GRAND RAPIDS

HOLLAND, MI - Beach areas up and down Lake Michigan are under a Beach Hazards advisory from the National Weather Service, with waves up to 7 feet forecast for some spots today. An anticipated mix of dangerous waves and currents and increasing wave size are driving the cautionary messaging as storms pass through the area today and a cold front moves into Michigan later Monday. “Today will not be the best day to go to our Lake Michigan beaches,” NWS meteorologists in Grand Rapids said when sharing the beach warning on social media. That will create large waves, as high as 7 feet. It will be very dangerous to be in the waters of Lake Michigan today.”Grand Haven State Park also shared today’s beach hazards message on its Facebook page.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Hancock is serving up authentic Nashville-style hot chicken recipes right here in West Michigan. With flavors that owner Paul Lee says you won’t find anywhere else in West Michigan, Hancock’s motto is “Nashville Heat meets Michigan Neat.”“Traditionally, you know, when people say things are hot in Western Michigan, they’re not really that hot,” Lee told MLive/The Grand Rapids Press. It’s located in the old service station at 1157 Wealthy St., where the Wealthy Street Station Deli & Grill resided for decades before it closed in 2015. Hancock’s most popular menu item is its Chicken Sandwich, a classic chicken sandwich recipe with country fried chicken tenders, mayo, iceberg lettuce, American cheese, bread and butter pickles on a golden bun. Lee said the chicken does a brine and buttermilk soak for a few days before it’s floured and fried up.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- A three-vehicle crash on I-96 Friday afternoon has left one person dead. The fatal crash temporarily forced the closure of Eastbound I-96 following the crash reported to police at 4:46 p.m. Aug. 5. It has since been reopened.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — An agreement approved Friday morning by the public authority that oversees Van Andel Arena lays out the terms of a partnership with Grand Action 2.0 for development of a 12,000-capacity riverfront amphitheater in downtown Grand Rapids. Officials said the agreement, between the Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority (CAA) and private economic development group Grand Action 2.0, represents an important step forward in the push to make the amphitheater a reality. Grand Action 2.0 is chaired by Carol Van Andel, Dick DeVos and Fifth Third Bank Regional President Tom Welch. The group’s prior incarnation, Grand Action, helped develop Van Andel Arena, DeVos Place, the Grand Rapids Downtown Market and other prominent projects in downtown Grand Rapids. A March presentation to the Grand Rapids City Commission indicated the Grand Rapids Downtown Development Authority or the City of Grand Rapids Brownfield Authority is expected to borrow $20 million to finance the project.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids Public Schools has updated its dress code policies ahead of the upcoming school year, after students convinced the district to get rid of its school uniform requirements earlier this summer. The Grand Rapids Board of Education approved the district’s new dress code this week. For example, GRPS students are not allowed to show any undergarments, midriff, or cleavage at school, the dress policy states. RELATED: Uniform requirement eliminated at Grand Rapids Public SchoolsA districtwide survey last year found that students at GRPS were largely in favor of ditching the school uniform code, especially in high grade levels. School leaders say families with questions about the district’s new dress code can contact their school, or the GRPS Communications Department at 616-819-2149 or communications@grps.org.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Kim Planck felt “let down” by U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer for voting to impeach former President Donald Trump following the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. On Tuesday, she carried that disappointment to the polls.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – After almost five years since breaking ground on the project, Grand Rapids’ $85 million biodigester is mostly up and running. This year, natural gas generated by the biodigester and sold to DTE Energy is expected to net about $2.5 million, Grenier said. Related: Cost of Grand Rapids biodigester project doubles to $76MGrenier pointed to other cities currently building biodigesters, like nearby Holland. If Grand Rapids hadn’t already finished constructing its biodigester, Grenier said, they’d be building one now. Cost overruns, delays and permitting failures have plagued the biodigester project since ground broke on it in December 2017.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – A man was charged with arson after he allegedly set a fire at Planned Parenthood in Kalamazoo. Related: Planned Parenthood fire was arson, Kalamazoo Public Safety saysPlanned Parenthood is surrounded by a fence, which the man breached before starting the fire, a criminal compliant said. The Paw Paw man allegedly bought the tiki torch fuel, fireplace log and utility lighter in two separate transactions with cash at the Paw Paw Walmart shortly before the fire was started, the complaint said. An anonymous tip to Kalamazoo Silent Observer said the Paw Paw man started the fire, the complaint said. It doesn’t trickle down.”The Paw Paw man lived in a house with his wife and kids.

Meijer has announced teachers can save 15% on supplies for an entire school year.

JACKSON COUNTY, MI -- Clean-up and power restoration efforts continue after a night of high winds and heavy rain Wednesday took down several trees across the Jackson area. As of noon Thursday, Aug. 4, Consumers Energy reported 9,578 customers in Jackson County affected by power outages. Related: Weekend weather: Turning hot with an eye on storm timingA large outage in Blackman Charter Township affected about 1,751 people Thursday morning, according to the Consumers Energy outage map. Starting at about 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to 34 incidents related to the weather, including reports of downed wires, traffic hazards and vehicle crashes, said Cpt. Power outages can be reported and viewed on the Consumers Energy Outage Map, online here.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Westside Dog Park, Grand Rapids’ latest dog park, is set to open. The commemoration is hosted by Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. The dog park features a fenced-in grassy area and a mural of dogs on building wall at the site. The dog park, located at 307 Summer Ave. NW, is nestled between the downtown YMCA parking lot and Bridge Street. For more information and any updates on the park, head to the Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. Facebook page.

KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI – About 50,000 Consumers Energy customers in Michigan remain without power Thursday, Aug. 4, after a storm with wind gusts over 50 mph damaged power lines. The National Weather Service in Grand Rapids reported strong to severe storms, with “torrential rain,” moving across West Michigan on Wednesday. Related: More than 84,000 homes, businesses without power in MichiganConsumers Energy overnight restored power to 32,000 homes and businesses. It expected to have power restored to most of the 50,000 customers without power by 11 p.m. Thursday. “Our crews made great progress overnight to complete damage assessment and begin restoring customers impacted by the high winds and storm,” Consumers Energy spokesman Guy Packard said.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – A new deputy superintendent and communications director are joining the administrative ranks at Grand Rapids Public Schools. Helmholdt was tapped this summer to serve as the new president of Grand Rapids-based public relations firm SeyferthPR. Mitchell is an elected member of the Grand Rapids Community College Board of Trustees. “I have always wanted to work for Grand Rapids Public Schools,” Mitchell said in a prepared statement from the district. A Grand Rapids native, Hendrix also attended GRPS growing up.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – A ballot drive to change the city’s funding requirements for the Grand Rapids Police Department and allocate more funding to community services will not end up on the November ballot this year. RELATED: Petition circulating in Grand Rapids would mandate money for mental health, affordable housingThe Grand Rapids Clerk’s Office did not receive any submissions from the coalition by Tuesday’s deadline, city spokesperson Steve Guitar told MLive/The Grand Rapids Press on Wednesday. The coalition is calling its effort “a political campaign to amend the Grand Rapids city charter to reinvest in critical social services,” its Facebook page reads. In Grand Rapids earlier this year, a white police officer shot and killed Patrick Lyoya following a traffic stop. In 2020, conversations around defunding the police department from 38.6% of the general fund to the city charter minimum of 32% were the focus of public comment periods during Grand Rapids City Commission meetings.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – In a narrow race, challenger Kristian Grant defeated two other candidates – one by less than 70 votes – to win the Democratic primary on Tuesday for the 82nd state House District. With such an extremely close margin, it feels very reflective of what this race felt like,” Grant told MLive/The Grand Rapids Press on Wednesday, Aug. 3. “This district is the heart of Grand Rapids and has so much potential,” Grant said. The new 82nd state House District includes Grand Rapids’ Southeast Side and the southern portion of downtown as well as a sliver of Wyoming. Should a candidate request a recount, they are responsible for the costs, which is dependent on the specific election race and on a per-precinct-basis.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- To make attending the theatre more welcoming for all guests, Grand Rapids Civic Theatre is expanding its accessible programming. Civic Theatre leaders said they are excited about the new programming and are looking forward to the idea of welcoming new people into their space, according to a July 27 news release. Theatre is for everyone.”A sampling of some of the accessible programming Civic Theatre will regularly provide during set dates is as follows:Audio Described Performances: Live commentary is fit in with the actors’ dialogue, making it easier for people with impaired vision to enjoy the show. Low Sensory Night is an existing offering at Civic Theatre that will be expanded during the coming season. “Our expanded programming is a big step toward achieving that goal.”More information on Civic Theatre’s new and existing accessible programming in the upcoming season can be found at www.grct.org/accessibility.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Voters overwhelmingly passed a proposal to renew the Kent County Senior Millage on Tuesday, Aug. 2. Unofficial primary election results from the Kent County Clerk’s Office showed 95,064 voted yes and 39,400 voted no on the ballot proposal. The millage request for Kent County senior citizen services was to maintain the current millage rate of 0.50 mills for eight years, from 2023 to 2030. Officials say more than 22,000 Kent County residents received support last year through 51 different services. The tax costs the average homeowner about $100.75 a year, according to the Kent County Senior Millage Committee, using the county’s median property value of $201,500.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Kent County voters Tuesday approved the renewal of a dedicated millage for services that support veterans in the primary election. The ballot proposal for Kent County veteran services and resources was to continue the .050 mill originally approved in 2014 for eight years, 2022-2029. The unofficial Aug. 2 election results from the Kent County Clerk’s Office showed that 103,128 voters, or 77 percent, approved the renewal while 31,201 voted no. RELATED: Voters to decide Aug. 2 on renewing dedicated veterans millage for Kent CountyAccording to county officials, the funds aids in hiring more staff at the Veterans Services Office to help veterans in the county find benefits, while shortening the time it takes to be approved or denied. The millage supports veteran outreach and emergency services in the county through the Veterans Services Office, according to county officials.

SAGINAW, MI — A once lauded Grand Rapids-area paramedic has pleaded guilty to sexually abusing an underage girl in Saginaw County. Kevin J. Nawrot, 34, on July 26 appeared before Saginaw County Circuit Judge Andre R. Borrello and pleaded guilty to single counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct and possessing child sexually abusive material. The former charge involves penetration and is a 15-year felony, while the latter is four-year felony.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Kent County Commissioner Melissa LaGrand successfully fended off a challenge Tuesday, Aug. 2, from a former, long-time county commissioner in the Democratic primary for the county board’s 16th District. LaGrand defeated fellow Democrat Jim Talen by a count of 2,202 votes to 991 votes, according to unofficial election results from the Kent County Clerk’s Office. LaGrand will go on to the November general election to face Republican John Brooks Twist, who ran unopposed in his primary. The county’s 16th District is situated in the center of Grand Rapids, encompassing downtown and adjacent portions east of the Grand River between Wealthy Street at the south and Knapp Street at the north. LaGrand, 54, has served on the Kent County commission since 2021.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mi – State Sen. Mark Huizenga, R-Walker, has won the Republican primary for the state Senate’s 30th district. The Associated Press declared Huizenga the winner in Tuesday’s primary election. Huizenga became a state senator in 2021 after being a state representative from 2018 to 2020. Huizenga will face state Rep. David LaGrand, D-Grand Rapids, in the November general election. The state Senate’s 30th district includes Ada, Cascade, Grand Rapids, Plainfield and Allendale townships as well as Rockford, Walker, Coopersville, Grand Rapids’ West Side and Grand Rapids north of Fulton Street.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — John Gibbs took a call early Wednesday, Aug. 3, from former President Donald Trump congratulating him on his victory over Congressman Peter Meijer in the GOP primary. “Yes sir, your endorsements have a really, really good record,” said Gibbs as his supporters stood watching. That’s a great job.”Gibbs upset Meijer, a first-term congressman, in the Tuesday, Aug. 2, GOP primary for Michigan’s 3rd District. Trump endorsed Gibbs over Meijer, who had voted to impeach Trump. 27 John Gibbs primary election watch partyMore on MLive:Tudor Dixon wins Michigan’s Republican gubernatorial primaryTlaib wins MI-12′s Democratic Congressional primaryMoolenaar wins GOP nomination to retain congressional seat in new 2nd DistrictElection results from across Michigan

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Kent County Commissioner Melissa LaGrand is on the way to successfully fending off a challenge Tuesday from a former, long-time county commissioner in the Democratic primary for the county board’s 16th District. As of 11:55 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2, LaGrand was holding 1,241 votes compared to fellow Democrat Jim Talen’s 488 votes, according to the ongoing, unofficial results from the Kent County Clerk’s Office. Talen had served on the Kent County Board of Commissioners for 20 years before losing the 2020 primary to LaGrand. LaGrand, 54, has served on the Kent County commission since 2021. MLive/The Grand Rapids Press partnered with the nonpartisan League of Women Voters of Michigan to provide candidate information for readers.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The three-way Democratic primary for the 82nd State House District remains too close to call late Tuesday. The new 82nd state House District includes Grand Rapids’ Southeast Side and the southern portion of downtown as well as a sliver of Wyoming. State House seats are two-year terms. The winner of the Democratic primary will now go on to face whoever wins the district’s Republican primary. MLive/The Grand Rapids Press partnered with the nonpartisan League of Women Voters of Michigan to provide candidate information for readers.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Incumbent state Sen. Mark Huizenga, R-Walker, is on the path to successfully defending his seat according to early results in the Republican primary for the state Senate’s 30th district. Huizenga has served as a state senator since 2021, was a state representative from 2018 to 2020 and was the mayor of Walker from 2013 to 2018. If he ends up winning, Huizenga will go on to the November general election to face state Rep. David LaGrand, D-Grand Rapids, who ran unopposed in the Democratic primary. The state Senate’s 30th district includes Ada, Cascade, Grand Rapids, Plainfield and Allendale townships as well as Rockford, Walker, Coopersville, Grand Rapids’ West Side and Grand Rapids north of Fulton Street. MLive/The Grand Rapids Press partnered with the nonpartisan League of Women Voters of Michigan to provide candidate information for readers.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — U.S. Rep. Peter Meijer was locked in a tight race Tuesday night with John Gibbs, the former Trump administration employee who’s seeking to unseat the first-term Republican congressman. Meijer is seen as the more traditional, establishment Republican candidate while Gibbs has banked on support from grassroots activists and the Trump-wing of the party. It also includes the northern half of Ottawa County, including Allendale and Grand Haven. Southern Muskegon County, including the city of Muskegon, Norton Shores and Fruitport Township, is included in the district as well. Read more:Tudor Dixon wins Michigan’s Republican gubernatorial primary, AP projectsSlotkin, Barrett advance to November in tossup Michigan congressional raceUnopposed, U.S. Rep. Bergman and longshot Dem advance in northern Michigan

Dixon, who is endorsed by ex-President Donald Trump, will face incumbent Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who ran unopposed in the primary.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Voters on Tuesday, Aug. 2, will decide a number of state, local and federal primaries, tax requests and more in the Grand Rapids area and across the state of Michigan. For live-updated unofficial results Tuesday night of contested primaries in Kent and Ottawa counties, scroll below. Refresh this page for the most recent unofficial results as reported by Kent and Ottawa county election officials. A precinct is considered fully counted, or fully reporting, when all ballots, both in-person and absentee, are accounted for and represented in the tally. Once all ballots are tallied and the race has been called, the winning position will be shown in bold.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The FBI and Grand Rapids police are asking for the public’s help locating a suspect they believe robbed a Grand Rapids bank. Police described the Grand Rapids bank robbery suspect as a Black man with a medium build. He was last seen wearing a grey hoodie with a white shirt underneath, khaki cargo pants, black sneakers, a grey beanie hat, black sunglasses, and a blue disposable mask. (Photo Provided By Grand Rapids Police Department)The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Grand Rapids Police Department or Silent Observer.

A Planned Parenthood in west Michigan was caught on fire Sunday afternoon.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – A teen suffered non-life-threatening injuries when she was shot by her teen-age brother, police said. Grand Rapids police continue to investigate but believe that the shooting was accidental. The incident was reported around 11:15 p.m. Monday, Aug. 1, in the 1200 block of Eastern Avenue SE near Hall Street. Officers found the injured girl at the scene, police said. Read more:Woman in crash that killed 2 bicyclists did not grasp gravity of tragedy, prosecutor saysU.S. Reps. Upton, Dingell call for civility in political discourseSee timelapse of Coast Guard Parade of Ships

Gibbs, who grew up near Lansing but hasn’t lived in West Michigan until moving to Byron Center last year, was endorsed by Trump. The district includes Ada, Cascade, Grand Rapids, Plainfield and Allendale townships as well as Rockford, Walker, Coopersville, Grand Rapids’ West Side and Grand Rapids north of Fulton Street. Ottawa County 8th DistrictA parental rights advocate is challenging a longtime Ottawa County commissioner in the Aug. 2 Republican primary for the board’s two-year, District 8 seat. Sylvia Rhodea is seeking to unseat longtime incumbent Greg DeJong, who was first elected to the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners in 2010. “With his passion to serve, he opened the Rock Island restaurant in Holland, along with the Goal Post Family Restaurant in Allendale,” according to the Ottawa County website.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker said he appreciates the “clarification” provided by a Michigan Court of Appeals ruling stating that county prosecutors can enforce the state’s 1931 law criminalizing abortion providers. “I cannot and will not ignore a validly passed law,” Becker said in a statement, issued Monday, Aug. 1. “The Michigan Court of Appeals order does not take effect for at least 21 days. Such we’re continuing to evaluate our legal options.”Also Monday, following the appeals court ruling, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced that she was requesting a temporary restraining order to prohibit county prosecutors from enforcing the 1931 abortion ban.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - John Ball Zoo is introducing a new pileated woodpecker named Norman to their Ambassador Animal Program. The young pileated woodpecker was rescued by a rehabilitation veterinarian after the tree his nest lay in was cut down, and his leg was broken, according to a July 27 news release from John Ball Zoo. Norman is part of the largest species of woodpecker in North America and was expected to return to the wild. John Ball Zoo’s Ambassador Animal Program is a collection of reptiles, insects, birds, and small mammals who choose to participate in up-close experiences with guests at the zoo and in off-site Travel Zoo programs. “Pileated woodpeckers are native to West Michigan and can be heard in our backyards, but few people have seen them up close.

KENT COUNTY, MI – A 24-year-old man who was initially reported missing from the Grand Rapids area has been found. Tucker Laws has been located and is safe, the Kent County Sheriff’s Office reported on Monday, Aug. 1. The sheriff’s office turned to the public for help locating Laws on July 30 after family and friends had not heard from him for a few days. In a Facebook post, Laws’ mother thanked those who helped in the search effort and offered prayers and support to the family. Read more on MLive:Make-A-Wish ‘heartbroken’ after 2 cyclists killed during 300-mile ride in MichiganWhen will election results come in?

A new semiprofessional soccer team is poised to take flight in the Grand Rapids area. MLive.com recently interviewed United West FC founder and CEO Rogelio Giron about the team, which has been participating in a summer schedule and is planning to kick it into high gear later this month.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - A Beach Hazards statement remains in effect through Monday evening, meaning there could be dangerous swimming conditions at some popular West Michigan beaches. The National Weather Service in Grand Rapids issued a Lake Michigan beach-hazards statement Monday, August 1, for Allegan, Mason, Muskegon, Oceana, Ottawa and Van Buren counties. RELATED: Dangerous swimming conditions expected on Lake MichiganThe most dangerous conditions were recorded this morning on the south side of the piers. All Lake Michigan beaches from St. Joseph to Manistee. Beaches from St. Joe to Manistee will have an increased risk for dangerous conditions on Aug. 1.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Haven State Park closed its Lake Michigan swim area on Monday, Aug. 1, with dangerous swimming conditions expected at West Michigan beaches. Holland State Park has a yellow caution flag but said conditions are expected to worsen throughout the day. The weather service said dangerous swimming conditions are expected with high waves and strong currents. “The most dangerous conditions this morning will be on the south side of piers and structures with winds from the Southwest,” the weather service statement said. Waves will build throughout the day, creating hazardous swimming conditions at West Michigan beaches, the weather service said.

A driver suspected of being drunk is accused of crashing into a group of bicyclists in Ionia County, killing two people and injuring three others.

“It can be overwhelming because there’s not many outlets where we can express how we feel about these issues,” Calderon told MLive/The Grand Rapids Press. The good news is that child poverty rates are declining in Grand Rapids. RELATED: Child poverty rates on the decline in Grand Rapids, study showsThe same trend is happening across the state. In Michigan, child poverty rates declined nearly 28% between 2010 and 2020, according to the 2022 Kids Count report. Eighty-two of Michigan’s 83 counties saw declines in child poverty rates.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The Humane Society of West Michigan will be taking in some of the beagles being rescued from a Virginia breeding facility. More than 4,000 beagles are being removed from Envigo, a facility that breeds beagles for medical research, after federal officials accused the company of violating the Animal Welfare Act. In early July, a federal judge approved a plan to transfer all 4,000 dogs from the facility over the next two months. They didn’t have names,” said the Humane Society of West Michigan in a Facebook post. The Virginia Envigo facility was shuttered by its parent company earlier this month.

25 out of 4,000 beagles are relocating to Grand Rapids after being mistreated in Virginia.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Grand Rapids Police are investigating after a person was found dead early Saturday. Police say the victim had an apparent gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene. The Grand Rapids Police Major Case Team is investigating the death. Anyone with information about the death investigation can contact the Grand Rapids Police Department at 616-456-3380 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or www.silentobserver.org. More on MLive:‘Definitely still a safe downtown,’ Grand Rapids police chief says after recent shootingsMinimum wage hike paused by Michigan court until at least Feb. 2023Man sentenced to life in prison for fatal shooting in hostage situation

GRAND RAPIDS, MI - From classic burgers to savory crab patties, Patty Matters has been a community favorite in the West Michigan area since it opened in 2015. Owners Lauren D’Angelo and her mother Mindy D’Angelo wanted to do something that wasn’t already being offered on a food truck in Grand Rapids. Lauren D’Angelo said they are proud to be the first food truck to run all year in West Michigan. For each burger option, customers can choose fresh Angus Beef patties from Byron Center, turkey patties, in-house black bean patties, Beyond Meat burgers, crab patties, and fresh Cuban pork. Besides the burgers, customers can also choose from tasty sides, including potato bombs and fresh chili cheese fries.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Public safety advocates in Grand Rapids are opposing a local ballot initiative to increase funding for community services like mental health and affordable housing, calling the petition effort a “misleading” attempt to cut funding from the city’s police department. Public safety advocates said they believe The Coalition for Community Owned Safety is promoting the proposal’s intentions to fund community services, while downplaying the fact that police funding could be cut as a result. In Grand Rapids earlier this year, a white police officer shot and killed Patrick Lyoya following a traffic stop. The Citizens for Safe Neighborhoods group said it is advocating for a well-trained and adequately staffed Grand Rapids Police Department. The Coalition for Community Owned Safety is currently circulating the ballot petition to try to get enough signatures from Grand Rapids residents who support the idea.

The Social Equity All-Star designation comes at a time of hardship in Michigan’s cannabis industry, especially for small operators

ALLEGAN COUNTY, MI – Tall Heights, an electrofolk duo from Boston, took to social media to honor one of its fans who died hours after attending the group’s performance in Grand Rapids. “Our fans are like family to us, so we are aching with you now from afar,” the duo wrote in an Instagram post Thursday, July 28, related to the death of 31-year-old Logan Thayer Sweet.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Supporters of a proposed ballot initiative in Grand Rapids are hoping to mandate that significant amounts of dollars are invested into community services like affordable housing, mental health and more. As part of the group’s plan, voters also would be asked to remove the clause in the city charter requiring that at least 32% of the city’s general operating budget be spent on police services.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – A man was ordered to pay $3.2 million to Amazon after he was sentenced to prison for his role in textbook rental fraud. A total of 28 other charges, including mail fraud, wire fraud and false statement to the FBI were dismissed when he was sentenced. Related: Two Kalamazoo County men sentenced in Amazon textbook rental fraudHe must pay $3,227,347.82 of restitution to Amazon. From September 2016 to October 2019, Larson, Gleesing and Dhanoa said they would assist Talsma in renting textbooks from Amazon, the men said in their guilty pleas. Related: Portage man, 32, fourth suspect to plead guilty in $1.5M Amazon textbook fraud caseTalsma taught them to create multiple Amazon accounts with fake names, multiple street address and emails to avoid Amazon’s limit of 15 textbook rentals per customer, the men said in their pleas.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI —Broad Leaf Brewery + Spirits has grown in popularity on the craft beer and spirts scene since launching in Kentwood in 2019. The couple is once again has an idea for new concept with the opening of a second Broad Leaf location on Grand Rapids’ West Side early this fall, according to a press release. The owners say Broad Leaf Westside will follow a similar vibe and theme as the current location, located at 2885 Lake Eastbrook Blvd. Broad Leaf Westside will occupy the space being vacated by The Sovengard, at 443 Bridge St., which served Scandinavian-inspired cuisine. The release said Broad Leaf has recently started distributing its beer throughout Michigan through M-4 Distribution.

The next in a series of stories previewing the 2022 Grand Rapids area football season. Name the position and there’s a good chance that Grandville’s football team has it covered when it comes to speed.

Although the Michigan Department of Civil Rights does investigate discrimination complaints involving sexual orientation and gender identity, legal protections for LGBTQ people in Michigan are shaky. Plaintiffs argued they have a constitutional right to deny service based on religious beliefs—a flashpoint around LGBTQ rights in the United States. In the meantime, Trevino says the Michigan Department of Civil Rights will keep investigating complaints under the purview of the interpretative statement. More on MLive:Petition to create LGBTQ protections in Michigan civil rights law appears short on signaturesAnti-trans violence reached a record high last year. Michigan Supreme Court bypasses Court of Appeals to hear LGBTQ case

In 2020, there were 19,381 children, or 13% of all kids in Kent County who lived in poverty, data shows. Child poverty rates across the state declined nearly 28% between 2010 and 2020, according to this year’s report. Eighty-two of Michigan’s 83 counties saw declines in child poverty rates. Poverty rates declined, more students are graduating on time, and preschool is more accessible for the child population of more than 44,000 kids in Grand Rapids. ‘Give us some closure’: Silent Observer, police seek tips as crime rises in Grand RapidsSpectrum Health to shutter drive-through COVID-19 testing site in Grand Rapids

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Police are investigating a shooting Wednesday, July 27, that left three injured near Martin Luther King Jr. Park. Grand Rapids police responded around 7:30 p.m. to the 1000 block of Benjamin Avenue SE, near Alexander Street, on a report of a shooting. Three victims had been taken by private cars to the hospital before police reached the scene. Their injuries were not life-threatening, police said. Read more:Spectrum Health to shutter drive-through COVID-19 testing site in Grand RapidsBay City native on ‘Jeopardy’ tonight: ‘Required a lot of courage’

Police are searching for a missing man who was last seen at a concert in Grand Rapids over the weekend, and they’re asking landowners in the area to check their fields.

The Michigan Supreme Court says the practice of fingerprinting people without probable cause or a warrant is unconstitutional.

Macy’s has partnered with WHP Global to bring the Toys”R”Us brand to every Macy’s store in America.

From the Gibson Factor to Fishland, 14 Michigan sites are being recognized by the National Register of Historic Places.

A bill was passed on Monday that will allow bars and restaurants to offer self-dispensing services for beer, mixed drinks and wine.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg’s visited Grand Rapids on Monday to announce funding given to Michigan airports for renovations.

The Whitmer Administration announced funding for three Michigan airports during U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg’s visit to Grand Rapids.

Eaton County deputies took Beverly McCallum into custody for the charges of second-degree murder and disinterment/mutilation of a body.

Multiple sightings of an alligator in the Kalamazoo River has prompted the closing of a popular nature center in Michigan.

Watch Flashpoint every Sunday at 10 a.m. on Local 4 News and Local 4+.

Officials say an American Airlines flight made an emergency landing in Grand Rapids.

With absentee ballots in homes right now, the GOP hopefuls for governor turned the pressure up on each other at a debate in Grand Rapids.

Candidates to be the Republican nominee for Michigan governor are set to debate tonight.

A doctor from Sterling Heights who had his license suspended on accusations of performing inappropriate vaginal treatments on girls for conditions they didn’t have continued to practice after that suspension, authorities said.

The swimming area at Grand Haven State Park in western Michigan has been closed following several near drownings.

Beer lovers now have a chance to celebrate the anniversary every Wednesday from June 29 to August 31. Those interested can enter the Experience Grand Rapids 10 years of Beer City USA contest. Winnings include a Grand Rapids beer experience, an overnight stay in a Grand Rapids hotel, two culture passes and a visa gift card.

A Grand Rapids man blamed for a fire that killed his wife and three sons has been found guilty of four counts of involuntary manslaughter.

Officials say a Michigan police officer charged with murder after shooting Patrick Lyoya in the back of the head has been fired.

A western Michigan shopper likes her new planter but not enough to pay the price 23 times.

Michigan lighthouses have been shining a light on the Great Lakes for centuries. With more than 3,200 miles of shoreline, lighthouses greatly impact the water community.

A groundbreaking ceremony will be held for The Muskegon Museum of Art’s $11.2 million expansion project.

The Grand Rapids police officer who shot and killed Patrick Lyoya in the back of the head during a traffic stop on April 4 was arraigned Friday at 1:30 p.m. on a second-degree murder charge.

A Michigan prosecutor who charged a police officer with murder in the shooting of Patrick Lyoya is being praised by some of his early critics.

Grand Rapids Police Officer Christopher Schurr has been booked into the Calhoun County Jail Thursday (June 9) night after he was charged with second-degree murder for the shooting death of Patrick Lyoya.Schurr is expected to face a judge Friday (June 10).

Patrick Lyoya’s father Peter Lyoya reacted to Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker’s decision to charge Grand Rapids Police Officer Christopher Schurr with second-degree murder Thursday (June 9) afternoon.

The Grand Rapids officer who shot and killed Patrick Lyoya in the back of the head during a traffic stop in April has been charged with second-degree murder.

Kent County prosecutor Chris Becker gave no hints Wednesday, saying only that he would disclose his “charging decision” at an afternoon news conference in Grand Rapids.

A Michigan police officer who killed Patrick Lyoya with a shot to the back of the Black man’s head has been charged with second-degree murder.

We’re less than 24 hours away from the Kent County Prosecutor announcing whether they’ll charge the Grand Rapids police officer who shot and killed 26-year-old Patrick Lyoya after a traffic stop. The information in the case came in waves.

The Kent County Prosecutor is expected to announce whether the Grand Rapids police officer who shot and killed Patrick Lyoya was justified or whether charges are warranted.

Police on Wednesday identified a Wyoming woman and her two children who were allegedly shot and killed by her boyfriend who then killed himself.

If you are looking to celebrate the month, check out these events happening around Michigan.

Police say a man fatally shot his girlfriend and two of her daughters inside a western Michigan home before killing himself.

Memorial Day is a special day for many Americans whose loved ones have fought for our country.

Memorial Day is a special day for many Americans whose loved ones have fought for our country.

Frankie Regina McGraw has been missing for 48 years after escaping prison twice.

A man who vanished from a Grand Rapids group home 31 years ago is still missing, and he might be linked to a baseball card collection that was found under an I-96 overpass.

Students from a Detroit high school will have their artwork on display at a local Mcdonald’s.

If you are looking for a way to remind your family what the holiday is really about, we gathered a list of veteran memorials you can visit throughout the state of Michigan.

Here is the weather report for May 21, 2022.

People departing a graduation in the Grand Rapids area apparently were armed at the event when they exchanged gunshots with a group in a car, a sheriff said Friday.

A prosecutor said Wednesday that he will only decide whether to charge a white Michigan police officer in last month’s fatal shooting of Patrick Lyoya, a Black man, after he finishes discussing it with experts.

A Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital patient in Grand Rapids was proposed to last week.

Michigan is home to about 500 disc golf courses.

A 39-year-old woman has been struck and killed by a vehicle while trying to cross a southwestern Michigan road in a wheelchair.

Toxicology reports on Patrick Lyoya show his blood alcohol was more than three times the legal limit the morning he was shot and killed by a Grand Rapids police officer.