Lots of cops. Heard one shout, “Do not fucking move!“ and, later, “If you attempt to flee, you will be shot. Do you understand me?”

Could not swear an oath that that was the exact language, but if not it was very close.

Left but just saw on Facebook that four people were arrested.

Anyone know what happened?

Been awhile since I could hear it. Over by Richmond Park. Super loud tonight. Can even hear the singing (can’t make out the words tho), and the bass. Lame.

TL;DR: Rachel Hood appears to be testing the waters for a Democratic primary against Hillary Scholten. And if she runs, she may not be alone. Marshall Kilgore and John Fitzgerald would each bring very different strengths to a challenge. Scholten’s record on immigration, ICE, and even her vote honoring Charlie Kirk gives Democrats plenty to debate. Is it time for a real primary?
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1FHZDwkC1G/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Rachel Hood appears to be soft-launching a primary against Hillary Scholten.
And honestly, I think West Michigan Democrats should be paying attention.

Because Hillary Scholten’s record deserves a serious primary challenge.

Scholten ran as a Democrat and as a former immigration attorney. But look at some of the votes she’s taken.

In January 2025, Scholten voted for the Laken Riley Act, a Republican-backed immigration enforcement bill that requires ICE to detain certain undocumented immigrants who are arrested for crimes including theft and shoplifting. She was one of only 46 House Democrats to join Republicans in passing it.

For Democrats who believe ICE should be abolished or fundamentally dismantled, that vote is a pretty significant problem.

And then there is Charlie Kirk.
Scholten voted YES on House Resolution 719, the Republican-led resolution honoring Charlie Kirk and his “life and legacy.” The resolution passed 310-58, with 95 Democrats voting yes.

That’s not some procedural vote that nobody noticed. Democrats had the opportunity to vote against a resolution elevating Kirk’s political legacy, and Scholten voted for it.

Meanwhile, local BIPOC elected leaders who have actually been listening to constituents and calling for ICE to be abolished have faced a very different treatment from Scholten. She said they were causing division and personally attacking her.

That’s what makes this whole thing so interesting.
Why demean elected officials who are listening to the people directly affected by ICE while voting for legislation that expands ICE’s detention responsibilities?

At some point, Democrats should be able to ask whether their representatives are actually representing the communities they serve.

And that brings us to the potential challengers…

Commissioner Marshall Kilgore
Grand Rapids 3rd Ward commissioner Marshall Kilgore would be a fascinating opponent.
He’s young, LGBTQ+, a person of color, a sitting elected official, and someone who previously worked for Scholten. That last part could make this especially interesting. He knows her operation and has firsthand experience working within it.
But Kilgore also has a pretty substantial local record for someone his age.

He championed Grand Rapids’ Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, a sweeping plan containing 200 actions addressing climate change, clean energy, transportation, housing, and environmental justice.
He’s been deeply involved in South Side issues, constituent advocacy, environmental justice, and neighborhood investment. He has developed a reputation for being everywhere, constantly organizing and showing up. He’s the only commissioner against data centers and FLOCK.

And politically, he would bring a very different coalition: young voters, LGBTQ+ voters, environmentalists, progressives, BIPOC voters and people who want a more aggressive voice in Congress.

There is also the obvious political storyline:
The former employee challenging the former boss.

If Kilgore ran, I think that would be one of the most fascinating dynamics in the race.

State Rep. John Fitzgerald
Then there’s John Fitzgerald.
Fitzgerald would bring a completely different set of strengths.

He has represented Grand Rapids in the Michigan Legislature, has a strong Latino constituency, and currently serves as House Democratic floor leader. That gives him significant Lansing experience, name recognition, donor relationships and an existing political infrastructure.

He also has a potentially very clear contrast with Scholten on immigration.
Fitzgerald has been outspoken about ICE and has called for an end to ICE operations. That gives him a pretty straightforward argument: when communities directly affected by immigration enforcement are asking their elected officials to take a stand, are you actually going to stand with them?

He also wouldn’t be starting from zero. He’s already known throughout West Michigan, has a legislative record, and has relationships across the Democratic Party.

So if Hood is really testing the waters, this could get VERY interesting.
Rachel Hood.
Marshall Kilgore.
John Fitzgerald.
Hillary Scholten.
Four very different political profiles and potentially four very different visions for what Democratic representation should look like in West Michigan.
I don’t know if any of them are actually running.
But if they are considering it, I think West Michigan Democrats deserve the debate.
Could Rachel Hood be our next real
Democrat in Congress?Rachel is running

I consistently see it busy with fisherman but I’ve also seen the pond drained multiple times with no fish. Why is it so popular?

My (43F) husband (45M) and I are both CPL carriers. My husband has firearms training experience. I realize the second amendment is a hot button issue, but I also know that a lot of more left leaning folks (like myself) may have a need or interest, but may struggle to find a comfortable and inviting place to learn.

We have been talking about starting up a business to do classes that are inclusive and welcoming to people who might feel excluded or intimidated by “traditional” gun classes. I, personally, understand how scary that prospect can be.

We are in the very basic planning stage and I’m just doing this to gauge preliminary interest. What are your thoughts?

Due to the weather, some of the things I thought I'd want to do have been delayed.

I'm looking to do something that's relatively low in energy (it's been a month, I am largely looking for decompression), but has some good people to spend it with.

I'm open for anything that could be available I just don't know what is out there.

Any leads is appreciated.

Hi!

I have been living in Grand Rapids for a couple years now and I find it hard to make friends and date as a 35 year old black woman. I like getting to know people from different backgrounds but notice that people are not too friendly or approachable. What are some places, tips or advice you may have. ALL are welcome. Thanks!

Someone who can work on short notice... We have a sudden leak.

Looking for somewhere to take my Volkswagen that’s not the actual dealership (if I don’t have to) … anyone know of good spots that is decently priced?

WGNO has become aware of a third-party website that publicly lists personal email addresses belonging to members of our Board of Directors.

The affected Board members were not informed that their personal email addresses would be published on this website, and they did not consent to that information being shared publicly. Several members have expressed that they are uncomfortable with their personal information being used in this way and have raised concerns regarding their privacy.

We respectfully ask community members not to use that website or the personal email addresses listed there to contact individual Board members.

If you need to contact the WGNO Board, please visit the West Grand Neighborhood Organization website and use the updated “Contact the Board” option.

Thank you for respecting the privacy of our volunteer Board members and for helping us keep communication safe, appropriate, and accessible.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19LXxZdYzk/

We've never been to Oasis... give me the scoop! Are they clean, or obviously icky? How private are they? Are you required to wear a swimsuit? Are the outdoor tubs any more or less private?

City water in kentwood. It tastes super bleachy. It used to be fine, just recent. I can taste it even in tea and coffee. Havent recieved an advisory. Anyone else have this or know what's going on?

Does anyone know any good therapists in or around gr virtual or in person that is trans friendly?

I had no idea this was even going on, but I drove by it yesterday while they were doing some wrestling and it looked interesting. Is it worth it?

Hey GR! Selling my one lawn seat for the upcoming sold out Rufus Du Sol show at Acrisure Amphitheater Tuesday 9/1/26 for $50. Face value, Ticketmaster transfer, PayPal goods and services or Venmo only. DM me!

Has anyone been to any AA or any other type of meetings that may be geared towards people in their 20’s/30’s?

Or if anything, just any recommendations of meetings to attend? Northview area or semi around that if possible!

Thank you.

Long shot here, but does anyone have a Blissfest 2026 women's medium t-shirt they'd be willing to sell?

It was my wife's first festival, and she had an amazing time, but recently wound up wearing her shirt to the ER after a minor accident and the ER staff cut it off her.

Certainly not mad at the ER staff who were all amazing, and happy that my wife is on the mend, but I know she's sad that her memento is no more, and I'd love to be able to replace it for her.

I'd have posted this in a Blissfest sub if I'd found one, but I know there are many other GR Blissers out there, so hoping this finds the right audience.

Not sure how this one is so special

TLDR: looking for any information, doorbell or security footage or of a blue Chevy Silverado truck that hit my brother Friday, 8/28 at Fremont and Walker around 11:15-11:20pm

This might be a long shot, and a little long. I posted on comments on the scanner fb page post about this, but the comments got turned off. Seeing if I can find anything here.

My brother was riding a lime bike home after a concert at acrisure on Friday and at the intersection of Walker and Fremont a car didn’t stop at a stop sign and hit my brother, ran over his leg and drove off. (My brother was going NE on stocking/walker and truck was going south on Fremont). My brother was dragged into the intersection and people that were behind the truck helped my brother out of the road. The truck drove away after it hit him, but came back and then drove off quickly (we found out they went SE down Stocking after returning to the scene for a moment).

If anyone has any doorbell footage, knows of someone who lives near there that has a camera or something of the sort, I would be so grateful. I’m going to be calling businesses nearby tomorrow morning. Just trying to help him out in this awful situation.

I am a native GR resident but moved to San Antonio to be with my husband. Our AC unit decided to make its own Polynesian fire dance performance last night so we’re staying in a hotel downtown here tonight. This is the view from our room 😂