Good Day
Grand Rapids
Saturday, April 11th, 2026
Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 11th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ A Michigan-native sailor and his Navy team greeted the Artemis II crew after their 10-day Moon mission yesterday. The four-man crew— including Grand Rapids native Christina Koch— was recovered from the Orion capsule after a Pacific Ocean splashdown at 8:07 p.m. April 10 and then airlifted for further medical checks. MLive
- ➤ Grand Rapids held its first Spanish-language CERT training at Iglesia Cambiando Vidas Sedientas, offering three hours of hands-on fire safety, disaster medical operations and personal preparedness instruction to Spanish-speaking residents. Emergency management hopes this training + will broaden preparedness efforts across the community. MLive
- ➤ Jackie McCarty, 97, still receives the lifetime Reader’s Digest subscription her firefighter father gifted on her 15th birthday in 1944. She cherishes each monthly issue at her Belmont senior living home as it keeps her father's memory alive. ABC 13
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Grand Rapids Lantern Festival returns at John Ball Zoo with three new glowing realms and cultural performances. The event began on April 8 and will run until June 14, with tickets available online for timed entry. FOX 17
- ➤ A Mississippi family will head to Tulip Time festival in Holland to honor their late daughter, Colbi, whose love for tulips remains a cherished memory. The Capuanos will also share bundles of joy at local hospitals to continue her legacy. FOX 17
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Two years ago, GRPS planned to terminate deputy superintendent Brandy Lovelady Mitchell after a 2024 investigation but gave her a $20K raise instead; she is now on leave and her contract will be reviewed at the board meeting on Apr. 27 (documents reveal contrasting actions). MLive
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Three new Pure Michigan Trails were named at the Governor's Conference on Tourism near Traverse City, including The Great Lakes Way (with extensive water and land routes), the Michigan Air Line Trail, and the Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park, which spans 92 miles from Grand Rapids to Cadillac. MLive
- ➤ Audrey Peterman, a national parks diversity advocate, will deliver a free virtual presentation on conservation and social equity at the 29th Wege Speaker Series on April 23 at 4 p.m. from Grand Rapids + registration is open to the public. MLive
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The City of Grand Rapids is reviewing plans to update Wealthy Street in Eastown with improvements to water mains, sidewalks, lighting + a balanced mix of bike lanes and street parking. Project bidding is expected in Fall 2026 with construction slated to begin in 2027. ABC 13
- ➤ East Grand Rapids hired design firm Abonmarche to lead improvements at Reeds Lake that will add accessible trails + boardwalks, a toddler playground and expanded parking, with community engagement planned before construction starts in spring 2027. The project will enhance 11 acres of waterfront land. MLive
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The Transplant House of West Michigan provides a home for families waiting for transplants, saving thousands in hotel costs; created by Tracy and Holly Gary, the nonprofit offers four family spots at $60 daily (covering mortgage and utilities) and eases medical travel burdens in Grand Rapids. FOX 17
- ➤ In Byron Center, Rock Steady Boxing West Michigan uses boxing to help Parkinson's patients regain motor skills and build confidence during Parkinson’s Awareness Month. Local members like conductor John Varineau (diagnosed in 2022) and Theresa Dekker report improved movement and renewed energy. FOX 17
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Former Spartan goalie Trey Augustine — Red Wings draft pick — signed a three-year, entry-level contract and joined the Grand Rapids Griffins on an amateur tryout for the rest of the season. Coach Dan Watson said Augustine will work into the team before getting ice time in the final games. FOX 17
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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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Grand Rapids Ballet: In the Countenance of Kings
2-5 p.m. — Peter Martin Wege Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the breathtaking ballet 'In the Countenance of Kings' featuring electrifying choreography by Justin Peck.
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Joan Osborne Live Performance
7:30-10:30 p.m. — St. Cecilia Music Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the soulful interpretations of Bob Dylan's songs performed by acclaimed artist Joan Osborne.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
You have to go through the slow to find the fast.
~ Mark Manson
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