🌱 Homicides Down, Violent Crimes Up + KCHD Quarantine Update

Happy Thursday, people of Grand Rapids! Let's get you all caught up on what's happening locally to start today off on an informed note.

First, today's weather:

Mostly cloudy. High: 36 Low: 32.

Here are the top stories in Grand Rapids today:

1. Grand Rapids has both encouraging and troubling trends when it comes to crime this year. Homicides are down so far this year compared to 2020, however other violent crimes are up. In addition, more guns were recovered in the city this year compared to the last several years. (WZZM13.com)
2. The Kent County Health Department (KCHD) has adjusted its guidelines on quarantine and isolation for residents who test positive for COVID-19 after the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) lowered its recommendations on Monday. (Fox17)
3. A West Michigan Marine who was paralyzed in Iraq died Monday at the age of 39 due to complications from his injury. The Hastings resident was paralyzed by a sniper’s bullet while fighting in Iraq in 2007. Surrounded by love and support, Hoffman died Monday at a hospital in Grand Rapids. He’d been hospitalized since August, receiving treatment for complications due to his injury. (WOODTV.com)

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Today in Grand Rapids:

• Tony Lucca Live In Concert At Seven Steps Up Live Music + Events (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Battle Creek Police Department would like to give a big shout out to Bob for bringing them such delicious food as a way to say thank you! (Facebook)
• Tired of holiday leftovers? Grand Rapids Downtown Market has got you covered! (Instagram)
• Grand Rapids Police Department is one of many local law enforcement departments taking part in a family fun day on Jan. 9th. (Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning with a new update!

— 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.