Daily
Kalamazoo
Thursday, April 17th, 2025
Good morning, Kalamazoo. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 17th of April.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Four men from Kalamazoo and Kent were sentenced to lengthy federal prison terms for trafficking counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl and other drugs—a case involving thousands of dangerous pills seized in 2024 that officials said posed a serious public threat. MLive
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Mark Totten, a former West Michigan federal prosecutor and Kalamazoo resident, announced his run for Michigan Attorney General in 2026 — he promised to focus on public safety and justice after his time as U.S. Attorney and a criminal law teacher. Local leaders have endorsed his campaign as current Attorney General Dana Nessel faces term limits. MLive
- ➤ Portage residents face new dangers after last year’s tornado as damaged forests now risk wildfires and bring coyotes close, while the City Council has set aside $150,000 from disaster relief funds for tree replacement—350 trees will be planted this weekend with help from Tony the Tiger, Re-Leaf Michigan, Arbor Day Foundation and Kellogg’s. WKZO
- ➤ Kalamazoo County announced last night that all $3 million in state tornado relief funds have been dispersed to local agencies and townships to help victims and rebuild after the May 7 tornado — allocations include funds for 53 business claims and support from groups like the Community Foundation, United Way, and After the Storm. Local officials noted the long-term recovery will require additional support as efforts continue. WKZO
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A report by the Lown Institute showed that from 2020 to 2022, three out of every four nonprofit hospitals in Michigan received on average $605M more in tax breaks per year than they spent on community care. The report noted gaps in hospital investments—such as Bronson Methodist in Kalamazoo’s $40M shortfall—that may leave important health needs unaddressed. MLive
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Tim Washe led WMU hockey to its first national championship on April 13 and made his NHL debut on Tuesday for the Anaheim Ducks—he played over six minutes in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Minnesota Wild. MLive
- ➤ Western Michigan University's Dance Team won the 2025 D1 Jazz National Championships in Orlando by beating teams from Eastern and Central Michigan, Florida Gulf Coast, and South Alabama. Kalamazoo Valley Community College's Cougars reached the Final Four in Cedar Rapids and finished fourth in the tournament, marking the first national final appearance for the team. WKZO
- ➤ Western Michigan University is celebrating its 2025 NCAA Men’s Hockey National Championship with a pair of limited-edition bobbleheads that went on sale April 16th. Each bobblehead is one of 2,025 units and features either Buster Bronco or a championship logo, and they will ship in October. WWMT
- ➤ Chansey Willis Jr., who won Mr. Basketball in 2022, left WMU and transferred to Minnesota last week—he led his team by scoring 16.8 points per game and earned second team all-MAC honors. MLive
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Hometown Card Show
9 a.m.-3 p.m. — Wings Event Center — Admission details not specified — Explore collectible cards from local vendors and enthusiasts.
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Easter Brunch Celebration
10 a.m. - 3 p.m. — Brick and Brine — Menu reservations recommended — Delight in classic brunch favorites with a Brick + Brine twist this Easter.
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Shai-Li Concert
6 PM — The Clover Room — $10 — Enjoy a vibrant performance by The Situation and Shail-La.
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Neil deGrasse Tyson: Science in Movies
7:30-9 p.m. — Miller Auditorium — Check local listings for ticket prices — Explore the science behind your favorite films from Star Wars to The Martian.
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WizardCon 2025
9 a.m. - 7 p.m. — Four Points by Sheraton Kalamazoo — $55 for all three days — Experience the charm of tabletop gaming with limited attendance for an intimate weekend.
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USA Tae Kwon Do Championships 2025
9:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. — Parchment High School — Pre-registration required — Open martial arts tournament welcoming all ages and ranks with sparring and poomse events.
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Riverdance
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Miller Auditorium — Ticket info not provided — Experience a powerful reinvention of the iconic dance show with mesmerizing music and spectacular designs.
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Kalamazoo Rock, Gem & Mineral Show
2-8 p.m. — Kalamazoo County Expo Center — $5 adults, kids under 12 free — Explore one of Michigan's largest gem and mineral showcases featuring 50 vendors.
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2025 Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon
10 AM – 2 PM — Bronson Park — Check website for entry fees — Celebrate health and community during this exciting marathon weekend!
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WSDA Student Concert: Exploration of Emotions
1-4 p.m. — Wellspring/Cori Terry & Dancers — $15 — Celebrate the artistic expression of emotions through dance featuring students of all ages.
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
Energy and persistence conquer all things.
~ Benjamin Franklin
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