Good morning, Grand Rapids.

Volunteers gathered at Grand Rapids Veterans Home Cemetery on May 21 to plant over 5,000 flags and honor veterans buried there.

Keynote speaker James Redford and local scouts joined community members as the emotional event concluded with a final salute and taps + a heartfelt tribute to those who served.

Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple (who helped build the first Apple computers), will speak at the kickoff of Grand Rapids Tech Week on September 15, starting a six-day series of events on artificial intelligence, med-tech and cybersecurity.

Organizers say his talk will boost local innovation ahead of the full event.

Marcus Durayalle Lofton stood trial for open murder and felony firearm charges after he allegedly shot his wife Alicia Danielle Lofton on Aug.

17 at their Union Avenue SE home—an autopsy found she had 15 gunshot wounds, including seven to her head, after she had served him divorce papers the day before.

Jurors began deliberations on Marcus Durayalle Lofton's trial for the murder of his wife Alicia Lofton — who was fatally shot when she tried to leave after serving him divorce papers — as the case continued at the Kent County Courthouse.

Memorial Day events will take place across West Michigan on May 26 to honor fallen soldiers.

In Grand Rapids, a parade starts at 10 a.m. at Lyon Street and Ottawa Avenue while other counties plan ceremonies, races, and community gatherings—uniting neighbors in remembrance.

On May 14, attorneys in Grand Rapids argued at the Michigan Court of Appeals over South Haven’s claim of government immunity after 18-year-old Brandon Chambers drowned on a city beach in 2020—challenging whether revenue from parking fees and decisions to cut lifeguard services contributed to unsafe conditions. The judges will review these claims along with similar cases involving repeated drownings before making a final decision.

The FDA announced a recall Tuesday of frozen, fully baked croissants from Madeline’s Pâtisserie for an undeclared wheat allergen—products made from March 10 to May 7 that were sold to distributors in Grand Rapids, Fraser, Mentor, and Canton.

Southridge Behavioral Hospital, a new 96-bed psychiatric hospital built as a $46 million project by Trinity Health Michigan and UHS, will open soon in Byron Township to help patients with depression, anxiety and substance abuse.

The hospital offers music and art therapy and safe design features—such as heavy furniture and shatterproof mirrors—to help stop self-harm.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

MJVBA State Championships

8 AM – 9 AM — DeVos Place — Entry fees apply — Experience the excitement of AAU State Final volleyball tournament action.

Virtual Reality Experience and Escape Rooms

12 PM – 5 PM — Amped Virtual Reality — Ticket required — Immerse yourself in a world of VR with traditional games and challenging escape rooms.

Waitress

7:30-11:30 PM — Grand Rapids Civic Theatre And School Of Theatre Arts — Tickets available — Experience the heartwarming story of a pie-making waitress chasing her dreams amid life’s challenges.