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🌱 Patch AM: How Calvin University’s new AI center could shape Grand Rapids’ future

Be sure to catch GRUPO BRYNDIS LA INDUSTRIA DEL AMOR LOS GAMMA DE ENRIQUE MORA on the Grand Rapids Patch calendar

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Friday October 9th Patch AM
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Hello Grand Rapids! Stay connected with the latest updates from around town. Let's dive in! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How Calvin University's new AI center could shape Grand Rapids' future
  • See the Artemis II spacesuit coming to Grand Rapids Public Museum
  • Why 1,000 pounds of venison just landed at a GR vets pantry

Also on today's calendar: Spooky Sprint - Grand Rapids and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Why did the cookie go to the hospital? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Partly sunny and pleasant, with a high of 71 and low of 54 degrees.
  • Saturday: Partly sunny and very warm, temps: high: 80, low: 59.
  • Sunday: Cloudy, with a high of 72 and low of 56 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Calvin University holds AI conference, launches new center (woodtv.com) — Calvin University in Grand Rapids is hosting a three-day "Wisdom in the Age of AI" conference that's drawing hundreds of attendees and national experts to discuss how artificial intelligence is reshaping work, education and daily life. During the event, the university also launched its new Center for Faith and Technology, which will study AI's opportunities and challenges from a Christian, multidisciplinary perspective.
   

2. Artemis II Spacesuit to Be Featured at Grand Rapids Museum (wgrd.com) — Grand Rapids residents will soon be able to see astronaut Christina Koch's Artemis II spacesuit on display at the Grand Rapids Public Museum, honoring the Grand Rapids native's role in the recent lunar mission. The suit, on loan from the Michigan Heroes Museum, joins artifacts from fellow local astronaut Roger B. Chaffee and includes signed photos celebrating her Sparta and Grand Rapids roots.
   

3. Where's the venison? More than 1,000 pounds donated to Grand Rapids Veterans Food Pantry (fox17online.com) — More than 1,000 pounds of ground venison have been delivered to the Veterans Food Pantry in Grand Rapids, offering a major boost as food prices stay high. The meat comes from deer harvested on Kent County farms under crop damage permits, part of a broader effort to control deer populations, reduce crashes, and channel surplus venison to hungry veterans and families.
   

4. Grand Rapids program helps women find lasting recovery as decline in state overdose deaths continues (fox17online.com) — Women in Grand Rapids now have access to a four‑month, long‑term recovery program at Guiding Light, which has already helped more than 170 participants work toward lasting sobriety. As Michigan overdose deaths fall, staff describe high rates of past trauma among clients but also growing numbers of women reaching one year sober, reuniting with families, and rebuilding their lives in the city.
   

5. 'This doesn't jive,' analyst says of fuel cost (wzzm13.com) — Gas prices in Grand Rapids and across Michigan are spiking higher than usual, puzzling a fuel analyst who says the numbers "don't jive" compared with nearby states. He suspects aggressive 50-cent-per-gallon discounts are distorting the market, and now expects no additional major price jump in the coming week.
   

📸 Around Grand Rapids

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • I'm not judging anyone—this is just something I've been curious about.
    I see a lot of posts asking for help with things like fixing a leaky faucet or toilet, repairing a garbage disposal, changing the oil, or patching a… (Nextdoor Midtown)
  • We are looking for our kitty Charlie.
    He is a grey tabby and we are very worried he got out last night. He is fully an indoor cat. We are off hunsberger on Eldon and northgate st. Please… (Nextdoor Northview)
  • Sam's Club posted a job opening for Freezer, Cooler and Deli Stocker Associate in Grand Rapids. Apply here.
  • Suburban Inns, Inc. posted a job opening for Guest Service Representative- Hilton Garden Inn GR 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: "Why did the cookie go to the hospital?" — Because he felt crummy. (Thank you Sanda J. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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