Grand Rapids News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

Early Thursday morning, July 9th, Kalamazoo County deputies made a major bust after a high-speed chase involving a stolen car and a teen driver caught with a stolen handgun in their pocket. The spree began July 8th with multiple vehicle thefts and break-ins across Oshtemo and Comstock townships, including stolen firearms. The teen, who ditched officers twice by driving dangerously, was eventually...

Grand Rapids’ free downtown shuttle, the DASH, took a major hit in May with ridership plummeting from over 46,000 to just 17,000 after the city cut nearly half its stops—shrinking the route from 25 to 15 to cut costs amid a 30% rise in operating expenses. Officials admit they can’t pinpoint the exact cause, but blame the route changes and reduced time on the road, even as hours stayed the same. Ma...

The Great Lakes are officially heating up—thanks to a scorching heatwave that’s turned southern waters into summer swim spots, with Lake Michigan and Erie hitting 77-80°F, while Lake Superior stubbornly stays chilly at 44.8°F. With more heat on the way, Michigan’s beaches could soon hit 80°F—proof that winter’s grip is slipping fast. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solip...

Celebrate your kid’s big day with a morning news shoutout—Etta, Fiona, Henry, Everly, Kellan, Jordan, Waylon, Norah, and Zachary are just the latest stars in this spotlight program. Parents, submit your child’s info the day before their birthday to make sure they’re featured—no same-day or late submissions allowed. It’s a sweet, community-driven way to honor milestones and add extra cheer to their...

Grand Valley State University just pulled off a savvy real estate move, snapping up the John G. Russell Leadership Center downtown for $9.7 million — a smart play that accelerates their master plan and solidifies their Grand Rapids presence. The building, already on university-owned land, will serve as a key anchor for future growth. Meanwhile, they’re offloading the Detroit Center for $6.2 millio...

Michigan’s Kent County is getting a $160,000 boost from the Steelcase Foundation to launch the Kent County Attainment Accelerator — a two-year initiative designed to help more students finish college or earn high-value certifications. Built around existing local partnerships including Grand Rapids Community College and the Kent Intermediate School District, the program focuses on smoothing the pat...

A dry, intense heat wave is rolling in from the west, bringing high temps into the low to mid-90s with less humidity than recent waves — making it feel more bearable. Peak heat hits Monday through Wednesday, with Tuesday likely the hottest. Areas like Oscoda-Alpena and Saginaw Valley may see the highest readings, while cities like Detroit and Ann Arbor feel a few degrees warmer due to the urban he...

Three teens face serious charges after a deadly shooting in Grand Rapids, with a 16-year-old tried as an adult for attempted murder and weapons offenses—just days after being on probation for prior gun violations. Two victims, including local DJ Collin Piette who took a bullet to the foot, survived but were sidelined; Piette remains optimistic about downtown safety and his return to DJing. Police...

Michigan’s facing a major cyclosporiasis outbreak—with 1200+ confirmed cases this year, way up from the usual 50. Experts say it’s not spreading person-to-person, but through contaminated food or water. Symptoms include watery diarrhea, cramps, fatigue, and low fever. Get treated with antibiotics if you’re sick. Stay safe by washing hands, rinsing produce, and don’t cook for others if you’re feeli...

Michigan is facing a shocking surge in cyclosporiasis cases, with over 1,500 confirmed infections in just one month — including 44 hospitalizations. The outbreak, fueled by contaminated food or water, has exploded across 11 West Michigan counties, with symptoms often appearing two weeks after exposure. Health officials are racing to identify the source, which may be tied to fresh produce like sala...

Cyclosporiasis is spreading across Michigan, with Kent County reporting 10 cases and over 1,200 statewide—44 hospitalized. Caused by a microscopic parasite, it’s linked to contaminated produce or water, not person-to-person spread. Symptoms include watery diarrhea, fatigue, cramps, and fever, appearing days to weeks after exposure. Wash hands and rinse produce to reduce risk. Health officials are...

A shooting near Rosa Parks Circle left two people wounded but not life-threatening—offering a small reprieve in a volatile situation. Three teens have now been charged, including one facing adult court on attempted murder charges, underscoring the gravity of the incident. Grand Rapids police are sending a clear message: gun violence won’t be tolerated, and consequences are real for reckless behavi...

The Beer City Open is heating up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with pros and amateurs battling for glory at Belknap Park — and this year’s event is bigger than ever, featuring all 24 Major League Pickleball teams, top-tier prize money, and a full fan zone with food, vendors, and live entertainment. Whether you’re playing or just watching, there’s something for everyone, including bleacher seating, a...

The VA is making bold moves to put veterans first, slashing its benefit claim backlog to its lowest since 2020 and rethinking its entire system—from laws to tech—to better serve those who served. With a focus on healthcare innovation, including community partnerships and tech-friendly services for Gen-Tech vets, the VA’s pushing forward despite lingering issues like claim denials and processing er...

Four Republicans battle for Michigan’s 90th District seat as the primary heats up—Lynn Afendoulis, Susannah Watts, Andrew Jackson Willis, and Jordan Youngquist each bring unique backgrounds from former lawmaker to pastor to orchard owner, all vying to replace retiring Rep. Bryan Posthumus. On education, they unite behind parental rights and school reform, with Afendoulis pushing teacher pay and cl...

A two-year-old girl was pulled from Versluis Lake in Grand Rapids unconscious—bystanders and a deputy sprang into action with CPR, saving her life before paramedics arrived. This harrowing rescue underscores how vital CPR is, especially for young children, where drowning remains the top cause of death. Meanwhile, Grand Rapids gears up for the Beer City Open Pickleball Championships, drawing 1,200...

A major heat wave is rolling in across Michigan, with southern regions baking under relentless sunshine and dry conditions from Monday through Thursday, while northern areas feel the heat for a shorter window. With no rain in sight for at least a week, gardeners brace for drought and everyone’s urged to conserve water. Don’t forget—this intense dry spell follows recent flooding in northern Michiga...

Ionia County just launched its first veterans service office in over 25 years — a game-changer for local vets who’ve long had to travel hours to access benefits and support. Open just one day a week for now, this new hub at 101 W. Main St. aims to simplify the confusing maze of veteran services, with plans to expand hours and offerings using grant funding. Stories from vets like Eric Calley and co...

Frederik Meijer Gardens just unveiled its biggest kid-friendly upgrade yet: the 17-foot-tall “Big Girl Playground,” a bronze climbing sculpture by Tom Otterness that’s already turning heads and drawing crowds. Part of a major Children’s Garden refresh, it replaces a crumbling butterfly maze and pairs perfectly with the existing “Mad Mom” sculpture. Families are loving the soft turf, new ice cream...

Michigan’s Republican gubernatorial candidates—John James, Perry Johnson, and Mike Cox—fought it out in a fiery debate, trading policy pitches on affordability and data centers while unleashing personal attacks that overshadowed substance. James led with healthcare transparency and housing reforms, Johnson pushed for eliminating the state income tax, and Cox blamed economic growth for the state’s...

Get ready for a wild weather ride—Friday brings scattered showers in southern Michigan with temps in the 80s, but the real heat wave hits next week, with 90s forecast for days starting Sunday, especially in the Upper Peninsula, where overnight lows won’t cool things off much. Enjoy the sunny, 80-degree weekend while you can—because relief might come as storms roll in midweek. Listen in comfort: Ge...

A West Michigan blueberry farm has settled a federal lawsuit over alleged forced labor and trafficking of migrant workers, while a Grand Rapids therapist received a three-month jail sentence and lost his license for having a sexual relationship with a patient. Meanwhile, a new study confirms the Mackinac Bridge is highly unlikely to collapse even if hit by a large ship, and a major tax abatement f...

Michigan’s Republican gubernatorial hopefuls squared off in a high-stakes debate hosted by WOOD TV8, with former AG Mike Cox, Rep. John James, and businessman Perry Johnson battling it out to win the party’s nomination. As the state gears up for its August 4 primary, voters got a front-row seat to their policy clashes, personal pitches, and attempts to stand out in a crowded field. The debate was...

Muskegon’s boxing club is rallying the community for a powerful walk against gun violence, sparked by a recent post-prom shooting that’s galvanized locals to say enough is enough. Amid ongoing efforts—including a grieving mom’s tribute, county initiatives, and school-based prevention grants—the Fruitport VFW hall clarifies it wasn’t responsible for alcohol at the event, which was billed as a famil...

Connor Mogle is living his pickleball dream at the Beer City Open in Grand Rapids — the same park where he first played the tournament back in 2022. Now a pro, he’s battling top names on home turf, fueled by local fans, deep roots in the community, and memories of the event’s explosive growth from a few tents to a full parking lot. He’s raving about the crowds — even on a Wednesday — calling them...