The top five stories FOX 17 is covering this Monday:
1. Michigan’s minimum wage set to increase today
Starting today, employees making minimum wage will take home slightly bigger paychecks. The rate will go from $7.40 per hour to $8.15 per hour. The rate hike is part of legislation Governor Snyder signed on May 27. It was introduced to kill a petition drive from Raise Michigan, which wanted to increase minimum wage to $10.10 per hour. Under this new law, minimum wage will increase to $8.50 per hour by 2016, $8.90 per hour by 2017, and $9.25 per hour by 2018. Read more: Gov. Snyder signs minimum wage increase legislation
2. Western Michigan University goes tobacco free
WMU’s ban on tobacco use on campus goes into effect today after it was approved last December. Under the new ban, e-cigarettes are also prohibited because the school says the medical side-effects of the device are still unknown. The ban also applies to sporting or tailgating events on campus. However, students will be allowed to smoke inside their vehicles as long as the windows are rolled up. Read more: Student opinions mixed on tobacco free WMU campus
3. ‘Grand Crossing’ bridge walk today in Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell will lead the bridge walk on September 1. It starts at 8 a.m. at Ah-Nab-Awen Park and will last about five miles over more than one bridge. You don’t have to sign up and the walk is wheelchair accessible and appropriate for all fitness levels. Free parking will be available in City Lots Area 7 by Big Boy and in the Scribner lot. Read more: ‘Grand Crossing’ bridge walk in Grand Rapids for Labor Day
4. Mackinac Bridge walk today
Thousands of people will be on the Mackinac Bridge for the 57th annual Labor Day Bridge walk today. The event starts at 7 a.m. and you may begin walking anytime after the Governor’s party starts the walk. However, no one can start after 11 a.m. The walk begins in St. Ignace at the north end of the bridge and ends in Mackinaw City. In addition, the Michigan Department of Transportation is holding it’s annual “Tell Us Your Story” contest in conjunction with the walk. Post your favorite memories of walking the bridge to Instagram, Twitter, or MDOT’s Facebook page with the hashtag #MightyMacWalk14. Read more: MDOT contest prize: A trip to the top of the Mighty Mackinac Bridge
5. Jennifer Lawrence among female celebrities targeted in nude photo scandal
A hacker has leaked a series of photos that allegedly show actress Jennifer Lawrence in the nude. The photos were posted to several sites including Twitter, Reddit, and Tumblr. The Academy Award winning actress’ publicist said the photos were a “flagrant violation of privacy.” Other celebrities, including Mary E. Winstead and Victoria Justice also spoke out after they were targeted. Winstead said the photos of her were taken with her husband years ago, and Justice has spoken out on Twitter, saying the pictures of her are not real. Read more: Jennifer Lawrence, other female celebs targeted in online photo scandal
