Hey there, Grand Rapids! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: House of Heavy and 8 more events.
Today's riddle: Why do fish live in salt water? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Study: Michigan teacher salaries have fallen more than any other state (wzzm13.com) — A new study highlighted in Grand Rapids shows Michigan teacher pay has dropped 29% after inflation since 1995, with starting salaries among the nation's lowest. Local union leaders say funding shifts, virtual and charter growth, and budget priorities are pressuring Grand Rapids Public Schools, fueling shortages and prompting calls to prioritize classroom instruction and salaries.
2. Bedcovers to masterpieces: QuiltWeek Grand Rapids draws quilters from around the world (mlive.com) — Quilters from around the world are in downtown Grand Rapids this week as QuiltWeek takes over DeVos Place with more than 800 quilts, contests, workshops, and a bustling merchant mall. Running through Saturday, the event highlights the city's artsy, walkable core and offers locals a chance to learn new techniques, meet guilds, and explore a thriving quilting community.
3. Vibrant glass art takes over Meijer Gardens grounds (detroitnews.com) — Frederik Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids is glowing with massive Dale Chihuly glass installations indoors and out, in the largest exhibition the park has ever hosted. Running through November outdoors and January 2027 inside, the show mixes timed-entry gallery experiences with meandering garden trails, giving locals months to explore world-class glass art woven into familiar West Michigan landscapes.
4. Researchers say wildfire smoke cost Michigan businesses over $4 billion (woodtv.com subscription) — Wildfire smoke's poor air quality in July cost Michigan businesses an estimated $4 billion, according to researchers, with the report datelined from Grand Rapids. Local shops faced closures and canceled events, and the Michigan Chamber urges Grand Rapids-area owners to plan for sudden shutdowns and budget for potential losses. The analysis also shows Michigan among the hardest-hit states nationwide.
5. Grand Rapids Bug Club gathers West Michigan bug enthusiasts (therapidian.org) — Bug lovers in Grand Rapids have a growing monthly meetup at Speciation Cellars, where the Grand Rapids Bug Club blends insect education, crafts, and social time. Recent gatherings featured a dragonfly talk, connections to the Grand Rapids Climate Coalition, and even a playful "Bug Your Reps" letter-writing activity, making it a lively hub for eco-minded neighbors.
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Ok Grand Rapids! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Pepper makes them sneeze (Thank you Karla H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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