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Morning Buzz: 5 things to know for November 11

Posted at 10:44 AM, Nov 11, 2016
and last updated 2016-11-11 10:44:04-05

1. Across the nation today, Americans will mark Veterans Day in local and national events.

In a somber ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, President Obama will lay a wreath at the tomb of the unknowns and deliver remarks.

In other towns and cities, including those in West Michigan, current service members, veterans and ordinary citizens will honor those who died or otherwise served in defending the nation.

2. Many national chains are saying "thank you" to veterans and active military members with freebies and deals on food and drinks.

Bob Evans is doing a free breakfast available all day.

Buffalo Wild Wings is offering a complimentary order of wings and a side of fries.

IHOP offers the usual free red white and blue pancakes.

Krispy Kreme has a free donut and small coffee.

For more deals and discounts, click here.

3. Calder Plaza in Grand Rapids is getting a makeover, and FOX17 has a first look at what it might look like..

Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. released renderings of the finished product after months of getting community input.

The plans include a permanent stage, green space, and shaded areas.

Officials say these renderings are only for continued dialogue about what the area should look like.

They're still researching and tweaking plans. The timeline and cost of the project haven't been determined yet either.

4. Fifth Third Ballpark is getting a bit of a face lift before the Whitecaps start their next season.

The team announced plans for three construction projects on Thursday.

The rendering you're looking at is the only one that's been released so far, but the plans include expanding the warning track along the field, creating a new hospitality area that will seat 120 people and expand the Meijer Hometown Playground.

The Whitecaps open their 2017 season at home on April 6.

5. Snapchat is looking way beyond filters; the social media company is now selling smart sunglasses.

You can buy a pair from a funky smiling yellow vending machine.

The first one was installed in Venice Beach, California near the Snapchat headquarters.

The glasses run about $130 and feature built-in wireless video cameras.

It's the company's first big move into hardware.

Snapchat did not say how many vending machines they plan to install or where they're planning to put them.