Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 12th of June.
Good morning, Grand Rapids.
Lonia's World Center (a nonprofit for inclusion) opened a new building in Kentwood with a grand opening celebration.
Founded by Tanya Hardy for her son Michael, the center now offers summer camps and culinary classes to help local individuals build friendships and boost self-esteem.
Ashley Baptist Church in Belding will mark its 178th anniversary Sunday with a morning service and a noon meal to celebrate nearly 200 years of ministry that began before Grand Rapids was incorporated — all are welcome.
Local radio DJ Joe Piesz had his home damaged when a massive tree crashed in his backyard during Wednesday's storm, injuring no one while destroying his fence, grill, and shed, and he and his wife now work with an insurance adjuster to assess potential structural damage + plan cleanup.
Construction crews are building two fast-casual restaurants at a 6-acre site by Woodland Mall off 28th Street.
A Shake Shack (West Michigan's first) is set to open in 2027 while a second restaurant serving Italian beef and more was approved by the Kentwood Planning Commission in Oct. 2025.
High school student Adalae Reifinger, now cancer free, has had her wish granted by Make-A-Wish Michigan to cover full tuition, room and board for her freshman year at WMU (Western Michigan University).
Reifinger, from East Grand Rapids, visited campus to pursue nursing with a focus on pediatric oncology.
A severe storm last Wednesday left power outages and fallen trees across West Michigan, with Consumers Energy staging 500 crews for restoration.
Another round of severe weather is expected tonight, so residents are urged to prepare emergency kits (with charged electronics) for safety.
Rockford will convert vacant office space at (614 First St. NW) into 13 apartments with work starting in August and finishing by year’s end to address local housing demand.
The $2.65 million project offers market-rate and affordable units, partly funded by a $1.3 million state housing grant.
Unity Christian defeated Forest Hills Central 2-0 on Wednesday, June 10 at Holland Christian High School (in Holland) after a weather pause, and the team will play in the finals on Saturday.
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.
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.
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue Concert
6:30-8 p.m. — Meijer Gardens — Ticket prices vary — Experience the vibrant sounds of Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue with special guests Tank and the Bangas.
West Michigan Salesforce User Group Q2 Meeting
9-11 a.m. — Steelcase Learning + Innovation Center — Free entry — Collaborate with local Salesforce professionals on practical tips and hands-on problem solving.
Grand Rapids Ballet School Adult Summer Showcase
8:15-11:15 p.m. — Peter Martin Wege Theatre — Cost not specified — Celebrate the growth and artistry of adult dancers in a special ballet showcase after a week of intensive training.
Legally Blonde Musical
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Grand Rapids Civic Theatre And School Of Theatre Arts — VIP tickets available — Experience the vibrant and entertaining production of Legally Blonde live on stage.
Free Pinball Event
4-10 p.m. — The Pyramid Scheme — Free entry — Enjoy a night of free pinball with all ages welcome until 8 p.m.
An Evening with Pink Martini All-Stars
7-8:30 p.m. — Meijer Gardens — Ticket Prices from $35 to $248 — Experience a captivating concert featuring the diverse sounds of Pink Martini.
King Buffalo Live Performance
7-9:30 p.m. — The Stache — Ticket prices vary — Experience the enthralling sounds of heavy psych rock from King Buffalo.
Jacob Williams Comedy Show
8-10 p.m. — Lucky Strike Grand Rapids — In-person event — Enjoy a night of laughs with Jacob Williams and local comics.
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