Daily
Kalamazoo
Friday, April 18th, 2025
Good morning, Kalamazoo. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 18th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Kalamazoo’s Open Roads Bike Program will work from its current Riverview Drive spot until May 22—then move in July to the former KalBlue site on East Vine Street with help from the Kalamazoo Community Foundation and a loan from its Impact Investment Team to expand its workshop, classroom, retail, and office areas. Officials say the new space will host programs like Earn-a-Bike, Fixapalooza, and youth STEM initiatives to better serve the community. WWMT
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ On March 19, an SUV crashed into a Kalamazoo gas station at 3908 S. Westnedge Ave, injuring seven people—two were treated and released while one remains in rehabilitation—as police continue to investigate after the driver, who blew .000% on a preliminary breath test, was detained. MLive
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Shawarma King on Drake Road reopened Monday, April 14 after being closed for three months following a burst pipe that caused $800K in losses. Owner Nidal Awad is still waiting on full insurance payouts—ongoing expenses and reduced income mean the recovery will take time. MLive
- ➤ After WMU hockey won a national championship, officials announced that a new downtown arena will cost $515 million—an increase of $215 million from the original estimate—and will host hockey, basketball, Wings games and concerts on a four-block site that has mostly been unused. City staff said permits will not be issued until federal approval for work along Arcadia Creek is received, and construction is set to begin in the near future. MLive
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Green Door Distilling in Kalamazoo said the event on Saturday night—organized for WMU's Black Student Union but promoted as a house crawl—grew larger than expected and after police were called, security guard Montine Wiley, Jr. was shot and killed. WKZO
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Inspectah Deck from Wu-Tang Clan is set to headline the Secret Garden Festival at Thunderbird on April 19. The 4/20 themed event will feature local and regional hip-hop artists and a 21-and-up outdoor garden lounge where attendees must show ID for entry. MLive
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Kalamazoo Public Schools will hold an artificial intelligence meeting on Monday at 6 p.m. in the media center at Linden Grove Middle School—located at 4241 Arboretum Parkway—to give parents a basic overview of AI and share practical tips while providing food. WKZO
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ On Wednesday, all-state senior Mario Moralez led Kalamazoo Christian to a 3-2 win over Hackett by hitting a walk-off double in extra innings—he also pitched over six innings with eight strikeouts to keep the game close. His effort helped the team overcome an early setback and set the stage for a strong comeback. 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
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Kalamazoo
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