Good Day
Grand Rapids
Friday, May 22nd, 2026
Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 22nd of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ John Ball Zoo unveiled its new 3,200 sqft North American river otter habitat with fish cannons during a ribbon-cutting on May 21, and OtterPalooza starts today at 9 a.m. with keeper chats and family activities (highlighting water conservation efforts). MLive
- ➤ Grand Rapids dog training classes return this summer as the Parks and Recreation Department partners with A Pleasant Dog to offer free sessions and $5 classes on greeting, leash manners, recall, nosework and tricks. Sessions will be held at several parks and at A Pleasant Dog’s Knapp Street facility. MLive
- ➤ On Sunday, May 24, the Michigan Rwandan Community Association and IBUKA USA will hold Kwibuka 32 at Kentwood Community Church at 3 p.m. while Grand Rapids Mayor David LaGrand and Ambassador Mathilde Mukantabana join a proclamation at Calder Plaza at 11 a.m. to honor the 1994 genocide victims. MLive
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A pickup truck driver fell asleep on US-131 and struck an ambulance transporting a patient, causing a rollover and serious injuries while local driver Anthony Boshoven turned back from his Wayland route to help until paramedics arrived. FOX 17
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Acrisure, a Grand Rapids-based company, announced layoffs of 2,250 roles starting today and continuing in phases through 2027 as it adapts to advances in technology, AI, and digital platforms. Impacted employees will receive comprehensive severance, extended benefits + outplacement support. ABC 13
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Military members and their families can visit Frederik Meijer Gardens for free until Labor Day — the partnership with Blue Star Museums honors their service and requires a valid military ID for admission. This ongoing offer is available at the park in Grand Rapids. MLive
- ➤ A new wildlife mural titled (Water for Everyone) now brightens a room at the East Grand Rapids Library and gives families a creative space to enjoy art and nature. Artist Rhiannan Sibbald spent months researching Reeds Lake wildlife before unveiling the immersive artwork, which neighbors celebrated. FOX 17
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ A 65% increase in free pre-K applications signals rising interest as districts like Kentwood add facilities to handle more students. Officials expect enrollment to keep growing for children turning 4 by Dec. 1 for the 2026-27 school year. MLive
- ➤ Forest Hills Northern High School students celebrated winning grand champion honors and top awards for innovation and performance at the Square One Innovative Vehicle Design Competition. Their project lasted four months in the Drive program to teach practical skills in welding, wiring and problem solving. FOX 17
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ K9 Resorts of Grand Rapids is holding an open house Saturday, May 30 (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) at 3345 28th St. SE to introduce its luxury dog boarding and daycare services with summer camp activities, giveaways, and rescue dog adoptions. MLive
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Kenowa Hills running back Lundon Hampton (a 13 ON YOUR SIDE MVP nominee) announced his commitment Thursday to join the Wolverines at Michigan, choosing them over Michigan State, Penn State, Iowa, and others. His decision comes 98 days ahead of the high school football season kickoff. ABC 13
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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.
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The Rare Occasions Live Concert
6:30-10:30 p.m. — The Pyramid Scheme — Ticket prices vary — Experience explosive garage rock anthems with LA-based indie band The Rare Occasions.
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Dan Rickabus Album Release Event
7-10:30 p.m. — The Pyramid Scheme — Tickets start at $74 — Experience a memorable evening with live music from Dan Rickabus in Grand Rapids.
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The Wallflowers Concert
7:00–8:30 p.m. — Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater — Ticket info available — Enjoy a live performance by The Wallflowers in a beautiful garden setting.
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The Arcadian Wild Concert
8:00 – 9:30 PM — The Stache — Ticket info to be announced — Enjoy an evening of captivating indie folk/pop melodies from Nashville's The Arcadian Wild.
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Legally Blonde Musical
6-10 p.m. — Grand Rapids Civic Theatre — VIP packages available — Experience the fun and excitement of the Legally Blonde musical with excellent seating options and pre-event hospitality.
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