Daily
Kalamazoo
Tuesday, September 16th, 2025
Good morning, Kalamazoo. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 16th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Turning Point USA held a vigil at W Plaza on WMU’s campus on Sunday to honor murdered political activist Charlie Kirk, where hundreds gathered with candles and shared how his message of freedom touched their lives—each saying it strengthened their own resolve. WWMT
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Burdick's Bar & Grill in downtown Kalamazoo is set to reopen Tuesday, Sept. 23 after a months-long renovation—now offering 348 seats, two private dining rooms, four duckpin bowling lanes, and a giant TV above the bar. The restaurant inside Radisson Plaza Hotel has refreshed its menu with stone-fired pizzas, signature smash burgers, and handcrafted panuozzos, with reservations available later this week. WWMT
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Michigan’s average gas price is now $3.05—down 13 cents this week. Prices range from $2.87 in Grand Rapids to $3.19 in Ann Arbor, with Kalamazoo County recording $3.01. WKZO
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Air Zoo in Kalamazoo will launch its Making Space in Michigan project using an $819,200 grant from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. The program will offer new aerospace exhibits, teacher resources and career programs that boost STEAM education—supporting future workforce development. WKZO
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ West Main Street in Kalamazoo reopened Monday, September 15 after months of construction that added a westbound lane, rebuilt the Maple Hill Drive intersection, upgraded storm water drainage, and improved sidewalks. MDOT said a few finishing touches—such as putting up signage and cleaning up areas—will be completed in the next few weeks. WWMT
- ➤ Kalamazoo County commissioners plan to reallocate leftover funds for weather emergencies today—$400,000 in unspent COVID-19 money for winter shelter and $27,000 in unused state funds originally set for tornado cleanup may be used to create an emergency weather fund. WKZO
- ➤ Tonight, Kalamazoo city commissioners will vote to use a special COVID-19 funding source to demolish the former state Health and Human Services building at 322 Stockbridge for a new affordable housing project in Milwood—costing $255,000 after paperwork delays. WKZO
- ➤ Kalamazoo saw its traffic crashes hit the lowest numbers in years through the first seven months, with city officials crediting the Streets for All initiative—adding bike lanes, roundabouts and improved crossings—with slower traffic. City leaders said they plan more projects in the coming months to further reduce speeds and work toward zero unnecessary fatalities. WWMT
- ➤ Kalamazoo County will release its proposed 2026 budget this week and the board will meet tomorrow to set the public hearing date and consider a resolution opposing the state plan that cuts county revenue sharing by 34 million and restricts funds for sheriff departments. County Administrator Kevin Catlin noted the Senate proposal would boost revenue sharing by 29 million and add 60 million for sheriff departments while board chair Jen Strebs urged residents to contact lawmakers. WKZO
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Michigan jails are filling up with people who have mental health issues because the state closed psychiatric hospitals 25 years ago and now many slip through the cracks—sheriffs report inmates sometimes stay for up to three months while waiting for a bed as budget cuts loom. WWMT
- ➤ Planned Parenthood of Michigan will no longer accept Medicaid after a U.S. Court of Appeals ruling blocked over one million patients from using Medicaid at their centers—PPMI will cover the costs of scheduled appointments through September 22 to protect care. WKZO
- ➤ Health officials in Kalamazoo County confirmed the first human West Nile virus case this year — marking the 18th case in Michigan. They urged residents to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves during peak mosquito hours. MLive
- ➤ Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services confirmed Monday the first human case of West Nile Virus this year, the eighteenth case reported statewide—health officials reminded residents to protect themselves by using EPA-approved insect repellent and wearing long sleeves during peak mosquito hours. WWMT
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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.
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Book Fair Fundraiser
9 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Bookbug & This is a Bookstore — Mention Gryphon Place and support local programs while browsing books.
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CanAm Peace Jam at Canadiana Fest 2025
4-10 p.m. — Discover Kalamazoo — Enjoy poutine and celebrate Canadian culture with music and a kitchen party.
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Dokidokon 2025
September 21-23 — Radisson Plaza Hotel at Kalamazoo Center — Tickets range from $10 to $180 — Join an exciting anime and gaming convention with diverse events and a pirate theme.
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QPR Crisis Response Training
2-4 p.m. — YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo — Free entry — Learn essential skills to help prevent suicide and assist those in crisis.
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Kalamazoo Oktoberfest 2025
4-10 p.m. — Harvey's on the Mall — Ticket required — Celebrate Oktoberfest with drinks, food, live music and an exciting bar crawl experience.
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Goh Kurosawa Performance
2:30-4:30 p.m. — Bronson Park — Free entry — Enjoy a captivating concert featuring original songs and global melodies from musician Goh Kurosawa.
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Swan Lake Performance
7:00-8:30 p.m. — Miller Auditorium — Varied pricing — Experience the timeless and majestic beauty of ballet in this breathtaking production of Swan Lake.
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Dokidokon 2025
Daytime — Radisson Plaza Hotel at Kalamazoo Center — Tickets from $10 to $180 — Dive into a world of anime and gaming at Kalamazoo's beloved convention.
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Dokidokon 2025
All day — Radisson Plaza Hotel at Kalamazoo Center — Tickets from $10 to $180 — Dive into a weekend of anime and gaming fun with panels, workshops, and cosplay gatherings.
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