Morning Mix

Actions

Morning Buzz: 5 things to know for August 24

Posted at 8:44 AM, Aug 24, 2016
and last updated 2016-08-24 08:45:09-04

1. While most districts don't start the new school year until after Labor Day, some are starting up as early as today.

That includes Holland Public, which has its first day today.

Many schools have opted to start earlier this year because of a new law in place in Michigan that has changed the requirements for how long kids need to be in school each year.

It changed from a required number of hours to 180 days, which has lengthened the school calendar for most districts.

Several other districts, including Rockford, will start on Monday, August 29.

2. Meantime, we are in the tail end of Move-In week at Grand Valley State University.

Students have been bringing all of the stuff they can cram into their dorms and living centers, while getting settled before classes start.

As for students at Western, their Move-In week kicks off next Monday, August 29.

3. Artprize is trying something new this year, they’re offering a shuttle service.

In a blog post, “Experience Grand Rapids” said they're teaming up with Artprize to offer the service to people staying in hotels during the competition.

At check-in, you'll get the hours and locations for the shuttles, which will run every Thursday through Sunday.

30 hotels are participating, and you can click here for a list.

Artprize kicks off on September 21.

4. Western students can get those crack fries without traveling to Grand Rapids very soon!

Hopcat Kalamazoo will open its doors on October 8 at 300 East Water Street.

It will be in a restored train depot that's been under construction for the last year.

100 Michigan-made craft beers will be on tap when the doors open that day.

The first 200 guests will receive a card good for a free order of the restaurant's famous crack fries every week for a year.

Hopcat's food menu will include half-pound burgers, Detroit-style pizza, homemade soups, salads, and entrees.

5. There are new recommendations for parents, regarding the amount of added sugar your kids should eat each day.

The American Heart Association says children ages two to 18 should not be consuming more than six teaspoons of sugar per day; that's equivalent to 25 grams.

The author of the recommendation says a sugar-ridden diet is strongly associated with obesity, abnormal cholesterol, and fatty liver disease, which ultimately increases future cardiovascular risk.