Good Day
Grand Rapids
Thursday, April 23rd, 2026
Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 23rd of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Western Michigan senior Nicholas Deblecourt, who lost his right foot in a fiery crash this past June, is running in Kentwood’s 8th annual Limb Loss Awareness 5K this Saturday to support adaptive programs and inspire others; he recovered quickly and remains active on campus (despite early rehabilitation challenges). FOX 17
- ➤ A Cedar Springs mother launched Swim Safe for Silas after her 4-year-old son drowned last July, collecting over 100 life jackets that will be given to families at Skinner Field on June 6 to help prevent similar tragedies. FOX 17
- ➤ The Grand Rapids Post Office teams with dog trainer Hector Hernandez to host dog attack prevention demonstrations today in Grand Rapids, urging owners to secure their dogs when mail is delivered. Postal officials warn that if dogs are not tied, mail service could be delayed neighborhood-wide. MLive
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan said about 130 employees will move from Cascade to the Steketee Headquarters on Monroe Center; renovations begin in May and the relocation is set for September (city officials expect this change to boost downtown growth). FOX 17
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids announced that undergraduate tuition will remain at $22,000 through the 2027-28 academic year, with students enrolling in fall 2026 and fall 2027 enjoying a fixed rate. The measure aims to provide cost certainty amid rising tuition at other institutions (boosting affordability and transparency for families). MLive
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Friends of Grand Rapids Parks will host ArborFest 2026 on April 24-25 to plant 250 trees in Garfield Park and the southtown corridor in Alger Heights (shift times are 1 to 4 p.m. on April 24 and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 25) and provide free lunch for volunteers. MLive
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Officials with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are asking for public input on a proposal to remove the Sixth Street Dam today to restore Grand River rapids (this plan includes a sea lamprey barrier). Local anglers worry the move could hurt longtime fishing spots. FOX 17
- ➤ Township leaders in Allendale propose converting a Community Park baseball field into a skate park, ninja course and updated playground. The Parks and Recreation Commission will discuss the plan today at 7 a.m. amid concerns from Little League families. FOX 17
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Experts at Romence Gardens in Grand Rapids share spring gardening tips for local growers after a recent freeze damaged apple crops in Alpine Township. They advise starting with a soil test (per MSU) and focusing on cold crop plants as Michigan temperatures remain unpredictable. FOX 17
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Ranked teams Mattawan and Forest Hills Eastern split a doubleheader that turned from a pitching duel into an offensive outburst on Tuesday, April 21 at Forest Hills Eastern High School in Ada (Forest Hills Eastern won 6 to 5 while Mattawan earned a 13 to 0 mercy-rule victory). MLive
- ➤ Sparta High School tennis player Addie Kingshott is now the number one singles player in her final season while also starring in local theater productions. She holds a 4.11 GPA and plans to study elementary education at Western Michigan University. ABC 13
- ➤ Children aged 7 to 14 will test their baseball skills at LMCU Ballpark on Friday, May 1 — organized by Fans of Valley Field after renovations closed Sullivan Field. Winners advance to a regional competition to play at an MLB park in Detroit, Chicago, or Cleveland. ABC 13
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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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Geoff Tate Live in Concert
8-11 p.m. — Elevation — Ticket prices vary — Experience the iconic voice of Geoff Tate as he performs classic hits from his illustrious career with Queensryche.
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