Good Day
Grand Rapids
Thursday, April 9th, 2026
Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 9th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ A self-care dinner is set for Saturday, April 11 at Free Alchemy Studio — 240 Front Ave SW, where guided discussions, candle-making, and a sound bowl experience are planned. The event hosted by Benevolent Whispers is free and limited to about 30 participants. MLive
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Grand Rapids' partnership funding a retail specialist role will end June 30 as city leadership and economic partners shift strategies; Richard App helped local businesses access grants and permits during the pandemic and the city is reviewing its upcoming budget to support similar efforts. MLive
- ➤ The Gritzmaker Social House in Zeeland saw a boost in Sunday business after the city lifted its decades-old alcohol ban in November 2025. The restaurant now attracts locals for post-church lunches and dinners, and plans to introduce a brunch menu+ to build on the momentum. FOX 17
- ➤ Flanagan's Irish Pub at 139 Pearl St. NW was seized by Byline Bank after the owners defaulted on a $750,000 loan. The longtime pub had been closed since June 2025 after its license was suspended for an unpaid $1,000 fine, leaving a once-busy downtown venue empty. MLive
- ➤ Parkside Farm in Byron Center is cutting fuel use as rising costs prompt owner Nicole Zaagman to adopt a new farm-to-table approach with fresh produce and field trips. Zaagman said the farm will bloom by June — a step to help keep operations running. FOX 17
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Grand Rapids Lantern Festival is lighting up John Ball Zoo from April 8 until June 14 under the theme Realms of Wonder; visitors can see brand-new handcrafted Chinese lanterns and enjoy cultural performances. MLive
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Drivers in the region face rising gas prices as fill-ups near $80 versus about $60 before, prompting some to combine trips and limit driving. Contractor Delano Hinson and others say if prices continue to rise, they may soon cut back on jobs. FOX 17
- ➤ Delta has raised checked bag fees on tickets purchased today, with the third bag fee jumping by $50 amid rising jet fuel costs. Grand Rapids flyers may see further fee adjustments as airlines prepare for increased operating expenses. FOX 17
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Ferris State University announced Sean Lancaster, a former GVSU vice president, as its new provost and vice president of academic affairs starting June 1. He will guide academic planning and curriculum development while reporting directly to the president. MLive
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Neighbors in East Grand Rapids will be able to trade one gas operated lawn tool for electric alternatives at a buyback event on May 3 at the Public Works Complex — organizers offer a $100 coupon with registration to boost cleaner choices. FOX 17
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Grand Rapids delays the Wealthy Street reconstruction after businesses and neighbors expressed concerns over parking removal and bike lanes — the first phase, including water mains and ADA sidewalks, is now scheduled to begin in 2027 with bids set for Fall 2026 at the Lake Drive intersection near Woodmere. FOX 17
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Dr. Diana Bitner of True. Women's Health says cortisol works like gas in a car and that daily stressors like caregiving, poor sleep, and overexercising can drain its effect. She advises a gentle morning routine + delayed caffeine + better sleep to keep cortisol balanced. FOX 17
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Addy Rhodes became the all-time leading scorer at Calvin Christian girls basketball and was honored as the Robinson Dental Scholar Athlete of the Week — she will study speech pathology at Calvin University and work with kids, continuing her inspiring leadership on and off the court. ABC 13
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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.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The smaller the change, the easier it is to stick to.
~ James Clear
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