Good morning, Grand Rapids.

A West Michigan woman was honored on July 24 with a Red Cross lifesaving award for jumping into action when a stranger collapsed—she received the award for her swift, life-saving response.

On Friday at Long Lake Park, a 4-year-old boy named Silas Alan-Scot drowned after falling off a float and inhaling too much water — his grandfather performed CPR while family members called 911 and deputies arrived around 8 p.m. to try resuscitating him — and the Kent County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident.

Frank McKay was a powerful local leader in the early 1900s who faced four criminal indictments for fraud and bribery — yet he was never convicted.

Historians say his name is still linked to corruption and the final part of a three-part series on his life will be published next Sunday.

After a 26-year break, West Michigan hosted its Italian festival on July 24—bringing local residents Italian music, food, and art to celebrate cultural traditions.

The Pleasant Peninsula Mural Festival took place on Saturday along Front Avenue under US-131, where 21 murals painted by local and national artists showcased Michigan’s endangered species—each mural includes a QR code for more information—and rain delayed the noon kick-off while the Blue Bridge hosted vendors, artist tents and live music until 9 p.m.

Yesterday the West Michigan Italian Festival returned after a 25-year hiatus—its first appearance in over two decades.

Fifteen years after the Kalamazoo River oil spill damaged 40 miles of water, advocates met in Battle Creek on Saturday to mark the anniversary and oppose Enbridge’s plan to build a tunnel for its Line 5 pipeline beneath the Straits of Mackinac—environmental groups say the plan could repeat past mistakes while Enbridge claims it has improved safety.

Three housing projects in Kentwood, Grand Rapids and Wyoming were awarded $78.9 million in state-backed loans to create or preserve 442 affordable housing units—officials said the funds would help meet local needs—and the projects are expected to add more affordable homes soon.

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.

Jake Scott Live

7-9 p.m. — Elevation — Ticketed event — Experience a multi-platinum artist's heartfelt storytelling and memorable performances.