Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Why a Grand Rapids pastor says gun violence is an emergency

Coming up on the Grand Rapids Patch calendar: Political Crises of the 1970s

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Monday September 7th Patch AM
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Hi Grand Rapids! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why a Grand Rapids pastor says gun violence is an emergency
  • Why Grand Rapids tourism is booming despite fewer Canadian visitors
  • How metro Grand Rapids pharmacists helped crack a multi-store prescription fraud scheme.

Also on today's calendar: Golden Harvest Half Marathon & 5k/10k - Grand Rapids and 5 more events.

Today's riddle: Why did the fish blush ? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Monday: Mostly sunny and nice, with a high of 79 and low of 59 degrees.
  • Tuesday: Warm with clouds and sun, temps: high: 83, low: 70.
  • Wednesday: Breezy; an a.m. shower or two, with a high of 79 and low of 62 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Pastor calls gun violence in Grand Rapids a 'state of emergency' (fox17online.com) — A Grand Rapids pastor is urging city and county leaders to treat recent shootings as a "state of emergency," noting 12 homicides in the city so far this year, the most since 2022. He's calling for more investment in neighborhood-level outreach and youth support, while Police Chief Joe Trigg stresses ongoing investigations and urges residents to "put the guns down."
   

2. West Michigan tourism holds strong amid Canadian visitor decline (fox17online.com) — Tourism in Grand Rapids is holding strong despite a sharp drop in Canadian visitors to the U.S., thanks in part to new attractions like the riverfront amphitheater and Gun Lake's Wawyé Oasis. Local businesses such as downtown's Social Misfits report one of their busiest summers yet, even as state tourism leaders watch national political tensions with concern.
   

3. Neat signature on prescription triggers alert to fraud case (wlns.com) — Prescription fraud attempts at several Walgreens in metro Grand Rapids led Kent County deputies to arrest a 24-year-old Illinois woman, with another suspect still wanted. Local pharmacists and license plate reader cameras helped flag identical paper prescriptions for powerful painkillers, highlighting how area pharmacies scrutinize out-of-state customers and unusual paper scripts to protect patients and prevent drug diversion.
   

4. To The Point: U.S. Reps. Moolenaar, Scholten and Walberg (woodtv.com) — From a studio in Grand Rapids, three U.S. representatives outline what they're working on in Washington, including Hillary Scholten's focus on water issues in the 3rd District that covers much of the city. John Moolenaar discusses competition with China, while Tim Walberg highlights international work on education and workforce, offering residents a snapshot of current federal priorities.
   

5. Kent County to add transfer station staff amid 36% solid waste volume surge (mlive.com) — Kent County officials, meeting in Grand Rapids, just approved two new full-time operator positions at the North Kent Transfer Station to keep up with a 36% jump in solid waste and construction debris. The move aims to cut overtime and retiree rehiring costs while supporting expanded recycling and food waste services that many Grand Rapids-area residents and haulers now use.
   

📸 Around Grand Rapids

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Grand Rapids

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📣 Grand Rapids Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Monday September 7
  • Habitat Assessment on Prairie Creek
    Swmtu, P.O. Box 230094, Grand Rapids
    10:00 am
  • Jenison High School: Labor Day
    Jenison Public Schools Jenison, MI 49428
    4:00 pm
  • Level Up Basketball Training
    Mill Creek Middle School - Middle School Gym
    5:00 pm
  • MS Football
    Comstock High School Comstock Park High School - HS North Practice Field
    5:30 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • LOST DOG ALERT!
    Have you seen this pet? Mr. Mann was lost on September 05, 2026 and was last seen near Grand Rapids, MI If you have information on their location,… (Nextdoor Baxter)
  • The qualities I'd consider most important in a husband or boyfriend
    1. Character & Integrity Be honest, have principles, keep your word, and do the right thing even when there is no reward for doing so. 2… (Nextdoor Garfield Park North East)
  • Leggett & Platt Incorporated posted a job opening for Machine Operator in Grand Rapids. Apply here.
  • Meijer posted a job opening for General Merchandise Clerk 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: It saw the ocean's bottom! (Thank you Gary M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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