Thursday, April 30th, 2026
Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 30th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Historic Cottage Bar in downtown, built in 1927, is in disrepair with falling letters, a broken window and a damaged awning after a complaint last Saturday, Apr. 25. It remains temporarily closed — leaving locals recalling its trusted past. ABC 13
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Rainbow Grill, a longstanding spot on Chicago Drive, closed abruptly, leaving community members and neighboring businesses surprised. Its owner 4GR8Food Group said it is exploring a future reopening — employees were offered positions at its other local restaurants. FOX 17
- ➤ Mary Martinez opened her new La Jefa Taqueria at 1874 28th St. SW in Wyoming on Wednesday & the restaurant serves nine types of meat tacos, fajitas, burritos, and more while operating daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. MLive
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ West Michigan school leaders are urging voters to support operating millage proposals on May 5 — measures that affect non-homestead properties to fund daily school operations and secure significant revenue for local districts. MLive
- ➤ Wyoming Public Schools is on the May 5 ballot with a millage renewal that, if passed, will extend a nonhomestead levy for 10 years starting in 2027 and generate over $10.3 million for staff, transportation, and classroom services (exempting primary homeowners). FOX 17
- ➤ Kentwood Public Schools ask voters to approve a $125M bond proposal on Tuesday, May 5 to fund a new Valleywood Middle School building and expanded performing arts and STEM centers. The measure tackles growing enrollment and aging facilities + incorporates community input. MLive
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Michigan Department of Transportation will host a drop-in meeting on May 6 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Caledonia Township Hall (8196 M-37, Broadmoor Ave.) to update residents on the rebuilding and widening project. MLive
- ➤ Starting May 15, The Rapid will pilot expanded service on Acrisure Ampitheater event nights except select routes, giving riders transit access across Grand Rapids, East Grand Rapids, Walker, Kentwood, Wyoming and Grandville. The changes include a revised Route 12 schedule and the return of Route 1000 service to Millennium Park. FOX 17
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ High-density downtown apartments are nearing full capacity as housing demand surges, with Studio Park Lofts fully leased — a converted office building at 111 Lyon NW drawing strong interest. KMG Prestige manages eight properties amid rapid market shifts. FOX 17
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ State Sen. Mark Huizenga honored Rockford High School’s girls dance team and boys basketball team on the Capitol floor today after their recent state championship wins. The dance team won Michigan’s first state dance title while the basketball team claimed the Division 1 title with a 25-3 record. ABC 13
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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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2026 Service Above Self Award Dinner
5:30-9 p.m. — Goei Center — Free entry — Celebrate outstanding community service and honor the dedication of Andy DeVries.
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Schubertiade Concert by The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center
7:30-10:30 p.m. — St. Cecilia Music Center — Tickets available — Experience a delightful evening of Schubert's masterpieces performed by renowned artists.
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Plain White T's Concert
7-9:30 p.m. — The Stache — Tickets available — Enjoy an evening with the Plain White T's in a local venue.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
To stop advertising to save money is to stop a clock to save time.
~ Thomas Jefferson
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