Lauren Gordon

Michigan

Anchor at WKFR-FM (Kalamazoo, MI)

Articles

Yuengling Will Expand Beer Distribution to Michigan in 2025

3 weeks ago | wkfr.com | Lauren Gordon

America's oldest brewery is finally coming to Michigan. This is the news we've been waiting years for. For nearly 200 years Yuengling was Pennsylvania's best kept secret, but now the secret's out! Here's what we know so far:I know Michigan is home to Grand Rapids a.k.a. Beer City USA so it seems blasphemous to be longing for an out-of-state beer to be distributed here when we've got Bell's and Short's, but I say the more the merrier.
Indiana Issues Alert on Poisonous Invasive Plant

3 weeks ago | wkfr.com | Lauren Gordon

Authorities in Indiana say the dangerous weed is spreading quickly and is a threat to humans, animals, and even other plants. Here's how to identify and eradicate the dangerous weed in your backyard:I don't consider myself to posses a green thumb by any means, but it is certainly unsettling to hear even trained professionals are falling victim to this invasive plant.
What Do Those Numbers on the Mackinac Bridge Really Mean?

3 weeks ago | wkfr.com | Lauren Gordon

If you haven't noticed them before-- now you will!It's been probably 15 years since I last crossed the Mackinac Bridge. Too long, I know. The next time your travels take you to Michigan's scenic Upper Peninsula keep an eye out for these peculiar signs located along the Mackinac Bridge.
Health Dept. Issues 'No Contact' Order at West Michigan Beach

3 weeks ago | wkfr.com | Lauren Gordon

One of our favorite go-to beaches is closed until further notice! This is not how I wanted to start my summer season. Before I've even had a chance to make it over to the lakeshore one of my favorite destinations has closed due to poor water quality. Here's what we know so far:Nothing screams "Pure Michigan" like a day at the beach. I've been dying to get my toes in the sand now that summer is unofficially here, but it's been too chilly for my liking here in West Michigan.
Software Error Prompts Kia Recall in Michigan

3 weeks ago | wkfr.com | Lauren Gordon

The latest recall affecting Michigan car owners:Are you keeping up with all these recalls? Because it's making my head spin! Just in the last few weeks Ford has recalled 274,000 SUVs for brake failure and now companies like Nissan, BMW, and Cadillac are also recalling hundreds of thousands of vehicles. According to a notice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Kia America, Inc.
Local Couple Revives One of Michigan's Last Drive-In Theaters

3 weeks ago | wkfr.com | Lauren Gordon

With all the locally owned businesses that are closing it's encouraging to see this location still thriving!One of Michigan's last remaining drive-in movie theaters has announced plans to reopen just weeks after they shared they would be closing permanently. Here's what we know so far:It's no secret businesses big and small are all suffering right now.
Your Guide to 2025 Pride Celebrations in Southwest Michigan

3 weeks ago | wkfr.com | Lauren Gordon

Happy Pride 2025!The month of June is dedicated to celebrating love, diversity, and inclusion of queer culture and community. Here's your guide to local Pride gatherings across Southwest Michigan this year:I must say, it's endearing to watch many of these small town festivals return bigger and better year after year. It seems like just yesterday I was attending the first ever Pride celebration in my little hometown of Allegan. Now, Allegan, Out Loud! is preparing to host its 4th annual event.
Hollywood is Telling the Infamous Story of Michigan's Rainbow Farm

3 weeks ago | wkfr.com | Lauren Gordon

Hollywood is now casting a new film about the infamous 2001 Waco-like stand-off that took place in Southwest Michigan. In 2018 Michigan became the first Midwest state to legalize marijuana for medicinal, and then recreational purposes, for adults ages 21 and up. Today we have dispensaries on every corner, curbside pick-up, and even 24 hour drive-thrus!However, it wasn't long ago that marijuana was public enemy #1 in Michigan.
Vandals Strike Michigan's Historic Peony Garden

3 weeks ago | wkfr.com | Lauren Gordon

Devastating news from one of Michigan's most distinguished flower festivals. Just as thousands of visitors were heading to Ann Arbor, Michigan to view the precious heirloom peonies as they pop into full bloom staff at the W.E. Upjohn Peony Garden shared some tough news:Staff at the University of Michigan's Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum discovered the devastation on the morning of June 1, 2025 sharing on social media,Last night, the WE Upjohn Peony Garden was vandalized.
Saharan Dust Will Bring Fiery Sunsets to Indiana This Weekend

3 weeks ago | wkfr.com | Lauren Gordon

First smoke from Canadian wildfires, now this!After a haze of smoke covered much of the Midwest, including states like Michigan and Indiana, a different type of cloud is now headed towards the Hoosier state.

Journalists covering the same region

Lucas Smolcic Larson

Environmental Reporter at MLive

Lucas Smolcic Larson primarily covers news in Michigan, United States, including areas around Grand Rapids, Detroit, and the Upper Peninsula.

Lauren Kummer

Reporter at WXMI-TV (Grand Rapids, MI)

Lauren Kummer primarily covers news in the southwestern region of Michigan, United States, including areas around Holland and Grand Haven.

Sophie Boudreau

Writer at Freelance

Sophie Boudreau primarily covers news in the Northern Michigan region, including areas around Traverse City and surrounding towns in Michigan, United States.