Good morning, Kalamazoo.

Maliha Raza came to Kalamazoo in 2008 from India and now works with Kalamazoo Housing Advocates to help people get a safe place to live — she raised the organization’s budget and works with local groups to give early support so families can stay together.

Police investigated the fatal shooting of 27 year old security guard Montine Wiley that occurred during an altercation outside Green Door Distilling—charging two local men for the crime.

Other incidents include a gas station crash on March 19 that injured several people, a house fire on East Shore Drive that caused $1 million in damages, a fatal single vehicle crash in Richland Township, federal sentencing in drug trafficking cases, and the Broncos returning home after winning the Frozen Four title.

City officials in Kalamazoo have worked to grow the urban tree canopy over the past five years by planting 300 to 500 trees each year and trimming older ones to remove damage—using a tree committee and a full-time arborist to guide the work.

City crews and contractors today are replacing dead or diseased trees with Silver Maple and Ash trees to keep the city’s trees healthy.

Tom Duffield, 75, who once protested the Vietnam War, joined over 200 Kalamazoo residents at the Economic Blackout Day protest on April 18 to demand local accountability and a boycott of big companies.

He said the current political climate is like a room full of carbon monoxide—warning that weak community leadership harms local interests.

Shai-Li Concert

6 PM — The Clover Room — $10 — Enjoy a vibrant performance by The Situation and Shail-La.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

2025 Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon

10 AM – 2 PM — Bronson Park — Check website for entry fees — Celebrate health and community during this exciting marathon weekend!

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.

Charlie's PLACE Annual Mother and Son Dance

6-9 p.m. — Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites Kalamazoo — $70 for couple ticket — A night of dinner and dancing for mothers and their sons to create unforgettable memories.

Sesame Street Live!

2-3:30 p.m. — Miller Auditorium — Cost info not provided — Enjoy a fun-filled show with Elmo, Cookie Monster, and more in an interactive experience for the whole family.