1. Kentwood has been ranked number one in Michigan as the best place to start a small business.
The report based its rankings off of seven metrics: education level of the local workforce, average commute times, income, broadband access, availability of SBA loans, number of non-farm businesses, and overall tax friendliness.
Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley says the location of Kentwood, its infrastructure, and real estate availability are major factors in the economic success, but mostly it's a community effort, especially during these difficult times.
Even during a pandemic, Kentwood went from #85 last year to #62 in the country this year, making Kentwood the best small city in Michigan for a small business.
2. Former President Gerald R. Ford would turn 107 on July 14, so the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation is hosting virtual events to celebrate his birthday.
The commemoration begins at 9 a.m. with a Facebook live of the wreath-laying ceremony at the Gerald R. Ford and Betty B. Ford burial site.
Then later that evening there will be a virtual release of a new children's book about President Ford, "Truth and Honor: The President Ford Story." The book is about the various stages of his life from early childhood up to his presidency.
The release will include a discussion with the author, as well as Mike and Steve Ford, sons of the late president.
Learn more about these events at Gerald R. Ford Museum's Facebook page.
3. Two fitness trainers are hosting free social distancing boot camps at Calder Plaza to help people get active and promote their new gym.
The gym is called Purpose Training Studio. They hosted their fourth class this weekend out of an eight-part series to get people up and moving.
Their next workout will be at Belknap Park on Saturday, July 18 at 10:30 a.m.
Find out more information on their Facebook page.
4. A man has walked from Huntsville, Alabama, to Minneapolis to advocate for justice and equality.
Terry Willis started his march more than a month ago, and is calling it "The 1K March". He walked to honor George Gloyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and other black Americans killed this year, and promote a simple message he thinks everyone can get behind.
Willis says he feels great, feels good, and is feeling love and support from people.
Willis's journey began back on June 2. His route took him through Louisville, Chicago, and Ferguson, Missouri.
5. Better look to the sky now, or you'll have to wait another 7,000 years! Comet Neowise is passing by the earth, and is visible to the naked eye.
It's the brightest comet visible from the Northern Hemisphere in a quarter-century. It's close proximity to the sun caused dust and gas to burn off its surface, giving it an even bigger tail.
The material covering its nucleus dates back to the origin of the Solar System, which is 4.6 billion years ago.
The comet will be visible across the Northern Hemisphere until mid-August when it heads back toward the outer solar system.
