Good Day
Grand Rapids
Friday, September 26th, 2025
Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 26th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The planned Acrisure Amphitheater along the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids is 60—65% complete as over 200 workers build key features and clear sightlines for future concerts. The $184 million venue will offer 7,000 covered seats and a 5,000 person lawn and will host shows by Russell Dickerson on May 30th and Machine Gun Kelly on June 17th while staying on budget and on time. WOOD TV
- ➤ The Grand Rapids Public Library saw a flood of new cardholders during Library Card Sign-Up Month as residents received limited-edition cards and free items like keychains and stickers. Local partners including coffee shops and bookstores offered discounts—boosting sign-ups—while the campaign increases community participation. WOOD TV
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ ArtPrize is marking its halfway point with a party in downtown Grand Rapids today at Sixth Street Park—gates open at 6 p.m. and the event runs until 10 p.m. Country artist Tiera Kennedy will headline while organizers reveal the top 20 entries in each district and voting continues until Oct. 2. WOOD TV
- ➤ Broadway Grand Rapids is launching its 2025-26 season with Water for Elephants opening on October 7 and tickets now on sale – the theater will feature shows including Book of Mormon, Kimberly Akimbo, and Disney’s The Lion King and aims to deliver a welcoming and inclusive experience for the local community. ABC 13
- ➤ Local designers Kait Fitzpatrick and Camille Steverson turn reclaimed textiles into a free fashion show, Scraps, at the ArtPrize gallery BioPhilia on Saturday, Sept 27 (20 models will showcase 40 upcycled pieces) in downtown Grand Rapids. The event starts at 8 p.m. (cocktail hour at 7 p.m. and meet-and-greet at 9 p.m.) and is free for all. MLive
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Austan Goolsbee, president of the Federal Bank in Chicago, visited Grand Rapids on Thursday and called the region 'the canary in the coal mine' for early economic warning—citing strong local healthcare and manufacturing amid rising inflation and slow hiring. He said these signals may point to broader challenges for the U.S. economy. FOX 17
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ In May, 18-year-old Savannah Remijn earned both her high school diploma and a bachelor’s degree in legal studies from Davenport University through a dual enrollment program. She deferred starting law school and is working as a paralegal at a Grand Rapids firm+ managing her Lyme disease so she can begin law school in August. MLive
- ➤ City High Middle School, part of Grand Rapids Public Schools, was ranked 48th nationwide by U.S. News and World Report for its strong test scores, graduation rates, and IB course participation. The school earned a 99.73 score on key assessments (with 99% of students taking IB courses) and a 100% graduation rate (showing excellent college readiness). MLive
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ EGLE held a town hall meeting in Wyoming on Wednesday night after tests found high PFAS levels in fish from Grandville, Kentwood and Wyoming. Residents with private water wells should test their water as investigations continue and officials ask for any information about past dumping incidents + further samples will be taken. FOX 17
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ On Sept. 25, Kent County approved a $703,404 contract with Michigan State University to provide forensic pathology services and replace Michigan Pathology Specialists, county officials said. Leaders also named Dr. Joyce DeJong as deputy chief medical examiner and plan to seek a larger facility later this year to boost training and improve death investigations. MLive
- ➤ Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel filed a lawsuit against Calton’s Lawn Care as owners Aron and Leslie Calton allegedly took deposits for lawn and pool work and then skipped out on their customers across West Michigan—requesting the Ingham County Circuit Court to dissolve the business and order refunds. WOOD TV
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in Grand Rapids as the National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that 1 in 20 American adults experience serious suicidal thoughts each year, prompting locals to watch for changes in sleep and eating habits or signs of withdrawal. Dr. Charletta Dennis of Priority Health says mental health conditions like depression and anxiety can be treated — reaching out to professionals may help prevent suicide. ABC 13
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Vegan Outreach launched a month-long Vegan Chef Challenge that invites Grand Rapids restaurants to create special vegan dishes for foodies to try and rate — winners will be announced after September based on fan voting. MLive
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The new MLS Next Pro soccer team name will be revealed on Saturday from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Calder Plaza in downtown Grand Rapids & the team will play its home games at the 8,500-seat Amway Stadium under construction near U.S. 131 and Lake Michigan Drive. MLive
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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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Ben Folds with Grand Rapids Symphony
7:30-9 p.m. — DeVos Performance Hall — Ticket info TBA — Experience the influential sounds of Ben Folds in a grand orchestral setting.
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Rock of Ages Musical Performance
2:00 – 3:30 PM — Grand Rapids Civic Theatre And School Of Theatre Arts — VIP tickets available — Experience the classic rock musical with premium seating and hospitality options.
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Gordon Food Service Food Show 2025
Oct 7-8 — DeVos Place — Free entry — Explore a wide range of chicken products at the Gordon Food Service Show.
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White Reaper Live Performance
6:30-8 p.m. — The Pyramid Scheme — Ticket prices vary — Experience the high-energy sound of White Reaper, blending glam and grit for an unforgettable night of music.
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Rooftop Gas and Electric Training Class
9 AM - 12 PM — Young Supply Company - South Grand Rapids — Cost not specified — Dive into the intricacies of DDC and non-DDC control systems under expert guidance.
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Stand Atlantic Concert
6-10 p.m. — GLC Live at 20 Monroe — All ages welcome — Experience the energy of Stand Atlantic live in Grand Rapids.
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