Good morning, Portage.

After nine days of testimony and four hours of closing arguments, the jury began deliberations today in Linda Stermer’s retrial that says she set a 2007 fire which killed her husband, Todd Stermer (gasoline was found on his clothes) while her defense said her story changed with every witness (casting doubt on the state’s proof).

Frederik Meijer Gardens announced that its 2025 summer concert series will run from May 30th to Sept.

14th and feature 34 unique shows at the outdoor amphitheater. Tickets will be available for members on April 19th and for the general public on April 26th.

Jessica Swartz—who got 43.4% of the vote when she last challenged Congressman Huizenga—will run for the U.S. House in 2026 and is in talks with the DCCC for support, though they have not yet committed.

The campaign will mark her second bid against the incumbent after a close race last year.

On January 24th, 2024, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced that Michigan joined a lawsuit with 14 other states alleging the federal Department of Education had illegally rescinded a 2026 deadline for local K-12 schools to receive reimbursement from pandemic-era funds (the suit was filed by a coalition of 15 state attorneys general).

The Michigan Supreme Court ended the rule that made 19 and 20 year olds convicted of first degree murder spend life in prison without parole on Thursday so that judges can choose sentences based on the details of each case, and in Kalamazoo County prosecutors will ask courts to hold new sentencing hearings within 30 days if they want to keep life sentences in place.

A report names 34 top Kalamazoo-area high school softball players set to compete this spring as teams build on strong performances from last season—locals can expect rising stars on the diamond.

On April 10th, the Western Michigan University Broncos competed against the Denver Pioneers in the Frozen Four semi-final in St. Louis — community members gathered at Lawson Ice Arena and online to watch the game while enjoying giveaways and merchandise as state leaders wished the team luck.

Portage Free Tree Giveaway

10 AM – 1 PM — Ramona Park — Free trees for residents — Help restore Portage’s natural landscape post-tornado with a free tree giveaway event.