Good morning, Kalamazoo.

Kalamazoo County earned national praise for having the most accessibility-verified locations among communities its size, as over 130 hotels, restaurants, museums, and entertainment venues underwent a detailed audit this year.

The work was led by Discover Kalamazoo with partners Disability Network Southwest Michigan and Wheel the World to guide future improvements through 2026.

Harding’s Friendly Markets at 102 Park Place in Dowagiac will close on Jan.

15 as the chain plans new store openings elsewhere. Mayor Patrick Bakeman said the change is a loss for the community (residents are encouraged to shop local).

Andy Pepper completed an 18-hour bell-ringing marathon on Thursday, Dec.

4 – raising over $11K for the Salvation Army and urging more volunteers. Sweetwater’s Donut Mill is selling a special Andy Pepper Hot Cocoa donut through the weekend as the campaign continues.

Residents are invited to the December to Remember holiday celebration at Bronson Park on Dec.

11 at 5:30 p.m. The event offers free hot chocolate, holiday bags for the first 300 guests, a chance to write letters to Santa, and Holly Trolley rides downtown (stopping at Santa’s Workshop).

Mobile betting now gives players a chance to bet from anywhere and has transformed gambling in Michigan—local venues like Gun Lake in Wayland are updating their experience while regulators work to clamp down on unlicensed apps.

WMU’s Board of Trustees approved new housing and dining rates for the academic year starting Fall 2026.

The changes include updated rates for Golden Oaks, a new residence hall expected to house nearly 1,000 first-year students, along with adjustments for other residence halls on campus.

Tonight, if lake effect clouds let up, Kalamazoo residents will see the fourth supermoon of the year when it becomes full at 6:14 p.m. in the eastern sky — the Cold Moon is set to shine into Friday morning.

A new poll shows a close race in the 4th Congressional District, with Congressman Huizenga leading 44% to state Senator McCann’s 42% while Huizenga, in his eighth term, has not yet announced plans for 2026 and McCann faces primary opponents.

Permanent guardrails now secure US-131 bridges after temporary lane closures on Wednesday and Thursday, MDOT confirmed.

Work on KL Avenue continues (until at least June) to rebuild the roadway and update underground infrastructure as part of the $24 million project.

Bronson Health and United Healthcare reached a deal to extend in-network coverage through January 2026 using ongoing negotiations as about 30,000 UHC customers had been notified that Bronson would become out-of-network in December if no agreement was made.

The Broncos earned MAC awards including Coach of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year (coach Lance Taylor and defensive end Nadame Tucker) as they prepare for the MAC Championship at Ford Field on Saturday against Miami University; the team holds a 7-1 MAC record.

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.

A Very Kalamazoo Christmas

2-8 p.m. — Farmers Alley Theatre — Ticket prices vary — A holiday rom-com parody that delivers laughs and local humor just in time for the festive season.

Kalamazoo Wings vs. Bloomington Bison

5-8:30 p.m. — Wings Event Center — $9 tickets — Enjoy the first 269 Night with $2 beers and win a free ticket if the K-Wings win!

Libby York Jazz Show

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Crawlspace Comedy Theatre — $20 Adult / $10 Student — Enjoy an enchanting evening with acclaimed jazz vocalist Libby York and her talented ensemble.

Christmas Cabaret

7-9 p.m. — The Barn Theatre School — Ticket prices vary — Experience a heartwarming celebration of music and holiday cheer with festive favorites and complimentary refreshments.

Christmas Craft Show

9 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Kalamazoo County Expo Center — Free entry — Explore local crafts and holiday spirit in a festive setting.

A Christmas Carol

2-4 p.m. — The New Vic Theatre — Ticket prices may apply — Experience the timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge in this annual holiday production.

Christmas Cabaret 2025

7-9 p.m. — The Barn Theatre School — Tickets required — Experience the joy of the season with festive music and complimentary refreshments in a holiday celebration.

A Christmas Carol

8-10 p.m. — New Vic Theatre — Check website for tickets — Experience the magic of Dickens' timeless holiday tale in an enchanting annual production.

Christmas Cabaret

7 p.m. — The Barn Theatre School — Cost varies — Experience a heartwarming celebration of music and holiday cheer with a talented cast performing festive favorites.