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Thursday, October 29, 2026

GRPS picks Chicago's Allison Tingwall as its next superintendent

Plus, Acrisure Amphitheater's noise exemption and a Holland Township standoff that ended in an arrest

The Good Day Grand Rapids team9 stories34 sources12 min read

SchoolsTop story

Grand Rapids Public Schools picks Chicago educator Allison Tingwall as its next superintendent

The superintendent search ran from February to a vote on Oct. 28

  1. Feb. 2026Board extends Superintendent Leadriane Roby's contract one additional year, through June 2027
  2. Aug.–Sept. 2026District holds focus groups, town halls and an online survey for community input
  3. Oct. 28Board votes to hire Tingwall, pending contract negotiations, after public interviews
  4. June 2027Roby's contract as superintendent runs through the end of the month

Sources: mlive, WOODTV.com, FOX 17, WWMT

If you've got a kid in , here's who's coming. The Board of Education voted Wednesday to hire Allison Tingwall as the next superintendent, pending contract negotiations. She's executive director of principal quality for Chicago Public Schools and earned her bachelor's degree at the University of Michigan, WOOD TV reports.

Tingwall was chosen over internal candidate Kelly Greene after a final day of district visits, community conversations and interviews. WWMT reports her current office aims to “identify, develop and retain strong school leaders.”

“I am a Michigander at heart, and after 20 years with Chicago Public Schools, I am excited to return home.”

Allison Tingwall, in a GRPS release
  • Leadriane Roby stays on through June 2027 for the handoff
  • Still to do: finalize Tingwall's contract with the district
  • Tingwall's past job: principal of Curie Metropolitan High School

The search and Tingwall's résumé, by the numbers

20
focus groups the district held in August and September
4
in-person town halls, plus a virtual one
More than 520
schools covered by Tingwall's current office
About 3,000
students at Curie Metropolitan High School

Sources: mlive, WOODTV.com, FOX 17, WWMT

City Hall

Grand Rapids commissioners vote unanimously to amend the noise ordinance for Acrisure Amphitheater

If you live anywhere near the Grand River, you've probably heard this debate. Grand Rapids city commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to amend the noise ordinance so concerts can continue at the new . WWMT reports the amendment keeps the venue regulated under its special land use permit between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m.

Acrisure Amphitheater stays under its permit from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Acrisure Amphitheater, downtown Grand Rapids

Midnight6 a.m.Noon6 p.m.7 a.m.to 11 p.m.
  • 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.Amphitheater regulated under its special land use permit
Vote
Unanimous, Tuesday
Residents spoke
Nearly 30

Sources: WWMT, wgvunews

View as table
WhenWhat
7 a.m. to 11 p.m.Amphitheater regulated under its special land use permit
VoteUnanimous, Tuesday
Residents spokeNearly 30

Residents have complained since the venue opened this year. A Kent County judge ruled in August that the amphitheater wasn't exempt from the city code, even though the city had exempted it in 2023. WZZM13 reports reactions were mixed. WGVU reports many attendees said they support the venue but ask the city to find ways to reduce noise on concert nights.

“This is keeping the rules in place around sound restrictions for the amphitheater.”

Commissioner Kelsey Perdue
  • After 11 p.m.: exempt only for unforeseeable, exigent performance delays
  • Next: Convention/Arena Authority to revisit before next concert season
  • Neighbors say: windows rattled, noise heard miles away

The amphitheater's noise exemption went from 2023 to a judge's ruling to a vote

  1. 2023City exempts the planned amphitheater from its noise ordinance, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
  2. Aug. 2026Kent County judge rules the venue isn't exempt from the city code
  3. Oct. 27Commissioners unanimously amend the ordinance to clarify the exemption
  4. PreseasonConvention/Arena Authority would revisit the issue before the next concert season

Sources: Michigan Public, wgvunews

Asked

Tap an answer to see how Grand Rapids answered.

Asked

Have you been to a show at Acrisure Amphitheater this year?

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Public Safety

Man is in custody after an hours-long standoff in a Holland Township camper that closed US-31

If you drive US-31 near Holland, you may have hit a closure Wednesday. Deputies were called to Ransom Street in Holland Township for reports of multiple gunshots fired from inside a camper. US-31 closed in both directions between New Holland Street and Quincy Street.

The standoff ended safely, the Ottawa News Network reports. An adult male suspect was arrested around 6:05 p.m. by the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office Critical Response Team. Another person nearby wasn't hit.

The standoff ended with an arrest at about 6:05 p.m.

  1. 3:20 p.m.Deputies respond to reports of gunfire from a camper near 12850 Ransom Street
  2. 6:05 p.m.Critical Response Team arrests the suspect; no injuries reported
  3. EveningOfficials expect US-31 to reopen between New Holland and Quincy streets

Sources: WWMT, Ottawa News Network

  • Where: near 12850 Ransom Street, Holland Township
  • Suspect: headed to Ottawa County Jail; identity withheld pending charges
  • Support: Kent County Sheriff's Office and Holland Department of Public Safety

0injuries reported during the Holland Township standoff

Another person was in the area when the shots were fired but wasn't hit.

Sources: WWMT, Ottawa News Network

Public Safety

State Police seize a loaded Draco firearm with a destroyed serial number after a US-131 traffic stop

Michigan State Police troopers from the Grand Rapids Post stopped a vehicle for speeding on US-131 near 32nd Ave. around 1:30 a.m. Wednesday, FOX 17 reports. The 18-year-old Grand Rapids passenger gave a false name, fought with troopers and ran.

He was caught after a brief chase. 97.9 WGRD and Mix 95.7 report troopers then found a loaded Draco firearm in a backpack, its serial number deliberately destroyed. Police say getting illegal firearms out of the hands of convicted felons “helps save lives.”

9felony charges the 18-year-old faces

He's lodged at the Kent County Jail.

Sources: 97.9 WGRD, Mix 95.7, FOX 17

  • Suspect: already a convicted felon, per State Police
  • Weapon: loaded Draco firearm, found inside a backpack
  • Serial number: deliberately destroyed, so the gun is untraceable

1:30 a.m.when troopers stopped the vehicle on US-131 near 32nd Ave.

The stop began as a speeding violation on Wednesday, Oct. 28.

Sources: 97.9 WGRD, Mix 95.7, FOX 17

Development

A new developer plans 72 apartments across from Huff Park in Grand Rapids' Creston neighborhood

If you've ever passed the old Huff Elementary campus on Ball Avenue NE, there's a plan for it. Moxie Real Estate and Development wants to turn the 5.3-acre site at 2286 Ball Ave. NE into Flats at Huff Park, 72 apartments in three buildings across from the nearly 90-acre Huff Park. The Grand Rapids Brownfield Redevelopment Authority backed the $15.6 million project Wednesday.

15 of the 72 planned apartments would be income-restricted

Source: WOODTV.com

View as table
AmountShare
Market-rate5779.2%
Income-restricted1520.8%

Moxie is seeking a $5.7 million plan, Crain's Grand Rapids Business reports. It's taking over a project Wheeler Development abandoned after liens from the property's previous owner. The old school is slated for demolition, and its asbestos must be cleaned up. Construction is expected to start in spring 2027 and wrap in 2028.

  • Units: 54 one-bedrooms and 18 two-bedrooms in three buildings
  • Market-rate rent: $1,600 to $1,800 one-bedroom, $1,800 to $2,100 two
  • Income-restricted rent: about $1,422 one-bedroom, $1,664 two-bedroom

The brownfield TIF request is $5.7 million of a $15.6 million project

Sources: Crain's Grand Rapids Business, WOODTV.com

View as table
Value
Total project$15.6 million
Brownfield TIF request$5.7 million

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News Notes

GVSU hub

Grand Valley State University broke ground Tuesday on its Blue Dot Innovation Lab in downtown Grand Rapids, slated for completion in 2029. It combines a 58,000-square-foot addition with a 166,000-square-foot overhaul of the , which will be the permanent home of the College of Computing. Ottawa News Network

Paris Baguette

A Jimmy John's franchisee plans a roughly $2 million Paris Baguette cafe on Burton Street SE across from Breton Village by May 2027. The first of franchisee Bret Feaster's six planned locations opens in Portage in late November. Crain's Grand Rapids Business

Downtown stabbing

A man was hospitalized after a stabbing near Oakes Street and Jefferson Avenue around 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, and police are looking for a suspect. Sidewalks on Jefferson Avenue from Weston Street to Oakes Street were closed while the scene was active. WOODTV.com

Early voting

More than 1.5 million Michiganders had already cast ballots as of Wednesday, nearly 21% of registered voters, the Department of State reports. That's with six days left before Tuesday's election. WOODTV.com

Panic buttons

Forest Hills Public Schools is one of the first districts in the state with a wireless panic button system carried by every staff member. In the first week, there were seven engagements, and six were medical. WOODTV.com

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GVSU's Blue Dot project adds 58,000 square feet and overhauls 166,000

Source: Ottawa News Network

View as table
Value
New addition58,000 sq. ft.
Eberhard Center overhaul166K sq. ft.

Arts & Culture

Twelve giant troll sculptures are coming to Meijer Gardens on May 14, 2027

If you're planning ahead for spring, mark May 14. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park will open “TROLLS: A Field Study,” 12 larger-than-life sculptures by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, made from reclaimed materials like fallen branches, wooden pallets and twigs. It's Dambo's first traveling exhibition in Michigan.

Michigan has one giant Dambo troll, while the U.S. has more than 170

Source: mlive

View as table
Value
U.S. (more than 170)170
Michigan1

The exhibit, produced by Imagine, runs through Oct. 31, 2027, according to WOOD TV. FOX 17 reports Dambo's work has been shown in more than 17 countries. Yes, the trolls come with their own book, told from their point of view.

  • Dates: May 14 to Oct. 31, 2027
  • Presented by: Macatawa Bank, Powered by Wintrust
  • More info: MeijerGardens.org/Trolls

The troll exhibit runs from May 14 to Oct. 31, 2027

  1. July 2023Michigan's only giant Dambo troll, Benny the Beard Fisher, is installed along the Manistique River
  2. May 14TROLLS: A Field Study opens at Meijer Gardens in 2027
  3. Oct. 31Last day of the TROLLS exhibition at Meijer Gardens in 2027

Sources: WOODTV.com, mlive, FOX 17

Elections

Rick Snyder's bus tour has Republicans talking local issues in West Michigan ahead of the general election

If you're tired of national campaign ads, this tour is aimed at you. Former Gov. Rick Snyder is on the More for Michigan bus tour, promoting Republican candidates for state House and Senate. He told News 8 the coverage is “overwhelmingly about national issues” and he wants the focus back on local candidates.

wgvunews reports the tour is largely meant to help Republicans keep the Michigan House, the only part of state government under Republican control. WCMU Public Media carried the same report. Snyder says lower taxes, better education and an easier path to running a business can be winning issues.

4seats Democrats need to pick up to win a majority in the Michigan House

Republicans currently hold the House, which is the only part of state government they control.

Sources: wgvunews, WCMU Public Media

  • Drew Robbins's pitch: safe, clean neighborhoods, good schools, good infrastructure
  • Election Day: Tuesday, Nov. 3

Both parties see a chance to flip a Grand Rapids-area seat

RaceRepublicanDemocrat
84th State House DistrictDrew RobbinsKhristian Silvis
State Senate seatMark Huizenga (incumbent)Carol Glanville

Sources: wgvunews, WCMU Public Media

Politics

Critics condemn RFK Jr.'s claim at a Grand Rapids campaign event that Arabs “don't produce science”

Bridge Michigan reports Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made the remarks Monday while campaigning in Grand Rapids for Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers. Critics have condemned them as untrue and racially biased.

“There's 500 million Arabs in the world and yet they don't produce science.”

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Monday in Grand Rapids

500 millionArabs in the world, in Kennedy's remarks

Kennedy said the Muslim Brotherhood destroyed a tradition of scientific discovery.

Sources: Bridge Michigan, Michigan Advance

Michigan Advance reports Kennedy declined to address the comments Tuesday in Detroit. Dawud Walid of the Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations called the rhetoric “reprehensible,” and the national group has called for Kennedy's firing. An HHS representative didn't immediately respond to an Associated Press request for comment, Bridge reports.

  • Yaghi: 2025 Nobel in Chemistry and 2018 Wolf Prize in Chemistry
  • Arab is an ethnic identity; Muslim is a religious one

Bridge Michigan gives examples of Arab Nobel winners from 1988 to 2025

  1. 1988Egyptian writer Naguib Mahfouz wins the Nobel Prize in Literature
  2. 1999Ahmed Zewail wins the Nobel Prize in Chemistry
  3. 2005Mohamed El Baradei wins the Nobel Peace Prize with the IAEA
  4. 2011Tawakkol Karman is a co-recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize
  5. 2025Omar M. Yaghi is one of three chemists awarded the Nobel Prize

Sources: Bridge Michigan, Michigan Advance

Around Michigan

Energy tax claim

Bridge Michigan fact-checked Mike Rogers's claim that Abdul El-Sayed supports an “energy tax” that would raise utility costs by $2,000 a year. The cost estimates stem from a clean energy law El-Sayed didn't help pass and a carbon tax he proposed in 2018, and he hasn't proposed a carbon tax in his Senate campaign. Bridge Michigan

Hospital food

Eight Corewell Health hospitals in southeast Michigan are joining a federal program to make hospital food healthier, part of a pledge by 250 hospitals nationwide. HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. announced it at a Corewell facility in Grand Rapids. Southgate News Herald

250hospitals nationwide pledging to serve more nutritious food

Eight of them are Corewell Health hospitals in southeast Michigan.

Source: Southgate News Herald

Quoted

I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.

— Louisa May Alcott

The Buy

Elections

Veo is offering $10 in free ride credit to Grand Rapids voters on Election Day

If you'd rather scoot than drive to your polling place, Veo has you covered. On Tuesday, Nov. 3, riders can enter promo code VOTE26 in the in-app Veo Wallet to claim $10 in free ride credit.

$10in free ride credit for Veo riders on Election Day

The credit is valid only on Tuesday, Nov. 3, and covers about two rides.

Sources: 97.9 WGRD, mlive

That's enough for a round trip within the downtown area, 97.9 WGRD reports. Veo replaced Lime in September after the city picked it in August, and it offers e-bikes, scooters, seated scooters and a limited number of trikes.

  • Code: VOTE26, entered in the in-app Veo Wallet
  • Valid: Tuesday, Nov. 3 only
  • Standard rate: $1 to unlock plus 33 cents per minute

Veo moved from city pick to Election Day promo in a few months

  1. AugustCity chooses Veo over Lime for lower rates and greater safety technology
  2. SeptemberVeo replaces Lime scooters around the city
  3. Nov. 3The $10 VOTE26 ride credit is valid on Election Day only

Sources: 97.9 WGRD, mlive

Asked

Tap an answer to see how Grand Rapids answered.

Asked

How do you plan to cast your ballot in the Nov. 3 election?

Be the first to answer.

Today’s puzzles

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All 13 games

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Thursday, Oct. 29

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Around the Block

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Neighbors

Yesterday, I helped an elderly man who had lost his way.

“He was in his seventies or eighties, suffered from cognitive impairment, and had recently been involved in a car accident; he was lying alone by the roadside, with no family members around. I provided him with food and water, contacted emergency services, and accompanied him to the hospital for a check-up. This…”

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The Wrap

Ghost hunting, anyone? Ghosts of the Grand is a one-hour guided indoor walking tour of the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, 187 Monroe Ave. NW. The 5:30 p.m. departure tonight runs until 6:30 p.m., and tickets are $70.27. Other departures run later in the evening, so pick the one that fits your night.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Acrisure Amphitheater gets noise exemption; GRPS finalists interview tonight

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Every source in this edition34 links · 17 outlets
  1. The Weather Channelweather.com
  2. mlivemlive.com
  3. WOODTV.comwoodtv.com
  4. FOX 17fox17online.com
  5. WWMTwwmt.com
  6. Michigan Publicmichiganpublic.org
  7. WWMTwwmt.com
  8. wgvunewswgvunews.org
  9. WZZM13.comwzzm13.com
  10. WWMTwwmt.com
  11. Ottawa News Networkottawanewsnetwork.org
  12. FOX 17fox17online.com
  13. 97.9 WGRDwgrd.com
  14. Mix 95.7mix957gr.com
  15. Crain's Grand Rapids Businesscrainsgrandrapids.com
  16. WOODTV.comwoodtv.com
  17. Ottawa News Networkottawanewsnetwork.org
  18. Crain's Grand Rapids Businesscrainsgrandrapids.com
  19. WOODTV.comwoodtv.com
  20. WOODTV.comwoodtv.com
  21. WOODTV.comwoodtv.com
  22. mlivemlive.com
  23. WOODTV.comwoodtv.com
  24. FOX 17fox17online.com
  25. WOODTV.comwoodtv.com
  26. wgvunewswgvunews.org
  27. WCMU Public Mediawcmu.org
  28. Bridge Michiganbridgemi.com
  29. Michigan Advancemichiganadvance.com
  30. Bridge Michiganbridgemi.com
  31. Southgate News Heraldthenewsherald.com
  32. 97.9 WGRDwgrd.com
  33. mlivemlive.com
  34. Grand Rapids events calendargooddaygrandrapids.com

Past issues

  1. Wed., Nov. 11Jenison, EGR win state titles; Hudsonville names new CEO
  2. Tues., Nov. 10Judge ends Catholic Central's football playoff run
  3. Mon., Nov. 9Nate Danielson, Postava and Leonard are back with the Griffins
  4. Sun., Nov. 8Kenowa Hills wins its first district title, and Shine climbs the Griffins' list
  5. Sat., Nov. 7Judge rules Monday on Catholic Central; I-96 reopens
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Good Day Grand Rapidsto me · Thurs., Oct. 296:00 a.m.

GRPS picks Chicago's Allison Tingwall as its next superintendent

Plus, Acrisure Amphitheater's noise exemption and a Holland Township standoff that ended in an arrest

The TLDR

  1. GRPS board picks Chicago educator Allison Tingwall as next superintendent
  2. Commissioners unanimously amend the noise ordinance for Acrisure Amphitheater
  3. Holland Township camper standoff ends in an arrest; US-31 expected to reopen
Read this edition

More stories this week

From Good Day Grand Rapids’ other editions

All the news
High School SportsJenison and East Grand Rapids boys teams win state cross country titlesTwo Grand Rapids-area boys teams won state titles Saturday at Michigan International Speedway. Jenison, ranked fourth going in, took its first Division 1 championship with 101 points to Ann Arbor Skyline's 168, putting four runners in the top 30. East Grand Rapids won its second Division 2 crown with 152 points, seven points ahead of Holland Christian.Today’s editionRead BusinessCJ Ellens will become Hudsonville Ice Cream's CEO on Jan. 1, 2027If Hudsonville is in your freezer, here's who's running the company next. The Holland-based ice cream maker's board elected CJ Ellens as its next CEO, effective Jan. 1, 2027. He's the executive vice president now and has worked in a variety of roles over two decades.Today’s editionRead Prep FootballJudge ends Grand Rapids Catholic Central's football playoff run a day before the district finalIf you had Tuesday night football plans, they changed. Kent County Circuit Court Judge Paul Denenfeld ruled Monday for the MHSAA, ending Grand Rapids Catholic Central's Division 5 playoff run. The Cougars were expected to host Berrien Springs in the district final.Tuesday’s editionRead

Around Grand Rapids

From mlive, Grand Rapids Magazine and 3 more newsrooms, gathered by 6AM News, 6AM City’s local news service.

More local news

  1. mlive23 minutes ago

    Christian music’s Winter Jam returns to Michigan in 2027 for two stops

    The 34-city Winter Jam 2027 tour, featuring artists like Crowder and Anne Wilson, includes Michigan stops in Grand Rapids and Ypsilanti, with $15 door admission.

  2. Grand Rapids Magazine48 minutes ago

    Museum to Honor Community Leaders at Awards Gala

    Grand Rapids Public Museum will celebrate three individuals whose leadership and dedication have helped shape the landscape of West Michigan.

  3. WOODTV.com1 hour ago

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    After nine years of serving ice cream, chocolate and other treats, the Kilwins location in East Grand Rapids has closed for good.

  4. WOODTV.com1 hour ago

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    For its 23rd annual Gift of Hope program, Hope Network is encouraging donations of $30 or more from the West Michigan community to benefit individuals in need.

  5. WOODTV.com1 hour ago

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    Athletic Club Grand Rapids announced Wednesday it is partnering with Nike ahead of its inaugural season.

    Also reported byWZZM13.com

  6. Crain's Grand Rapids Business1 hour ago

    Tony Payne

    Mosaic Wealth Management is excited to welcome Tony Payne to our team as Financial Advisor and Senior Vice President.