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Hello Kalamazoo! Hope your coffee’s especially good this morning.

In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: WMU’s $6 million campus pivot, record-low infant mortality, and pirates battle for a pageant crown + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.

Heads up for pet parents: An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.*

📰 In the news

Behind a strategic campus pivot: On March 10, WMU’s Board of Trustees approved a $6 million purchase of the Newell Rubbermaid building. The 62,000-square-foot space will consolidate operations from aging buildings and curb maintenance costs — see what’s behind the move.

Literacy support beyond classrooms: Kalamazoo Public Schools will expand its summer reading program to all elementary students after the board approved more than $100,000 for take-home books in bags, aiming to curb learning loss — get all the details.

Community-led birth equity strides: Kalamazoo County achieved record-low infant mortality from 2022 to 2024, including the state’s lowest Black infant rate. Community partners aim to reduce the overall rate even more by 2030 — see the numbers and goals.

Gold just hit record highs. What about your savings? While traditional IRAs have been treading water against inflation, gold has gained over 50% in three years. That gap is why more retirees are rolling a portion of their savings into gold IRAs (the kind that hold physical metal). We compared the top five options and broke down who they’re best for. Check it out here →

Paying hundreds of dollars a month for car insurance? Switching providers could save you up to $600 a year, and shopping around is way faster than it used to be – free comparison tools like this one make it easy.*

Highlights this week:

• Create a fused glass birdbath
• Watch pirates battle for pageant crown
• Help launch Adventure Team Kalamazoo
• Unlock clinical-level wellness data from home*

💎 Local business spotlight

Where to catch a set: Bell’s Eccentric Cafe keeps the Back Room humming with touring artists and local favorites, plus fresh pours when you want to make a night of it. If your week needs a little volume, pencil in a set and call it self-care.

Fresh art fix: The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts always has something new on the walls—from community spotlights like the West Michigan Area Show to quirky headliners—so if you haven’t wandered the galleries lately, consider this your nudge to pop in and refill the creative tank. (kiarts.org)

Sip-worthy home ritual: If your mug could use an upgrade, Spice & Tea Merchants has shelves of loose leaf options (plus teaware) to dial in your daily brew—from cozy breakfast blends to fruit-forward sippers. Stop in this week and treat future-you to something you’ll actually look forward to.

These aren’t ads or sponsored placements, just some cool nearby spots we think are worth a visit.

🫶 We got your back

Makeup that actually works: My sister and I were talking the other day about how the makeup we used in our 20s… just doesn’t work now that we’re in our 30s and 40s. Laura Geller’s entire makeup line addresses this shift, with formulas that smooth, brighten, and actually stay put. If you’re in the same boat, *their curated kits are worth a look →

Own a piece of Apple for less than a coffee: Every time you buy something from Amazon or Starbucks, you’re putting money in their pocket. Fractional shares flip that: you can own a slice of those companies for as little as a dollar. Most investing apps make it incredibly easy, with zero commissions and no account minimums. See which ones we recommend →

Mom says she’s fine. You’re not so sure: “What if something happens when you’re home alone?” You’ve asked a hundred times, but the outcome’s always the same. I don’t need that. Life Alert’s for old people. The real struggle isn’t finding a medical alert system that’ll work… it’s finding one she won’t fight you on. We looked into five options designed to settle the standoff, from smartwatches to systems with nothing to wear at all. See which ones stood out →

Thinning hair? Your shampoo was never going to fix it: I’ve spent an embarrassing amount of money on hair-loss products, biotin, masks, sprays, you name it. Not one of them lasted. Turns out, most things target the strand, not the follicle (where thinning actually happens). Dermatologists have been prescribing treatments that work for years, but there are now plenty of options available with no office visits required. See our top picks for men and women →

Strangers can buy your personal data for $0.50: Data brokers sell your name, home address, phone number, estimated income, and other personal info to anyone willing to pay. Scammers and identity thieves use these databases to take advantage of you. There are dozens of affordable services that can help you protect yourself. These three are our favorites →

📆 Fun for the whole fam

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

☘ Shamrock Showdown – St. Patrick’s Buddy Days @ Championship Martial Arts Portage | Wednesday (3/18) at 5:00 PM – Let the kids burn off their Lucky Charms at Championship Martial Arts Portage with a free St. Paddy’s buddy class. Ages 4-14 get drills, themed games, candy, and confidence, wear green, parents register the buddy, and you get a few blessed minutes of quiet.

🐰 Hoppy Easter Treats @ The Candy Lady (Portage) | Thursday (3/19) at 7:00 PM – If your Easter prep is peeling foil off mini eggs, upgrade to a chocolate workshop where you’ll mold bunnies, craft fillings, and go wild with sprinkles. No experience required, just a sweet tooth. Bring the kids, then pretend the treats are for them.

🛍 Spring Mom2Mom Sale @ Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan | Saturday (3/21) at 8:00 AM – Skip the online bidding wars, the Mom2Mom sale at First Reformed Church of Portage has neighbors, real deals, and aisles you can navigate. Score gently used kid gear, a bake sale, and giveaways while supporting iStroll Kalamazoo. Sellers, claim a space before they disappear.

🦆 Duck Day @ Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery | Saturday (3/21) at 8:00 AM – Duck Day is gliding in with a free, dip-your-toes birding session at one of SW Michigan’s prime waterfowl hangouts. Expect serene views, curious quacks, and a little learning that goes down easy. Bring binoculars, leave the bread, and call it quality time.

🏺 Kalamazoo Living History Show 2026 @ Kalamazoo County Expo Center | Saturday (3/21) at 9:00 AM – Think you know your matchlocks from your moccasins? The 49th Kalamazoo Living History Show brings 200-plus pre-1890 artisans, craft demos, Native American dancing and singing, and, yes, an army of history buffs. It is nerdy in the best way, family friendly, and unmistakably Kzoo.

🥚 Learn to Make Pysanky Eggs! @ Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church | Saturday (3/21) at 10:00 AM – Skip the supermarket dye kits and try your hand at pysanky, the old-school Ukrainian way. No experience needed, just a steady-ish hand, a candle, and the patience you swore you had. Kids can join, with parents close enough to intercept any wax adventures.

🎴 Pokemon TCG: Prerelease – “Perfect Order” @ Odyssey Games | Sunday (3/22) at 3:30 PM – Chasing perfection the sensible way, this prerelease drops Mega Evolutions, Pokemon ZA, and sealed-build shenanigans. Pay $30, crack a Build & Battle kit, play three newcomer-friendly rounds with prizes for showing up, winning, or giving it a go. Low stress, high nostalgia, bring friends.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Kalamazoo report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 38°F – Low: 31°F – Precip: 47%

A chance of snow showers before 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 38. South wind 6 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible. Later: A chance of rain showers after 2am. Mostly cloudy. Low around 31, with temperatures rising to around 34 overnight. South southwest wind 3 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

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Tomorrow – High: 47°F – Low: 33°F – Precip: 55%

Rain showers likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 47. Southwest wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Later: A slight chance of rain showers before 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33. Northeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

This house is wild

This sprawling all-brick ranch walkout sits on a beautifully treed 3/4-acre fenced lot in a coveted neighborhood. Two private main-floor ensuites at opposite ends deliver privacy and multi-gen flexibility. ADA features include a ramped entrance and roll-in shower. The expansive walkout level handles entertaining, recreation, hobbies, and office space. A whole-home generator and oversized 3-car garage add ease.

Take a peek inside →