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In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Preserved! and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: Do you know what the two sides of a circle are? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. 'All-day destination': Performance venue, cocktail and tea lounge planned in Grand Rapids (woodtv.com) — A new Met Grand Rapids cocktail and tea lounge with a 75-seat performance venue is proposed for the former Divani space downtown, aiming to be an all-day neighborhood destination. The city Planning Commission will consider its special land use request Thursday, and neighbors could eventually see extended hours, live performances, and rentable event space on Ionia Avenue.
2. Grand Rapids city manager says the city had a 'real good year,' but more work remains ahead (fox17online.com) — Grand Rapids' latest performance report shows modest drops in property crime and vehicle thefts, plus a record 1,600 new housing units and major investment in the Affordable Housing Fund. City leaders say federal dollars and zoning changes are helping, but thousands more homes are still needed by 2029 to keep residents and employers here.
3. 'He was a good father': Wife remembers husband killed in car crash after attempted traffic stop by ICE (fox17online.com) — A Grand Rapids construction worker and father of three died Sunday after fleeing an attempted traffic stop by federal immigration agents and crashing into a tree near Century Avenue, according to police. His wife in Guatemala described his daily calls and devotion to their children, while Michigan State Police and Grand Rapids Police investigate and community members plan a vigil at the crash site Thursday evening.
4. Focus West Michigan 9-23-26: GRFD earns international accreditation (wgvunews.org) — Grand Rapids residents can take pride that the city fire department remains Michigan's only internationally accredited municipal department, even as a new report highlights a national award nomination for Acrisure Amphitheatre. The segment also notes protests in Grand Rapids over a Guatemalan man's death linked to ICE, plus updates on West Michigan housing trends, environmental advocacy, and state business incentives.
5. Artists share stories of freedom, power at ArtPrize (woodtv.com) — ArtPrize is back in downtown Grand Rapids, and two standout installations explore freedom, new beginnings, and environmental care. One artist brought a 260-pound stainless-steel bald eagle from Australia to the JW Marriott, while another built a comforting, wave-shaped lighthouse from beach trash at Uccello's Atrium, inviting locals to reflect on hope and our waterways.
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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: The inside and the outside ! (Thank you James M. for sending it in!)
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