Daily
Kalamazoo
Thursday, January 8th, 2026
Good morning, Kalamazoo. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 8th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The 2026 Kalamazoo Boat Show will take place at the County Fairground this weekend. Organizers say marine dealers will display boats, pontoons, and docks with show hours from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. WWMT
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ At Kalamazoo Mall, Taco Bob’s is closed until Jan. 26 for remodeling that includes structural repairs, a new mural and expanded seating. Other locations remain open and the eatery will reopen in time for the Chili Cook-Off on Jan. 31. MLive
- ➤ A new bookstore called Booked Up opened at 4518 W Main St. on Monday, Jan. 5 and offers new and used books with 15% store credit for traded titles (with a cozy reading area showcasing local art). MLive
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo invites artists to design a mural for the new Church Street Parking Structure—offering a $7,500 fee plus $25 per sqft for mural painting and $350 for final designs. The RFQ closes Jan. 27. WWMT
- ➤ The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame + Museum unveiled a new limited-edition WMU Buster Bronco bobblehead on Wednesday, Jan. 7 in Kalamazoo, which is available online for $35 + $8 shipping and will ship in May, according to co-founder Phil Sklar. WWMT
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Ford CEO Jim Farley said 5,000 technician jobs remained unfilled because fewer people have pursued a career in auto repair due to higher tool costs & limited training. He announced that Ford will invest in new training programs and partnerships to rebuild the workforce. WWMT
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ SMC's automotive technology program is expanding as it meets the national shortage of mechanics by offering a four-semester degree or two-semester certificate. Professor Kyle Schrock said nearly every student secures a job before graduation, blending traditional repairs with electrical and IT skills. WWMT
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ After 58 years, the CPB dissolved on January 7 following congressional defunding, leaving local stations to face changes in funding, licensing, and programming. Stations like WVPE have turned to community support & adjusted their budgets to keep services running. WWMT
- ➤ The Kalamazoo County board allocated an extra $100,000 for emergency winter shelters last night as part of over $700,000 for homeless support this season. The funds will go to Hope Through Navigation for two vacant family homes as 857 individuals remain on the waiting list. WKZO
- ➤ Congressman Bill Huizenga nominated 14 west and southwest Michigan students for U.S. Service Academies for the class of 2030; the nominees will be considered for appointments at West Point, Annapolis and Colorado Springs (Home to the Air Force Academy) and Kings Point. WKZO
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Kalamazoo Boat Show
2-8 p.m. — Kalamazoo County Expo Center — Admission fees apply — Explore an exciting array of marine displays and products.
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ThriftAbility Grand Opening
3-6 p.m. — ThriftAbility — Free entry — Celebrate the launch of a unique thrift store serving the local community with refreshments and friendly faces.
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Tech Mondays
3-5:30 p.m. — Kalamazoo Public Library - Central Library — Free assistance — Get help with computer-related issues at this community support event.
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Chicago The Musical
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Miller Auditorium — Tickets start at $46.56 — Experience the excitement of the Jazz Age with a thrilling tale of fame, fortune, and sensational performances.
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When is the Right Time for Memory Care?
6-7 p.m. — North Woods Village of Kalamazoo — Free entry — Explore pivotal insights on dementia care and the importance of timely support for loved ones.
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Harlem Globetrotters Show
7-9 p.m. — Wings Event Center — Tickets from $20 — Experience the thrilling antics of the Harlem Globetrotters live in Kalamazoo.
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Primary Trust
2-3:30 p.m. — Farmers Alley Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience a Pulitzer Prize-winning play about new beginnings and stepping out of your comfort zone.
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AMPLIFY Leadership Conference
9 AM – 3 PM — Western Michigan University — Seats are limited — Amplify your leadership and energize your team with practical tools and insights.
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Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
7-11 p.m. — Chenery Auditorium — Ticket prices vary — Experience the legendary Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra led by Wynton Marsalis in an intimate concert setting.
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Family Storytime
10:30-11:00 a.m. — Kalamazoo Public Library - Oshtemo Branch — Free entry — Enjoy a delightful half-hour of stories, songs, and playtime for the whole family.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.
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