Good Day
Grand Rapids
Thursday, August 21st, 2025
Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 21st of August.
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Police report a man died after being pinned between a car and a tree in Grand Rapids Tuesday morning—officials are investigating the incident. WOOD TV
- ➤ South Christian High School grieved the loss of teacher and coach Mark VanStee—who died in a Tuesday morning car accident—as the school canceled the first week of classes and remembered his caring influence since 2003. FOX 17
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Although major buyouts like Steelcase’s acquisition and WK Kellogg Co’s deal have shaken some local firms, Michigan remains a strong manufacturing hub with companies such as General Motors, Ford, and Meijer continuing to invest and operate locally—showing resilience amid significant external acquisitions. Other key sectors, including automotive suppliers and medical manufacturing, further support the state's industrial strength. MLive
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Orthodontist Thomas Shannon, 43, who once worked in Grandville, was arrested in Frankfort and now faces federal charges of child exploitation and child pornography after a 2021 report linked him to online talks with several minor victims including a 12-year-old—he remains on bond for state charges and will have a federal detention hearing Friday. WOOD TV
- ➤ Deputies responded at 3 a.m. to a business in Plainfield Township where they found two unresponsive men—one 52 year old was pronounced dead and the other 30 year old from Muskegon regained consciousness after Narcan as the investigation continues. ABC 13
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Starting in September, Robinette’s corn maze will honor Grand Rapids' 175-year history by carving a field to mimic La Grande Vitesse, the Grand River, and the city skyline. The 6.5-acre attraction charges $10 per person with kids ages 0-2 free — it operates Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. until November 2. WOOD TV
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Studies show that home prices and mortgage payments in Grand Rapids have jumped since 2014—median home prices grew by 160.8% and mortgage payments increased by 238.2% over ten years. Another study found that from 2022 to 2025, buyers paid about $665 extra per month even as incomes rose only modestly. ABC 13
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Due to cuts from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the H.O.P.E. Gardens program at West Elementary will reduce its classes from 60 to 12 monthly sessions. The nonprofit will look for new funding options—other groups in the district face similar cuts. WOOD TV
- ➤ College move-in week is underway as Michigan schools welcome students with events from August 18 through August 28. GVSU’s vice president for Student Affairs said parents and first-time students should have a student ID and dorm key ready—scammers may target new campus residents. FOX 17
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Moms with Moms Gathering
10-11 a.m. — Allendale Township Library — Free coffee and tea — Connect and bond with fellow mothers while children play.
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Small Foreign Festival
4:20-10:20 a.m. — Sullivan Field — Free entry — Celebrate summer with art, music, food, and a lively artist market in Grand Rapids.
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JP & The Energy Live Performance
6 PM – 12 AM — The Score Restaurant & Sports Bar — Cover charge TBA — Enjoy a lively night with modern pop music and nostalgic throwbacks from up-and-coming band JP & The Energy.
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Angry Zeta Concert
8 PM – 12 AM — Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill — Ticketed event — Experience the unique fusion of punk, country, and hillbilly sounds from Argentina.
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Harry Dean and the Dusty Boys Live Performance
6-10 p.m. — The Score Restaurant & Sports Bar — Free entry — Experience the live sounds of Harry Dean and the Dusty Boys in a vibrant atmosphere.
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Kidz Bop Live: Certified BOP Tour
6-9 p.m. — DeVos Performance Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience the energetic Kidz Bop Live with beloved songs and interactive fun for kids.
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GrandCon: Michigan's Premier Gaming Convention
10 AM – 10 AM — DeVos Place — Ticketed events available — Celebrate tabletop gaming with a weekend full of fun, including cosplay and tournaments.
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Back Outside: The Block Party
12-9 p.m. — Boston Square Neighborhood Association — Free entry — Celebrate Black culture and community through food, fun, and local vendors.
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Divine Service on the 12th Sunday after Pentecost
10:00 – 11:15 AM — Messiah Lutheran Church — Free entry — Experience a joyful Divine Service filled with grace and community spirit.
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Fort Wayne TinCaps at West Michigan Whitecaps
6:35-8:05 p.m. — LMCU Ballpark — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a thrilling minor league baseball matchup between the TinCaps and the Whitecaps.
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