Good Day
Grand Rapids
Wednesday, April 8th, 2026
Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 8th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Whitecaps Community Foundation has built a lasting local impact since 1994 by offering free baseball play and reading programs to over 40,000 kids — including youth leagues and Give-A-Glove campaigns. It funds more than $1.4 million in community benefits, keeping baseball bigger than the game itself. FOX 17
- ➤ An Ada couple returned from Cuba after a late-January humanitarian mission with First-Hand Aid, where they delivered vital medical supplies and witnessed life with limited resources; their eyeopening experience has motivated them to share their renewed perspective locally. FOX 17
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Three Grand Rapids grads launched Dorro yesterday to connect local shoppers with gifts from independent businesses using AI. The platform features Michigan brands such as Uncle Goose (a toy company) and SANCTUAIRE, offering curated selections that enhance contextual gifting. MLive
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Billy Idol will perform at Acrisure Amphitheater on Friday, Sept. 11 at 7:30 p.m. as the new outdoor venue gears up for its first concert season+ tickets go on sale on April 10 with an eight-ticket limit. ABC 13
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Gas prices in Grand Rapids have climbed above $4 per gallon at some stations, with diesel over $5, and GasBuddy’s petroleum analyst Matt McClain advises drivers to save fuel by combining trips & obeying speed limits. ABC 13
- ➤ Jet fuel prices have doubled due to the war in Iran, pushing airlines to raise summer flight costs by adding fees for checked bags and impacting local travelers. Meanwhile, diesel and gas prices remain about 40 cents higher than last month & continue to affect overall travel expenses. FOX 17
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Krishna Mano, a GRPS senior at City High Middle School, received acceptance letters from Harvard, Yale, Princeton, UPenn and Columbia and will visit the schools over spring break to choose a college for studying public policy and law. FOX 17
- ➤ Grand Rapids Children’s Museum hosts its Spring Break Bonanza from April 3 to 12 at 11 Sheldon Ave NE. Today, kids can join an interactive guitar class and instrument petting zoo from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m., with more hands-on workshops planned later in the week. MLive
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Drivers are advised to avoid driving through flooded roads as rising river levels in West Michigan create hazards today, with the Grand River cresting at nearly 15.5 feet and motorists urged to call 911 when road closures aren’t marked. ABC 13
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Today, the Michigan Natural Resources Commission in Kent County reviews the DNR’s proposal to institute a one buck rule, shorten the muzzleloader season and move up the late antlerless season to reduce deer accidents and crop damage. If approved, these changes will take effect March 1, 2027. FOX 17
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Grand Rapids will host free outdoor workout classes through the summer. Starting May 11, residents can join sessions like yoga, circuit training and mat Pilates every Monday through Thursday at various city parks (no registration is required). MLive
- ➤ Atlas, an eight-week old puppy from Michele's Rescue is available for foster-to-adoption via Pet Adoption Tuesday; the rescue is also hosting a fundraiser with Mosby's Popcorn & funding a special surgery for Bojangles, a cat in need. FOX 17
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Whitecaps lost their home opener at LMCU Ballpark on Tuesday night 7-3 but fans enjoyed a replica championship ring for the first 2,000 attendees and a post-game fireworks display. New food items will debut in future games as excitement builds. FOX 17
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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STOMP Performance
7-10 p.m. — Forest Hills Fine Arts Center — Check the event page for ticket prices — Experience an electrifying performance that transforms everyday items into captivating rhythms.
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Disney Presents The Lion King
7:30-10:30 p.m. — DeVos Performance Hall — Tickets from $93 — Experience the magic of The Lion King live on stage in Grand Rapids.
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Hail The Sun Concert
7:00-8:30 p.m. — Elevation — $62 each — Catch an electrifying performance from Hail The Sun live in Grand Rapids.
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Grand Rapids Ballet: In the Countenance of Kings
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Peter Martin Wege Theatre — Ticket Prices Vary — Experience a breathtaking ballet by acclaimed choreographer Justin Peck.
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