Good Day
Grand Rapids
Saturday, July 19th, 2025
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Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 19th of July.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Safe Haven Ministries in Grand Rapids now helps human trafficking survivors repair their credit by certifying victim status under the Debt Bondage Repair Act—letting them work with credit reporting companies to remove fraudulent entries. The nonprofit said the process takes time and will depend on each company’s decision. WOOD TV
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ An upscale Homewood Suites by Hilton in Walker near I-96 will open mid-November with 104 rooms for longer stays — construction began last summer and utilities are in place — as the project’s cost has risen to $14 million. MLive
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Grand Rapids Police say Randy Buckner killed his girlfriend Aleta Lung at her apartment in southeast Grand Rapids in February — he fled with her car to New Mexico — and his case will go to circuit court. ABC 13
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ EGLE has opened public comment on Enbridge Energy’s permit application for a tunnel project to replace the 72-year-old Line 5 pipeline that runs under the Straits of Mackinac. Comments will be accepted through Aug 29 and two virtual meetings are scheduled — an informational session on Aug 12 and a formal public hearing on Aug 19. WOOD TV
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Starting at 8 p.m. Friday, a section of eastbound I-96 in Walker closed for bridge beam setting at Fruit Ridge Avenue and drivers used off and on ramps — as directed by MDOT — until 5 a.m. Monday. The work is part of a $30 million project to rebuild and widen Fruit Ridge Avenue from 3 Mile Road to Northridge Drive. WOOD TV
- ➤ Nearly 48,000 Michiganders who collected unemployment benefits earlier this year will receive retroactive back pay after a law raised the weekly rate from $362 to $446 effective January 1 — payments were not adjusted until April. Claimants should check their MiWAM accounts for a letter with details on the lump sum payment and instructions for filing an appeal if needed. WOOD TV
- ➤ Michigan State Police explained that a plate search flagged as an immigration investigation was misannotated and actually related to a drug trafficking case. Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo officials confirmed they do not use license plate readers for immigration enforcement and are updating training and system access—ensuring clear adherence to policy. WOOD TV
- ➤ Ottawa County Veterans Services will host its first-ever free job fair on Monday, July 28 at the Fillmore Administration Building at 12220 Fillmore St. in West Olive — where veterans, military spouses and their families can meet over 20 local employers and receive career coaching, resume help and giveaways. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. MLive
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ At John Ball Zoo, a 14-year-old Chilean flamingo named Andes received a custom leg brace from Mary Free Bed after he developed a limp last winter. The zoo and the Mary Free Bed team will continue testing his lightweight orthotic—made with thermoplastics, metal joints, and a foam liner—to ensure he stays comfortable with his flock. ABC 13
- ➤ Cynthia Rackham, a 69-year-old leukemia survivor, donated 200 handmade tie blankets on July 16 to help comfort children with cancer at Corewell Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. Friends and church members helped her with the project—she plans to make more blankets for foster children this winter. MLive
SPORTS NEWS
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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Good Day Grand Rapids.
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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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Low Down Revival
7-11 p.m. — Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill — Tickets from $12.25 — Enjoy a lively night of bluegrass and southern rock with the Chattanooga band Low Down Revival.
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LOCASH Concert
7-9 p.m. — The Intersection — Ticket information not provided — Experience the iconic country music duo as they launch their new record label and perform popular hits.
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Organ Fairchild Concert
8:30-11:30 p.m. — The Philmore South — Tickets available now — Experience the fast-rising NY band Organ Fairchild making waves in the music scene.
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T-Rex Fest Featuring The Fever Haze
4:30-6:30 p.m. — The Pyramid Scheme — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a vibrant concert by The Fever Haze with their engaging music and lyrics.
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Ghost Live Concert
7:00 – 9:30 PM — Van Andel Arena — Tickets vary by demand — Experience Ghost's electrifying live tour performance in Grand Rapids.
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Meet the Machines
10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. — Grand Rapids Downtown Market — Free entry — Get up close with emergency and construction vehicles before enjoying local bites from Market Hall vendors.
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Welcome to the Good Day Grand Rapids, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Grand Rapids, Michigan community. If you like the Good Day Grand Rapids, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Grand Rapids.
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