Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 25th of July.
Good morning, Grand Rapids.
Dozens of Schnauzers rescued from a puppy mill arrived in Grand Rapids Tuesday — the BISSELL Pet Foundation transported 50 dogs to local shelters where about half will be placed for adoption once they recover.
Police said one person was hospitalized after a stabbing occurred in Grand Rapids on Saturday afternoon, July 19—authorities are investigating the incident.
Local activists said that a group accused GRPD of wrongly arresting two protesters outside an ICE office on Ottawa Avenue Tuesday, while Chief Eric Winstrom said his officers acted correctly by stopping the individuals for blocking an alley (failure to obey commands, resisting and obstructing) and stressed that GRPD does not handle immigration enforcement (having never deported anyone in his 25-year career).
Today, the West Michigan Italian Festival is revived at Tanger Outlets in Byron Center after a 25-year break—featuring 15 Italian food vendors, a Bocce Ball tournament scheduled for Saturday, and live music plus family activities from 6 to 9 p.m. for $1 entry.
Local organizers including nonprofit Sons of Italy and Italian American clubs plan to honor heritage and build a future for the community.
Debbie Hassinger collapsed during a dance at an Indigenous cultural celebration last September and was saved when former paramedic Mandi Garvey called 911 and started CPR.
Garvey received an American Red Cross Lifesaving Award on July 24th—one day before today—and Hassinger, who spent nearly two weeks in the hospital and now uses a defibrillator, said she feels very grateful for her help.
More than $2.1 million in federal cash — allocated on July 21 — was earmarked to combat sea lamprey in the Grand River in Grand Rapids.
The funds will support ongoing measures to protect the river from this invasive species.
Grand Rapids residents facing rising temperatures this week can lower their electric bills by setting the thermostat a degree higher and cleaning the AC filters—Energy Star and Consumers Energy say these steps work well.
They can also block sunlight with shades and run high-energy appliances during cooler hours to save more on energy costs.
ICCF Community Homes is leading an $18 million affordable housing project at 1309 Madison Ave in Grand Rapids that will add 45 one- and two-bedroom apartments for households earning 30%-80% of the area median income.
Construction broke ground in March and will finish in June 2026, and the project will include a community room and a play space across the street.
After 65 years of races, Grattan Raceway near Rockford is for sale at $10 million — the 190-acre track still holds events as the Faasen family looks for a buyer who will keep it just as it is.
Drivers and fans love the track and hope the new owner will treat it the same way.
High school football fans can check the 2025 OK White Conference schedules as teams gear up for games starting on Aug.
28—matchups give an early look at playoff paths with Grand Rapids West Catholic featured as a top competitor.
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.
Igor and Red Elvises Concert
7-8:30 p.m. — Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill — Tickets available — Experience the dynamic and evolving sounds of Igor and Red Elvises live in concert.
The Krank Daddies with Red Hot Voodoo
9:00–11:59 p.m. — Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill — Ticketed event — Rock out with The World Famous Krank Daddies as they bring their Raw Rippin' Rock 'N' Roll show to Grand Rapids.
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