In today's newsletter, cannabis company to shutter 20 Michigan dispensaries, July’s Full Moon two names are tied to Michigan and see your school system’s salaries. |
These local businesses are bringing international flavors to Michigan |
Summer travel season might be in full swing but there are times when you might want to indulge in a unique dining experience without packing a suitcase. You can now enjoy the flavors of coastal Italy here in Michigan without booking a flight. Allora, an upscale Italian restaurant in downtown Grand Rapids, offers fresh seafood, light pasta dishes, extensive cocktails, salads, and more. Many of the restaurant's offerings are meant to be shared family-style, according to executive chef Luke VerHulst. For the foodies who enjoy whipping up a meal with an international flair, swing by Kamil’s Mid-Eastern Foods Inc. in Flint on your next grocery trip. Open for more than 30 years, the store carries imported staples from the Middle East, Europe, Greece, and Turkey. |
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Offerings at Allora in Grand Rapids, Mich. on Thursday, June 26, 2025. |
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Why everyone in Michigan will pay more for health care after Trump’s Medicaid cuts |
The effects of Medicaid cuts are expected to be felt by more than just the hundreds of thousands of Michiganders at risk of losing health insurance. State and health industry leaders have said the cuts and spending package known as the “big, beautiful bill“ was signed into law July 4 by President Donald Trump will result in hospitals closing their doors, cutting staff and/or reducing available services to make up for losses in government funding. Survey results: While the Trump administration explores ways to encourage Americans to have more babies and reverse the United States’ falling birth rate, a new poll finds that relatively few U.S. adults see this as a priority or share the White House’s concerns. Instead, Americans are more likely to want the government to focus on the high cost of child care and improving health outcomes for pregnant women, according to the survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Getting the tax facts: Following the passing of a new tax and spending bill last week, millions of Americans were told that they no longer will have to pay taxes on Social Security benefits. The problem is, that’s not entirely accurate and for some Americans, it’s not true at all. |
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Cannabis company to shutter 20 Michigan dispensaries, lay off 236 employees |
A North American cannabis company has announced it is closing its 20 Michigan dispensaries and all four of its cultivation and processing facilities in the state. In a WARN notice filed with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, TerrAscend Corp. announced that it would lay off 236 employees, ceasing all operations in the state. Reopening: A burger chain that nearly went extinct is making its comeback, with two Hot ‘n Now locations opening soon in Michigan. Owners are preparing for the summer opening of the beloved brand’s Wayland-area location in West Michigan and fall opening of a restaurant in Alpena. What to know: Microsoft has been quiet since its purchase late last year of 316 acres in Gaines Township for $45.3 million. The purchase has sparked speculation that the tech giant will build a data center to rival Switch, who has been operating in the area since 2017 and is working on a $700 million expansion. Here are the 5 takeaways about data centers in Kent County. |
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July’s Full Moon has two names, and both have summer ties to Michigan |
Looking to the sky: This month's full moon occurs officially on July 10. The moon will also be nearly full on July 11, and look almost full July 9 and July 12. It’s called the Thunder Moon based on this being a time of year with plenty of thunderstorms across North America. This full moon is also called the Buck Moon in recognition of the time male deer start growing horns around July in Michigan according to Matt Bierlein, Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities in Frankenmuth, MI. Staying safe away from home: The American Camp Association, which accredits camps and has thousands of members, said parents may want to ask how a camp stays in touch with local emergency service teams. Two people with longtime connections to camps in Michigan also offered suggestions about what families should be thinking about. Today's forecast: Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected Wednesday, with the potential for localized heavy rainfall and isolated severe weather across parts of Michigan. |
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Kent County districts now pay teachers $71K on average. See your school system’s salaries |
Kent County teacher salaries: Kent County school districts now pay teachers an average of $71,000 annually, exceeding Michigan's state average of $69,067 but varying widely between districts. Forest Hills Public Schools tops the county at $79,800, while Grand Rapids Public Schools reports the lowest at $60,800 amid ongoing union negotiations for higher wages. Danielle James reports that eight of the county's 19 districts fall below both state and national averages. Therapy dogs: At the Genesee District Library's Flushing branch, children who feel nervous about reading aloud can practice with certified therapy dogs like Diesel, a 135-pound Bernese Mountain Dog. The "Paws to Read" program creates a judgment-free environment where kids build confidence in their reading skills, reports Fuad Shalhout. Research shows this low-stress approach helps self-conscious readers improve, with the next session scheduled for July 12. Former NFL player becomes school superintendent: Ron Stanley, a former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker, has officially begun his tenure as superintendent of St. Charles Community Schools in Michigan. The Saginaw High School graduate plans to develop a trade school focusing on technology and manufacturing skills for students. Nick Taylor reports Stanley will earn $120,000 annually during his three-year contract. |
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Tigers release veteran outfielder who started season on Opening Day roster |
Released from the team: A veteran outfielder who made the Detroit Tigers’ Opening Day roster in March was released from Triple-A Toledo on Tuesday. The Tigers signed Manuel Margot, 30, just before Opening Day to bolster an outfield that had been thinned by a series of spring injuries. He went 6-for-19 before suffering a knee injury on April 7. When Margot was ready to return from the injured list in early May, the Tigers opted not to bring him back to the big-league club. Michigan State hockey: Although Michigan State has reclaimed a spot as one of the nation’s top hockey programs, Tuesday was a tough day. Gavin McKenna, the projected No. 1 pick in the 2026 NHL draft, committed to Penn State over the Spartans. A few hours later, they lost the top player in the nation. The Detroit Pistons didn’t have much warning ahead of needing to make a major change in their offseason plans. Last season’s key sixth man, Malik Beasley, looked well on his way to signing a multi-year contract with the Pistons. But the news of a federal investigation on NBA gambling allegations with Beasley a person of interest paused free agency talks and forced the Pistons to realize a roster without him. |
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Thank you for starting your day with the Morning Briefing. We will be back tomorrow with more news from around Michigan. In the meantime, you can catch the latest Michigan news at MLive.com. If you value the work of our journalists, consider becoming a subscriber. Have a great day! - Cara Hackett |
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