Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 21st of April.
Good morning, Grand Rapids.
On Monday afternoon, local community members attended an evening of remembrance to honor crime victims as nearly 10 minutes of names were read aloud; the event, hosted by the Prosecutor's Office & Silent Observer, offered reflection and support for affected families in Grand Rapids.
Gas prices dropped nearly 20 cents per gallon from last week in Grand Rapids, averaging $3.80 at 246 stations, and fuel experts warn that prices may rise soon as global oil supply stays unstable due to tensions with Iran.
Leaders of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic school broke ground on a new $3.8M, 7,000 sqft early childhood center at 1935 Plymouth Ave. SE to expand their preschool and enrichment programs.
The facility will open in January 2027.
Grand Rapids Public Schools rolled out its first seven electric school buses on Monday — funded by $5.2M federal and $1.5M state grants — for quieter, cleaner rides.
The district will expand the electric fleet to 15 buses soon.
West Michigan rivers set new flood records from last week's heavy rains.
On Monday, April 20, gauges showed the Muskegon River near Bridgeton reached 19.27 feet and the Grand River in Grand Rapids peaked at 18.03 feet (flood stage lies above these levels), though waters are receding.
East Grand Rapids earned its Tree City USA title for the 12th year thanks to its consistent tree care and planting programs; the city will celebrate by giving away native saplings at the Community Center on Lakeside Dr. on Friday, May 22 (10 a.m. - noon).
An Otsego woman won $1 million from the Michigan Lottery at Van Andel Arena during a Grand Rapids Griffins game on April 10.
Michelle Roemer (58) celebrated her win with her lottery lucky dance and said she plans to invest her winnings and book a vacation.
City officials unveiled a new parking website to help visitors reserve spots near Acrisure Amphitheater, which will open May 15; the site offers reserved spaces at various city lots near 201 Market Ave SW (including accessible options) and guides on using DASH and Rapid bus services on event nights.
City leaders met last summer under the codename 'Tokyo' to back a downtown location at 555 Monroe for the John Ball Zoo's proposed $400 million aquarium — a project that could promise billions in economic impact over 10 years.
The zoo is still weighing its options, including Walker's site.
Michigan health officials warn tick populations are surging due to a warm and wet start to the year, causing Lyme disease cases to jump from 550 to over 2,000.
Residents are urged to avoid tall grass and wooded areas when spending time outdoors.
A church email led Ike Yskes to donate a kidney to Jim Everhart—a recipient he barely knew—after doctors identified his match at Trinity Health.
The duo, who underwent their surgeries one year ago at Trinity Health Grand Rapids, now enjoy regular game nights together.
Cascade neighbor Michelle Lauer found high radon levels in her parents’ home after her mother died from lung cancer and now urges locals to test their homes.
Health officials recommend testing every two years (mitigation costs roughly $1,100–$2,000) to reduce this silent risk.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
DAYSEEKER: The Pale Moonlight Tour
6-9 p.m. — GLC Live at 20 Monroe — All ages welcome — Experience an unforgettable night with DAYSEEKER's vibrant performances.
Ingrid Andress in Concert
6:30-10 p.m. — The Stache — Tickets available — Experience the heartfelt performance of GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter Ingrid Andress as she celebrates her latest single and upcoming album.
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