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🌱 Patch AM: What MDOT’s new US-131 plan could mean for your Grand Rapids commute

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Friday December 12th Patch AM
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Hi Grand Rapids! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What MDOT’s new US-131 plan could mean for your Grand Rapids commute
  • How a $500,000 grant will transform East Grand Rapids’ Waterfront Park
  • Why prosecutors call this Grand Rapids shooting an execution-style killing

Also on today's calendar: The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Grand Rapids, MI and 4 more events.

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

Today's riddle: I once read a book about anti-gravity. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Friday: A little snow in the p.m., with a high of 29 and low of 12 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Saturday: Snow and flurries at times, temps: high: 16, low: 6.
  • Sunday: Quite cold with snow showers, with a high of 22 and low of 12 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. MDOT completes major study on US-131 improvements in Grand Rapids (fox17online.com) — State transportation officials have finished a major study on how to fix chronic congestion and safety issues along US-131 through Grand Rapids, including the dangerous Wealthy Street area. Potential changes range from new shoulders to redesigned interchanges, with a separate, grant-funded study of the Wealthy Street section set to begin in 2026 as MDOT seeks construction funding.
   

2. East Grand Rapids to revamp Waterfront Park with $500,000 grant (wzzm13.com) — A $500,000 state grant is helping East Grand Rapids move ahead with major upgrades to Waterfront Park on Reeds Lake, including better trails, more parking, and new scenic overlooks. City leaders say the project’s second phase will emphasize accessibility, habitat restoration, and an outdoor classroom, with design work and community input expected in 2026 before construction potentially begins in 2027.
   

3. Gunman allegedly killed man in Grand Rapids because he was a ‘rat,' prosecutor alleges (mlive.com) — Jurors in Kent County Circuit Court are deliberating whether a man fatally shot 32-year-old Daryl Yarber in Grand Rapids’ Burton Heights neighborhood in 2023, allegedly in retaliation for prior testimony. The defendant, representing himself, disputes prosecutors’ claims that multiple people conspired in what they call an execution-style killing.
   

4. Why Michigan is a hot spot for data center development (woodtv.com) — Grand Rapids already hosts nine data centers, and more could be coming as Michigan becomes a prime target for these energy-hungry facilities. State regulators say new centers can’t raise residents’ power bills, while local communities like Sparta weigh zoning rules, environmental concerns, and potential economic benefits from future projects.
   

5. 10 Most Memorable MI Animal Stories Of 2025 (patch.com) — One of Michigan’s standout animal stories this year came from Grand Rapids, where John Ball Zoo celebrated its first-ever pygmy hippo birth. The roundup also revisits cougar cubs in the U.P., surprise alligators, dramatic rescues, and heartwarming reunions that captured attention across the state.
   

📸 Around Grand Rapids

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Grand Rapids

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • My dad is a WWII hero.
    My dad was a Rock Star to me. Here is a TV 8 story on my dad. https://www.woodtv.com/news/grand-rapids/wwii-veteran-from-grand-rapids-dies-at-105/ (Nextdoor Remembrance / Blandford)
  • A big thank you to @Tony Hartz for digging us out today!
    #MrGetItDone came through in a pinch when our neighbor had surgery and couldn't shovel this heavy mess! (Nextdoor East Hills)
  • Suburban Inns, Inc. posted a job opening for Housekeeper - Embassy Suites in Grand Rapids. Apply here.
  • Workbox Staffing posted a job opening for Paint Line Loader/Unloader 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 couldn’t put it down.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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