Tuesday, July 29th, 2025

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Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 29th of July.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ FOX 17 is changing its newscast by sending reporters into West Michigan neighborhoods to cover local stories—reporters like Sam Landstra and Matt Witkos work directly in the field today. The shift builds on months of embedding reporters in local areas—providing coverage that connects with viewers. FOX 17
- ➤ More than 3,000 people lost power on Grand Rapids' West Side Monday morning when a squirrel caused damage at the Wealthy Street substation+ crews worked to isolate the damage and expected to restore power by 12:30 p.m. WOOD TV
- ➤ Mel Trotter Ministries has opened its newest thrift store at 5221 Cherry Ave. in Hudsonville — the location also serves as a drop-off center for donations. The nonprofit will host a grand opening celebration on Thursday, July 31 at 9 a.m. with a ribbon cutting and free refreshments. MLive
- ➤ A westside neighborhood organization is proposing to repurpose Stocking Elementary, which closed at the end of last school year, by buying it outright to create a community hub with early childcare, workforce development, transitional housing, and nonprofit offices—community partners plan to use community grants, donations, and nonprofit funding for the estimated $12 million price tag—while GRPS works with a commercial real estate firm to explore interest in the vacated building. WOOD TV
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A motorcyclist lost control on eastbound I-196 near Chicago Drive late Sunday, July 27 and was thrown from his bike before being taken to a local hospital in critical condition (state police said) as the highway reopened around 11:30 p.m. while the investigation continues. MLive
- ➤ A father and his two teenage sons were hospitalized with severe burns after their 17-foot boat exploded at a public launch on Pontiac Lake around 1:20 p.m. Sunday—one teen remains in critical condition while his father and the other son are stable as investigators work to determine the cause. WOOD TV
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Grand Rapids' Gladys’ Grille opened on July 16 at 1167 Madison Ave near Hall Street in a former cafe space to honor late Gladys Oliver’s legacy with recipes like peach cobbler and fried chicken. Granddaughter Jeannica Garmon, her daughter Titiana Oliver and Jessica Karim — all family — run the restaurant that already hosts sold-out Soul Food Sundays and plans to offer a warm, family atmosphere. WOOD TV
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ WOODTV+ released the pilot episode of 'Let’s Get Literary' that features local author Lois Tverberg discussing the republishing of her book 'Listening to the Language of the Bible,' Pages & Peonies owners Sarah Gramza-Howard and Jess Hodges outlining the grand opening of their new romance bookstore, and Hackley Public Library in Muskegon announcing a National Lighthouse Day Story Time on Aug. 7, an open mic on Aug. 25 and an adult acting class series. WOOD TV
- ➤ Confluence 2025 is a festival that will celebrate art, music, science and technology in downtown; it will take place Sept 19-20 at Ferris State University’s Kendall College of Art and Design building — featuring robotics, esports and interactive tours of West Michigan's tech-forward scene. Community partners will join the free event to showcase innovation during Tech Week. MLive
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Grand Rapids has hired Benjamin Rance as its new emergency management administrator. Benjamin Rance (with over 10 years of federal disaster preparedness experience) will begin his role on Aug. 4 after taking over from Allison Farole. 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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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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.
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Jake Scott Live
7-9 p.m. — Elevation — Ticketed event — Experience a multi-platinum artist's heartfelt storytelling and memorable performances.
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August Wine School at Reds
7-9 p.m. — Reds at Thousand Oaks — $55 per person — Experience an evening of wine education with five pours and small plates inspired by Tuscany.
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Karl Denson's Tiny Universe Concert
8:00 – 9:30 PM — Elevation — Cost not specified — Experience a night of electrifying music from a legendary band with over 25 years in the industry.
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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Good Day Grand Rapids.
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