In today's newsletter, lithium-ion batteries can create a different kind of fire, how our biggest Great Lake drives our forecasts and new Alpine Slide opens. |
One of my favorite things about Grand Rapids is that there is always something new. Even as things leave (I don't think I'll ever recover from losing Jolly Pumpkin) something else pops up in its place. Just this past week, we wrote about a new mural downtown, a hidden lake gem near the city and a new laser tag, bowling and video game spot coming to the Woodland Mall. Of course, the biggest items being talked about right now are the Acrisure Amphitheater and the downtown soccer stadium. Here’s a breakdown of the economic impact studies for both, and how officials estimated the venues would generate $1.2 billion over 32-years and support more than 1,200 jobs. |
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| Great Lakes whitefish struggle to survive as ice cover melts away |
From the Atlantic to the Pacific, from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico, rising water temperatures and more frequent heat waves are changing what’s found under the surface. In Michigan, biologists are investigating why whitefish numbers in the lower Great Lakes are cratering without adequate spawn classes to replace them. Bigger picture: In 2024, Advance Local Media newsrooms in Michigan, Alabama, New Jersey and Oregon set out to document the sudden changes remaking ecosystems, transforming the fishing industry, reshaping offshore recreation and altering what’s on local menus. Here's what they found. The latest: Consumers Energy has the all-clear from regulators to raise customers’ natural gas rates. But the hike is a far cry from what the utility wanted, and customers will benefit from bill credits over the coming years. |
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Lithium-ion batteries can burn ‘fast and hot,’ creating a different kind of fire |
Lithium-ion batteries, used to power everyday items, are generally safe. But should the batteries catch fire, they’re tough to extinguish – creating new challenges for firefighters and raising public safety concerns. For example, a 2022 fire inside a Mackinac Island residence was sparked by an electric bike’s battery exploding. It ultimately led island authorities to ban the presence of e-bikes in certain buildings as a safety precaution. The same thing happened at a Chesaning automotive business in January. More in public interest: A number of Michigan university medical schools were featured in this year’s U.S. News & World Report rankings. |
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How our biggest Great Lake drives our Michigan forecasts |
During summer, Lake Superior is much cooler than the air temperatures inland. This is because water requires more energy than air to heat up. It’s also the largest Great Lake, which adds to the cause. For these reasons, locations over and just along the lake are much cooler than areas inland. Another weather contributor: Have you ever noticed how it’s typically clearer at the beach than areas inland during the summer? Similarly, you’ll often hear of the possibility of pop-up showers and storms for areas away from the lakeshore. This is all due to something called the “lake shadow,” and it plays a large role in West Michigan’s weather. Weekend forecast: A large plume of wildfire smoke is going to cover our Michigan sky at times over the next week. This smoke does have an impact on our weather here at the ground. |
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‘Watch the Lions game just like he would have’: Son pens loving obit his dad didn’t want |
"DETROIT VS. EVERYBODY”: William Gardner, a devout Lions fan who grew up in Pennsylvania, didn’t want an obituary. When he died earlier this month at age 41, his son Jacob didn’t want to disobey his father’s wishes, but knew he wanted to let loved ones in the community know that he’d passed. In turn, Jacob wrote the following obituary: “Sheesh. My father didn’t want an obituary, funeral, or memorial. However, it has been brought to my attention that he meant something to a lot of you. So if I’m going to disobey his wishes, we’re going to do this right. If you loved my father or he had any impact on your life at all, and you want to honor his memory, sit in front of your TV at noon every Thanksgiving and watch the Lions game just like he would have done." More from the sports world: Hobbs Kessler has shown over the past three years that he possesses the physical gifts to become an Olympian, but there was one skill that needed more development. Here's how mental fortitude powered the Michigan native's path to the Olympics. |
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Double-track coaster: New Alpine Slide opens at Crystal Mountain |
The wait is over: Crystal Mountain’s new dual-track Alpine Slide has opened for the summer. The newly-installed coaster features tunnels, dips, curves and hills - and the double track design just might allow riders a little friendly downhill competition. A new park is now open on the banks of Pere Marquette River in Northern Michigan - a popular fishing spot. River Access Park, part of the expansive Pere Marquette Conservation Park, opened on Saturday. To know: A new U.S. Navy ship will be named after Michigan’s capital. The future spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport (EFP 16) will be named USNS Lansing, according to a news release from the U.S. Navy. |
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We're halfway through the week |
Thank you for joining me on today's edition of the Morning Briefing. As always, you can catch the latest Michigan news at MLive.com. While you're there, consider becoming a subscriber. See you tomorrow! — Jamie Rewerts |
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