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Morning Buzz- 5 things to know for May 18

Posted at 11:18 AM, May 18, 2016
and last updated 2016-05-18 11:17:49-04
  1. There's an important new rule that will affect millions of US workers.

The white house says employers must pay overtime to workers making a salary less than around $47,000 a year.

The change will go into effect on December 1, 2016.

Under the new law, 35 percent of salaried workers will become eligible for overtime pay.

That figure currently stands at seven percent.

Officials say they'll update the qualifying salary figures every three years to keep up with factors like inflation.

2. Summer vacation is coming up soon, and Grand Rapid Public School leaders are working to make sure kids don't go hungry when school is out.

On May 17 they rolled out Meet Up and Eat Up, aimed at keeping kids fed every month of the year.

Parents and students were able to get a taste of the program at the Gerald R. Ford Academic Center.

Options include things like fruits, salads, and even smoothies. It’s all funded by the USDA.

The program will start next month for kids 18 and under.  They have over 20 locations right here in Grand Rapids.

In addition to the food, the program will also provide different games and activities so kids can still have fun during their summer months.

3. Who doesn't love showing off their child's artwork?

A special art exhibit is underway, and it's putting the spotlight on young artists in Kindergarten all the way through eighth grade.

The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts partnered with about 60 schools in the county to show off some of the littlest artists in the area.

Officials say they want to celebrate the impact that art programs have on child development. They say art can help kids develop certain skills that math and science can't.

The exhibit runs through June 5.

4. Get ready for the Big Build.

On May 21, the Kalamazoo Valley Museum is opening the Lego Travel Adventure exhibit.

It features professionally built models of different air, sea, and land vehicles.

It also includes a play area for the kids, with bins full of Legos.

When your little one is finished with their creation you can throw in an exotic backdrop, take a picture, and email the final product home.

The exhibit runs through September 11.

5. It's an extended run as Kalamazoo Civic Theatre has added a performance to its production Hairspray.

That performance will be Friday, May 27 at 7:30 pm.

Originally the show was only scheduled to run until the 22nd.

They say the added performance is a result of a very strong demand for tickets.

You can get those by visiting the civic website.