Saturday, May 31st, 2025

Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Good Day Grand Rapids.
Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 31st of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ ICCF Community Homes and local churches are teaming to transform a grassy lot by Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church into affordable housing by raising $12 million to build 200 units, with 100 rentals + 100 available for purchase. A strong donor base has helped raise $10.3 million so far, and ICCF will assist the church with pre-development planning. FOX 17
- ➤ A salvage worker in Newnan found a WWII veteran’s Purple Heart that belonged to 2nd Lt. David T. McMahon and turned it over to a local VFW Post so his 77-year-old niece can receive it—linking his legacy from Central High and Grand Rapids Community College to the local community. A machine operator died in a Comstock Park workplace accident on May 20 when a fall caused a head injury. MLive
- ➤ Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. is sponsoring the Mitten Vintage Market today at Calder Plaza from noon to 6 p.m. Over 80 vendors from across the country will offer vintage clothing, sneakers and collectibles — a tradition that started in 2019 and has grown across Michigan. MLive
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A 16-year-old girl was hit by a car on Grand Rapids’ West Side last Friday at 12:20 p.m. on Lake Michigan Drive near I-196 and was rushed to hospital in serious condition—police have not released details about what caused the crash. WOOD TV
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ On Friday, Beltline Bar in Grand Rapids served its 6 millionth wet burrito, marking decades of local Tex-Mex tradition since 1953. Owner Jeff Lobdell said the milestone was celebrated with cheers from staff plus customer Devin Teal receiving a gift basket with a year’s supply of burritos and a photo with Lobdell. ABC 13
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ A federal trial began Wednesday, May 28 for a West Michigan farm contractor accused of trafficking migrant workers — the case heard testimony that workers were charged fees, had passports taken and were forced to work long hours for low wages. MLive
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Detroit native Nicholas Paxson is releasing his memoir today, which details his 10-year journey from addiction to sobriety after he sought treatment in Grand Rapids. He will host a book signing and Q&A session on July 2 at the Kent District Library’s Wyoming branch. ABC 13
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Michigan officials announced a public-private partnership with DTE Energy and Consumers Energy that will spend $3.5 billion each year to buy technology, equipment and services from local businesses. The agreement aims to create jobs, support manufacturers and strengthen the energy supply chain + a new MI Hub for Manufacturers will help local firms retool to meet energy sector needs. ABC 13
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Local planning commissions reviewed five proposals this month, including two new Dunkin’ Donuts in Kentwood and Grandville, a mixed-use building in Grandville, a condo development in Walker, and a pause on a rescue mission’s expansion amid community concerns—each project now awaits further review or adjustments before moving forward. MLive
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Local water safety experts warn that with summer here, the CDC reports over 4,000 annual drownings among young children, so parents should closely supervise swimmers, enroll kids in swim lessons and use Coast Guard-approved life jackets—brightly colored swimwear also helps keep children visible near the water. WOOD TV
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ TODAY'S SPONSOR This compact, easy-to-use rangefinder is packed with features like slope adjustment, flag-lock with vibration feedback, and a USB-C rechargeable battery. Lightweight and accurate, it’s a great choice for casual or beginner golfers looking for reliable performance. The Buy
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Good Day Grand Rapids.
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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.
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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.
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SHARKS Exhibit: Now Open at the Grand Rapids Public Museum!
This blockbuster exhibition from the Australian Museum brings together the history, science, and cultural significance of a fascinating class of fierce fish. Explore 100 specimens and artifacts and 9 breathtaking, life-sized, scientifically accurate models of shark species, from the iconic great white shark to the extinct 270-million-year-old buzzsaw shark.
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Michigan Lighthouse Paint & Sip
2-5 p.m. — Wine & Canvas Studio — $38.00 — Sip mimosas while creating a memorable 16 x 20 painting at this fun artsy event.
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Grand Rapids Speed Dating for Singles Age 30-45
6-8 p.m. — O'Toole's Public House — Ticket required — Experience a modern and efficient way to meet potential matches in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.
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Ally Venable Live Concert
7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Stache — Ticket prices vary — Experience the electrifying Texas blues-rock of Ally Venable, a rising star with a powerful guitar and magnetic stage presence.
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Jacob McLeod Live Performance
8-11 p.m. — Hops at 84 East — Check event page for cost — Experience the musical journey of young aspiring talent Jacob McLeod from Michigan.
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Sleep Theory Concert
6-9 p.m. — Elevation — Tickets available — Experience the dynamic blend of heavy rock with powerful vocals from rising star Sleep Theory.
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The Somm Series: Cheese and Wine Pairing
7-9 p.m. — Grand Vin — $75/Person — Experience an educational evening of delightful cheese and wine pairings with expert guidance.
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JB Pump Day – South Grand Rapids
2-4 p.m. — Young Supply Company - South Grand Rapids — Free inspection and oil change — Enjoy complimentary maintenance on vacuum pumps for local contractors.
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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Good Day Grand Rapids.
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~ Franklin D. Roosevelt
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