Good morning, Kalamazoo.

The Palisades Nuclear Plant in Covert Township has moved from decommissioning to operations status after approval by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission—this change allows the plant to receive nuclear fuel once necessary repair and safety work is completed.

Officials say it will soon produce over 800 megawatts to power local homes and businesses.

Kalamazoo County Commissioner Tami Rey accepted a plea deal on August 26 for a domestic violence charge after hitting the father of her child during a custody transfer on May 23; she received 12 months of probation and a deferred nine-day jail sentence that will remove the charge from her record if she completes probation — she admitted her actions in court.

A male driver crashed his car into a metal pole on Southeast 44th Street near Kalamazoo Avenue around 2:42 a.m. Sunday and died at the scene as the Kentwood Police Department continues its investigation into possible factors such as drugs or alcohol.

MLive Gazette captured 65 photos from the 13th Kalamazoo Balloon Fest held at Gull Meadow Farms in Richland from August 22 until August 24—photos that show hot air balloons reaching 1,000 feet and night glows that fascinated hundreds of onlookers.

Portage Public Schools opened two new elementary schools where architects replaced hallways with shared learning commons—teachers work in flexible spaces that boost collaboration and save room.

The buildings opened on August 25 under a $175 million bond to modernize the learning environment.

Officials detected an invasive purple jewelweed plant in Frays Park that grows quickly and outcompetes native species—its rapid seed production may increase erosion and reduce pollinator interest in local plants.

Kalamazoo County Veterans Services has seen only about 3,500 of the over 12,000 local veterans use available benefits—county leaders are urging more veterans to access healthcare, housing, food vouchers, and transportation assistance.

The county will host a Veterans Stand Down on Oct. 7 at the County Expo Center to help veterans connect with the services they have earned.

Portage pulled its $500K pledge for a new family homeless shelter at the former Country Inn & Suites hotel at 1912 E.

Kilgore Service Rd. — the move conflicted with plans for a nearby Residence Inn and halted a $24 million hotel project, officials said.

Family Storytime at Oshtemo Library

10:30-11:00 a.m. — Kalamazoo Public Library - Oshtemo Branch — Free — Enjoy a delightful half hour of books, songs, stories, and interactive playtime for families.

Dokidokon 2025

All day — Radisson Plaza Hotel & Suites Kalamazoo — Tickets start at $10 — Celebrate anime, gaming, and cosplay with a heart at a pirate-themed convention.

Brush the Block Mural Festival

10 a.m. — Discover Kalamazoo — Free entry — Celebrate creativity as artists transform the city with stunning murals over six days.

Dokidokon 2025

All day — Radisson Plaza Hotel at Kalamazoo Center — Tickets from $10 to $180 — Celebrate all things anime and gaming with a heartwarming community atmosphere and pirate theme.

SlideDayz at the Zoo

12 PM – 8 PM — Kalamazoo Speedway Inc — Free venue parking — Experience a thrilling combo of drifting and live music in a family-friendly atmosphere.

Kalamazoo Scottish Festival

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Kindleberger Park — Free entry — Celebrate everything Scottish with music, food, games, and Highland competitions.

Lego Club for Kids

3-5 p.m. — Kalamazoo Public Library - Central Library — Free event — Create unique Lego designs weekly in the children's area.

Dokidokon 2025

Various times — Radisson Plaza Hotel at Kalamazoo Center — Tickets from $10 — Celebrate anime, gaming, and fandom with panels, concerts, and cosplay gatherings at this annual convention.

Festival Fridays: A Taste of Kalamazoo

6-10 p.m. — Arcadia Creek Festival Place — Free entry — Celebrate local culture with food vendors and live entertainment every Friday this September.

Weird Al Yankovic: BIGGER & WEIRDER Tour

7:30-9 p.m. — Miller Auditorium — Ticket prices vary — Experience the legendary comedic rock of Weird Al with special guest Puddles Pity Party in a full-production multimedia show.