Michigan’s beauty is legendary, but so is its unpredictable weather. This year has been particularly intense, with 2025 ranking as Michigan’s sixth-highest year for tornadoes since 1950 as of August.

Now, whether you’re the type of Michigander that can’t help but look out the window throughout the entirety of a storm (warnings be damned), or you run to the basement at the first sign of thunder (me), one thing that everyone can probably agree on is that these extreme weather events look really cool. And thanks to modern technology, we’ve been able to capture more of them on video than ever before.

Read on as The ’Gander’s Sophie Boudreau brings us seven jaw-dropping extreme weather events from across the state, all caught on camera.

Plus: The best grocery stores in Grand Rapids, according to readers.

Bills banning deepfake porn return to MI Senate (MI Advance): Michigan lawmakers are moving forward on a bipartisan plan to ban non-consensual “deep fake” pornography. The bills would criminalize creating or sharing sexually explicit deepfakes—artificial images made to look real—without consent and allow victims to sue, with recent tweaks clarifying that tech companies aren’t liable.

Elevated lead water levels found in some Marquette homes (WLUC): Testing in Marquette found elevated lead levels in samples from 6 of 32 homes checked, exceeding state limits. City officials say the source water is lead-free, but aging pipes in some homes are likely contributing to the problem. They’re encouraging residents to take steps to mitigate lead exposure, like replacing old faucets.

Meijer faces lawsuit from Canadian retailer (MLive): Canadian retailer Roots is suing Meijer, claiming the chain’s planned “ROOTS & THREADS” children’s clothing line infringes on its trademark and could confuse customers. Roots, which has two US stores, says the brand threatens its reputation for high-quality goods and is asking a federal court to block Meijer from using the name.

While storms can be downright terrifying to experience, there’s a certain sense of awe in watching them unfold on video once they’ve safely passed. (S6Wigj/Shutterstock)

By Sophie Boudreau

Ready to do some virtual storm-chasing? From tornadoes to baseball-sized hail, check out these seven extreme Michigan weather events caught on tape, including:

1. Tornado in Gaylord (2022)

Many Michiganders will recall a storm system on May 20, 2022, that resulted in a tornado in the small town of Gaylord. This video shows the twister’s development, beginning with swirling clouds that ultimately form a funnel and tear through the town, sending debris and power lines into the air.

In the end, the 2022 tornado remained on the ground for more than 20 minutes, covered 16 miles of land in the Gaylord area, and was classified as an EF3—the first such tornado in Michigan for a decade. Tragically, two lives were lost in the Gaylord tornado, and numerous homes, businesses, and vehicles were destroyed.

(ClickOnDetroit/YouTube)

From big-box supercenters to neighborhood markets, here’s what readers called the best in Grand Rapids. (Pexels)

By Stacy Rounds

When it comes to grocery shopping, everyone has their favorites. Some of us insist on the freshest produce, others hunt for money-saving deals. And some folks just like to zip to someplace close, no matter the quality. Whether you’re stocking up for the week, grabbing last-minute dinner ingredients, or shopping mid-snack-attack (which I don’t recommend since the last time I did, I spent $300), the grocery store you choose says a lot about who you are.

We recently asked Grand Rapids residents to vote for the best grocery stores in town. And it became clear to us that Grand Rapids shoppers appreciate a range of grocery experiences—from big-box supercenters to neighborhood markets.

However, some stores rose to the top of this reader poll, and we can see why. Each has something special to offer, and each holds a place in the hearts (and carts) of those who shop there regularly:

4. Forest Hills Foods 

It’s easy to see why people love Forest Hills Foods. This homegrown neighborhood grocer, with locations in Ada and Cascade, is the locally-owned alternative to Whole Foods — but better. Since 1959, Forest Hills Foods has been proudly supporting local growers and local workers. 

Hours of operation at Forest Hills Foods are shopper-friendly: open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. That early opening makes it popular for older folks who prefer to avoid the crowds and for busy parents making runs before school or morning shifts. And the late closing is perfect for shopping without the kids! In between, shoppers often mention their hot bar and salad bar as convenient lunchtime favorites, perfect for nine-to-five workers looking for a quick, fresh meal option on-site.

Each season, Forest Hills stocks your favorite Michigan-grown produce. The store highlights local farm partners and carries over 2,000 locally sourced items from Michigan-based dairies, breweries, and bakeries. Reviews praise their local produce, deli meats, and bakery goods. One local wrote that the salad bar “feels like the best in town” and that their bakery cakes and pastries “feel professionally crafted.”

Forest Hills also offers beer, wine, and floral departments, making it more of a one-stop shop. One reviewer called it a “pleasant store you browse at,” and many said they’d choose it when they want quality or are entertaining guests.

Earlier this week, we shared news of a report out of Michigan State University that found that teacher pay in the state is lagging behind the rest of the country.

So we asked you: Do you think teachers in Michigan are earning enough money?

Here’s what you said:

“As the wife of a retired teacher/middle school counselor I feel teachers are underpaid and under-respected. Too many new teachers have to work a second job in order to make payments on the loans they needed to complete the education. I am very concerned about the talk of cancelling property taxes. That would significantly impact financing received by schools as it would definitely impact school budgets and consistency in funding.” — Marion Maier

“In view of the fact they have all holidays and Spring/Fall breaks, plus, only working 9 months of the year…and having benefits that would make most folks jealous, I say yes.” — Cindy Lou Poquette

“No, teachers across the country do not make enough money. When you do not value education, you fall behind  other countries.” — Gary Andert

“Absolutely. positively, they are not earning enough.  Not only will it create a lack of teachers to hire, it will also be a negative for industry that wants to come to the state of Michigan. It needs sound schools and infrastructure.” — Betty Mayberry

“I would have to say yes but only because of the following issues: 1. No accountability for educational outcomes. 2. No consistency on what is taught. 3. Continuous changing of teaching techniques with poor outcomes. 4. No education related to coping mechanisms or true life skills such as simple finance as mandatory.“ — Karen Knapp

“Are you kidding? No, teachers absolutely DO NOT earn enough money. We have spent decades demeaning our teachers, blaming society’s problems on them, expecting them to serve in multiple roles beyond ‘educator’ (for no extra pay or recognition), and treating them like garbage. The pay is just the tip of the iceberg, but getting paid a decent wage would at least help.“ — Melanie Hardy

Have a question you want me to ask our community? Feel free to send it my way. I might feature it in a future newsletter.

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This email is written by Karel Vega, newsletter editor at The ’Gander. Have a question or comment? Reply back to this email!