Good morning, Kalamazoo.

Kalamazoo firefighters battled a blaze at a metal warehouse on Fulford Street and Lay Avenue early this morning, arriving at 5:30 a.m. — they fought the fire for about an hour in hot, humid conditions that made the building like an oven, and while the interior is a total loss, no injuries were reported and the cause remains unknown.

On July 24th, storms swept through West Michigan, and lightning struck a vehicle near Fort Custer Recreation Area in Augusta while the driver escaped before the truck caught fire.

Flooding also affected streets in Kalamazoo—water quickly pooled as rain poured down.

Newell Brands said it will close its Kalamazoo design center at Parkview Campus and move it to its headquarters in Atlanta, with the shift set to finish by mid-2026 plus many employees will get transition help.

Gull Road Tavern, a historic bar from the 1930s at 5031 Gull Road in Comstock Township, reopened on June 30 after a 12-year closure and now sports a movie theme with film posters, themed drinks and hearty sandwiches.

Owners Mike and Roxann Tustin fixed it up to keep its old charm while adding modern features — it now welcomes locals with fresh flavors and updated hours.

Sounds of the Zoo festival will return from September 22 to 28 at several venues in Kalamazoo, offering 50 live performances in genres like jazz, hip-hop, folk, world music and soul and hosting free panels and workshops—this event will also feature a second-line parade downtown and U.S. premiere screenings of Kalamazoo Gals.

Data from the Michigan Department show that Kalamazoo County's unemployment rate was 5.7% in June—up from 5.3% in May—and it ranked 23rd among 83 counties.

Other Michigan labor markets saw rising unemployment as nonfarm employment increased statewide.

Two southwest Michigan school districts are asking voters on the August 4 ballot to approve funding for school improvements.

Mendon Community Schools seeks to continue an 18-mill tax to fund about $1.7 million in operating costs while Colon Community Schools wants a $14 million bond for a new athletic complex and safety upgrades—both measures aim to maintain current tax rates through 2035 and 2030 respectively.

Kalamazoo County Clerk and Register of Deeds Meredith Place announced the new Consumer E-Recording service that lets local residents securely submit eligible real estate documents remotely without traveling or mailing them.

The service costs $30 per document and a $20 transaction fee and requires basic information including a government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license or passport).

EPS Foam and Electronics Recycling Day

10 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Mayors Riverfront Park — Free entry — Drop off your EPS foam and electronics at this quarterly recycling event.

Tomas Esparza Blues Band – Oshtemo Music in the Park

6-7:30 p.m. — Flesher Field — Free entry — Enjoy Chicago Style Blues and raffle prizes in a scenic park setting.

Dokidokon 2025

July 28-30 — Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites Kalamazoo — Tickets from $10 — Celebrate anime, gaming, and fandom with a pirate theme at this vibrant community convention.

Parade of Homes Kalamazoo

6-7 p.m. — Home Builders Association — Ticket prices vary — Explore stunning homes and find inspiration for your next project.

Whack For Warmth Golf Outing Fundraiser

7 AM-4 PM — Cedar Creek Golf Course — All proceeds benefit heating assistance programs — Play for a cause at this engaging community golf outing.

Concerts in the Park

4-5 p.m. — Bronson Park — Free entry — Enjoy live summer music brought by the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo.

Festival Fridays: A Taste of Kalamazoo

6-10 p.m. — Arcadia Creek Festival Place — Free entry — Celebrate local food, music, and community at this vibrant summer festival series.

Dokidokon 2025

All day — Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites Kalamazoo — Tickets from $10 — Celebrate anime and gaming culture with panels, special guests, and a pirate theme.

Dokidokon 2025

Aug 10-12 — Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites Kalamazoo — Tickets from $10 — Dive into an anime and gaming convention with panels, concerts, and cosplay fun.

Read to Eleanor

3:30-5 p.m. — Kalamazoo Public Library - Central Library — Free — Spend quality time reading to a friendly therapy dog and take home a book.