Good morning, Grand Rapids.

On Wednesday morning, multiple crashes on US—131 and nearby roads caused major backups as a multi-vehicle accident near Wayland and incidents on S Division Avenue and Northland Drive led authorities in Allegan and Kent counties to divert traffic—drivers were advised to use alternate routes as cleanup continued.

Weiss Technik North America is building a new facility covering 125,000 square feet in Kentwood as part of a $25.6 million expansion that will add 36 jobs with wages up to $70 per hour — workers are installing the roof now and the company will move in around April or May.

Former state Rep. Jewell Jones was arrested Tuesday at a Saginaw hospital for carrying two concealed guns—one in his hoodie and one in his backpack while he said he was acting as a bodyguard for a religious leader.

The Grand Rapids Public Museum is finishing a major renovation of its historic carousel with wheelchair chariots and noise dampeners to help everyone enjoy the ride.

The project began two years ago—part of a riverfront expansion—and the attraction will open in late fall if not delayed to early winter.

Work began Wednesday on a new $300,000 playground at Houseman Field in Grand Rapids—the city’s Parks and Recreation Department and the Midtown Neighborhood Association replaced an empty lot at Fountain Street and Houseman Avenue with modern play equipment.

Contractors and at least 40 volunteers worked from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday and will work from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, and the playground is set to open mid-September.

Corewell Health Aero Med now offers whole blood on its helicopters to treat trauma patients during the critical golden hour.

The service, first used mid-July through a partnership with Butterworth Hospital, helps first responders treat patients faster—administering all blood components together.

A new mixed-use project called The Horizon is planned for a vacant lot at 301 Leonard St. NE in northeast Grand Rapids and will add 171 housing units that include studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments along with a coffee shop, courtyard, game room — dog wash.

The project has received a $4 million performance-based loan along with additional state funds and nearly $6 million in developer investments to help cover its costs.

GrandCon: Michigan's Premier Gaming Convention

10 AM – 10 AM — DeVos Place — Ticketed events available — Celebrate tabletop gaming with a weekend full of fun, including cosplay and tournaments.

Back Outside: The Block Party

12-9 p.m. — Boston Square Neighborhood Association — Free entry — Celebrate Black culture and community through food, fun, and local vendors.

Divine Service on the 12th Sunday after Pentecost

10:00 – 11:15 AM — Messiah Lutheran Church — Free entry — Experience a joyful Divine Service filled with grace and community spirit.

Fort Wayne TinCaps at West Michigan Whitecaps

6:35-8:05 p.m. — LMCU Ballpark — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a thrilling minor league baseball matchup between the TinCaps and the Whitecaps.

Jason Aldean's Full Throttle Tour

7:30 p.m. — Van Andel Arena — Ticket prices vary — Catch country star Jason Aldean live with special guests Nate Smith, RaeLynn, and DeeJay Silver.

Limewired - A 2000's Dance Party

9-10:30 p.m. — GLC Live at 20 Monroe — Ages 21+ only — Dance the night away to your favorite hits from the 2000s.

Brooke Alexx Live Performance

7-9:30 p.m. — The Stache — Tickets available — Experience the candid and catchy pop sounds of Brooke Alexx as she shares the highs and lows of life in her music.

Last Chance BQ.2 - Grand Rapids 2025

7-11 a.m. — Millennium Park — Limited to 330 runners — A premier marathon event aiming to help participants qualify for Boston 2026.

The Milk Carton Kids Concert

7-10 p.m. — St. Cecilia Music Center — Ticket information available — Experience the ethereal harmonies and intricate musicianship of The Milk Carton Kids.

Tee Grizzley Live

8-9:30 p.m. — Elevation — Get ready for a captivating night with Tee Grizzley as he shares gripping stories through his music.