🌱 The Rapid Receives $6.2M Federal Grant + City's First Tattoo Fest

Hey, Grand Rapids! I'm here in your inbox today to get you up to speed on everything you need to know about what's going on around town.

But first, your local weather:

• Wednesday: Mostly sunny and pleasant. High: 83 Low: 62.
• Thursday: Partly sunny and hot. High: 90 Low: 68.

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Here are the top four stories today in Grand Rapids:

1. Thanks to receiving a nearly $6.2 million federal grant that helps transit agencies lease or purchase low-to-zero-emission vehicles and EV batteries, The Rapid is set to purchase 11 compressed natural gas buses soon. The funds will also go towards keeping operating costs low and training and retaining public transit employees. (FOX 17 West Michigan News)
2. Grand Rapid's Creston neighborhood is set to receive 72 new housing units as part of a planned four-story, mixed-use development. The development planned for 220 Quimby St. will include 49 studios, 20 one-bedroom apartments, and three two-bedroom apartments, in addition to a commercial café on the first floor. The project is expected to be completed by the summer of 2024. (WOODTV.com)
3. I ink you may like this news. Grand Rapids' first-ever tattoo festival is set to come this fall to DeVos Place downtown. The festival will take place Oct. 27-29 and will feature live tattooing from 200 of the world’s best artists, tattoo competitions, fine art, live performances, charity fundraisers, and more. You can grab tickets to the festival here. (WGRD)
4. Locally-based arts and culture nonprofit The Diatribe recently announced a $6.2 million project to provide a new space for youth and local artists to gather, collaborate, and live: the Emory Arts and Culture Hub. Plans call for the hub to be located at 2040 Division Ave. S., home of the former Holwerda-Snoap Sporting Goods, and feature a venue for artists to perform, affordable housing units for artists, work and study spaces, and retail space. (MLive.com)

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Today and tomorrow in Grand Rapids:

Wednesday, June 28

• Greensky Bluegrass At Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park (6:30 PM)

Thursday, June 29

• Dude Perfect Panda-Monium Tour At Van Andel Arena (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Every Thursday through Aug. 31, you can enjoy free jazz concerts in downtown Grand Rapids. The weekly concerts will also feature food trucks and vendors selling food and drinks. The next free concert will take place this Thursday, Jun. 29 at Rosa Parks Circle. View the full lineup here. (FOX 17 West Michigan News)
• Today (Jun. 28) from 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at GRPS University, Grand Rapids Public Schools will host a second community forum aimed at addressing school safety. The “Sound Minds, Safe Schools” forum was planned in response to four separate incidents of students bringing guns to school this past school year. (MLive.com)
• Grand Rapids Ballet is hiring for two available positions, Production Manager and GRBS School Administrator. Learn more and apply here. (Grand Rapids Ballet via Instagram)

You're officially in the loop for today! I'll be back in your inbox soon with a new 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.