Good Day
Grand Rapids
Thursday, September 18th, 2025
Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Downtown Grand Rapids added an estimated 3,000 residents since 2015—high construction costs and the COVID-19 pandemic slowed progress toward an ambitious population target set in a 10-year plan. MLive
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Today, Grand Rapids becomes an art hub as ArtPrize starts with bold works on city streets—Patrick Wilson shows his 'Voronoi Chair' made from 700 steel pieces and the Wildes bring their family mural to life. Public voting will begin tomorrow for visitors to choose their favorite pieces. ABC 13
- ➤ Visitors heading downtown for ArtPrize may face delays as Division Avenue is closed until November between Fulton and Michigan Street, Michigan Street is shut off from the East Beltline to Maryland, and Fulton Street is closed between the East Beltline and Cascade Road. The ramp from westbound I-196 to southbound US-131 will be closed from Sept. 22 to Oct. 29 — major freeways remain open and several parking options, including street parking via the MOTU app and DASH lots, are available. WOOD TV
- ➤ This weekend in West Michigan brings a busy lineup of events as Grand Rapids hosts Confluence and the Cascade Heritage Festival from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.—the Detroit Red Wings will play the Red & White Game at Van Andel Arena on Sunday while Retriever Fever, Michigan Apple Fest, Grand Haven Hispanic Heritage Fiesta, Canadiana Fest and St. Joseph Fall Fest offer more local fun. Residents can look forward to a mix of music, art, sports and family activities from Friday through Sunday. WOOD TV
- ➤ Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives will move to a new 30,000 square foot space at 41 Sheldon Avenue SE in downtown Grand Rapids on Monday at 4 p.m., where a ribbon-cutting will mark the upgrade from its old 2,000 square foot building. George Bayard said the new location will preserve and share African American history with dignity and permanence — hosting classrooms, events, and rotating exhibits. ABC 13
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Kent County residents can pre-order a free tree sapling from the Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds—partnering with the Kent Conservation District—by filling out a survey and must pick it up on Oct. 11 at 3260 Eagle Park Dr. NE, Suite 111 in Grand Rapids while supplies last. MLive
- ➤ Grand Rapids is asking residents to comment on a plan to restore the Grand River by removing four dams and adding 20,000 tons of natural rock to help bring back its rapids. The project—seeking $11 million in USDA funding—must complete an environmental assessment before moving ahead. MLive
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Dr. David Rzeszutko from Priority Health urged local seniors to lower their risks by eating right, exercising, sleeping well, and taking part in regular checkups—over 90% of adults 65 suffer from chronic conditions—as Healthy Aging Month highlights the need for care in Grand Rapids. WOOD TV
- ➤ Trinity Health held its annual NICU reunion at the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum Tuesday evening—nearly 170 former patients and their families joined the space-themed celebration to thank the nurses and doctors who cared for them. The event featured cake and playful activities as families shared their journey of hope. MLive
- ➤ Anesthesiologists are urging patients to ask who gives them anesthesia after Corewell Health West hospitals replaced some anesthesiologists with ER and intensive care doctors—using a billboard on US-131 to spread the word. Corewell Health says patient safety is its top priority while contract talks with West Michigan Anesthesiologists remain on hold. WOOD TV
- ➤ Pine Rest is merging with BRAINS to meet the growing need for children’s behavioral health care in West Michigan. The merger will officially take effect on Oct 27 and add services to a new pediatric center opening in March at Pine Rest’s Cutlerville campus — a change expected to cut wait times for child assessments. WOOD TV
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Twenty restaurants are taking part in a citywide challenge offering one to three new vegan dishes this month for local customers to try and vote on. Chefs at San Chez and Fika are using the competition to expand plant-based menus—and the event runs until the end of the month. WOOD TV
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The West Michigan Whitecaps won their seventh Midwest League championship with a 3-1 win over the Cedar Rapids Kernels—securing a sweep in the series. The team, the Detroit Tigers high-A affiliate, had earlier defeated the Lake County Captains 4-0 on Sept. 11 at LCMU Ballpark in Comstock Park. MLive
- ➤ East Grand Rapids junior Henry Seufert will compete at the PGA TOUR Champions PURE Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course from Friday through Sunday—he will play alongside legendary golfers such as David Duval, Ernie Els, and Vijay Singh. MLive
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Wade Bowen Live Performance
7-9 p.m. — Elevation — Check for ticket prices — Experience an evening with one of country music's finest as Wade Bowen showcases his captivating songwriting and performances.
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Luke Severeid: Stand-Up Comedy Show
7-9 p.m. — Ambrosia Theater — Ticketed event — Experience a night of laughter with the metal-loving stand-up comedian Luke Severeid.
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Northlane Live Concert
7-9 p.m. — Elevation — Varying prices — Experience the dynamic heavy music of award-winning Australian band Northlane at their Grand Rapids show.
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Leo Kottke Concert
7:30-9 p.m. — St. Cecilia Music Center — Tickets starting at $71 — Experience an unforgettable performance by guitar legend Leo Kottke.
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Rock of Ages
7:30-9 p.m. — Grand Rapids Civic Theatre And School Of Theatre Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience the high-energy rock musical featuring iconic anthems from the 80s.
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Jack Van Cleaf Live Performance
6:30-9:00 p.m. — The Stache — Tickets available — Experience the viral sensation Jack Van Cleaf as he performs tracks from his introspective new album 'JVC'.
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Austin Snell Live Performance
8-9:30 p.m. — The Stache — $ — Experience the raw emotional sound of rising country star Austin Snell with hits and heartfelt storytelling.
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Starcrawler Live in Concert
7-9:30 p.m. — The Pyramid Scheme — Ticket prices vary — Experience the explosive energy of Starcrawler's live rock performance with their electrifying frontwoman and talented band.
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Lecrae Live in Concert
7-9 p.m. — Elevation — Ticket prices vary — Experience Lecrae's unique blend of faith and hip-hop as he performs from his latest project, Church Clothes 4.
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Rock of Ages Musical Performance
7:30-9:00 p.m. — Grand Rapids Civic Theatre And School Of Theatre Arts — VIP tickets available — Experience the electric atmosphere of the iconic Rock of Ages musical featuring classic rock hits.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Have strong opinions, weakly held.
~ Marc Andreessen
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