Good Day
Grand Rapids
Tuesday, August 26th, 2025
Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 26th of August.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The City of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department and Midtown Neighborhood Association will lead a two-day community build at Houseman Field starting Wednesday, August 27th where local volunteers help construct a new $300K playground operating from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 162 Houseman Ave NE—funded by the Parks Millage and community contributions. ABC 13
- ➤ On Monday, Mel Trotter Ministries celebrated the completion of two new tiny homes in Hope Village built through a workforce development program designed to help people experiencing homelessness—Darion Boyd from Next Step said the units, ranging from 400 to 530 square feet, serve as both shelters and job training centers while Gov. Whitmer called them life-changing for the community. FOX 17
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ A 36-year-old woman was shot by a Mecosta County deputy last week when she began to move toward throwing a gasoline explosive device at the officer—she is now in a Grand Rapids hospital with injuries not thought to be life-threatening and the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association is investigating the case. WOOD TV
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Gas prices in Michigan jumped 18 cents to $3.30 per gallon for regular gas as lower supplies and rising crude oil costs drive the change—AAA warns that prices may hold steady or climb further ahead of Labor Day. ABC 13
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Grand Valley State University has rebranded its main campus—formerly known as Allendale—as the valley campus for the new school year to shed its old 'college in the cornfield' image. Updated signage and materials now emphasize the campus differences while downtown sites are grouped as the city campus. MLive
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Farmers near Paw Paw reported that their corn crops showed clear pollination issues as hot nights and erratic rainfall led to missing kernels, making each ear crucial. Experts say unpredictable weather and drought—factors that stress the plants—have increased challenges this season even as late rains may help yield a bumper crop. FOX 17
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Grand Rapids city commission approved new three-year police union contracts that raise salaries for nearly 300 officers by 12% and adjust pay scales for recruits and command staff. The agreements also enhance retiree healthcare and pension benefits while keeping accountability measures in place — overall costing the city $2.99 million for officer raises and $211,649 for command staff raises. MLive
- ➤ The Ford Presidential Foundation launched the Ford50 Campaign on August 25 to raise $12M for expanding its civic education programs amid political strife—aiming to foster bipartisanship and respect for the rule of law. The initiative, honoring President Ford, has already secured $10M in pledges and will soon expand programs for students and community leaders. MLive
- ➤ Crews are regrading the Jericho hill near Rockford with a $500,000 project to improve safety as students return to class. The work will finish in two to four weeks and the hill will stay open for the morning rush but close from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. —a measure to limit dangerous speeding— to protect drivers. WOOD TV
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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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Jason Aldean's Full Throttle Tour
7:30 p.m. — Van Andel Arena — Ticket prices vary — Catch country star Jason Aldean live with special guests Nate Smith, RaeLynn, and DeeJay Silver.
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Limewired - A 2000's Dance Party
9-10:30 p.m. — GLC Live at 20 Monroe — Ages 21+ only — Dance the night away to your favorite hits from the 2000s.
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Brooke Alexx Live Performance
7-9:30 p.m. — The Stache — Tickets available — Experience the candid and catchy pop sounds of Brooke Alexx as she shares the highs and lows of life in her music.
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Last Chance BQ.2 - Grand Rapids 2025
7-11 a.m. — Millennium Park — Limited to 330 runners — A premier marathon event aiming to help participants qualify for Boston 2026.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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