Saturday, July 12th, 2025

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Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 12th of July.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Housing advocates in Kent County say ending chronic homelessness is possible as Grand Rapids groups moved 100 people into permanent housing by May 1 and now plan to house another 100 by year’s end while coordinating with local hotels and the Chamber. WOOD TV
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ On Friday night at about 11 p.m., Grand Rapids police responded to calls after a 24-year-old man was struck by two vehicles at the intersection of Burton Street and Ionia Avenue and he was taken to a hospital with critical injuries—his condition remains unknown. WOOD TV
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ A Rockford man warned about a scam call he received Thursday from someone claiming to be a deputy from the Kent County Sheriff's Office who said he had two arrest warrants for missed jury duty—he ended the call when the speaker imposed a gag order and instructed him not to speak with anyone, and the sheriff’s office confirmed the calls are fraudulent. FOX 17
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Grand Rapids celebrates 175 years with a traveling photo exhibit at DeVos Place downtown that shows key moments from the city’s past (curated by Andrea Melvin and local experts). The display features photos from local archives (including the Public Museum, Library, and historical society) to help visitors learn more about the city's heritage. WOOD TV
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ John Ball Zoo will open The Power of Pollinators exhibit on July 14 featuring over 20 animatronic bee and butterfly robots that move and make noise (the exhibit runs through Nov. 23 and offers climbable statues with photo opportunities). WOOD TV
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Gerald R. Ford International Airport received nearly $2.4 million from the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program on July 11 to start key design work and upgrades including rehabilitating Taxiway V and reconstructing Taxiway D lighting — funds will also extend Taxiway L to support future growth. MLive
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Dr. Asha Shajahan from Corewell Health advises parents and outdoor athletes to use water resistant SPF 30 sunscreen—providing about 97% protection—applied 15 to 30 minutes before playing sports and to reapply every two hours. She also recommends UV glasses and lip balm—tools for extra protection—and urges coaches to provide water breaks and shade for kids. WOOD TV
- ➤ An event honoring military veterans who died by suicide began on Friday at 11 a.m. when volunteers gathered near the Grand Rapids Rowing Club — they planted 22 white-painted wooden crosses each day until Aug. 9 to mark the loss and raise awareness of the 22-daily veteran suicide statistic, with American Legion Post 2 finance officer John Boylan urging community support. WOOD TV
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Hartford Nationals Adaptive Sports Competition (the largest and longest running national event for athletes with disabilities) was held in Grand Rapids on July 11, marking the first time the event took place in the city. WOOD TV
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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Good Day Grand Rapids.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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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.
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