1. Some students at GVSU are being paired with local small businesses to help them develop or strengthen their careers.
The program, called Lend GR, partners with area small businesses with less than 25 employees. Students provide 25 hours of work for each client, helping with business plan writing, branding, social media, marketing materials, market research, and web content.
Lend GR started as a pilot program more than a year ago, but once COVID-19 hit, the program re-focused, to offer clients emergency assistance.
The program is free for clients, students are paid by the university.
2. The calendar has flipped to November, and that means odd-even parking rules are now in effect in Grand Rapids.
The rules are meant to keep one lane of traffic open for residents, along with emergency and public service vehicles such as snowplows.
Vehicles are required to follow the police between 1 a.m. and 6 p.m. regardless if there is snow on the ground or not from now until April 1.
Violators may be ticketed.
3. It's a bird, it's a plane, it's an asteroid that is set to scream past Earth today! But don't worry, the 6 1/2 foot space rock isn't big enough to do any damage.
Renowned astrophysicist Neil Degrasse Tyson says the refrigerator-sized asteroid may "buzz-cut" Earth Monday, but he said it's too small to cause harm.
Plus, according to USA Today, NASA previously said there's only a .41-percent chance it will enter the atmosphere. Even then, it would disintegrate because it's too small.
Asteroid 2018VP1, as it's called, was discovered in 2018.
4. Target is changing up its Black Friday sales this year. The retailer announced its new "Black Friday Now" deals, which is a series of week-long sales that run the entire month of November.
This week features deals on electronics. The second week focuses on kitchen favorites and floor care. The third week features more electronics, apparel, and beauty products. The last week of the month is all about toys and more, including set consoles.
Other retailers like Walmart, Home Depot, and Lowe's are also starting their holiday sales early this year.
It's in an effort to reduce crowds and control the spread of COVID-19.
5. People can now buy candles that smell exactly like soda!
Whether people want to "Do the Dew," or pay a visit to the "Doctor"- Dr. Pepper that is- find a variety of candles scented like a bubbly beverage on Etsy.
Etsy shop owner Pic76 sells a soy-based Mountain Dew candle in an upcycled can for about $11.
Meantime, Vineyard Candle Co. is selling an Orange Fanta candle, and Living Tree Candles has a Dr. Pepper candle that comes in a tall, icy glass.
