Daily
Kalamazoo
Friday, November 21st, 2025
Good morning, Kalamazoo. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 21st of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ A list of Thanksgiving meal events across West Michigan provides key details on free dinners and food giveaways at community centers, churches and food distributions in counties including Allegan, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, Kent, Muskegon, Newaygo and Van Buren — with some meals having occurred on November 20, others scheduled for today and later in the week. The list gives addresses, serving times and donation guidelines to help residents secure a holiday meal. WWMT
- ➤ News Channel 3 is urging West Michigan residents to donate nonperishable food items to local food banks to help families facing hunger this holiday season. The list spans several counties and gives contact details and hours for each donation site. WWMT
- ➤ Elected women on the Portage city council, Kalamazoo County commission, and Kalamazoo Public Schools board organized a drive to raise about $10,000 to feed 200 families this Thanksgiving amid local food insecurity. County commissioners Monteze Morales and Tami Rey said they are accepting online financial donations and volunteer support—ensuring no family goes without a meal. WKZO
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has accused Five Below of price-gouging at nearly 20 stores on 30 separate occasions since June 5 for charging more than the displayed price. Five Below must meet with Nessel's office by Dec. 15 to secure voluntary compliance—failure to do so may result in litigation and civil fines. MLive
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Kalamazoo Public Schools board is holding its bi-monthly business meeting at Edison Academy tonight at 7 p.m. as part of its plan to hold meetings in neighborhood schools (Superintendent Darrin Slade said the change is meant to make the sessions more accessible). WKZO
- ➤ Western Michigan University received a $1.2M federal grant to launch Project SHINE—a five-year program offering 20 scholarships for students in early childhood special education. The program, a collaboration between the College of Education and Human Development and the College of Arts and Sciences, will begin in summer 2026. WWMT
- ➤ Birth rates in the region have dropped over the past decade, with Kalamazoo County seeing births fall from nearly 3200 to just over 2500 and local school districts noting fewer young children enrolling. Experts and superintendents warn that the decline may bring staffing challenges and a shrinking workforce—concerns that could strain district budgets and social support systems. WWMT
- ➤ Dr. Joseph Adrian Tyndall will become the new dean, president, and CEO of WMed on March 1, 2026 as he leaves his role at Morehouse School of Medicine (where he served as executive vice president for health services) to replace the previous dean. His appointment follows a national search after interim dean Dr. Robert Sawyer led the school since February 2024. WKZO
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ EGLE awarded nearly $3M in grants on November 20 to reduce water pollution from nonpoint sources in Michigan. The funds will support repairs for septic systems, stream crossing fixes, improved livestock practices, and conservation easements to protect local waterways — including awards to the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy and Barry Conservation District. WWMT
- ➤ The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has released a new guide to help homeowners and local planners choose tree species that thrive in managed landscapes. The guide rates trees (noting details like mature height, shape and colors) to support informed planting decisions and avoid relying on a single species. MLive
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ The city of Kalamazoo announced that an old warehouse at 619 Porter Street will soon be rebuilt into a five-story mixed-use building with 58 homes and 5,000 square feet of commercial space—part of a $100-million brownfield project led by PlazaCorp. The plan also calls for converting the Speareflex building at 261 East Kalamazoo Avenue into 57 rental homes and repurposing the former Michigan Avenue Courthouse into a 127-room boutique hotel. WKZO
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The Nutcracker
2-3:30 p.m. — Miller Auditorium — $25-$50 — Experience Clara's enchanting adventures through Tchaikovsky’s beloved music and breathtaking choreography.
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A Very Kalamazoo Christmas
2-5 p.m. — Farmers Alley Theatre — Tickets available — Enjoy a hilarious holiday rom-com parody featuring local charm and wit.
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Kalamazoo Wings vs. Fort Wayne Komets
5-8 p.m. — Wings Event Center — Free LED bracelet — Celebrate Wicked Night with a magical hockey experience featuring a painted ice theme.
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KAR Turkey Trot Time Prediction Run
2-3 p.m. — Portage, MI — Family-friendly event — Celebrate Thanksgiving with a fun time-prediction run for all ages.
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A Very Kalamazoo Christmas
7:30 p.m. — Farmers Alley Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a satirical holiday comedy that blends local humor with festive cheer.
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Jerico Faire
11 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Jerico — Free entry — Celebrate local artistry with handmade goods and unique creations from Michigan's makers.
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A Very Kalamazoo Christmas
2:00 – 3:30 PM — Farmers Alley Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a satirical holiday rom-com that brings local humor and charm to the stage.
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A Christmas Carol
8-10 p.m. — The New Vic Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience Dickens’ warm tale of redemption and the spirit of Christmas this holiday season.
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A Very Kalamazoo Christmas
Dec 5, 7:30 p.m. — Farmers Alley Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a festive comedic take on holiday rom-coms with local charm and humor.
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A Carpenters' Christmas Concert
7:30-9 p.m. — Miller Auditorium — $46.56 — Celebrate the season with a tribute concert featuring the beloved Christmas songs of the Carpenters.
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