoo County’s first point person for climate change preparation has local roots. Also, more decisions made on county opioid lawsuit spending. And take out drinks and college game sales are good to go for good.
07/19/2023: Worse than the state average for Kzoo’s working poor
The percentage of Kalamazoo residents who are both working and can’t pay their bills is higher than the state average. Also: A downtown developer says tax break reduction plan could scuttle their project. And, developers of a massive arena downtown got the final OK to close on a key county-owned property.
7/18/23: Burning out the helpers
A special series on supporting mental health care workers in southwest Michigan.
The people helping you avoid burnout are burnt out. That’s not good for anyone.
The demand for mental health providers has always outpaced supply. This has only gotten worse over the past few years.
7/17/23: Plans to keep the county green
Citizens who saw a victory in holding off a car wash near Asylum Lake see additional threats to green spaces. Also: The city of Kalamazoo plans to exceed lead pipe replacement plans in ’24, but supply chain has hampered operations this year. And, a new pilot boat washing station at Long Lake to fight a wildlife invasion.
7/14/23: The smoking gun
What’s next? More than smoke, climate change coalition warns. Also: Kalamazoo keeps its Russian connection. And, marijuana may have been legalized in Michigan in 2018, but charges are only now being automatically expunged.
7/13/23: How to keep teachers?
A survey of KPS teachers found frustration and calls for a better work environment. What is the district offering to retain teachers? Also: Residents near Portage’s Austin and West Lake say density concerns remain for nearby housing plans they previous thought were subsidized. And, a Kalamazoo teen used Make-A-Wish to make other young cancer patients smile.
KPS educators and administration at odds on solving teacher shortage
A survey of Kalamazoo Public Schools teachers finds widespread dissatisfaction, looming departures, and recommendations to make the classroom experience better for them and their students. District administration says retention rates are steady thus far into the summer, and they plan to retain and lure teachers with a focus on compensation and professional development.
