Good morning, Portage.

Portage Public Safety hosted the 'Pig Out at Public Safety' event Tuesday night at Central Park on Shaver Road to offer free backpacks and school supplies on a first-come, first-serve basis—fun activities such as face painting, a dunk tank, a petting zoo, truck tours and food also gave kids and families a chance to meet local officers before school starts.

A woman was assaulted and robbed near Henning Street and East Michigan Avenue on Tuesday morning—her dog and purse were taken by a 49-year-old acquaintance who fled the scene and remains at large despite a drone search by Portage Department of Public Safety.

Invasive golden oyster mushrooms grown for food are now spreading in Michigan forests and lowering native fungus diversity.

Researchers found logs with these mushrooms held only half of the expected native species—urging residents to stop using mushroom grow kits to fight the invasion.

On August 4, Detroit was ranked third worst worldwide for air quality as smoke from Canadian wildfires made all of Lower Michigan unhealthy and left the Upper Peninsula only moderately clear—health officials advised vulnerable groups to stay indoors.

State health and labor leaders are meeting today at the Kalamazoo Farmers Market to show how SNAP funding supports Michigan jobs and helps residents get nutritious foods — the program aids 1.4 million people while facing cuts after a July bill.

The SMAC-West high school football season for five teams will begin practices on Aug.

11—launching their quest for a run at Ford Field.

BrickUniverse LEGO Fan Expo - VIP

9-10:30 a.m. — Kalamazoo County Expo Center — VIP Admission $28.99 — Experience the largest collection of LEGO creations under one roof and meet professional artists.

Stewardship Day

9:00 a.m. — Gourdneck State Game Area north-east parking lot — Free (Registration required) — Participate in invasive species removal and support local public lands in Portage.