🌱 GRFD Diverse Applicant Pool + Shooting Victim Identified

Happy Wednesday, neighbors! Here's what's happening around Grand Rapids today.

First, today's weather:

Times of clouds and sun. High: 55 Low: 47.

Here are the top stories today in Grand Rapids:

1. The Grand Rapids Fire Department has a smaller applicant pool than in years past, but it's the most diverse pool in the department's history. They have 703 applicants which is way down from previous years, which ranged from 1,000 to 1,200, however a fire captain has said it's an achievement considering the current job market. Of the 703 applicants, 75 percent are white and 25 percent are non-white, and 90 percent are male and 10 percent are female. (WZZM13.com)
2. Police have identified the man who was shot and killed near the intersection of Highland St. SE and Cass Ave. SE in Grand Rapids on Friday night, and have ruled the death a homicide. On Tuesday, the Grand Rapids Police Department identified the victim as 30-year-old Demarcus Javon Brown. It’s unknown what led to the shooting and police have not released any suspect information. (WOODTV.com)
3. The City of Grand Rapids is set to receive $4.6M to help people experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing their residence. (MLive.com)
4. Grand Rapids residents can vote on possible improvements for Riverside Park, including improved boat launch parking, a fenced off-leash area for dogs, a river amphitheater and more. (WOODTV.com)
5. The St. Cecilia Music Center has launched a new season with live audiences, marking the first time in 19 months that the center has held in-person programming. (WZZM13.com)

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Today in Grand Rapids:

• Latinos and the Fight for Equitable Education in Grand Rapids and Michigan - Grand Rapids Public Library (6:00 PM)

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That's it for today. See you all tomorrow morning for another update! If you're liking these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to read along. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a born and raised Rhode Islander. She works as a freelance copywriter for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and as an assistant producer for a live-lit storytelling show in Chicago. She holds a degree in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies from The University of Rhode Island. In her free time, you can find her traveling, hiking, or photographing her neighborhood as a street photographer.