Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 9th of July.
Good morning, Grand Rapids.
Allora in downtown Grand Rapids is a new coastal Italian restaurant at 201 Monroe Ave NW that serves seafood and light pasta dishes inspired by Executive Chef Luke VerHulst’s 10-day tour from Naples to Sicily — its menu features seasonal local ingredients and Italian-style decor.
Today it is open until 10 p.m., with extended dining hours from 4:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday through Saturday while remaining closed on Sunday and Monday.
A woman was hit and killed by a train near 28th Street and Birchcrest Drive around 1:20 p.m. Tuesday — Grand Rapids police are investigating the accident.
Frederik Meijer Gardens marked a milestone Tuesday morning by welcoming its 16 millionth visitor when Amy Smith of Muskegon, visiting with her parents from Asheville, received a surprise with complimentary admission, concert tickets, merchandise, and a floral arrangement.
The achievement comes during the park’s 30th anniversary—its recent events like a corpse flower bloom and winter light show have driven record attendance and set expectations to reach 17 million visitors in coming years.
Aquinas College in Grand Rapids chose Sister Maureen Geary as its permanent 10th president by unanimous board vote—she served as interim president after the previous president resigned.
A native of Grand Rapids with decades of experience in education and finance, Geary will lead the college as it prepares for her inauguration at Homecoming in mid-September.
Catherine's Health Center is now providing 40 hours per week of primary care at Mel Trotter Ministries, a downtown shelter that helps people facing homelessness with food, shelter and job training.
The center also offers dental, psychiatric and case management services to better support low-income residents.
A recent study by Housing Next shows Kent County will need 34,000 new homes by 2029 and Grand Rapids must add almost 13,000 as a lack of affordable housing worsens homelessness.
The study also finds a gap of about 22,000 homes for sale and 12,000 rental homes while local efforts—like changing rules and finding new building areas—aim to kick off future projects.
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.
2025 Junior Ballet Intensive
Jul 14-25, 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM — Grand Rapids Ballet — Tuition required — A nurturing environment for aspiring young dancers to enhance their skills.
The Insiders: A Tribute to Tom Petty
6-10 p.m. — Lamar Park — Free entry — Experience the premier Tom Petty tribute with six veteran musicians channeling the Heartbreakers' vibe.
Ditch Lily Live Concert
7-8:30 p.m. — The Pyramid Scheme — Tickets from $34.00 — Experience Ditch Lily perform live without any hidden fees.
Donate Life Night at the Zoo
6-9 p.m. — John Ball Zoo — $5 suggested donation — Celebrate life while exploring the zoo after-hours and enjoying sweet treats with community partners.
Five Iron Frenzy Concert
8-9:30 p.m. — The Stache — All ages welcome — Enjoy a night of ska and punk music with Five Iron Frenzy and support from Boy Detective.
Grand Rapids Trail Run
7:30-11:30 a.m. — Robinette's Apple Haus & Winery — Registration required — Enjoy scenic trails as you challenge yourself in a 5K, 9K, or 18K run/hike.
Oddities & Curiosities Expo
10:00 – 11:30 a.m. — DeVos Place — Ticket prices vary — Explore the bizarre at this unique expo featuring oddities and curiosities.
Youth Baseball Skill Development Camp
9 AM – 3 PM — Cornerstone University — Tuition based — Improve baseball skills with experienced coaches and CU players in a fun summer camp setting.
REDFERRIN Live in Concert
7:30-9 p.m. — Elevation — Ticket prices TBD — Experience the electrifying sounds of Warner Music Nashville’s rising star Redferrin and his unique blend of country and hip-hop.
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