Good Day
Grand Rapids
Friday, May 29th, 2026
Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 29th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Kentwood will host its annual Kickoff to Summer Celebration on Saturday, June 6, from noon to 8 p.m. on the City Hall Lawn — featuring more than 20 food trucks, foam parties, live music, a kids zone, and membership sales for a new community center opening Sept. 26. MLive
- ➤ Mary K Hoodhood, founder of Kids Food Basket that serves West Michigan children, was spotlighted at a Kentwood charity event where local nonprofit leaders met — raising funds through retail efforts and sharing how the program grew from feeding 125 kids to reaching over 11,000. ABC 13
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Pratt Miller is testing an autonomous robot at Gerald R. Ford International Airport (as part of the FLITE program) to help with foreign object debris cleanup and security patrol, aiming to ease staffing shortages and improve safety. The testing runs until June 30 and is open to select companies. ABC 13
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ John Ball Zoo will host RendeZoo: The Ripple Effect on June 12 during the Lantern Festival to help fund conservation, education and animal care. Attendees can enjoy music, food and animal encounters while tickets cost $100 until June 1 and a silent auction opens June 8 (ends at 9 p.m.). MLive
- ➤ A legend at Wabasis Lake Park — tied to Chief Wabasis and a rumored $50K treasure — continues to spark curious visits as park staff and Ottawa Indian representatives share insights about the sealed cave and the area’s rich history. FOX 17
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Local economic leaders in Holland praised DTE Energy's $1.6 billion grid-scale battery storage deal with LG Energy Solution, announced Wednesday, May 27. The deal supports 350 jobs and builds on the plant's prior expansion that positioned it as North America's first lithium iron phosphate cell producer (fueling regional energy innovation). MLive
FINANCE NEWS
- ➤ A 45-year-old man won $2 million on a Bonus Scratch Multiplier ticket at Clyde Park Fuel in Grand Rapids — he chose a one-time lump sum of about $1.3 million and plans to buy a house, travel, and save the remainder. ABC 13
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Michigan State Police issued 2,733 citations during a brief enforcement campaign over two weeks in Kent, Muskegon, Ottawa and Kalamazoo, with three unbelted fatalities reported according to 2024 data. The agency targeted drivers aged 25 to 34 with extra social media outreach. FOX 17
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A bat captured in Kent County tested positive for rabies, marking the first animal case this year, according to the county health department. Residents should avoid handling bats and contact the department if a bat is found in their home. FOX 17
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Café Jazzy Rose opened its doors downtown on Wednesday, May 27, offering Grand Rapids’ first sober bar with non-alcoholic cocktails and southern-inspired dishes. The bar uses adaptogen elixirs from Three Spirit and welcomes guests seeking a night out without alcohol (check ingredients for safety). MLive
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ A city board approved $1.3 million in tax incentives for Ricky Labra’s Slick Investments townhome project at three Grand Rapids sites (111 Barnett St. NE, 830 Fourth St. NW, and 838 Butterworth Ave. SW), with construction set to begin this summer and finish by fall 2027. The proposal now awaits City Commission approval. MLive
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Twenty new pickleball courts and a championship court open today at Rockford's Meijer Sports Complex as part of a nearly $2M expansion (each court valued at $60K) managed by the West Michigan Sports Commission. The facility is set to attract national tournaments and serve as a community hub. FOX 17
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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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Warchild - A Tribute to Jethro Tull
8 p.m. — The Stache — Cost not provided — Experience a powerful rock tribute blending personal tales of resilience and struggle through electrifying music.
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The Outsiders Live Performance
7:30-11:30 p.m. — DeVos Performance Hall — Tickets from $114 — Experience the can't-miss live show of The Outsiders in Grand Rapids.
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The Outsiders Live Performance
2-5 p.m. — DeVos Performance Hall — Tickets starting at $60 — Experience the can't-miss live event of The Outsiders in Grand Rapids.
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Journey Concert
7:30-9 p.m. — Van Andel Arena — Ticket info available — Experience a memorable farewell celebration with Journey featuring two full sets of classic hits.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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