🌱 John Ball Zoo Tiger Is Euthanized + Local Man Shot At Pop-Up Party

Hey, neighbors! I'm back with your fresh copy of the Grand Rapids Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out the most important things going on these days in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: Plenty of sunshine. High: 83 Low: 62.
• Tuesday: Sunny and very warm. High: 89 Low: 65.

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Here are the top three stories today in Grand Rapids:

1. Nika, an 18-year-old female tiger who had been at the John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids since 2014, was euthanized on Jun. 8 due to poor health. Nika suffered from arthritis, and although she was receiving treatment, she began to show indications of aging, and her health began to decline. (MLive.com)
2. A man is hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries after being shot at a party around Eastern Avenue SE and Thomas Street SE early Saturday morning. The Grand Rapids Police Department received calls in regard to a "pop-up party" and shots being fired around 2:00 a.m. One man was found with a gunshot wound and taken to the hospital. (WOODTV.com)
3. On Friday at 3:15 p.m., a 53-year-old White Cloud man was driving east on 14 Mile Road when he lost control and slammed into a westbound vehicle carrying a nine-year-old girl and her mother. All three were hurt and brought to a nearby hospital. Michigan State Police believe drinking may have played a role, though the incident remains under investigation. (WZZM13.com)

Today and tomorrow in Grand Rapids:

Monday, June 19

• Juneteenth 2023: Dickinson Park Dundunba At West Michigan Jewels of Africa (12:00 PM)
• Art In The Park At Rosa Parks Circle (6:00 PM)

Tuesday, June 20

• Nick Thomas Entertainment At Cascade Township Branch (10:00 AM)
• Concerts In The Park Series At Allendale Community Park Bandshell (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Save the date! The Grand Rapids Downtown Market is hosting “Grand Rapids Christkindl Markt a European Christmas tradition. Open from Nov. 17 to Dec. 23, this event includes thousands of Christmas lights, entertainment, greenery, and various vendors. (WOODTV.com)
• The City of Grand Rapids is asking residents to water trees due to the need for rain in the area. Dry conditions can have devastating effects on trees and other landscape plants, so it is important to supplement with water. For more information and tips, visit the "Friends of Grand Rapids" website at friendsofgrparks.org. (WGVU NEWS)
• The City of Grand Rapids would like to remind the public that most city offices are CLOSED today (Jun. 19) in honor of Juneteenth. Refuse and recycling will continue and all Grand Rapids Public Library locations will be open. City office regular business hours will resume on Tuesday, Jun. 20. (The City Of Grand Rapids via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Fresh Perks Every Week (June 20)
• Building Wealth in Your 40s Webinar (June 26)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Monday! See you all soon for another update.

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.