Good morning, Grand Rapids.

A Grand Rapids nonprofit began helping human trafficking survivors fix their credit on July 18—offering essential services as victims work to rebuild their lives.

Brad, a 4-month-old puppy—loved for his playful nature and signature puppy eyes—is available for adoption through Harbor Humane in West Olive.

Harbor Humane said many puppies are ready to find homes and will host their Putts for Paws event on Sept. 12.

John Ball Zoo will create a new African savannah habitat for giraffes with a $15 million donation from the Bill and Bea Idema Foundation, the largest gift in its history, and it will open in 2028 as part of the zoo’s 10-year plan.

The zoo will join species survival plans for giraffes and ask the community for naming ideas — a move to help wildlife and teach visitors — as it expands public engagement.

For the past four years, Kyle Barcheski, an Arrowaste driver, has earned a fan club as children wear matching vests to greet him along his Grandville route — he often stops to say hello to his friends along the way.

Sheriff's deputies responded yesterday to a report of an armed man on Fontenelle Street near Division Avenue in Gaines Township—residents were advised to take shelter and avoid the area as the incident unfolded.

Two men, Michael Smith-Ellis from Detroit and Terrance Tucker from Arizona, were sentenced on Monday in Detroit to up to seven years in prison for holding mail carriers at gunpoint and stealing arrow keys during 2023 robberies in Taylor and Northville+law enforcement caught them after a Northville incident led police to a vehicle with weapons and other stolen items.

David Ruck, an independent video producer focused on Great Lakes environmental issues, said his phone stopped ringing for new projects after lawmakers cut about $1.1 billion from public media funding last week—leaving regional broadcasters like Detroit Public Television in a holding pattern. He warned that reduced funding could harm local coverage of critical environmental topics such as zebra and quagga mussel control in the Great Lakes.

On Monday, the Michigan Court of Appeals ruled that the law against making false terrorism threats is valid—reversing an earlier decision—and stated that a person only needs to threaten to commit a serious crime to be found guilty.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel called the decision an important win for public safety.

Longtime federal prosecutor Timothy VerHey — who has worked in Grand Rapids since 1990 — was named the new U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and was sworn in Monday by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Hala Jarbou as he takes charge of over 60 staff members serving 1.6 million people in West Michigan.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Dude Perfect Live

7-8:30 p.m. — Van Andel Arena — Ticket prices vary — Experience exciting stunts and comedy from the popular entertainment group Dude Perfect.

Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival

8:00 p.m. — Calder Plaza — Free entry — Celebrate the vibrant cultures of Latin America with music, food, and art at this joyful three-day festival.

Tigers Jaw Concert with Heart To Gold

8:00–9:30 p.m. — The Pyramid Scheme — Ticket information unavailable — Enjoy an evening with Tigers Jaw, a band known for their catchy songs and relatable lyrics.

Divine Service: The Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

10:00-11:15 a.m. — Messiah Lutheran Church — Free entry — Attend a reflective service focusing on divine wisdom and the teachings of Christ.