Michigan

GRAND RAPIDS – October 28, 2026 -- Twelve oversized troll sculptures built from reclaimed materials will take over Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park from May 14 through Oct. 31, 2027, in an outdoor exhibition called TROLLS: A Field Study.

Danish artist Thomas Dambo brings his first traveling exhibition to Michigan

The show is produced by Imagine in collaboration with Thomas Dambo, and it is his first traveling exhibition to visit Michigan. The trolls are made from fallen branches, wooden pallets, and twigs. Each has a distinct personality, including their fearless leader, Taks.

The story behind the installation is that the trolls have set out on a curious journey to study humans and their small, intricate, and inventive ways of life.

Grand Haven – October 19, 2026 -- Asphalt shingles, the most common roofing material in Michigan, typically last 20 to 30 years under good conditions, according to a new HelloNation article featuring Grand Haven roofing expert Joe Ray.

Shingle type sets the baseline for roof lifespan

Three-tab shingles tend to land at the lower end of the 20-to-30-year range. Thicker, more durable architectural shingles often perform closer to 25 to 30 years.

Poor installation can shorten a roof's life from day one

Shingles that were not properly fastened, or that were installed without adequate underlayment, are more vulnerable to wind and water intrusion. The article says a roof installed correctly by an experienced contractor will almost always outlast a rushed or cut-price job, even when the materials are identical.

Traverse City – October 16, 2026 -- Homeowners facing a failing furnace or air conditioner can weigh repair against replacement using a few practical checks, according to a HelloNation article featuring HVAC expert Leslie Roe of Precision Plumbing and Heating Systems in Traverse City, Michigan.

Systems typically last 10 to 15 years

Age is one of the most important factors in the decision. As a unit nears the end of that lifespan, breakdowns become more likely and costly. The article says replacement may then offer more value than repeated furnace repairs or temporary fixes.

Maintenance history shapes the outcome

Consistent maintenance often leads to better performance and fewer disruptions. Poor maintenance can lead to recurring problems that drive up repair costs over time. Roe stresses that recurring issues often mean replacement deserves more serious consideration.

Naples – October 16, 2026 -- Social Security and SSI payments for 76 million Americans will rise 3.6 percent in 2027, lifting the average retirement benefit by about $75 a month. Finance and insurance professional Bobby Garon says many retirees will see a smaller bump in their bank accounts than that headline suggests.

The 2027 COLA is the largest since 2023

The Social Security Administration announced the cost of living adjustment (COLA) on October 14. It is up from 2.8 percent in 2026 and is the largest since 2023's 8.7 percent increase.

Nearly 72 million Social Security beneficiaries will see the increase starting in January 2027. About 7.3 million SSI recipients will get theirs on December 31, 2026.

Grand Rapids – – October 16, 2026 -- Students who earn an associate degree at Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) will be guaranteed admission to Western Michigan University (WMU) and an annual scholarship of $1,000 to $4,500 if they are eligible, under a new partnership called the Bronco Bound Guarantee.

Leaders from both schools will formalize the agreement at a signing ceremony at 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, at GRCC's Applied Technology Center, Secchia Piazza, on the main campus in Grand Rapids.

Admission, fee waiver and scholarship money are built in

Qualifying GRCC students will have their WMU application fee waived and will be considered for scholarships automatically. Eligible students are guaranteed the annual award of $1,000 to $4,500.

Detroit – October 16, 2026 -- Detroit-area homeowners can avoid costly water heater repairs and lost hot water by preparing before the first fall freeze, according to heating and cooling company C & C Heating & Air Conditioning.

Water heaters run year-round, but colder weather adds risk. Units and connecting pipes in garages, basements or other unheated spaces are most exposed. During prolonged cold spells, exposed plumbing can freeze, which may damage pipes and interrupt hot water service.

A professional tune-up can catch problems early

C & C General Manager Dayna Hottle recommends an annual professional inspection and tune-up. In her view, it helps identify problems early and extends the lifespan of a water heater.

Macomb – – October 14, 2026 -- Bundling your auto and home coverage with one provider is among the quickest ways to cut insurance costs, according to Macomb, Michigan, insurance expert Aaron Seitz in a HelloNation article.

Seitz argues that premiums are not set in stone. Small, consistent decisions, he says, can significantly change what policyholders pay over the long term.

Bundling brings immediate savings

Placing all coverage with one company typically earns lower premiums, Seitz explains, because insurers save on administrative costs and reward customer loyalty. Bundling also simplifies policy management.

A clean driving record pays off over time

Avoiding tickets and accidents improves long-term risk ratings in insurers' eyes. Seitz calls it one of the most valuable habits for drivers.

Grand Rapids – October 14, 2026 -- Eligible Medicare customers can now pay for covered over-the-counter (OTC) products at Meijer using evermore OTC spend cards, the Midwest retailer announced.

Direct integration covers plan-approved items

The new direct integration with evermore lets participating Medicare plan members use supplemental health plan benefits on eligible OTC products and other items approved under their specific plans. Meijer's Jackie Morse, Group Vice President of Pharmacy and Health, described the card as "another simple way" to use health plan benefits while shopping for everyday essentials, healthy foods, and wellness products.

Many Medicare Advantage plans offer supplemental benefits that help seniors buy approved items to support their health and well-being.

Bay City – October 12, 2026 -- Michigan homeowners weighing a furnace replacement now have a clearer comparison: modern cold-climate heat pumps can work as a practical alternative to traditional furnaces, but the right pick depends on the home. That is the conclusion of a HelloNation article featuring HVAC expert Jimmy Hunter of McCoy Heating & Cooling.

Cold-climate heat pumps now draw heat from near-freezing air

Unlike older air-source models, a cold-climate heat pump is designed to extract heat from outdoor air even near freezing conditions. The article describes this as the advance that makes heat pumps a more practical option for Michigan homes than in previous years.

Kalamazoo – October 09, 2026 -- Anyone turning 65 has a seven-month window to sign up for Medicare, and missing it without qualifying coverage can mean delayed benefits or higher premiums, according to a HelloNation article featuring Joe Garcia of SMG - SafeHarbor Management Group in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Enrollment is not always automatic at 65, the article explains. Planning ahead helps Michigan retirees get benefits on time and avoid unnecessary long-term costs.

The Initial Enrollment Period runs three months before and after your birthday month

The window begins three months before the month of a person's 65th birthday, includes that month, and continues for three months afterward. During this time, eligible people can enroll in Part A and Part B, plus Part D prescription drug coverage if needed.