GRAND RIVER PARK

Apr 27 2026ENVIRONMENT

Can underwater plants warn us about hidden chemicals in rivers?

Rivers hide more than just fish and rocks. They also carry invisible chemicals from everyday products. One group, called PFAS, sticks around for years and mixes into water systems. Scientists recently tested a common underwater plant, Potamogeton crispus, to see if it could act like a warning sign f

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Apr 18 2026FINANCE

Grand Rapids Sets Up $35M Bond to Fund New Firefighter Center

Grand Rapids is planning to raise up to $35 million through bonds for a new fire training facility. The city’s commission recently approved a notice that starts a 45‑day period where residents can petition for a public vote on the bond. If no one challenges it, the commission will need to pass a fin

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Apr 03 2026OPINION

Safety Tech Helps Keep Riverton Secure

Riverton’s council members often think about how to protect the town and its families. A violent crime in the neighborhood a little over two years ago made everyone feel unsafe. After that, people called for help and worried about children playing outside or being alone at home. The town’s

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Mar 30 2026HEALTH

What Happens Inside the Brain in Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease slowly changes how the brain works. It starts when tiny cells that make dopamine begin to disappear. Dopamine is a key messenger in the brain that helps control movement. Without enough of it, people often feel stiff, move slowly, and shake when resting. These problems grow worse

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Mar 28 2026OPINION

Politics at Dinner: Did We Lose Good Manners Over Posts?

Grandparents kept politics off the dinner table. Not because they didn’t care, but because they valued harmony. Today, silence often feels like suspicion. Social media changed the game: what used to be private chats now blast to strangers instantly. Algorithms push loudest voices, not deepest though

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Mar 14 2026EDUCATION

Science Olympiad Draws 60 Teams to Grand Valley for Regional Showdown

Grand Valley State University will welcome more than 50 middle and high school teams on March 21 for the Region 12 Science Olympiad competition. The event, held at the university’s Valley Campus in Allendale, will pit students from Kent, Ottawa and Muskegon counties against one another in 47 STEM

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Feb 12 2026SPORTS

Grand Blanc Schools Dive Into Charity

Grand Blanc students and teachers made a big splash for a good cause. On February 10, about one hundred people gathered at Don Batchelor Field to jump into cold water and raise money for Special Olympics Michigan. The event, called the Polar Plunge, is a popular fundraiser that encourages ever

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Jan 27 2026HEALTH

Could Diabetes Meds Be Brain Guardians?

Parkinson's disease is a serious concern for those with type 2 diabetes. This condition can severely affect movement and daily living. Two widely used diabetes medications, GLP-1 receptor agonists and metformin, have shown potential in protecting the brain. However, the current research is inconclus

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Jan 19 2026HEALTH

Parkinson's: To Test or Not to Test?

Parkinson's disease is tricky. It can start causing trouble inside the body way before anyone feels sick. Scientists have made tests to spot early warnings in healthy people. These tests look for things like α-synuclein and check for genetic risks. But wait, there's no cure yet. So, why bother gett

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Jan 18 2026HEALTH

How Daily Habits and Movement Affect Energy in Parkinson's Patients

Parkinson's disease is a tricky condition. It affects movement and can make people feel really tired. But why? A study looked into this. It checked how exercise and daily habits play a role in fatigue for those with Parkinson's. First, let's talk about fatigue. It's not just feeling sleepy. It's a

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