Good morning, Grand Rapids.

A 9-vehicle crash involving a semi-truck and eight passenger cars blocked I-96 near Clarksville on April 26 and left several people hospitalized+state police said+.

Drivers were advised to avoid a stretch of E Michigan Avenue in Comstock Township after a three-vehicle rollover crash occurred Saturday around 12:50 p.m. near N 28th Street, with no life-threatening injuries reported + the crash remains under investigation.

Van’s Pastry Shoppe, Grand Rapids’ oldest bakery since 1924, still makes baked goods the traditional way—owner David Vander Meer and his family produce 720 loaves a week including a round English muffin loaf for $4 each that they distribute to local restaurants and businesses.

The shop is open Monday through Saturday and closed on Sundays.

Construction teams for Amway Stadium and Acrisure Amphitheater planned ahead to avoid tariff problems by buying materials early and securing backup sources, and they say any future tariff impacts on audio and visual equipment will be minimal.

Amway Stadium is set to open in spring 2027 while the amphitheater is nearly complete with most contracts already in place.

Security will be increased at the Kent County Courthouse for former officer Christopher Schurr’s murder trial tomorrow, April 28—seating is capped at 44 with reserved spots for Lyoya’s and Schurr’s families—and strict rules ban cell phones and supportive attire.

Forest Hills Eastern High School held its prom on April 26 at Thousand Oaks Country Club in Grand Rapids with about 320 students and guests in attendance (Floating on Violets was the theme).

Seniors Brennan Lee and Katie McManus were named prom king and queen by their peers as the event featured dancing, a photo booth and a dinner with chicken pesto and bistro steak.

Johnson Park will soon get six miles of mountain biking trails designed for both traditional riders and adaptive bikes as Kent County Parks starts improvements at the 224-acre park at 2600 Wilson Ave. SE.

Kent County Parks & partners plan to complete the project by 2026 using ARPA funds, additional grants, and updates to shelters and restrooms.

The Detroit Lions used a newly acquired third-round pick to draft Unity Christian alum Isaac TeSlaa, a West Michigan native, on April 26th.

Senior Jake Koetje earned the spring season's first Athlete of the Week honor by recording 12 hits in 16 at bats with three extra-base hits and five stolen bases—leading his team to win five of eight games since spring break.

He will play against the Grandville squad on Saturday in a road contest.

Shinedown Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Van Andel Arena — Tickets from $32 — Experience the electrifying energy of Shinedown live in concert.

Texas Stars vs. Grand Rapids Griffins (Playoff Game)

7-11 p.m. — Van Andel Arena — Ticket prices vary — Catch the excitement as the Texas Stars face off against the Grand Rapids Griffins in an action-packed playoff game.

Science and Sensory Night

4:30-5:30 p.m. — South Godwin Head Start — Free entry — Engage in hands-on science activities and enjoy delicious walking tacos.

Marvel Years Concert

8-11 p.m. — The Stache — Ticket prices vary — Experience the electric soul of Cory Wythe as he showcases his guitar mastery at The Stache.

Invent Animate + Silent Planet - Tour 2025

6:00-8:30 p.m. — Elevation — $33 — Experience a powerful night of music with Invent Animate and Silent Planet in Grand Rapids.

Giovannie & The Hired Guns Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — The Stache — Tickets available — Experience the explosive blend of alt-metal and country from the dynamic band that defies musical boundaries.

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah Concert

7-11 p.m. — The Pyramid Scheme — Tickets available — Experience Clap Your Hands Say Yeah performing their debut album along with Knifeplay in an intimate setting.

Grand Rapids Griffins Playoff Game 2

7:59 p.m. — Van Andel Arena — Ticket prices vary — Catch the excitement of Round 3 as the Griffins battle for victory at home.

Amway River Bank Run

Saturday, May 10th — The Chop House Grand Rapids — Registration fees apply — Participate in one of the largest running events in Michigan along the scenic riverbank.

Grand Rapids Lantern Festival

7:30-11:30 p.m. — John Ball Zoo — $26 per person — Experience a dazzling display of handcrafted Asian lanterns illuminating the zoo while telling the story of wildlife and culture.