1. Uber is offering a new way to get around Grand Rapids, in style.
Uber Select officially launched on Wednesday. It gives riders a chance to not only request a ride, but also the kind of car.
You can ask for newer makes and models, like a BMW Three Series, or Mercedes C-class. It does come with a higher cost though; a $3 base fair, and $1.75 per mile.
The announcement comes just a week after Uber's competitor Lyft announced it was launching in Grand Rapids.
2. Researchers say there could be a serious security flaw with chip-based credit cards
The concern is over the cards' magnetic strip, which is supposed to tell a payment machine to use the chip.
Researchers say card thieves can re-write the strip's code to make it seem like a chipless card, which allows them to keep counterfeiting.
They said that the flaw exists because retailers aren't encrypting transactions.
Experts say the flaw will only bolster complaints from retailers who argue that banks are forcing them to accept chip-based cards, with upgrades to payment machines costing $25 billion.
3. Republican presidential hopeful, Donald Trump will be making a stop in Michigan in a few days.
The Detroit Economic Club posted on its Facebook page that he'll be speaking at the Renaissance Center on Monday, August 8.
It's not clear what he'll be talking about, but the event is set for noon, and the club is selling tickets on their website.
The Detroit Economy Blub is a non-profit and non-partisan group that discusses and debates social business and government issues.
Trump's last visit to Michigan was back in March.
4. Meanwhile, democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Kaine is scheduled to visit Grand Rapids Friday.
He'll be on hand to open a campaign office on Wealthy Street.
The event runs from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
It's part of a week-long jobs tour he's making to tout Hillary Clinton’s plans for the economy.
People interested in attending the event are asked to RSVP on Clinton’s campaign website.
5. Could it be Alabama? The college football season is just around the corner, and the team that will open at number one will be revealed with the release of the preseason Amway coaches poll today at noon.
The honor could go to defending champions Crimson Tide.
They lost several key pieces, including Heisman trophy winner Derrick Henry, but return with a strong defense.
Clemson, the team Alabama beat in last year’s title game, is another contender with star quarterback Deshaun Watson.
Also in the mix are Oklahoma, Florida State, and Ohio State.
The season kicks off August 26 when California and Hawaii meet in Australia.
