In today's newsletter, it's been 46 years since the "Summer of Big Sid" in West Michigan, how long will this week's humidity last and the ultimate guide to Michigan's concert tickets. |
Setting sail on the Great Lakes |
You don't have to trek all the way to Florida's Port Canaveral to hop on your next cruise. Michigan is home to several cruise adventures, including two that are expected to return next year. Victory Cruise Lines will return to the area in 2025, calling on the ports of Mackinac Island, Escanaba, Detroit, The Soo, Marquette, Houghton and Muskegon, according to itineraries. The 190-passenger ships are expected to operate 10 to 15 day itineraries next year, touching all five Great Lakes. For those interested in a shorter time on the water, head to Cheboygan and try a one of Nautical North Family Adventures's 90-minute glass-bottom boat tours on Lake Huron. The tours offer scenic views of the Cheboygan River, Lake Huron, four lighthouses and three shallow-water shipwrecks in Duncan Bay. |
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Frederick Richard, of United States, performs on the horizontal bar during the men's artistic gymnastics team finals round at Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Monday, July 29, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) |
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‘Summer of Big Sid’ snake hunt fever gripped West Michigan 46 years ago |
What a journey: In part of Michigan, June and July 1978 will forever be known as the “Summer of Big Sid.” It was 31 days when the search for an escaped, 20-foot circus python upended the small Grand Rapids suburb of Walker. Some panicked parents refused to let their children and pets out of backyards that summer. Their fears were fed by experts who suggested the 140-pound reptile - normally given rodents to eat in captivity - might grow hungry for a family pet, or even a small child, while on the run. In honor of the “Summer of Big Sid,” we’re taking you back down memory lane to 1978 by sharing details of the python’s escape-artist past, how the lengthy search soured some neighbors on city officials, and the drama behind Sid’s capture. Also in animal kingdom: The last wild clutch of Great Lakes piping plover eggs recently hatched, creating a record-setting 81 unique breeding pairs this year. It’s a tale of one female plover who bred this season with two males on two different Lake Michigan beaches – only the second time scientists documented that behavior. |
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Free community college, pre-K included in Michigan’s $23.4B education budget |
More resources: Many Michigan families would receive free pre-K and all high school graduates would receive free community college education under the 2025 spending plan passed Thursday, July 25, by lawmakers. The spending plan also includes a $30 million investment to expand the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, which state officials say most students qualify for. The Portage School Board has approved a 2% wage increase to the teacher pay scale in a new agreement with the Portage Education Association. New teachers are usually hired in at Step 3, according to the district. The new Step 3 salary will be $44,147. The highest a teacher can be paid now is $99,479 at Step 30. Also in education: Momentum is building for a new transit route at the University of Michigan, but some residents want to halt the proposed route that cuts through the Nichols Arboretum. |
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High humidity hits Michigan, how long will it last? |
This week's weather: A warm and humid airmass will be parked over Michigan for most of the week, leading to temperatures in the 80s and dew points near 70 degrees. Showers and thunderstorms are possible most days in the afternoon and evening, further adding to the high humidity. In the skies: The best meteor shower of the year for us in the Northern Hemisphere, the Perseids, is starting to ramp up as its Aug. 12 peak approaches. Rebuilding: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer approved about $1.6 million to help with the recovery from tornadoes in Southwest Michigan, as part of a larger award announced by the governor’s office. |
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Michigan duo helps USA men’s gymnastics end Olympic medal drought |
2024 Olympics: University of Michigan gymnasts Fred Richard and Paul Juda will be returning to the United States with at least one Olympic medal. The duo helped USA’s five-member men’s gymnastics team earn a bronze medal on Monday in Paris – the Americans’ first since claiming bronze at the 2008 Games. Third Olympic medal: Former University of Michigan swimmer Siobhán Haughey is an Olympic medalist once again. The 26-year-old from Hong Kong claimed bronze in the 200-meter freestyle on Monday in Paris. More details: The scope of the NCAA investigation into Michigan football for multiple rule violations in 2021 that landed the program under investigation, and later on probation, are now public. The NCAA grouped multiple instances of impermissible contact with three recruits involving unidentified coaches and staff members as part of Allegation No. 1, a Level II violation. |
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The Ultimate Guide to Michigan Concert Tickets 2024 |
Get your tickets: This year’s season of summer music offers shows for fans of ‘80s rock, country, hip-hop, metal, and beyond, featuring Def Leppard, Luke Bryan, Missy Elliott, Five Finger Death Punch, and more — the acts running the gamut from nostalgic to new. We’ve compiled a list of every concert coming to major Michigan venues in the coming months and how to get tickets to the shows. Rolling through: Jelly Roll has announced he will bring his biggest concert tour ever to Michigan for one show. He will perform at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on Wednesday, November 6 on his “Beautifully Broken Tour.” Tickets go on sale Friday, August 2 at 10 a.m. Speaking of concerts: Get ready for 80s night at Van Andel Arena with REO Speedwagon and Loverboy. It was just announced that the 80s rockers will be in Grand Rapids on Wednesday, November 6. Tickets go on sale Friday, August 2 at 10:00 a.m. |
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That's all for now. We'll be back in your inbox bright and early tomorrow morning. You can find the latest Michigan news at MLive.com. While you're there, consider becoming a subscriber. Make today a great day! — Cara Hackett |
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