Good morning, Kalamazoo.

Michigan State Police data shows that roadway fatalities dropped 3% in 2025 to 1,065 from 1,099 last year, while total crashes statewide in Kalamazoo and nearby areas edged up to 290,221.

Traffic safety improvements include fewer distracted, drug-involved and teen deaths even as cyclist, pedestrian and commercial driver fatalities rose.

The Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners hosted its annual Red Barns Spectacular on Aug.

1, with over 1,000 vehicles displayed for car enthusiasts. The event, organized by the Kalamazoo Antique Auto Restorers Club, featured both judge + driver's choice car shows.

The School Board extended Superintendent Slade's contract for one more year after an excellent evaluation, keeping him as head until 2031.

District leaders are focusing on boosting enrollment at Saturday’s Northside Day event at LaCrone Park.

A new study shows lake sturgeon in the Great Lakes may live up to 427 years, far longer than once thought.

Researchers used decades of catch-and-release data to boost protections + local hatcheries along the Kalamazoo River work to support these slow-growing fish.

Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners approved a one-year plan that adds a $200 monthly co-pay on GLP-1 drugs used for weight management while keeping subsidies for diabetes prescriptions; officials say the move will help control rising costs + buy time to explore lower-cost options.

Michigan health officials said that on Aug.

6, 12,485 cyclosporiasis cases were recorded, including 279 hospitalizations and two deaths (patients had underlying health conditions), and they advised residents to resume eating lettuce while avoiding recalled products.

WMU football unveiled a renovated weight room at Bill Brown Football Alumni Center in Kalamazoo on Wednesday, Aug.

5. The upgrade, funded by a $2.5 million gift from local donors, enhanced training facilities and boosted team culture under strength coach André Bernardi.

Dead Letter Fest 2026

4-11:45 p.m. — Old Dog Tavern — Expected capacity 500 — Celebrate alternative music and DIY culture at a vibrant festival connecting artists and audiences.