Good morning, Grand Rapids.

Kent County housing advocates said on July 7 that the homeless population has grown sharply since the pandemic (a 'massive' increase) (according to recent reports).

Construction is underway on Acrisure Amphitheater at 201 Market Ave near US-131 — the 12,000-seat venue is scheduled to open in 2026.

Karen Tyson, who once lived in a growing tent city in Heartside Park, now lives at Heartside Landings—an innovative Degage Ministries program that kept all 25 residents housed for a full year.

The initiative also reduced emergency service use by 88% and emergency room visits by 65%, giving residents much-needed stability.

Several West Michigan manufacturers announced future plant closures & sales that will impact hundreds of jobs.

Howard Miller will close next year affecting 195 employees in Zeeland, Traverse City, and North Carolina, MillerKnoll is shifting 250 jobs after closing its Muskegon facility over the next two years, Marshall Excelsior will shut three facilities by March with 71 layoffs, & WK Kellogg is expected to be sold for about $3.1 billion.

A Cedar Springs doctor, Jonathan William Decker, is accused of writing fraudulent Adderall prescriptions (over two million pills) that earned him $1 million, according to a federal indictment in the Western District of Michigan.

Sparta High School hired former NBA champion Lindsey Hunter as the new head coach of its boys varsity basketball team, and he will host a basketball skills camp on July 16.

The team will play its first game in December + Hunter aims to help players improve their skills on the court and learn important life lessons.

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.

Coconut Telegraph: A Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show

7 PM – 1 AM — Ed Dunneback & Girls Farm — Ticket price not listed — Experience the festive vibes of a Jimmy Buffett concert replicated in a tribute performance.