Good morning, Kalamazoo.

The Junior League of Kalamazoo launched the Dreamtime Closet project yesterday to supply bedding and pajamas to women and children at YWCA Kalamazoo (in partnership with Find the Good Day), with funding from local donations.

The initiative aims to provide essential comfort and dignity as they move forward.

Founders Johnny and Kelly Nguyen opened Hot Box next door to Nonla Burger on Sept.

11 at 1700 S. Drake Road, offering healthy Asian fusion bowls and unique dishes such as apple pie egg rolls, and the restaurant is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The Can Am Peace Jam will take place this Saturday from 1:00-11:00 p.m. along Water Street from north downtown to Edwards Street plus additional events in nearby Haymarket Plaza after the city closed Arcadia Creek Festival Place for environmental remediation.

269 Fest returns today through Sept.

27 in downtown Kalamazoo. The 10-day event will spotlight arts, innovation, and community events including Canadiana Fest, Startup Zoo PitchMI, and a second line parade — connecting local creativity with business partnerships.

High gas prices have led Michigan drivers to consider electric vehicles to lower fuel expenses — experts note that home charging costs nearly a third as much as gasoline, with EV registrations surging from 20,000 in 2022 to over 85,000 by June.

Improved charging infrastructure supports this growing trend.

Forbes ranked Kalamazoo College as Michigan’s top private college, naming it 181 overall and 48 among small colleges.

College officials said the ranking reflects strong graduation rates, alumni earnings + low student debt and highlights its personalized education and hands-on learning.

Over 230 athletes are competing in the National Solo Ice Dance Final at the Wings Event Center; the four-day contest hosted by the Greater Kalamazoo Skating Association finished its second day today and will wrap up tomorrow.

Kalamazoo sportswriter Matt Ehler cut more than a foot of hair and previewed his Week 4 football picks for today's 7 p.m. games at Schoolcraft, Kalamazoo Central, Edwardsburg, Sacred Heart and Mio; he noted a 5-0 featured pick record and an overall 18-3 season record.

The NCAA Oversight Committee said WMU should have won its season opener against Michigan after officials mistakenly added 0.4 seconds to the clock during a Hail Mary play & video replay errors led to a 13-12 final.

Scott Lacey, a visually impaired local athlete, became the first to swim around Mackinac Island on Aug.

9, completing an 8.2-mile course in over nine hours at Bronson Athletic Club (support provided by custom tether and nutrition services). He said his achievement challenges local views on disability and ability.