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🌱 Patch AM: How much more will Grand Rapids teachers actually see in their paychecks?

Be sure to catch Tanger Outlets Grand Rapids Extends Holiday Shopping Hours for Last-Minute Gifting on the Grand Rapids Patch calendar

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Good morning to you Grand Rapids! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How much more will Grand Rapids teachers actually see in their paychecks?
  • How Grand Rapids honors its quiet Medal of Honor tank-slayer
  • Is Grand Rapids’ legendary alcohol “superpower” just a data glitch?

Also on today's calendar: Tanger Outlets Grand Rapids Extends Holiday Shopping Hours for Last-Minute Gifting and 3 more events.

Find out what's happening in Grand Rapidsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

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

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

Find out what's happening in Grand Rapidsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Not as cold, becoming breezy, with a high of 34 and low of 31 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.

📰 News we're reading

1. Grand Rapids school board approves 11.8% budget increase for teacher pay, benefits (mlive.com) — Grand Rapids Public Schools teachers will see significant pay bumps after the school board unanimously approved a new contract that boosts the teaching budget by 11.8%, or about $10.4 million. Raises will range from roughly $2,000 to $10,000 over the next two school years, shifting to annual increases and adding more planning time, stipends, and improved leave policies for educators.
   

2. Medal of Honor Monday: Vlug (militaryspot.com) — A World War II Medal of Honor recipient with deep Grand Rapids roots is remembered for singlehandedly destroying five enemy tanks in the Philippines and later living a humble life back home. Dirk Vlug returned to Grand Rapids after the war, worked locally, and is honored today with Dirk Vlug Way and a Michigan Distinguished Service Medal recognizing his heroism.
   

3. Why Scientists Say the Grand Rapids Dip Isn't What You Think (wgrd.com) — Local drinkers may love the legend of the “Grand Rapids Dip,” but scientists say there’s no proof residents here handle alcohol better than anyone else. The term comes from old driving-and-alcohol data tied to Grand Rapids, now seen as a statistical fluke. Enjoy Beer City’s brews, researchers say, but don’t count on any special hometown superpower.
   

4. Charges: Man fled country after killing mother of 5 inside St. Paul apartment (bringmethenews.com) — Five children connected to Grand Rapids were briefly brought to a home here before their father allegedly fled abroad following the killing of their mother in St. Paul, Minnesota. Authorities say the children are now coping with trauma while relatives raise funds for counseling, funeral costs, and basic support. The suspect remains at large as the investigation continues.
   

5. ‘Fantastic Four' star from Michigan mourns death of Rob Reiner, whose work inspired his career (mlive.com) — A Michigan-born Hollywood actor who grew up in Saginaw Township and was born in Grand Rapids is mourning director Rob Reiner, whose films inspired his career. Paul Walter Hauser shared a detailed remembrance of meeting Reiner in Los Angeles, recalling how the director encouraged his early work and spoke fondly of filming in Michigan before his recent death.
   

📸 Around Grand Rapids

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Restock day here at your friendly neighborhood free little library.
    Special announcement - we have some very exciting additions this week. From now until Christmas I will be stocking our library with as many giftable… (Nextdoor Beckwith Hills)
  • Just walked out to find our 2015 Kia Rio stolen sometime last night.
    Hart and North Hills, Austin. Brown, TX plate RLG5472. Let me know if you see it! (Nextdoor Cascade)
  • Salvation Army Central Territory posted a job opening for Grand Rapids Kroc Center - Fitness Attendant in Grand Rapids. Apply here.
  • Michigan Staffing posted a job opening for Custodian. Janitor (Fill In Cleaning) in Grand Rapids. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Grand Rapids here.

Ok 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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