🌱 Patch AM: How Ford Airport’s new baggage system will change your next flight

Good morning to you Grand Rapids! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

• How Ford Airport's new baggage system will change your next flight
• How will Mary Free Bed's $60M expansion reshape care in Grand Rapids?
• Family pleads for tips after Grand Rapids teen is fatally shot

Also on today's calendar: Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer and 3 more events.

Today's riddle: What did the tree say when Spring arrived? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Friday: Partly sunny, with a high of 81 and low of 61 degrees.
• Saturday: A t-storm around in the p.m., temps: high: 83, low: 67.
• Sunday: Warm with variable cloudiness, with a high of 86 and low of 68 degrees. 🌶 Hot!

📰 News we're reading

1. Gerald R. Ford International Airport Set to Become First in U.S. With New Self-Service Checked Baggage System – [your]NEWS (yournews.com) — Grand Rapids' Gerald R. Ford International Airport is rolling out a first-in-the-nation self-service checked baggage system as part of a $135 million terminal expansion. Starting Sept. 9, some airlines will shift to the new ticketing and luggage setup, boosting bag capacity and aiming for faster, smoother check-ins. Extra staff and how-to materials will help travelers adjust.
   

2. Mary Free Bed gets approval for $60M in bonds for expansion projects (mlive.com) — Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital in Grand Rapids just secured approval for up to $60 million in tax-exempt bonds to expand and upgrade its local facilities, including more patient rooms and a new parking structure. The financing also supports an East Beltline outpatient clinic and an office renovation that will free up additional clinical space, without putting repayment responsibility on Kent County taxpayers.
   

3. 'Now our smile is turned upside down': Grand Rapids family mourns teen, demands answers (fox17online.com) — An 18-year-old recent Kelloggsville High School graduate was fatally shot in Grand Rapids earlier this month, leaving his family mourning a second son lost to gun violence. Relatives remember his humor, work ethic, and bright future while pleading for information. They're offering rewards and urging anyone with tips to contact Silent Observer or the family directly.
   

4. 'It's a start': Parents weigh in on new Meta protections for kids (fox17online.com) — Michigan is set to receive $171 million from a multistate settlement with Meta that will add time limits, nighttime blocks, and stronger safety tools for kids on Facebook and Instagram. East Grand Rapids parents say the changes could ease pressure on families, though some still keep children off social media entirely. States and an independent auditor will monitor Meta's compliance.
   

📸 Around Grand Rapids

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Grand Rapids

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

Tuesday September 1
• Back to School Picnic
  Wealthy Elementary Grand Rapids, MI 49506
  5:30 pm
• High School Study Skills Workshop (presented by FHN PTO) in Media C
  Northern High School Forest Hills , 3801 Leonard St NE, Grand Rap
  6:00 pm
Wednesday September 2
• MS Open House
  East Grand Rapids Middle School Grand Rapids, MI 49506
  6:30 pm
Saturday September 5
• Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer →
  Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids
  6:30 pm
• Candlelight: Tribute to British Rock Legends →
  Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids
  8:45 pm
Tuesday September 8
• Planning Commission Meeting →
  East Grand Rapids Community Center Commission Chamber - 750 Lakeside Drive SE East Grand Rapids MI 49506
  5:30 pm

📣 Grand Rapids Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Friday August 28
• Free Friday Line Dance →
  Georgetown, MI Calendar, 7100 8th Ave, Jenison
  9:00 am
• Spiritual Gathering →
  Georgetown, MI Calendar Jenison, MI 49429
  10:00 am
• Fridays: Core Balance →
  Georgetown, MI Calendar Jenison, MI 49429
  11:30 am
• Soup and Salad Lunch →
  Georgetown, MI Calendar Jenison, MI 49429
  11:30 am
• Cards →
  Georgetown, MI Calendar Jenison, MI 49429
  12:30 pm
• Movie: The Last Rodeo →
  Georgetown, MI Calendar Jenison, MI 49429
  1:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Maner Costerisan recognized as one of West Michigan's Best Places to Work —Ines Tomic Read on Patch

• Happy National Dog Day!
  Today is National Dog Day, so let's give a shout out to the four-legged members of our families who bring us unconditional love, loyalty, and plenty… (Nextdoor )
• Heads up for anyone who likes sky watching 🔭
  There will be a partial lunar eclipse Thursday night into early Friday morning, Aug. 27–28. It should be visible here if the sky stays clear. For… (Nextdoor Beckwith Hills)

• Disabledperson, Inc posted a job opening for Payroll Tax Processor - Remote at Teleperformance USA in Grand Rapids, Michigan in Grand Rapids. Apply here.
• CTDI posted a job opening for Weekend Production Supervisor in Grand Rapids. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Grand Rapids here.

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: What a re-leaf! (Thank you Flo G. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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