Good morning, Grand Rapids.

On Friday, a 4-year-old drowned at Long Lake Park in Sparta after deputies arrived shortly after 8 p.m. but could not save him.

City leaders, activists and law enforcement met Friday at Uptown Church for a 'Stop the Violence' meeting to address gun violence—panelists including a father who lost his son shared plans for new youth outreach programs.

On July 25, organizers previewed new changes for the Christkindl Markt at the Downtown Market.

The market will run from November 19 until December 23 and will include new vendor booths — extra curling sheets and a new selection of beverages like Eierpunsch and Glühwein.

Today, the Pleasant Peninsula Mural Festival in downtown Grand Rapids debuts 21 permanent murals honoring Michigan’s threatened species and hosts a free eco art market, live music, and educational speakers from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.—with 100 mini murals along the Blue Bridge highlighting native pollinators and plants.

Kent County Drain Commissioner Ken Yonker said landowners in the Nash Creek drainage district will face extra charges for a $4 million project and must pay either in full by August 1 or over 15 years at 5.5% interest.

Farmer Victor Hubert, who owns 450 acres and will pay nearly $200,000, and farmer Dan Momber, with 200 acres and about a $60,000 bill, said the fees are unfair given the current drought — many local farmers did not plan for these extra costs.

A section of westbound I-96 in Walker is scheduled to close this weekend from 8 p.m. Friday until 5 a.m. Monday for bridge beam setting as part of a monthslong $30 million project to rebuild and widen Fruit Ridge Avenue.

Drivers must exit and re-enter the highway using designated ramps— the Fruit Ridge bridge built in 1961 will remain closed through December.

Comstock Park’s post office is now named for Capt. Miguel Justin Nava after a Friday ceremony honored the Marine who died in a helicopter training accident in February 2024; his legacy will also be recognized when Comstock Park High School adds his name to its honor wall later this year. U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten sponsored the naming bill that passed Congress in December and was signed in January — a tribute to his service — ensuring his memory endures.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel filed an appeal on Thursday challenging the Department of Energy mandate to keep the coal-fired JH Campbell Plant online in Port Sheldon Township - the order aimed to reduce blackout risks while Nessel argued that the plant’s continued operation would lead to higher utility costs and that planned cost-effective alternatives were expected to save 600 million dollars for customers.

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.

Cedar Rapids Kernels vs. West Michigan Whitecaps

3-6 p.m. — LMCU Ballpark — Check for ticket prices — Catch a thrilling Minor League Baseball matchup between the Cedar Rapids Kernels and West Michigan Whitecaps.