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Wednesday, April 1st, 2026

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Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 1st of April.

COMMUNITY NEWS

  • Officials replaced the outdated fountain at the Gerald R. Ford Museum with a quarter-acre green space adjacent to Ah-Nab-Awen Park — demolition began in spring 2025 and the design honors Betty Ford’s love of gardening.  MLive
  • Harmony Brewing Company (1551 Lake Dr. SE) is partnering with Unwind GR to host a Yarn Rave on Friday, April 3 in Eastown, a free late-night event for adults featuring a live DJ, discounted drinks, hot $5 pizza slices, and a stitch marker bar.  MLive
  • Before sunrise today, garbage truck operator Courtney Taylor starts a 900-stop route across Grand Rapids to collect waste and check recyclables as new condos add extra stops. His work shows everyday community dedication as neighborhoods continue to expand.  ABC 13

BUSINESS NEWS

  • Grand Rapids breweries are adding food, liquor, and non-alcoholic drinks as beer sales slow and local staples close. Our Brewing Company will open a new space on Wealthy Street with a food truck garden while City Built Brewery has updated its menu (boosting its local appeal).  FOX 17
  • Amway reported its global sales fell 1% to $7.3 billion in 2025, marking its fourth year of decline; CEO Michael Nelson said the company remains strong and anticipates renewed momentum for 2026.  MLive
  • Macatawa Plumbing in Holland received a $45,800 grant from the Going PRO Talent Fund to expand its apprenticeship program while keeping a steady workforce of 25 to 27 full-time employees & previously won a $59,850 grant that brings its funding total to $105,650. The cycle for additional funding opens this spring.  MLive

ECONOMY NEWS

  • Gas prices in West Michigan jumped by about $1 over the past month due to tensions in Iran affecting global oil supply, with Grand Rapids recording a 6 a.m. Tuesday average of $3.94 per gallon. Analysts warn prices may rise further if the conflict continues.  FOX 17

EDUCATION NEWS

  • Aquinas College will host summer camps for middle and high schoolers this summer, featuring AQ Saints Science Camp for hands-on physics, AQ Summer Jazz Camp for musical exploration, and AQ Roleplay Gaming Camp for fantasy adventures. Scholarships for Jazz Camp + athletic camps are available, so register soon.  ABC 13

ENVIRONMENT NEWS

  • Starting April 6, East Grand Rapids residents can add food scraps like coffee grounds & apple cores to their yard waste bins as the city expands its composting program after a three-year pilot ended last year. The change will help meet sustainability goals while keeping pickup routes unchanged.  FOX 17

GOVERNMENT NEWS

  • The Grand Rapids City Commission voted Tuesday, Mar. 31 to expand the social district to include five areas around the new Acrisure Amphitheater, letting people buy to-go drinks on sidewalks. The 12,000-seat venue (set to open May 15) marks the expansion of outdoor drinking spaces.  MLive

REAL ESTATE NEWS

  • Fulmar Development Group plans a $795.8 million project on a 6.9-acre lot along the Grand River at Fulton Street and Market Ave SW, proposing three high-rise towers (one being a 43-story residence that could be downtown’s tallest) while a state-commissioned report questions if the local market can support $1M condos.  MLive
  • Fulton and Market is a $796M project led by DeVos and Van Andel families that will replace a 7-acre parking lot with a 43-story residential tower, hotel, and office space, with construction slated for summer 2027. A July underwriting report noted market challenges on condo sales and hotel occupancy.  MLive

SPORTS NEWS

  • Soccer fans gathered at Kusterer Brauhaus yesterday for a logo reveal party ahead of the USMNT vs Portugal game as they previewed AC Grand Rapids' debut at Amway Stadium (set for 2027). Fan Council registration opens Thursday for those ready to join the team.  ABC 13

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • Candlelight - 90s Hip-Hop on Strings

    6:30-7:45 p.m. — Wealthy Theatre — Ticketed event — Experience the essence of 90s hip-hop reimagined through strings in a magical candlelit setting.

    Fri, 4/3/26

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  • Hot In Herre: 2000s Dance Party

    9 PM – 12 AM — Elevation — Entry details not specified — Relive the 2000s with top hits and nostalgic vibes from your favorite artists.

    Sat, 4/4/26

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  • Annual Easter Brunch Buffet

    10 AM – 4 PM — Reds at Thousand Oaks — Adults $39, Children 5–12 $16 — Indulge in a delightful array of breakfast favorites and holiday specialties.

    Sun, 4/5/26

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  • The Lion King Stage Musical

    7:30-9:30 p.m. — DeVos Performance Hall — Tickets available — Experience the breathtaking artistry and unforgettable music of this award-winning Broadway classic.

    Wed, 4/8/26

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  • Broadway Rave - Musical Theater Dance Party

    7:30 p.m. — The Stache — Cost varies — Dance the night away to Broadway hits and connect with fellow theater lovers.

    Fri, 4/10/26

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  • Katy on Keys at Mojo's Dueling Piano Bar

    8 PM - 12 AM — Mojo's Dueling Piano Bar & Restaurant — Cover charge may apply — Experience powerhouse vocals and a fun atmosphere with Katy on Keys at this lively dueling piano event.

    Sat, 4/11/26

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  • Full Moon Sound Bath Experience

    6-9 p.m. — The Big Room — Reserve your spot — Experience grounding and deep relaxation under the full moon with intentional sound healing.

    Sun, 4/12/26

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  • Quintet Revelations by The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center

    7:30-10:30 p.m. — St. Cecilia Music Center — Ticket info not provided — Experience the power and richness of a piano quintet featuring works from renowned composers across centuries.

    Thu, 4/16/26

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  • Rivertown Races (10 km)

    8 p.m. — Millennium Park — Registration fee — Experience a scenic 10km race amidst the beauty of Grand Rapids' largest urban park.

    Fri, 4/17/26

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  • We Them Ones Comedy Tour

    8:00-10:00 p.m. — Van Andel Arena — Ticket info available — Experience a night of laughter with headliner Mike Epps and a stellar lineup of comedians.

    Sat, 4/18/26

    View event

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUBMIT
  • Join the Grand Rapids ONE, TWO, SEVEN Short Film Team

    Do you wanna support a GR film production made-up of a Michigan cast & crew? Follow and make a pledge to the ONE, TWO, SEVEN Seed&Spark page - an original comedic and heartwarming short film shooting this May.

REAL ESTATE

SUBMIT LISTING

No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.

JOB BOARD

SUBMIT JOB

No new job posts today. You can submit one here.

TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT

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