Good morning, Grand Rapids.

The Casnovia Township Fire Department asked the community to honor 25-year-old Deputy Fire Chief Sam Deems—who died in a car accident on Tuesday—at Ravenna Baptist Church with visitation on Monday, June 30 and his funeral on Tuesday, July 1 at 11:00 a.m.

Crews responded to a house fire near Sparta on June 25th at around 2:15 a.m. near Camp Lake in Algoma Township and worked until 5:45 a.m.—the effort involved the Algoma Township Fire Department and nearby teams.

Morning Ritual, the botanical coffee bar, reopened on June 20 at its new downtown location on Ottawa Ave NW—expanding into a 2,400-square-foot space that now offers vegan breakfast sandwiches and a floral-infused beverage menu.

Owner Alyx Voss said she will host events like movie nights and live music in mid-July to attract more customers.

Community members spoke at a Wednesday morning meeting urging Gerald R.

Ford International Airport officials to review the agency’s relationship with Avelo Airlines after the carrier began flights to North Carolina and Florida — organizers claim the change could enable deportation flights and compromise due process.

On Tuesday, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson testified before the House Oversight Committee as lawmakers questioned the new Michigan Transparency Network—a system for annual financial disclosures facing technical issues, prompting calls for measurable improvements and noting a $166,000 refund for system downtime from its developer.

East Grand Rapids is installing sound blocking curtains at Manhattan Park to reduce noise for nearby residents+ the park will also add a splash pad, renovated tennis courts, and sand volleyball courts+ officials said.

MLive has named the 2025 Grand Rapids-area Softball Dream Team that spotlights the best pitchers & hitters as well as top fielders from the high school softball season this spring.

The team includes both standout seniors and promising underclassmen who represent diverse talent in the region.

Art of Gardening Class at Fulton Street Market

12-1 p.m. — Fulton Street Market — Free entry — Explore seasonal produce through scavenger hunts and engage with market vendors.

Visser Family YMCA Buck Creek Run

12-2 p.m. — 3535 Wilson Ave SW, Grandville, MI — Registration fee applies — Celebrate the 4th of July with a community fun run in Grandville.

Vintage and Handmade Marketplace

11 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Grand Rapids Downtown Market — Free entry — Discover 60+ vintage and handmade vendors while enjoying live music and tasty treats.

2025 Frederick Meijer Gardens Experience

8:15 AM – 7:30 PM — Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park — $125 — Experience the beauty and artistry of nature in a world-class botanical garden.

Virtual Reality Experience

1 PM – 6 PM — Amped Virtual Reality — Ticket required — Dive into an hour of exciting virtual reality adventures with friends.

Reeds Lake Trailblazer 5K

8:30-10:00 a.m. — East Grand Rapids Community Center — Registration required — Experience a scenic 5K run with medal awards for top finishers in various age categories.

iDKHOW Concert

8 PM – 2 AM — The Pyramid Scheme — Check the venue for ticket prices — Experience the unique sound of Dallon Weekes, formerly of Panic! at the Disco.

Keith Scott Blues Concert

4-10 p.m. — Küsterer Brauhaus — Cost TBD — Experience an evening of dynamic blues with Chicago's own Keith Scott.

Shrek 2 In Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — DeVos Performance Hall — Tickets vary — Enjoy an evening of iconic animation along with live orchestral music.

Major League Pickleball Mid Season Tournament

7:59-10:59 p.m. — Belknap Park — Ticket purchase supports a cause — Experience an exciting night of pickleball action in Grand Rapids.