🌱 How an EGR grad endured Brown University’s terrifying campus shooting

Hi East 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:

• How an EGR grad endured Brown University’s terrifying campus shooting
• What role is an East Grand Rapids lawmaker playing in new vaccine bills?

📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around East Grand Rapids? Post it to East Grand Rapids photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️

Today's riddle: Can February March? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Weather forecast:

• Tuesday: Not as cold, becoming breezy, with a high of 34 and low of 32 degrees.
• Wednesday: Breezy in the a.m.; clearing, temps: high: 37, low: 26.
• Thursday: Windy with rain, with a high of 42 and low of 21 degrees.

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📰 News we're reading

• EGR graduate describes experience during Brown University shooting (fox17online.com) — An East Grand Rapids High School graduate now attending Brown University has returned to Michigan after sheltering in place during a campus shooting, sharing how the ordeal shook his sense of safety. He describes confusing alerts, a long lockdown without food, and the emotional impact of coming home, while connecting his experience to friends affected by the Michigan State shooting and broader concerns about campus safety nationwide.
   

• Michigan Democrats roll out vaccine bill package as GOP raises concerns (blackchronicle.com) — A vaccine bill package backed by Michigan Democrats features East Grand Rapids state Rep. Phil Skaggs among its supporters, while Republicans voice strong concerns. The 11-bill plan would increase reporting on school and child care immunization rates, tighten exemption procedures, and keep some vaccine coverage requirements, sparking a broader debate over parental choice, public health, and trust in vaccines across the state.
   

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📸 Around East Grand Rapids

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

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🗓 Upcoming Events in East Grand Rapids

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Friday December 19

• The Nutcracker
  East Grand Rapids Performing Arts Center, 2211 Lake Dr SE, Grand Rapids
  7:00 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

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Other local events

Friday December 19

• CSFP Food Distribution Table
  Kent County Community Action , 121 Franklin St SE #110 , Grand Rapids
  7:00 am

Tuesday December 23

• Ottawa Hills vs. Union Varsity Basketball at Van Andel Arena
  Van Andel Arena , 130 Fulton St W , Grand Rapids
  5:00 pm

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📣 East Grand Rapids Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

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🗓 Events Nearby

Tuesday December 16

• DDA Meeting
  Walker, MI Calendar , 4101 Lake Michigan Drive NW , Walker
  7:30 am
• DDA Meeting - RESCHEDULED
  Walker, MI Calendar , 4101 Lake Michigan Drive NW , Walker
  7:30 am
• Comstock Park Choirs' Holiday Concert
  Comstock Park High School - HS Auditorium, HS Auditorium Lobby, HS Aux Gym, HS Choir Room
  5:00 pm
• Level Up Basketball Training
  Mill Creek Middle School - Middle School Gym
  5:00 pm
• Singing by Candlelight - 1st, 2nd and FS 1/2
  West Oakview Elementary School Grand Rapids, MI 49525
  6:00 pm
• Boys Varsity Basketball vs Calvin Christian HS
  Comstock Park High School - HS Gym
  6:00 pm
• Girls Varsity Basketball vs Calvin Christian HS
  Comstock Park High School - HS Gym
  7:30 pm

Wednesday December 17

• Tennis Bond Work
  Pine Island Elementary - PI East Practice Field, PI West Practice Field
  6:00 am
• Holiday Celebration Lunch
  Kentwood Activities Center , 355 48th St. SE , Kentwood
  12:00 pm

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

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🗞 Nearby News

Grand Rapids

• Downtown Grand Rapids bar hosts holiday artisan market (woodtv.com)
• Life In Progress: Mental health and the holidays (woodtv.com)

Kentwood

• First look at MLive's 2026 Michigan Mr. Basketball watch list (mlive.com)

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Ok East 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: I don't know, but April May!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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