Good Day
Grand Rapids
Friday, April 17th, 2026
Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 17th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Michigan native Christina Koch splashed down safely on April 10 after a 10-day Artemis II lunar mission; U.S. Navy Corpsman Steve Kapala (who grew up in Alpena) greeted her in a historic moment for Michiganders. MLive
- ➤ Fox 17 reporter Robb Westaby retires after nearly 52 years in broadcasting including two decades at the station as he reflects on his career and health hurdles. His retirement marks the end of an era for local viewers. FOX 17
- ➤ Hundreds of families will gather on the Blue Bridge on April 23 for Hope Network’s annual Bridge Walk for Autism. The free event starts at 5 p.m. with check-in at 4 p.m. and a sensory-friendly experience at the Public Museum from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. MLive
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A powerful storm on Tuesday night damaged an Alto home when a tree crashed through the roof on Whitneyville Avenue. The family, unharmed, closed on a new home in Middleville on Thursday + are now preparing to move while nearby residents dealt with minor storm effects. ABC 13
- ➤ Two tornadoes touched down overnight, damaging homes in Otsego and destroying barns in Carson City — leaving thousands without power as first responders work to restore service. ABC 13
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Grand Rapids Public Museum is nearly finished with its riverfront expansion that adds new outdoor learning spaces and accessible trails, following a VIP opening on April 16 downtown. City, county, and museum leaders celebrated this project that expands public access to the Grand River. MLive
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ About 30 young people will testify at KidSpeak 2026 at MLK Park Community Center (900 Fuller SE) Friday morning, offering policy suggestions to city leaders, school board members, and other officials. The free event is organized through a partnership with Michigan’s Children and the public schools. MLive
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Grand Rapids is monitoring the Grand River after a flood warning was issued for Comstock Park and the north end as rains raise water levels. The river is at 14.5 ft (forecast to reach 19.3 ft by Monday), and the city has invested over $5 million in flood protection upgrades. FOX 17
- ➤ Federal regulators have begun an environmental review of the Sixth Street dam removal with a public meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Apr. 22 from 4-7 p.m. at Grand Rapids Public Schools University (1400 Fuller Ave. NE) to gather input on restoring the river's rapids and fish habitat. MLive
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Three West Michigan nonprofits formed a care network to support residents of David's House Ministries when their needs exceed current services. The partnership began April 1 and will help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities receive consistent, Christ-centered care through coordinated efforts by Holland Home, David's House Ministries, and Edison Christian Life Services. MLive
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ An old church in Comstock Park is being converted into a two-unit rental by developer Andrew Boehm + REMAX Lakeshore. The project offers an alternative in a high-priced market and is set to finish in about six weeks. FOX 17
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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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Sam Grisman Project Concert
7-10 p.m. — The Big Room — Tickets available — Experience a joyful celebration of acoustic music and the Grateful Dawg legacy.
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Dog Man - The Musical
4-7 p.m. — DeVos Performance Hall — Ticket information available — Experience a hilarious and heartwarming adventure with Dog Man as he battles Flippy and Petey in this lively musical.
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