Good Day
Grand Rapids
Thursday, May 14th, 2026
Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 14th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Mel Trotter Ministries is expanding Hope Village, a 3.5 million dollars tiny home community at 101 Garden St. SE in Grand Rapids, to help people move out of homelessness. Ten units are complete + six more will be finished by the end of October while nine units are already rented. MLive
- ➤ A new pocket park is under construction along half a mile of trails by Acrisure Amphitheater, offering natural river access + flood protection as a four and a half acre green space. A temporary fence will surround the grass area for Lionel Richie's performance on Friday, May 15. FOX 17
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Electric Forest will occur June 25-28 in Rothbury, featuring over 100 artists performing across four days and new amenities like the Uplift Lounge, larger camping spots and pre-set RVs; a limited number of passes remain available. MLive
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ A new study by Grand Valley State University found West Michigan’s economy grew in April, but rising fuel costs have strained local farms and grocery stores. Analysts worry that higher fuel prices may lead to increased delivery fees + tougher budgets for local businesses. FOX 17
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ On Tuesday night, the East Grand Rapids Planning Commission met to review phase one plans for Gaslight Village, focusing on residential units, traffic, parking, and storm water management (amid ongoing litigation). Developer Scott Wierda and local residents raised concerns, and a public hearing will be held on June 9. FOX 17
- ➤ After a year overseas, 68 Michigan National Guard members returned home on May 13, while 58 soldiers remain abroad. The troops trained for three years, and families are now celebrating the return of those who have come back. ABC 13
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Davenport University will offer free EMDR therapy to students this fall at its Wellness Center—using bilateral stimulation to treat anxiety, depression, and test anxiety. Appointments are available in person and virtually. FOX 17
- ➤ Law enforcement and public health officials warned today that dangerous street drugs combining fentanyl with veterinary synthetic substances may reduce naloxone's ability to reverse overdoses, so residents should only take pills from licensed pharmacies and call 911 in emergencies. MLive
- ➤ During National Women's Health Week, Dr. Diana Bitner from True. Women's Health explains how decades of research have led to key medical advances while challenges in maternal care and heart disease remain (with disparities affecting women of color). FOX 17
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Brady Steffes, a Coopersville wrestler who shone on the mats this season, received word today of his appointment to West Point and is now preparing for departure on June 28. ABC 13
- ➤ Belknap Park in Grand Rapids will host a pickleball tournament for seniors this weekend, where players can qualify for the US Senior Pickleball National Championship & spectators may attend for free as registration is full. FOX 17
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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.
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Dance Gavin Dance Live Concert
5:30-7 p.m. — GLC Live at 20 Monroe — All ages welcome — Experience the dynamic sounds of Dance Gavin Dance alongside The Fall of Troy.
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High Score Comedy
8-10 p.m. — The Pyramid Scheme — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of laughs with a lineup of local West Michigan comedians at this vibrant comedy showcase.
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Candlelight Tribute to Taylor Swift
6:30-7:30 p.m. — Wealthy Theatre — Tickets available — Experience a magical candlelight concert featuring the music of Taylor Swift.
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Daveonce Washington: The Motown Get Down
9 PM – 1 AM — Billy's Lounge — Cost Info Not Provided — Enjoy a high-energy dance party with Da'Veonce & DaFunk Gang featuring modern funk beats.
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Chicago Wolves vs Grand Rapids Griffins (Round 3 - Home Game 3)
7-8 p.m. — Van Andel Arena — Watch the thrilling playoff clash between the Wolves and Griffins live on FloHockey.
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Big Boi with Chip tha Ripper
6:30-8:00 p.m. — Acrisure Amphitheater — $1 donation per ticket to The Big Bro Foundation — Enjoy a night of hip-hop while supporting youth empowerment initiatives.
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Prairie Drone Companion Album Release
7-11 p.m. — Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill — Entry TBA — Discover the sounds of local music veterans launching their debut album.
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Cody Johnson Concert
7-9 p.m. — Van Andel Arena — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of live music with country sensation Cody Johnson.
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Comedy Bang! Bang!
8-11 p.m. — GLC Live at 20 Monroe — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of laughs with top comedians and great entertainment.
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
The more complete the despair, the more complete the awakening.
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