A plate of egusi stew and fufu

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.

Chris Dilley standing in the produce section of the People's Food Co-op

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.

Reggie Moore speaks to a group of people in a meeting room.

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

Two people stand in the snow in the middle of a homeless encampment.

NowKalamazoo’s Kristie May helped conduct a nighttime count of anyone sleeping outdoors within Kalamazoo County. Here’s what she learned.

KDPS Chief Vernon Coakley posing in his police uniform

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.

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.

Comparison shots showing ashley joyce memorial park before and after cleanup

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.

the storefront of glofoods featuring a green-and-white sign

Kalamazoo County’s first all-vegan, gluten-free, peanut-free restaurant opens in Portage.

Matt Searles wrapping a chicken sandwich in a paper wrapper.

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.

the front entrance of the Round About Caffe.

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.