Daily
Kalamazoo
Tuesday, April 21st, 2026
Good morning, Kalamazoo. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 21st of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Portage replaced a maple tree lost in a tornado with a new one during an early Arbor Day celebration, showing its commitment to restoring green spaces in the community. WWMT
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ 7-Eleven submitted a site plan for a new Speedway gas station at Gull Road and Riverview Drive to replace the closed Walgreens at 918 Riverview Drive. The 63,000 sqft building with 22 parking spots is under review on April 22. MLive
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Gas prices in Michigan dropped 15¢ per gallon from last week, with the average now at $3.83. Benton Harbor has the highest price at $3.92 while Flint offers the lowest at $3.69 (Kalamazoo County is at $3.91). WKZO
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Jericho Foundation created a local documentary that follows Bosnian students who received scholarships and internships in Kalamazoo. Filming wrapped this weekend and the film, Diaries of the Lost and Found — which chronicles their academic journeys — will show at local and European festivals when a release date is set. WWMT
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ After a large fire at Kalamazoo Metal Recyclers Inc. on March 9, the Environmental Concerns Committee asked commissioners to provide a full report on air quality and water testing at Monday's City Commission meeting (7 p.m.), aiming to address ongoing community safety concerns. This request highlights the need for improved environmental monitoring. WWMT
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The water levels in the Kalamazoo River and Portage Creek are expected to drop this week as city officials address recent flooding effects and offer free sandbags while urging residents to check for water intrusion + report any flooding online. WWMT
- ➤ Kalamazoo’s Environmental Concerns Committee asked the city commission to order a report on a junkyard fire at Kalamazoo Metal Recyclers on 1525 Lake Street that used one million gallons of water and may have released hazardous pollutants into air and water. Commissioners will review the request this evening to decide on further monitoring plans. WKZO
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The Davies Project—a Lansing-based nonprofit—will soon launch free rides in Kalamazoo for children needing medical care, expectant mothers, and families with infants in intensive care as volunteer drivers transport patients to essential appointments; locals can sign up with flexible commitment. MLive
- ➤ Emergency Veterinary Care Centers reported an increase in THC-related pet ER visits on April 20 due to warmer weather that led to more outdoor exposures; Dr. Jodell Walker advised pet owners to monitor their animals for signs of toxicity and to secure marijuana products. WWMT
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ MLive and the Gazette launched the Athlete of the Week poll for local spring sports featuring 42 candidates, and voters can cast their vote multiple times until 9 a.m. on Friday, Apr. 24. Residents may also email nominations for future contests. MLive
- ➤ Portage Central’s all-time scoring king Ben Johnson announced his commitment to Western Michigan, pledging to join the Broncos under head coach Kahil Fennell (a key figure in the school’s recent turnaround) as the revamped roster welcomes several transfers (including Grand Rapids native Ramere Draper). MLive
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Good Night, Oscar
7:30-9:45 p.m. — Farmers Alley Theatre — Ticket prices range from $20-$52 — Experience the witty and poignant tale of Oscar Levant on a late-night talk show in the 1950s.
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Zeigler Kalamazoo Marathon 2026
7 a.m. - 2 p.m. — Bronson Park — Registration required — Celebrate health and community at the annual marathon in Kalamazoo.
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2026 Kalamazoo Rock, Mineral, Gem, and Fossil Show
2-8 p.m. — Kalamazoo County Expo Center — $5 adults, kids under 12 free — Explore one of Michigan's largest showcase of minerals, gems, and jewelry from 50 vendors.
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Future Islands Concert
Time unknown — Bell's Beer Garden — Ticket prices vary — Experience the energetic sound of Future Islands alongside Open Mike Eagle in a lively setting.
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Emmy Kastner Book Release Event
5-6 p.m. — Bookbug & this is a bookstore — Free entry — Celebrate the release of a delightful picture book filled with ice cream and laughter.
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38th Annual Vicksburg Hearty Hustle (5K)
1-3 p.m. — 501 E Hwy St, Vicksburg, MI — Registration fee required — Celebrate fitness and community at this beloved annual 5K walk/run event.
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Connections Recovery Support Group
5:30-7 p.m. — Kalamazoo Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Connect with others on the recovery journey for peer support in mental health.
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
Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Kalamazoo
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