Good morning, Portage.

Erik Reed, known as Outdoors with Erik, provided free yard care for seniors and single parents in West Michigan on Dec.

31, 2025 — his efforts have reached nearly half a million YouTube viewers and inspired neighbors to support one another.

Starting today, drivers will notice the sales tax on gas is removed while the flat tax increases to 52.4 cents per gallon to support $2 billion in road improvements.

The change is expected to add about $27 to annual fuel costs as pricing cycles adjust.

A 24% wholesale tax on cannabis takes effect today in Michigan as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 state budget — state officials expect the new rate to lead to a 50 percent markup from wholesale to retail, a figure lower than the proposed 32 percent.

In December, Kalamazoo-area officials approved several projects including a Speedway convenience store, a Consumers Energy building rebuild, a controversial multi-family housing rezoning in Comstock Township (4-2 vote), and a plan for 39 single-family homes in Cooper Township; the decisions reflect a shift toward addressing local housing needs.

The ECHL's Kalamazoo Wings resumed their season Wednesday, Dec.

31 at Wings Event Center when they hosted the Toledo Walleye at 6 p.m.; a new contract ratified by the players association and league increased player pay and improved safety measures.