Saturday, April 26th, 2025
Good morning, Kalamazoo. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 26th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ A carnival is entertaining visitors outside The Crossroads mall from April 24 through May 4 with 18 rides and four food stands offering treats like corn dogs and funnel cakes—ride wristbands cost $27 on weekdays and $32 on weekends. MLive
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Liborio Valdez began his murder trial in Kalamazoo for the killing of 24-year-old Kavonta Martin and the theft of his car on April 4 at Westchester Woods Apartments—prosecutors presented forensic evidence including burned vehicle items, DNA from a steering wheel, and a bullet from the victim. MLive
- ➤ Two people were arrested in Charleston Township after a fight led to shots fired into a vehicle at around 1 p.m. Wednesday near North 36th Street and East HJ Avenue — one was charged with felonious assault while the other was taken in for outstanding warrants — and both were treated by EMS at the scene. WKZO
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Kalamazoo Public Schools is praised for its Promising Progressive Career Pathways Plan that builds career skills from elementary through high school. The system received $100,000 for an apprenticeship program with The Promise and Kalamazoo Valley Community College—supporting its effort—and will present its work at a national conference next week. WKZO
- ➤ Western Michigan University holds four commencement ceremonies today at Miller Auditorium and online with events at 9 a.m., noon, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. President Ed Montgomery leads the ceremonies—another is scheduled for June 28th. WKZO
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Governor Whitmer announced the Michigan Home Energy Rebates Program that offers households rebates for home energy efficiency and electrification upgrades. Administered by EGLE, the program provides up to $34,000 in rebates—$20,000 for efficiency and $14,000 for electric appliance upgrades—and targets up to 15,000 households with incomes at or below 80% of the county median, with $211 million in federal funding expected to cut energy bills and support over 50,000 jobs. WWMT
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Hampton Slukynsky, the freshman goaltender who helped WMU win its first national title, was named to Team USA’s roster for the IIHL Men’s World Championships. He will play in Stockholm and Herning from May 9-25—making him the only college player on the team. MLive
- ➤ Kalamazoo-area girls soccer teams are off to a strong start in the 2025 season as the first power rankings recognize Portage Central, Gull Lake, Otsego and Kalamazoo Christian. The rankings follow key wins and impressive district final victories—highlighting growing competition—while teams prepare for important matchups in the coming weeks. MLive
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Ain't Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations
May 13-15 — Miller Auditorium — ASL interpreted performance available — Experience the electrifying journey of The Temptations from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
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Kalamazoo Future Forward Career and Resource Expo
12-4 p.m. — Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites Kalamazoo — Free entry — Connect with top employers and explore new career paths at this resource-filled expo.
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Founders Brewing Dinner Pairing
6:30-9 p.m. — The Backyard of Kalamazoo — Ticketed event — Enjoy a delightful pairing of craft beers and gourmet cuisine inspired by Michigan flavors.
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Girls Night - The Musical
7:30-9 p.m. — Miller Auditorium — Tickets required — Experience a hilarious journey of friendship through 80s and 90s hits in this acclaimed musical.
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