
Nigerian fusion food comes to Kalamazoo
Isa Clark spent many hours in the kitchen growing up in the Niger Delta region, helping feed an extended family and a steady stream of visitors. Now it’s the Kalamazoo community’s time to feast.

‘This is what the community wanted. I helped facilitate it.’
Chris Dilley’s influence has helped redefine Kalamazoo’s food landscape. He’s been instrumental in the transformation of the People’s Food Co-op for nearly half the time it’s been in operation. Now, he’s moving on.

‘Time to double down’
Advisor to a gun violence prevention initiative in Kalamazoo says the severity of the crisis looms large, despite a recent drop in homicides.

From the managing editor’s notebook: A snapshot of homelessness in Kalamazoo
NowKalamazoo’s Kristie May helped conduct a nighttime count of anyone sleeping outdoors within Kalamazoo County. Here’s what she learned.

KDPS chief loses misconduct review, wins retirement deal
Kalamazoo’s chief of public safety stands accused of discrimination and harassment during the brief time he was in charge of the department. But Vernon Coakley is being allowed to retire with a year of pay and full benefits.

A sister by her side. A family behind her back.
It takes a will, skill, and family for two women running a cafe in the middle of rural Scotts. Yet the community is grateful they’ve taken it on, from the retired couple who offered them the chance, to their meat suppliers who are also regular diners.

A new place to play, again
Two years ago, the Edison Neighborhood Association handed over a playground to a new owner. It had been in disrepair, and a magnet for litter, drugs, and danger. Now its development is reinvigorating streets that had been written off.

‘Comfort foods so the average guy off the street could enjoy’
Kalamazoo County’s first all-vegan, gluten-free, peanut-free restaurant opens in Portage.

Ice cream customers flock to the chicken
Rollup Ice Cream’s unique treats drew crowds in Kalamazoo and Portage stores, but the chicken sandwich is giving wings to the local parlor’s expansion to Missouri.

‘I put all of my savings into this’
After serving her family and friends for years as a homemaker, Swapna Gorthi takes a chance on her own coffee-making and culinary skills, opening a shop with a unique menu. Coincidentally, it hasn’t been a direct path to establishing the Round About Caffe.