Good Day
Grand Rapids
Thursday, May 8th, 2025
Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 8th of May.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ A Grand Rapids organization, Start Garden, is hosting a contest for anyone (age 14 or older) to win funding for a new business idea by submitting a 100-second video by July 8. One hundred finalists will receive $1,000 to prepare for Demo Day on Sept. 17 and ten winners will later earn $20,000. WOOD TV
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Jurors in the trial of Christopher Schurr told the judge they were deadlocked on May 7 — the judge then instructed them to continue deliberations. WOOD TV
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Samantha McClelland, a senior at Forest Hills Northern High School, won the prestigious Roger B. Chaffee Scholarship for her essay about being one of the few women in the local astronomical association. She received a plaque and $5,000 at the Grand Rapids Public Museum on May 1 — and she plans to study astrophysics at Notre Dame. MLive
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ More than five years after a settlement, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy said Wolverine Worldwide reached a major milestone in its PFAS cleanup. Wolverine finished installing and operating an interceptor trench system — a temporary solution that filters contaminated groundwater before it reaches local streams — at its former tannery site on North Main Street. WOOD TV
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The owner of the former Ambiance GR Kitchen & Lounge said he will refile a lawsuit against the city after it turned down repeated requests for police patrols to stop loitering and violence outside the club. The nightclub closed in November 2022 due to safety issues + he seeks damages for lost income and stress from the repeated neglect. MLive
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Lowell's Red Arrows set a new home run record when senior Katie Hofman hit 12 home runs in 16 games, breaking last year's mark of 11 as her team now stands 15 to 1 with a total of 20 season home runs. The team joins other local softball squads such as Byron Center, Hudsonville, South Christian and Unity Christian in showing promise as playoffs approach — a sign that Grand Rapids-area teams are on the rise. MLive
- ➤ The Amway River Bank Run will return to downtown Grand Rapids on Saturday, May 10 and is expected to draw about 12,000 runners and 20,000 spectators for races of different lengths. Race director Russ Hines said new spirit stations with live music every mile—boosting the energy downtown—will add extra excitement and support local businesses. MLive
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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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Kishi Bashi Concert
7-11 p.m. — The Pyramid Scheme — Sold out — Experience a night of enchanting music with Kishi Bashi and Oshima Brothers.
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The All American Funk Parade
8:00-11:30 p.m. — The Pyramid Scheme — Ticketed event — Experience a lively night of funk with The All American Funk Parade and The Butterscotch Boys.
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John Moreland Live Performance
7-11 p.m. — The Pyramid Scheme — Ticket availability — Experience a night of acoustic storytelling with John Moreland and Ramsey Thornton.
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Women in Marketing Panel Discussion
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. — L. William Seidman Center — $30 Members, $40 Future Members — Engage with an inspiring panel of female marketers discussing their unique challenges and experiences in the industry.
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Griffins Playoff Game - Home Game 4
7:59-11:59 p.m. — Van Andel Arena — Ticket prices may vary — Watch the Grand Rapids Griffins battle it out in the playoffs at their home arena.
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The Biz Accelerator Lab
8 AM - 3:45 PM — Grand Rapids Chamber — Check event page for pricing — Tackle burnout and boost growth with expert presentations tailored for entrepreneurs.
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
Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.
~ Edgar Degas
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