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Grand Rapids just approved a 32-unit townhome project in Shawmut Hills, despite fierce neighborhood opposition from over 500 petition-signers worried about impacts. Developer Adam Rogalski noted scaled-back plans and wetland protections, but commissioners sided with the city’s housing needs, noting the project’s density is conservative and includes a 25-foot wetland buffer — turning a heated debat...

Grand Haven’s Salvation Army just broke ground on “New Beginnings,” a new emergency shelter offering 56 beds to combat the area’s worsening housing crisis—where 300 local students lack stable housing daily. This vital project replaces aging homes with modern, accessible spaces, fueled by a $1.5 million state grant and over $2.3 million in community donations, with a $300K gap still to close. Volun...

The Midwest Wheelchair Tennis Championship is in full swing in Grand Rapids, part of the legendary Hartford Nationals—the longest-running disability sports event in the U.S., dating back to 1957. Hosted for over 40 years by Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Center and United Move, this powerhouse tournament brings together 400+ athletes and 156 coaches from 38 states. Athletes like lifelong wheelchair...

A 21-year-old man in Ottawa County faces serious charges after allegedly firing a gun during a domestic dispute involving a pregnant woman and a toddler — authorities say he’s still being held on a $75,000 bond as the investigation continues. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-leve...

A stolen car chase in Cooper Township ended with a teen caught and two others still on the run after deputies deployed spike strips and the suspects fled on foot. The vehicle, one of nine stolen from an apartment complex Wednesday, carried charges including possession of a stolen firearm and resisting arrest — and the hunt for the remaining suspects is far from over. Listen in comfort: Get a disco...

Teen Hit by Car on July 4th | Grand Rapids News

Kalamazoo Township is launching a bold new era with groundbreaking on a sleek, 100,000-square-foot Community Campus—designed to house police, 911 dispatch, and more under one modern roof, replacing a crumbling 1970s building that even repurposed a bathroom as a fingerprint station. This smart, weather-resilient facility will also serve as a backup 911 hub and future-proof space for growth, includi...

A former tutor at Kalamazoo’s Intensive Learning Center is now facing felony charges after multiple students came forward with allegations of sexual misconduct. Twenty-five-year-old Allie Figg, who worked for nonprofit Beyond Basics, was arraigned on three counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct and posted a $50,000 bond. The scandal began when a 17-year-old student reported sexual encounte...

A bathroom break turned deadly at a Battle Creek business early Saturday when two employees allegedly assaulted customers—escalating to gunfire and a pistol-whipping. One worker was arrested on the spot, the other later, both facing felony charges as police hunt for the weapon. Victims suffered minor injuries, but the chaos turned a routine stop into a terrifying ordeal. Listen in comfort: Get a d...

Grand Rapids just approved a new housing project in Shawmut Hills—32 homes on under five acres—with a major twist: wetland buffer zones slashed from 75 to 25 feet. Residents, who gathered over 500 signatures opposing it, raised alarms about safety, density, and water risks, but commissioners unanimously sided with the developer, citing urgent housing needs. The project moves forward with strict co...

A tense domestic assault unfolded in Chester Township, Michigan, when a 21-year-old man allegedly fired a long gun inside a home housing two women and a baby—thankfully, all were evacuated safely with non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities responded swiftly, securing the scene and charging the suspect, Maxumis Bair, with assault causing great bodily harm, assault with a dangerous weapon, and d...

TCB Boxing in Muskegon is taking a bold stand against gun violence with a powerful community walk this Saturday, sparked by recent shootings—including a chilling post-prom party incident that left six injured. Head coach Ramon Avery, who turned to boxing at age 13 and now dedicates his life to mentoring youth, urges everyone to “Put down the guns, pick up a mentor.” The walk, beginning at 11 AM on...

East Grand Rapids middle school athletes are getting a simpler, fairer sports fee system: $250 flat per athlete, no matter the sport. Designed to cover rising costs like coaching and ensure consistency with high school fees, it helps stabilize programs and supports less-popular or more expensive sports. Parents and coaches applaud the equity, while a hidden safety net—the Jimmy’s Friendship Fund—s...

Grand Rapids is considering renaming Cesar E. Chavez Avenue after new allegations of sexual harassment and assault against the late labor leader surfaced, sparking community outcry and a petition with nearly 100 signatures. The city’s multi-department review process — involving police, fire, public works, and more — is underway, following a March investigation and Dolores Huerta’s public accusatio...

Amberly Elementary in Portage is taking proactive steps to remove PFAS-contaminated soil near an old septic system, even without a federal soil action level, to safeguard students, staff, and nearby city well fields. The cleanup involves excavation and capping of the affected area, guided by environmental consultants. City water tests remain well below safety limits, and officials are coordinating...

The Beer City Open Pickleball Championships just ended its ninth year in Grand Rapids, bringing together all 20 Major League Pickleball teams for a high-stakes, $250K prize showdown featuring stars like Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters. With over 1,200 amateur players from across North America joining the elite, the event buzzed with energy—complete with food trucks, live music, and pop-up courts....

Grand Haven’s Salvation Army is breaking ground on a $2.3 million emergency shelter designed to house entire families together, replacing outdated buildings with three new duplexes. With hundreds of local schoolchildren living without stable homes, this “New Beginnings” project offers dignity and safety during tough times, aiming for completion by summer 2028. Nearly $1.5 million comes from a fede...

Michigan Army National Guard teams up with U.S. Fish and Wildlife, MSU, and John Ball Zoo to revive the critically endangered Mitchell’s satyr butterfly—releasing 300 at Fort Custer in a bold conservation effort that proves military readiness and nature protection can go hand in hand. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertis...

Michigan seniors are losing millions to increasingly sophisticated scams—fake texts, calls, and emails designed to look real. Chase Bank in Grand Rapids hosted a workshop to teach people how to spot and stop these tricks. One attendee, 74-year-old Nancy Summers, shared how she lost nearly $1,000 to unknown recurring charges, leaving her furious and vulnerable. Bank staff warn to never rush to send...

Scammers are getting smarter—using AI to fake voices of loved ones in distress to steal cash. One woman, Nancy Summers, was targeted for months before getting help, embarrassed she didn’t spot it sooner. Chase Bank is fighting back with free summer workshops across Michigan, especially for seniors, who lost $170 million last year. Learn to spot urgent messages, fake offers, and impersonation scams...

Grand Rapids is moving forward with a new 32-unit townhome development on a five-acre lot in the heart of the city, approved unanimously by the Planning Commission after community feedback led to design tweaks—fewer units, more green space, and added parking to ease traffic and safety concerns near Shawmut Hills School. While some residents voiced worries, city staff and the Grand Rapids Chamber o...

Kalamazoo cops raided a 24-year-old’s home and car on July 1st, busting him for trafficking heroin and fentanyl—and hauling in stolen guns too. With a felony record and just released in 2024, he’s now facing serious charges including possession with intent to deliver and illegal firearm possession. Authorities say this isn’t a one-time deal—he was cooking and distributing drugs, and the Kalamazoo...

Kalamazoo County Jail’s water crisis lingers despite fixes — pipes still corroding, lead and copper levels stubbornly above safe limits even after installing orthophosphates and replacing a water softener. Inmates and staff rely on bottled water for drinking and cooking, while showers and handwashing remain unaffected. Officials are flushing systems, monitoring closely, and plan to share updates b...

Michigan’s weekend weather is heating up with mostly sunny skies and temps hitting the 80s—perfect for summer lovers. A small chance of scattered thunderstorms Friday afternoon near Detroit and south of I-94, but odds are low. The rest of the state stays dry, with clear skies and calm winds through Saturday and Sunday. Gardeners, hydrate your plants—this sun’s here to stay. Stay updated at MLive.c...

A son in Kent County is facing life-altering charges after allegedly setting fire to his own father’s bedroom — a 77-year-old man who barely survived the blaze. The incident, which occurred at 11:44 PM on June 28th, left the elderly man critically injured but alive thanks to quick intervention by deputies. Tom Chehowski, 3rd, now faces attempted murder and first-degree arson with a $1 million bond...