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

A tragic head-on collision on I-196 claimed the lives of two parents, Kevin Borek and Jessica Schmock, both killed in a preventable crash fueled by alcohol. Schmock, a devoted mom of three, was heading home from work when she lost her life—her youngest’s birthday party was just days away. Borek, with a prior DUI conviction, is under investigation for driving the wrong way, with toxicology results...

A shocking family tragedy unfolds in Caledonia Township: a 77-year-old man collapsed outside his home during a fire that started in his bedroom, now in critical condition. His own 54-year-old son, Tom Chehowski III, has been arrested and charged with arson and assault with intent to murder. Authorities say the son was apprehended in Gratiot County, and charges were formally filed by the Kent Count...

A former therapist in Kent County is sentenced to one month in jail for having a sexual relationship with a patient — a violation that also led to the permanent revocation of his license. The case, which began after a 20-year-old woman came forward, revealed multiple inappropriate encounters over seven months in 2025, including text messages and nude photos. Franciscotty pleaded no contest, expres...

A 54-year-old man, Tom Chehowski III, faces life-altering charges after allegedly setting a fire at his father’s home in Caledonia, resulting in his 77-year-old father’s critical injuries. Charged with assault with intent to murder and first-degree arson, Chehowski was arrested and is now in custody, with arraignment and future court dates scheduled. This is a fast-moving, deeply troubling case th...

Isle Royale’s Three Mile Campground is shutting down for the rest of the month after a wolf started boldly invading campsites—sniffing tents, rummaging backpacks, even crashing inside. The culprit? Habituation to human food. Despite new food storage rules last year, this wolf clearly didn’t get the memo. Park rangers are now deploying loud hazing tactics—shouting, stomping, paintball guns, and noi...

The Grand Rapids Griffins are roaring back with a record-breaking early season slate, kicking off on the road against the Cleveland Monsters and hosting their 25th anniversary home opener against the Manitoba Moose at Van Andel Arena. With a packed schedule featuring 12 Friday and 8 Saturday home games — plus a career-high 5 Sundays — the Griffins aim for another playoff push as they chase NHL dre...

Catch Dale Chihuly’s dazzling glass art at Meijer Gardens as the sun sets—this is his biggest Michigan show ever, with 12 outdoor installations glowing in golden hour light. Extended summer hours let you soak in the magic as daylight fades, with sunset viewing windows growing longer into August. Indoor exhibit runs until November 1st, but don’t miss the outdoor spectacle—free with your ticket. Per...

After a scorcher, cool temps and sunshine are here for the weekend — but don’t relax, the nineties and humidity are roaring back early next week. Lakeshore days are shrinking, waves may get choppy, and water temps are peaking — with Muskegon hitting 70, Ludington at 73, and Holland noticeably cooler at 62. Plus, a dry spell could lead to drought if it sticks through July — though lake levels remai...

Kent County’s new mobile health unit is rolling into town this summer, bringing vital screenings and health info to over a dozen community hotspots—from concerts and baseball games to food distributions and kids’ events. Designed to meet residents where they are, the unit aims to close healthcare gaps by offering services at familiar, high-traffic gatherings, partnering with local orgs to ensure w...

Grand Rapids just won a national award for its bold, community-driven lead pipe replacement effort—recognized by the Lead Service Line Replacement Collaborative for turning public health work into a people-powered movement. With a clear plan to replace 1,900 more lines this fiscal year using $11.4 million, the city’s success hinges on transparency: personalized outreach, multilingual materials, ne...

Mandy Cooper is stepping into the role of interim president of Lakeshore Advantage, bringing her deep regional expertise and proven track record to lead economic development in Ottawa and Allegan counties. Since joining in 2018 as senior vice president of strategic growth, she’s spearheaded major initiatives—from boosting agribusiness through the Southeast Regional Force Main project to tackling h...

Keep your garden thriving under the hot sun with smart watering tips: morning is ideal for cooling and disease prevention, but evening works too—no myth about sunburned leaves. Check soil depth (8 inches) to gauge moisture, and layer mulch (avoid wood chips) to retain cool, consistent moisture. Prioritize fruit-setters like tomatoes and peppers with steady water to avoid rot. Rainwater’s best, but...

Tragic Head-On Crash in Van Buren County | Grand Rapids News

Kalamazoo County has named Terrell Cole, its longtime Deputy County Administrator, as the new interim county administrator, set to take over August 15th for a six-month term. With deep experience from Cleveland and a proven track record in budgeting and infrastructure planning, Cole is poised to ensure stability as the county prepares for its 2027 budget. The board, including Chair Jen Strebs, pra...

Michigan’s Republican gubernatorial primary debate is set for July 9th, with candidates facing tight 60-second answer slots and 30-second rebuttals—plus a minute for closing statements. Moderated by Rick Albin, the event is run by WOOD TV8 with input from campaigns, featuring viewer-submitted questions and no audience or notes allowed. Only those on the ballot with at least 5% poll support qualify...

A惊心动魄 highway birth on I-96—25-year-old mom delivered her baby in the car with her husband by her side, thanks to swift action by troopers, firefighters, and medics. Both mom and baby are doing great, and Michigan State Police praised the heroic response. A rare, high-stakes moment that highlights the lifesaving teamwork of emergency crews. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: h...

Michigan’s weather is turning into a patchwork of storms and sunshine—scattered thunderstorms today, especially along the northeast shoreline, with some spots soaking up over an inch while others stay dry. But don’t worry, the rain’s short-lived: expect a warm, dry weekend with highs in the 80s and plenty of sun. That dry spell will linger, so gardeners, take note. Next week brings a hotter, drier...

Gerald R. Ford Airport just launched GoodMaps, a revolutionary app using audio cues, AR, and vibrations to help travelers with disabilities navigate the terminal with ease. Funded through the airport’s FLITE innovation program, it’s designed for visual and mobility challenges, offering real-time guidance, emergency alerts in 27 languages, and pre-flight route planning — all part of a broader push...

A惊心动魄的分娩发生在高速公路上！一位25岁孕妇在I-196上与丈夫赶往医院途中，竟在车内顺利产下宝宝。密歇根州警迅速响应，母子平安，还向所有参与救援的公共安全人员致敬——这不仅是生命的奇迹，更是应急响应的完美协作。 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-level news summary based on public repor...

A West Michigan blueberry farm has secretly settled with two Mexican farmworkers who accused it of forced labor and trafficking — a case that exposed dangerous exploitation under the H-2A visa program. The workers, lured to Michigan under false promises, endured grueling 12-hour shifts, overcrowded housing, and threats of deportation if they spoke up. Though the farm denies wrongdoing, the settlem...

After a devastating April storm tore through West Michigan, FEMA is now offering federal aid to residents in affected counties—over 32 million dollars available to help with uninsured damage, lost personal property, and emergency needs. Eligible counties span much of the state, and while insurance claims must be filed first, FEMA steps in to cover gaps. Apply at DisasterAssistance.gov with your SS...

Michigan’s Third Congressional District is heating up as Republicans gear up for a pivotal August 4 primary between Terri DeBoer, a veteran TV meteorologist pushing free-market healthcare and tax cuts, and Ryan Cushman, a business owner and National Guard veteran advocating for energy modernization and expanded Medicaid. Both candidates aim to unseat Democrat Hillary Scholten, who faces no opposit...

A shocking death in Van Buren County, Michigan, leaves a 41-year-old man dead in police custody after a traffic stop spiraled into chaos—officers saw him allegedly grab something suspicious twice before he was even out of his truck, he denied drugs, but meth was found in the vehicle, raising urgent questions about what happened next. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solip...

Michigan lawmakers just dumped over $125 million into local “pork projects” — earmarks favoring their districts — amid a $4 billion request for more than 1,300 initiatives. From fire trucks to Auto Show funding and veteran job training, the money spans everything from infrastructure to safety upgrades. Detroit got a big slice, while a $6 million boost to the Jewish Federation of Detroit for securi...

Michigan’s facing a major cyclosporiasis outbreak with over 1,200 cases surging in days—no single food source pinned yet. This summer bug, usually seasonal, is hitting harder than ever, with symptoms appearing up to two weeks after exposure. Contamination can happen anywhere from farm to table, especially with fresh produce like raspberries, basil, and snow peas. Health officials urge extra cautio...