Good morning, Grand Rapids.

Alyssa Curtis, a local mom, started Shame Free Collective by converting a Lowell farm stand into a free pantry after losing SNAP support.

The nonprofit now operates 19 neighborhood pantries for food + baby essentials and plans to expand the network across West Michigan.

Heavy machinery is in the Grand River as crews start restoring the natural rapids that gave the city its name.

The project began July 1 and will remove four dams + add boulders in downtown at a cost of about $14.5 million, expected to take two years.

Crews installed a turbidity curtain on the Grand River near Gillett Bridge yesterday as the first step in a two-year project to remove four aging dams and restore the river’s natural flow — Dam 2 removal will begin later this month after preparatory work is completed.

State Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks requested $30 million in state funding for an aquarium at John Ball Zoo.

The proposal, discussed on July 1 during budget talks, would cost $450 million overall and is projected to generate annual tax revenue and thousands of jobs if approved.

Eligible families in the 49507 area can now apply for Rx Kids cash payments for prenatal and infant support in Grand Rapids.

The program offers $1,500 during pregnancy and $500 per month for six months and began enrolling eligible residents on July 1.

Trinity Health Grand Rapids launched a partnership with Dispensary of Hope to offer free prescription medications to uninsured, low-income residents with chronic conditions.

The service is available at Trinity Health Pharmacy (Roosevelt Park) and addresses a community need found in the 2023 Kent County Community Health Needs Assessment.

Unofficial Weird Al Pre-Party

5:30-7:30 p.m. — The Intersection — $4 drafts and wells — Enjoy music, food trucks, and games before the concert.

Happy Birthday America Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Acrisure Amphitheater — Ticketed entry — Celebrate Independence Day with the Grand Rapids Symphony's festive performance.

Unofficial Jack Johnson Pre-Party

4-7:30 p.m. — The Intersection — $4 drafts and wells — Enjoy music, food, and games before the Amp shows.

Dave Matthews Band Summer Tour

7:30-10:30 PM — Acrisure Amphitheater — Tickets on sale Feb 20th — Experience two nights of electrifying performances from Dave Matthews Band.

Unofficial Dave Matthews Band Pre-Party

4-7 p.m. — The Intersection — $4 drafts and wells — Enjoy food trucks and good vibes before the show kicks off.

Speak Up Conference 2026

July 9-11 — Prince Conference Center and Hotel — Registration required — A premier event for Christian writers to learn, network, and share their messages.

HOME @ THE BOB

Evening time — The B.O.B. — Check event details for cost — Experience the infectious grooves of DaFunk Gang, a dynamic hip-hop, funk, and soul cover band from Grand Rapids.

Cozy Worldwide

9:00 – 10:30 PM — GLC Live at 20 Monroe — Ages 21+ — Enjoy an exciting night filled with cozy vibes and live performances.

Science on the Grand: A STEAM Conference for K-8 Inquiry-Based Educators

Teaching isn’t just a job; it’s a calling. That’s why we’ve crafted one amazing STEAM conference, filled with practical, teacher-tested ideas that will fuel your teaching fire. Experience NGSS-aligned sessions focused on cutting-edge, inquiry-driven, and classroom-ready strategies.

Science on the Grand: A STEAM Conference for K-8 Inquiry-Based Educators

Teaching isn’t just a job; it’s a calling. That’s why we’ve crafted one amazing STEAM conference, filled with practical, teacher-tested ideas that will fuel your teaching fire. Experience NGSS-aligned sessions focused on cutting-edge, inquiry-driven, and classroom-ready strategies.

Derek Hough Live Performance

8:00 – 11:00 p.m. — DeVos Performance Hall — Tickets from $85 — Enjoy a thrilling evening of dance and entertainment with Derek Hough.