1. Bronson Park in Kalamazoo is getting Wi-Fi.
“The Kalamazoo Gazette” reports that the city raised more than $700,000 for Bronson Park. The goal is $2.8 million.
Along with Wi-Fi, other improvements will include space for an ice rink, new tables and benches, and light fixture upgrades.
Once the city raises a million dollars, they'll open a fundraising campaign to the public.
Construction will likely begin in 2018.
2. A neighborhood grocery store is on track to open near Medical Mile after the state approved tax incentives for the project.
MLive reports "diamond place development" was approved for a $2.8 million loan and up to $9.9 million reimbursement for site cleanup.
The $42 million development planned for Michigan Street and Diamond Avenue Northeast in the Grand Rapids' midtown neighborhood will house 165 apartments. It will be a mix of 98 low-income and 67 market-rate units, and a neighborhood grocery store in the first floor retail space.
Third Coast Development and PK Development told state officials they're finalizing a contract with a retailer to operate the grocery store.
3. ArtPrize is already known for the unique visuals that pop up around the city, and now the Grand Rapids Symphony is adding some sound to it.
This week, they'll be doing live performances in the UICA that will sound less like a symphony, and more like a daft punk concert.
Think of it as a combination of techno, synthesizer, drums, and of course, typical orchestra instruments. They start Thursday and run through Sunday.
In addition to that, musicians from the symphony will be playing outdoor shows on the blue bridge over the Grand River, for the Blue Bridge Music Festival. Those start this afternoon, and run through Saturday.
4. There may be a new unexpected way to help pass kidney stones, with roller coasters.
A Michigan State urologist says riding one helps patients pass the stones with a nearly 70-percent success rate. According to Fox 47 in Lansing, patients tell researchers that after riding a roller coaster, they passed their kidney stone.
One man even says he passed three different stones after riding multiple times.
However, scientists say you have to sit in the back of the coaster to be successful and that it shouldn't go upside down.
Please don't take this report as medical advice. Before you buy tickets to Cedar Point or a trip to Disney, you should consult your doctor for proper treatment.
5. Chances are, you've heard the phrase "happy wife, happy life.” Turns out, it’s true.
A new study suggests your physical health may be linked to your spouse's happiness.
Researchers surveyed nearly 2,000 heterosexual couples whose happiness was assessed periodically over the course of 20 years.
They found that people with happy spouses were healthier than people with unhappy spouses.
The study's authors say a happy spouse provides support and encourages you to follow healthy behaviors.
