🌱 Local News Director Fired + New Funding for Community Projects

Hi, Grand Rapids! Like many of you, the Patch staff will be taking some time off for the Fourth of July. I’ll be back in your inbox after the holiday, but until then, here’s what’s happening in town today.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: Partly sunny and humid. High: 86 Low: 61.
• Tuesday: Hot with clouds and sun. High: 90 Low: 69.
• Wednesday: Mostly sunny. High: 92. Low: 66.

From our sponsor:

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Here are the top three stories in Grand Rapids today:

1. Two journalists at a Grand Rapids TV station were fired late last week after criticizing a company memo regarding Pride Month coverage. According to a recent report, TV News Director Stanton Tang and Assistant Amy Fox were fired after they participated in drafting and sending out a memo earlier this month that stated LGBTQ+ issues were polarizing their community. The memo allegedly was written by Tang and released to the Fox news staff, stating the station had already covered a number of "valuable stories" in relation to Pride Month and were starting to hear pushback from viewers. (MLive.com)
2. The City of Grand Rapids is set to receive more than $90 million after Michigan launches a new program to help with a variety of community and capital projects around the city. A portion of the funds will go toward the construction of a new community lodge at Martin Luther King Jr. Park that be a modern facility with flexible and multi-use purposes. The state's "Make It in Michigan" plan is where the funding will come from and currently awaiting the Governor's final signature. (WGRD)
3. On Saturday, Jul. 1, a woman was injured in Grand Rapids after being shot in the back while driving. Around 3:50 p.m., Grand Rapids Police Department received reports of a shooting that took place on Adams Street and Madison Avenue. Once law enforcement arrived on the scene, the woman was taken to a local hospital where she suffered non-life threatening injuries, but the incident is still under investigation as no suspects have been identified. (MLive.com)

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Today and tomorrow in Grand Rapids:

Monday, July 3

• Trivia Night at House Rules Lounge (7:00 PM)

Tuesday, July 4

• East Grand Rapids 4th Of July Celebration at John Collins Park (12:00 PM)

Wednesday, July 5

• Hip Hop And Soul Karaoke At Forty Acres Soul Kitchen (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Last week, a mysterious drone show in Grand Rapids was caught on camera by a local news station. According to reports, it is unknown who was performing the show, but the display included visuals of a rocket ship, a dolphin, fireworks, and more. (13 On Your Side)
• On Wednesday, Jul. 12, the Mitten Brewing Co. is partnering with the Gerry Kaminski Network to put on Polka for the Parks. The event will be fully outdoors and include a variety of delicious food and drinks, as well as an amazing polka band. (Friends of Grand Rapids Parks)
• Looking to catch some fireworks displays this 4th of July? The City of Grand Rapids has a variety of firework shows happening across the city to celebrate Independence Day that's completely free for community members to attend. (WZZM)

You're officially in the loop for today. I'll see you soon!

— 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.