Good morning, Grand Rapids.

John Ball Zoo announced that snow leopard Yuki welcomed a new cub on July 28—both animals remain healthy and are bonding behind the scenes; the zoo said the pair may be visible by the end of September and that the birth is a boost for the Snow Leopard Species Survival Plan after the loss of the previous cub in March.

The 138-year-old Ladies Literary Club building in downtown Grand Rapids reopened on August 1—returning to its original role as a community cafe, library and meeting space—to serve local residents.

A Grand Rapids company plans to expand its home-visit veterinarian service using artificial intelligence, said co-founder Rachel Berkal.

The company started in 2021 after Berkal got her first dog (July 29).

A 41-year-old man from East Lansing, Benjamin Gregory Shirley, was sentenced to 15 months in prison after he assaulted a USPS employee at an East Lansing Post Office when he tried to retrieve a package sent to a different P.O.

Box that was later found to contain fentanyl hidden in a teddy bear (he had arranged the shipment from Tennessee).

Calder Plaza hosts the 47th Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival—celebrating Latin American flavors with authentic pupusas and tacos.

The event runs from August 1st to August 3rd—bringing together vendors from over 30 countries and local community groups.

Today, the Great Lakes Fishery Commission received a $2.1 million federal grant to design a new sea lamprey barrier on the Grand River as part of the Restore the Rapids project that will remove old dams.

The barrier, planned near the Sixth Street Bridge, is expected to save around $2 million a year on control costs—helping protect the river's ecosystem by allowing native fish to pass while blocking invasive sea lamprey.

City officials approved a $7 million agreement with MDOT to begin planning a redesign of the U.S. 131 interchange at Wealthy Street to help ease traffic congestion on a 1960s-era structure.

Engineers will conduct community engagement and environmental evaluations before a very large-scale project starts in the next decade—funded in part by a $10 million MEDC grant.

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.

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.

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.

The Last Call Band

7-11 p.m. — Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill — $6.63 — Enjoy an evening of Americana music with The Last Call Band in a cozy venue.

Eddie Gossling Comedy Show

7:15-8:45 p.m. — Dr. Grins Comedy Club — Ticket prices available — Enjoy a night of laughter with Eddie Gossling's stand-up performance.

Eddie Gossling Stand-Up Comedy Show

7:15-8:45 p.m. — Dr. Grins Comedy Club — Tickets available — Laugh along with Eddie Gossling as he delivers his hilarious takes on life.