Good morning, Grand Rapids.

Ford family and the Gerald R.

Ford Historical Legacy Trust will host a wreath ceremony on July 14 at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum to honor President Ford’s 113th birthday. Susan Ford Bales and James P. Hackett will offer tributes as wreaths are presented by local and national groups.

After community members raised safety concerns at the Adams intersection, the Mobile Commission asked the council to approve funding for traffic lights at both the Griggs and Adams intersections on Kalamazoo Avenue.

Engineers prioritized Griggs near a school for immediate safety improvements.

Grand Rapids' free downtown shuttle service saw a 61% drop in ridership in May after a pilot route cut stops and service hours to manage rising costs.

The city will review June data, survey riders, and hold public meetings in each ward to better assess community needs.

Yesterday, July 8, the Wyoming Housing Commission opened its public housing waitlist to expand access for local neighbors with 195 units at Westwood Apartments, Waldon Woods and other sites.

Applications will be accepted online by lottery until Friday, July 10 (details available online).

Michigan Department of Health & Human Services reported 992 cyclosporiasis cases as of Wednesday, July 8, 9:30 a.m. The state said no specific produce supplier has yet been confirmed as the outbreak source.

Safe Haven Ministries now offers 24/7 hotline support (616-452-6664) for survivors of domestic abuse in Kentwood as local incidents raise awareness of the need for help.

The resource empowers survivors to seek safety and rebuild their lives.

Amid high gas prices cutting summer trips, HomeToGo has ranked Grand Haven as the top one-tank travel destination by offering low-cost stays and a drive of less than one hour from Grand Rapids (the survey reviewed price, traveler demand, and drive time).

The West Michigan Whitecaps have launched a Florida vacation giveaway as part of Michigan Snowbirds Night, offering a package for four with round-trip flights, a two-night Legoland Florida Resort stay, tickets and a gift card.

Fans can enter until 7:05 p.m. on Aug. 1 at LMCU Ballpark in Comstock Park.

Beer City Open is underway at Belknap Park through Sunday, blending top-level pickleball play with a community block party that includes 21 courts, food trucks, and activity tents + championships will air on FOX 17.

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.

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.

Shakey Graves Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Meijer Gardens — Tickets from $67 — Immerse yourself in the soulful sounds of Shakey Graves at this beautiful outdoor venue.

Upheaval Festival 2026

13:00-21:00 — Belknap Park — $29.79 – $2,979.00 — Experience an epic two-day rock festival featuring top artists in Grand Rapids.

Upheaval Festival Featuring Papa Roach

12-9 p.m. — Belknap Park — Saturday Pass Only — Experience a day filled with exciting performances from Papa Roach, Bilmuri, and more.

Buddy Guy Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Meijer Gardens — Tickets starting at $129 — Experience the legendary blues artist Buddy Guy live in concert.

Johnny Mullenax Concert

8-9:30 p.m. — The Stache — Tickets available — Experience a funky country bluegrass good time with Johnny Mullenax, a genre-bending musician from Tulsa.

Grand Rapids Symphony: Star Wars - The Empire Strikes Back In Concert

7:30-10:30 PM — Acrisure Amphitheater — Check event page for pricing — Experience the iconic score live as the classic film unfolds on the big screen.