a screenshot from a Fox News segment with Commissioner Chris Praedel sitting at a city commission meeting

Chris Praedel and the rest of the Kalamazoo City Commission stopped public urination from going on someone’s criminal record. But because he used the term “equity” to explain his vote, a Fox News host featured him on his show, and fans from around the country bombarded Praedel with angry messages.

chart showing average COVID-19 infections in Kalamazoo County since March 2020

New infection numbers were flat over the past week in Kalamazoo County and Michigan. At the same time, experts say the BA.5 subvariant is spreading fast and continues to make itself known.

two road signs reading "one way" and pointing in opposite directions

The City of Kalamazoo is planning to switch Kalamazoo and Michigan avenues from one-way to two-way. We get your questions answered about this major development underway in downtown Kalamazoo.

a group of mostly Black men sit at a conference table with laptops

A Kalamazoo city program is using business skills and licensing exam training to address the dearth of building contractors and upend a racial disparity in the trade.

chart showing average COVID-19 infections in Kalamazoo County since March 2020

COVID-19 case numbers went up following the July 4 holiday weekend. But that may not be the only thing leading to more infections.

dan and emmy kastner stand behind a counter at Factory Coffee

The Kalamazoo roastery and coffee shop’s third location, which opens July 21, adds a full menu, adult beverages, and later nights.

chart showing average COVID-19 infections in Kalamazoo County since March 2020

After spiking a week ago, the number of new COVID infections dropped again over the past week. But experts are keeping an eye out for any post-holiday effects.

C J Drenth poses next to a giant flower peacock

Every year for the last 10 years, C.J. Drenth has meticulously placed each of the 20,000 plants into sculptures in Bronson Park and other places in the county.

Twala Lockett-Jones sits at a table holding a copy of her book

Kalamazoo-based Realtor turns ideas about overcoming homeowner disparities into a children’s story about buying castles and breaking curses.

chart showing average COVID-19 infections in Kalamazoo County since March 2020

New cases of COVID-19 rose 10% over the last week amid the spread of newer versions of the Omicron variant. COVID deaths also jumped in the past week.