In today's newsletter, Kroger is implementing a coupon policy change at all Michigan stores, Grand Rapids Schools cut 25 positions amid budget concerns, and a Big Ten coaching legend retires. |
Your A-to-Z guide to the 2025 Ann Arbor Art Fair |
The 2025 Ann Arbor Art Fair kicks off today and thousands of visitors are venturing to the city to experience 30 downtown blocks of art, vendors and entertainment. This year's three day festival features nearly 1,000 artists with several new additions like the Kids Collector Club and an interactive street chalk mural. Whether you are a first time attendee or an art fair veteran, here is your guide to navigating the fair. For another family-friendly option this weekend, Genesee County Parks is transforming Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad for its first Jurassic Weekend. The event features "Jurassic Park”-inspired Jeeps, live reptiles, dinosaur-themed rides and food, and a staged fossil dig for kids. |
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The new Cabana 313 at The Beach in downtown Detroit. (Photo provided by the Downtown Detroit Partnership) |
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This Michigan city council seems hopelessly divided. Here’s how we got to gridlock |
Flint City Council unrest: They came together to take their oaths of office on Nov. 8, 2021, a day the late Quincy Murphy called “a new day” for Flint. Murphy was one of nine newly elected Flint City Council members, six of whom were about to take their seats for the first time. Voters hoped the new council members would put an end to constant bickering between officials. But one month later, things were already worse. Since that first gathering of the class of 2021, Murphy and 1st Ward Councilman Eric Mays have died, one member resigned, another refused to participate in a recall election, 46 recall petitions have been filed against council members, and the divisions appear locked into place in advance of next year’s mayoral and council elections. Here’s who’s who on the current eight-person council, which continues to be in violation of the city’s charter for having never agreed on an interim replacement for Murphy and which has been routinely divided 4-4 on key issues. House Republicans say Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson avoided consequences for violating Michigan’s campaign finance law earlier this year due to a loophole. Now, they’re looking to close that gap in current law. |
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Grand Rapids Schools cut 25 positions amid budget constraints |
Cutting staff positions: Grand Rapids Public Schools has eliminated 25 positions across the district, attributing the cuts to ongoing budget constraints. In a July 2 letter to staff shared with MLive/The Grand Rapids Press, Superintendent Leadriane Roby said the district “continues to work to navigate financial challenges” just weeks after passing an initial 2025-26 budget. Career opportunity: West Michigan Works! is accepting submissions for Medical Assistant Registered Apprenticeship Program now through Sept. 8. The program, now in its 10th year, offers a year-long, paid, hands-on apprenticeship for people seeking careers in health care. Awarded millions: Two Ann Arbor-based organizations that foster entrepreneurship and help startup companies have been awarded millions through a new state fund. Ann Arbor SPARK and the University of Michigan Accelerate Blue Fund are among the first eight recipients of the Michigan Innovation Fund, which Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed into law in January. |
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Kroger implementing coupon policy change at all Michigan stores |
Saving on groceries: Beginning this month, customers at all 119 Michigan Kroger locations will be able to take advantage of digital-only discounts whether they are free rewards members or not. A spokesperson from Kroger tells MLive the changes have already been implemented in some area stores with every single Michigan store taking part by the end of the month. $55 billion project scrapped: Plans for a multibillion-dollar semiconductor factory that could have created up to 10,000 jobs in Genesee County have been canceled, dealing a major blow to Michigan’s economic development ambitions. The decision, announced Wednesday, July 16, was attributed to rising national economic uncertainty and concerns about potential federal policy shifts, including tariffs. Resolving complaints: A new app is allowing Muskegon residents to report non-emergency issues like potholes, damaged public property, late trash pickups and more. The SeeClickFix app allows residents to create an account, report an issue and follow that issue until completion. City staff provide in-app updates on when the report is assigned to a staff member, is being worked on and completed. |
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After 36 years at Michigan, Big Ten coaching legend retires |
Michigan Gymnastics legend retires: After 36 years as Michigan women's gymnastics coach, Bev Plocki is retiring with an unprecedented legacy of 26 Big Ten titles and the program's only national championship in 2021. Andrew Kahn reports that Plocki, who took over the program at age 23, was named Big Ten Coach of the Year 11 times and national coach of the year twice. Athletic Director Warde Manuel called her "an icon in the women's gymnastics community." Red Wings schedule released: The Detroit Red Wings will begin their 2025-26 season at home against Montreal on October 9 and conclude against the defending champion Florida Panthers on April 15. The schedule features 12 back-to-back games and a season-long six-game road trip in December, reports Ryan Zuke. Key matchups include Connor McDavid's Oilers (Oct. 19), coach Todd McLellan facing his former team (Oct. 30), and the traditional New Year's Eve game against Winnipeg. Lions defensive line: The Detroit Lions' defensive line faces significant challenges heading into the 2025 season, with star tackle Alim McNeill likely sidelined until late November with an ACL tear. Kory Woods reports that veteran D.J. Reader and first-round pick Tyleik Williams will anchor the interior, while a fully recovered Aidan Hutchinson returns to lead the edge rushers after his leg injury cut short a potential Defensive Player of the Year campaign last season. |
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Historic Great Lakes ship to become 48-room ‘boatel’ on Muskegon Lake |
Boatel in the making: The preservation association of the S.S. Milwaukee Clipper is raising money to help transform the Queen of the Great Lakes into a 48-room floating hotel, or “boatel.” The 120-plus-year-old ship has numerous amenities for hotel guests to enjoy a whole weekend of food and activities without ever having to leave the vessel, including three bars, two restaurants and a dance floor that hosts concerts. For the history buffs: Take a different view of Marquette with Historic Marquette Bus Tours. They’re offered on select summer days by the nonprofit Marquette Regional History Center. Each 90-minute tour aboard an air-conditioned Checker Transport bus features reenactments that bring to life the stories of historic buildings, homes, people and sites while traversing the Lake Superior waterfront, downtown Marquette and Northern Michigan University. A unique stay: An out-of-commission railcar has found itself a long way from the tracks. Lifted into Warner Vineyards in Paw Paw with a crane five decades ago, the 1912 Canadian railcar was transformed into an Airbnb in 2022. The Airbnb features a full kitchen, living room, bedroom and a bathroom with a shower. The front of the railcar has a large patio space, so visitors can enjoy the Paw Paw River that runs right in front. |
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