Tuesday, May 20th, 2025

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Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 20th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Grand Rapids will open its three public pools on June 6 and run them until Aug. 16, while 15 splash pads will be available daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. until Sept. 14. The pools at Briggs Park, Martin Luther King Park, and Richmond Park offer open swim hours with resident passes at $3 for youth and $6 for adults—nonresidents pay higher rates. MLive
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ John Ball Zoo plans to build a waterfront aquarium in Kent County with five parts that show Michigan's local heritage—if everything stays on track, it will cost up to $390 million and open in 2031. The project is expected to bring more visitors, create about 2,400 jobs, and add over $231 million in tax revenue in its first decade. MLive
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Marcus Lofton, 43, is on trial in Kent County for allegedly fatally shooting his wife at their Grand Rapids home on August 17 after she filed for divorce and returned her wedding ring one day earlier. MLive
- ➤ Dominique Asher Hawkins (24) was sentenced to 32-80 years in prison for breaking into a home and sexually assaulting a mother in Holland on April 16, 2024. ABC 13
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Dale Robertson, who has led the Grand Rapids Public Museum since 2008, will retire at the end of 2026—during his tenure, museum attendance tripled and a $50 million campaign was launched to fund upgrades along the Grand River. MLive
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Gabriel Grant has proposed a $6 million mixed-use building at the corner of Eastern and Burton Street in Grand Rapids that will include retail space and 27 fully accessible apartments for people with disabilities—he plans to start construction in spring 2026 after the project clears all required hurdles. FOX 17
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Freshman outfielder Kamryn Stankus made a strong impact at a doubleheader on April 22 by playing solid defense, hitting well, and running fast for Hudsonville, which has built a reputation for using standout freshmen. Coach Tom Vruggink said she has boosted the team's strength as they prepare for their upcoming playoff run. MLive
- ➤ Byron Center baseball is thriving this season with a 25-4 record and No. 16 ranking as sophomore Keaton Van Kampen posts a 1-1 record, 2.14 ERA and .375 batting average — a strong performance that includes a relief save on May 15 — as Head Coach Pat MacKenzie noted his dual skills in pitching and hitting signal a bright future. MLive
- ➤ Bridge Street League is a new futsal event held every other Friday at Las Canchas de Futbol Communitarias (at 250 Seward Ave), near Grand Rapids' future professional soccer stadium with over 240 players competing in men's and women's divisions. The event will feature live DJs, food trucks, barber services, and local vendors (with team jerseys designed by local artists) and is supported by local organizations and small businesses. MLive
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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Good Day Grand Rapids.
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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.
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West Michigan Whitecaps vs. Great Lakes Loons
6:35-10:35 p.m. — LMCU Ballpark — Ticket prices vary — Catch the excitement of minor league baseball in a thrilling matchup.
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Griffins Playoff Game 1
7:59-11:59 p.m. — Van Andel Arena — Ticket prices vary — Experience the excitement of playoff hockey with the Grand Rapids Griffins in their home opener.
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Divine Service: The Sixth Sunday of Easter
10:00 – 11:15 AM — Messiah Lutheran Church — Free entry — Experience a meaningful worship service with livestream options and a Bible class beforehand.
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Mobile Accessibility Testing Workshop by Ellen Mason
6-8 p.m. — Atomic Object — Free entry — Explore mobile accessibility testing techniques with expert guidance and hands-on demos.
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Sessanta V2: Primus, Puscifer, and A Perfect Circle
7:30-9 p.m. — Van Andel Arena — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate Maynard James Keenan's 60th birthday with an unforgettable night of musical collaboration.
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MIB International Networking Event in Grand Rapids
6-8 p.m. — Coopersville Creamery — Free entry — Empowering networking for women focused on business growth and support.
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Gyasi Live Performance
8-11 p.m. — The Stache — Tickets available — Experience the unique sounds of Gyasi, a modern rock star blending storytelling and music.
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MJVBA State Championships
8 AM – 9 AM — DeVos Place — Entry fees apply — Experience the excitement of AAU State Final volleyball tournament action.
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.

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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Good Day Grand Rapids.
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