Good Day
Grand Rapids
Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026
Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 22nd of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ One week after a tornado struck Otsego and Plainwell, residents and business owners continue to clear debris and rebuild — Plainwell public safety officials report no major injuries as neighbors work together on recovery. FOX 17
- ➤ Today, Davenport University hosts Latina Conference West Michigan at its W.A. Lettinga campus from 8 a.m. to noon, gathering over 200 women for professional growth & networking under the theme 'Power, Voice & Leadership Without Limits.' Lisa R. Garcia will deliver the keynote address. MLive
- ➤ The City of Grand Rapids is building over 4.5 miles of paved Riverwalk to connect downtown parks and trails from Fulton Street to Riverside Park. Some park elements, including a custom playground (arriving in summer) and an all-season pavilion (set for early fall), will finish later this year. FOX 17
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Blue Cross Blue Shield announced on Tuesday that it will close its Cascade Road office and move 130 employees to the historic Steketee's Building (at 86 Monroe Center downtown); renovations begin in May with relocation set for September, a change expected to boost downtown business and housing demand. MLive
- ➤ Five Michigan small business finalists, including two from Grand Rapids, competed Tuesday afternoon at Michigan’s Next Big Idea Pitch Competition at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center in East Lansing, vying for a $10,000 prize. The winner was announced (4:30 p.m.). ABC 13
- ➤ Consumers Energy has installed five weather stations that gather wind, temperature and soil moisture data near distribution lines in counties including Gladwin, Ogemaw, Barry, Jackson, and Clare; the company plans to install 100 stations by 2027 to help crews restore power more quickly + save about $1 million per year. ABC 13
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Frederik Meijer Gardens will present Dale Chihuly’s largest exhibit from May 2 through Nov. 1 — showing 12 outdoor installations across its 158-acre campus. The show includes timed indoor experiences and guided tours for a deeper look at the art. MLive
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Kentwood voters will decide on a $125 million Safety and Success Bond on May 5 — a measure that funds a new Valleywood Middle School, safety upgrades, and STEM initiatives while raising home rates by 0.5 mill, about $7 per month. FOX 17
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ A neighbor in Cascade Township captured video of a bear visiting her back porch on consecutive nights earlier this week after a bird feeder was damaged. Wildlife officials advised residents to secure outdoor attractants (bears often return if food is available). FOX 17
- ➤ The Muskegon and Grand Rivers are receding after major flooding led to evacuations and high water levels in parts of Grand Rapids and Newaygo County. Flood warnings remain until the rivers fall below flood stage later this week - full recovery is expected by the weekend. ABC 13
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Lowell Township is weighing a six-month moratorium on new data center projects after concerns over energy and water use were raised on Monday, April 20 at a board meeting. Microsoft paused plans for a campus at Covenant Business Park following community pushback (details on an SSRP grant are pending review). MLive
- ➤ Georgetown Township will install a tornado siren near 805 Taylor St. on airport property after a 2025 review found gaps in coverage near Steamboat Park Campground and Riverview Airport (improving warning times for residents) and expects it to be operational within the next month. FOX 17
- ➤ Grand Rapids city leaders held secret summer meetings to consider a nearly $400M aquarium at a riverfront parcel on 555 Monroe Ave. NW that could boost the local economy + generate up to $2.9 billion over 10 years. Plans remain in early stages as formal deliberations are still pending. MLive
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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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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.
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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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Mother's Day Gift Fair
10 a.m. - 6 p.m. — Grand Rapids Downtown Market — Free entry — Explore unique gifts from local vendors while enjoying live music and delicious food.
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