🌱 New Body Cam Footage + Homeless Shelter Renovations

Good morning, Grand Rapids! Let's get you all caught up to start this Friday, February 4 off on an informed note. Here's everything you need to know about what's happening around Grand Rapids today.

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First, today's weather:

Snow late in the afternoon. High: 19 Low: 12.

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Here are the top 3 stories today in Grand Rapids:

1. A Grand Rapids Public Museum exhibit is showcasing our city's diverse history. The exhibit will be open and available to the public all year but particular parts may draw your interest while celebrating Black History Month. The exhibit features hundreds of artifacts spanning many years in Grand Rapids. (WOODTV.com)
2. New renovations at a Grand Rapids shelter are offering "dignified" living spaces for homeless individuals. The renovations of the Mel Trotter Ministries were able to be completed using $14.9 million from a capital campaign. Renovations include new bedrooms and a renovated youth shelter. The shelter is a 450-bed rescue mission that services all genders. (MLive.com)
3. New body cam footage from the Dec. 9 accidental gun firing by a Grand Rapids Police officer has been released. The footage shows Officer Gregory Bauer firing a round from his gun while he admits he tripped. The officer faces a misdemeanor charge for careless discharge of a firearm. No one was injured during the incident. (WOODTV.com)

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Today in Grand Rapids:

• New World Symphony At The Grand Rapids Symphony (8:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Grand Rapids Symphony shared a testimony from a listener of Copland's Fanfare for the Common Man. Click to read the piece and to find out how you can hear this beautiful music. (Facebook)
• Grand Rapids Public Schools announced they are searching for a new principal at Coit Creative Arts Academy. Click to apply. (Facebook)
• Opera Grand Rapids celebrates the career of bass-baritone Dashon Burton. (Instagram)

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More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Taxes in Retirement Seminar (February 7)
• Social Security Seminar (February 8)
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You're all caught up for today. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next update!

— Erica Zenn

About me: Erica Zenn is a Masters Student in Applied Psychology at the University of Southern California who originally hails from Chapel Hill, NC. With a bachelors degree from Cornell University, Erica is an expert verbal and written communicator who brings extensive experience in employee engagement and customer experience of companies. Erica is passionate about community building, and loves using her writing and communication skills to bring people together.