Good Day
Grand Rapids
Thursday, May 1st, 2025
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Good Day Grand Rapids.
Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 1st of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Kids’ Food Basket held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, April 30 at its Grand Rapids headquarters to unveil its new electric van. The van, a gift from Consumers Energy, will start delivering meals right away—supporting nearly 11,000 daily meals across 62 schools and four counties as demand grows. WOOD TV
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ On Tuesday, Ignacio Antonio Ruiz-Saldias, 29, was convicted for running a criminal group and helping break into upscale homes in Oakland, Wayne and Kent counties — police said his gang stole cash, jewelry and handbags. FOX 17
- ➤ Captain David Siver testified on April 30 that former officer Christopher Schurr acted reasonably when he fatally shot Patrick Lyoya on Nelson Avenue after Lyoya ignored a request for his license — Siver noted that Schurr, the only officer on scene, followed department guidelines despite lacking backup while prosecutors questioned the absence of a formal foot pursuit policy. MLive
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Grand Rapids Public Library has launched a free digital archive that lets residents search neighborhood newspapers from 1893 to 1963 — a tool that makes it easier to explore stories from local history and is open-source for other libraries to use. MLive
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Kent County Department of Public Works evacuated its Wealthy Street facility last week when a suspected Civil War cannonball was dropped off at the SafeChem site on April 23—police examined it with high-definition X-ray technology to determine if it posed an explosion risk. WOOD TV
- ➤ Grand Rapids will host its fourth annual expungement fair on Saturday at The Kroc Center on S Division Avenue—sponsored by the city's Department of Equity and Engagement and Oversight and Public Accountability with the Urban League of West Michigan covering the $50 fingerprint fee for eligible residents while those with out-of-state or federal convictions are not eligible. WOOD TV
- ➤ City leaders broke ground Wednesday afternoon at Canal Park in downtown Grand Rapids, where crews placed construction fences and set up safety measures. The park project, costing just under $10 million and funded by the parks millage, private donations and a $750,000 grant, will add a multi-purpose plaza, a pavilion with a new playground and an accessible kayak launch — all aimed at improving access to the Grand River and enhancing flood protection. WOOD TV
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ TODAY'S SPONSOR This compact, easy-to-use rangefinder is packed with features like slope adjustment, flag-lock with vibration feedback, and a USB-C rechargeable battery. Lightweight and accurate, it’s a great choice for casual or beginner golfers looking for reliable performance. The Buy
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Good Day Grand Rapids.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Dizzybird Records 11 Year Anniversary Party
7-8:30 p.m. — The Pyramid Scheme — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate a decade of dizzybird records with live performances by Heaters, Gringo Star, Hollywood Makeout, and crystal trench.
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Ashley Cooke Concert
7-11 p.m. — Van Andel Arena — Ticket information TBA — Experience the heartfelt country music of rising star Ashley Cooke.
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Mother's Day Brunch at Margaux 2025
10 a.m.-8 p.m. — Margaux — $65 Adults, $35 Children — Celebrate Mother's Day with a masterfully crafted buffet of French cuisine delights.
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stageGR Presents: 13 the MUSICAL
7-9 p.m. — Matthews Performing Arts Center — PG-13 — Experience a hilarious, coming-of-age musical about fitting in and standing out.
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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Good Day Grand Rapids.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Think of giving not as a duty but as a privilege.
~ Andrew Carnegie
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