Good Day
Grand Rapids
Wednesday, April 15th, 2026
Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 15th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ This week’s Pet Adoption Tuesday at Harbor Humane in West Olive showcased Spud, a playful three-month-old puppy ready for adoption. He was found alone and is adjusting quickly in foster care while waiting for a loving home. FOX 17
- ➤ Adobo Boy, a new Filipino restaurant on Plainfield Ave, will hold its grand opening on Saturday, April 18 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at 4492 Plainfield Ave NE with a ribbon cutting, folk dance performances, and traditional food. FOX 17
- ➤ Kingma’s Market will host SampleFest on Saturday, April 18 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 2225 Plainfield Ave. NE, offering free samples from 25 Michigan-based companies and debuting a new granola collaboration with The Gluten Free Brothers. MLive
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The distillery owned by a husband-and-wife team in Hudsonville is rebranding its bourbon and whiskey lines as Barrel Thief series following a trademark dispute with a major maker + offers tours of its facility while it awaits tasting room permits for later summer. MLive
- ➤ Flanagan’s Irish Pub at 139 Pearl St NW has remained closed since June 2025 after its liquor license was suspended for a $1,000 fine, and Byline Bank seized the venue after a 2019 loan default ended a 44-year run. MLive
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The new Acisure Amphitheater in Grand Rapids is set to open in about one month, hosting an inaugural Lionel Richie concert on May 15 and a free community event on May 16. Pioneer Construction — responsible for installing plastic seat coverings — has finished major work on the venue. FOX 17
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak will speak at Grand Valley State University's commencement ceremonies at Van Andel Arena on May 1-2 (with keynotes at 7 p.m. on May 1 and 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on May 2) livestreamed online. MLive
- ➤ Nearly 200 guests gathered Friday at the J.W. Marriott for a gala that raised about $50K for the Fostering Futures Scholarship Trust Fund, a program organized by the Michigan Education Trust and MDHHS to help close the college degree gap for foster youth. MLive
- ➤ Grand Rapids Public Schools is weighing the displacement of up to 47 teacher positions for the 2026-27 school year to better match staffing with declining enrollment; officials say the move is a realignment rather than layoffs, while some educators worry about larger class sizes. MLive
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Researchers tracked muskellunge tagged in Lake Macatawa; data show the fish have traveled hundreds of miles to areas such as Chicago, Green Bay, and Saugatuck. The acoustic telemetry project began in April 2025 and continues for seven years — with annual updates from the Michigan Muskie Alliance. MLive
- ➤ Michigan DNR advised residents to avoid pruning oak trees today until July 15 to help stop oak wilt from spreading + red oaks dying quickly. The fungus, spread by sap-feeding beetles through wounds, can kill affected trees in weeks. ABC 13
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Plainfield Township has approved green burials for its cemetery at 6205 Packer Drive NE, setting aside nearly 100 plots for residents and requiring township review on a case-by-case basis. MLive
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Former firefighter Edward DeMaagd, now battling terminal cancer, is hosting the Race for the Red 5K to raise funds for early cancer detection and support for firefighter families; the race is set for May 23 at 9:30 a.m. at Riverside Park. ABC 13
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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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Gimme Gimme Disco
8-11:30 p.m. — The Stache — Ticketed — Dance to ABBA and classic disco hits from the 70s and 80s at this vibrant DJ party.
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