Good morning, Portage.

Kalamazoo County Chief Deputy Treasurer Tyler White said that renewed conflict in Iran has pushed oil prices over $100 and gas prices up near $4 (raising inflation and reducing funds for local community projects).

He expects higher energy costs to persist into 2027.

Governor Whitmer signed the FY2027 school aid budget this week, boosting funding for literacy programs and free meal services for public school students with a $200 million allocation and an extra $250 per student.

State Rep. Rogers told Kalamazoo Public Schools trustees that permanent at risk funding marks a key win.

Michigan health officials reported that cyclosporiasis cases increased by over 500 to 8,176, with West Michigan counties among the worst hit.

The outbreak was linked to contaminated shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms (recall still in effect), and residents were urged to avoid affected products.

The OK Gold Conference high school football schedules for 2026 show teams beginning practices Monday, Aug.

10 with regular games at 7 p.m. (unless noted), including a match at Portage Central on Thursday, Sept. 3.

At media days at Next Level Sports Center in Schoolcraft, 30 Kalamazoo-area football teams shared hopes for an exciting season with coaches and players promising fresh strategies.

Teams including Portage Central are set on winning state titles + building lasting traditions.

Greater Bay Little League won 11-2 over Roosevelt Park on Wed, July 15 in Saginaw to begin its bid for a third state title + Bay County softball lost 10-0 to Richmond and will play Hudsonville today at 1 p.m. in Sparta.