All News
Grandville's The Dungeon Bar Shuts Its Doors Temporarily, Less Than a Year After Reopening
The Dungeon, Grandville's medieval-themed bar and restaurant, has closed temporarily less than a year after a $1 million renovation and grand reopening. Former staff say they were locked out of work accounts without warning and point to financial struggles, while ownership says the pause follows its executive chef's departure.
Two Grand Rapids Men Charged in Kentwood Shooting That Killed Juan Cisneros, Third-Generation Tire Shop Owner
Isaiah Guerrero faces an open murder charge and Oscar Lagunes-Munoz faces a lying-to-an-officer charge in connection to the death of 25-year-old Juan Cisneros, who ran the family Cisneros Tires business for over three decades.
Kent County Prosecutor Drops Felony Charge in Viral Grand Rapids Arrest After Body-Camera 'Quota' Comments
Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker has dismissed the felony charge against Emran Sharifi, a 21-year-old whose June arrest by Grand Rapids police went viral, citing body-camera remarks by an officer about working toward a 20-arrest weekend goal.
Jenison Splash Pad to Remain Closed Through Winter After Lightning Damage
The splash pad at Maplewood Park in Jenison will stay shut for the rest of the year after a storm on Aug. 31 damaged its electronic control unit, with repairs not expected until next spring.
Cedar Springs Sheriff Sergeant Leaving for New Grand Rapids Role
Kent County Sheriff's Sergeant Jon Paulson is departing his role overseeing the Cedar Springs unit to take a new supervisory position with the Community Policing Department in downtown Grand Rapids.
Caledonia Township Approves $127,900 Project to Remove Deteriorating 1950s Causeway From Shiawassee River
Caledonia Township has approved a $127,900 grant-funded project to remove an abandoned 185-foot causeway from the Shiawassee River, improving fish passage, recreational access, and public safety for the region.
River Trail Triathlon Raises $2,222.52 for Lowell Youth Mental Health
Proceeds from the fourth annual River Trail Triathlon in Lowell will fund counseling and mental health programs for students in the Lowell Area Schools district, organizers said.
East Grand Rapids Parents Pledge to Delay Smartphones and Social Media for More Than 600 Kids
A growing parent-led initiative in East Grand Rapids, called "It Takes a Village EGR," now represents more than 600 children in a voluntary pledge to hold off on smartphones until high school and social media until age 16.
East Grand Rapids Residents Push for Fresh Start After Court Halts Gaslight Village Development
One week after a Kent County judge ruled that a protest petition from nearly 1,500 East Grand Rapids residents was valid, nullifying the city commission's earlier approval of the Gaslight Village development, neighbors are calling on commissioners to start over and seek a unanimous plan.
Ada Opens 15-Acre Covered Bridge Park With First Public Splashpad
Ada Township officially opened Covered Bridge Park, a 15-acre riverfront destination along the Thornapple River that brings the community's first public splashpad, two pickleball courts, a playground, a kayak launch, and a new pedestrian bridge.
Byron Center Bible Church damaged by early morning fire as congregation vows to rebuild
A fire before 4 a.m. Monday destroyed the gymnasium at Byron Center Bible Church and caused extensive smoke and water damage throughout the building. No injuries were reported, and the congregation plans to rebuild.
Four Candidates Compete for All Four Comstock Park School Board Seats in November Election
All four Comstock Park Public School Board seats are up for election on November 3, 2026, and exactly four candidates have filed. One incumbent seeks re-election while three challengers step forward for the first time.
Historic Well Leaks Oil Into Millennium Park Lake in Walker
A previously-plugged well in Kent County's Millennium Park in Walker leaked oil into a small lake on Friday, prompting a containment response from the parks department and state environmental regulators.
RiverTown Crossings Mall in Grandville Announces Six New Stores
The 1.2-million-square-foot RiverTown Crossings Mall in Grandville will add six new retail and entertainment tenants, a move its owners hope will bring back shoppers who have thinned out over the past decade.
Teen Hospitalized After Being Hit by Vehicle in Kentwood
A teenage pedestrian was struck by a vehicle near Kalamazoo Avenue SE and Mapleview Street SE in Kentwood on Saturday afternoon. The teen was treated at the scene and transported to a hospital; the Kentwood Fire Department did not confirm the extent of injuries.
Teen Charged With Murder in Fatal Drunk Driving Crash on Division Avenue in Grand Rapids
An 18-year-old driver has been charged with second-degree murder and other felonies in connection with a fatal Grand Rapids crash that killed a woman when he ran a red light and struck her car. Police say alcohol and speed were factors.
Grand Rapids launches 'Renew Grand Rapids,' Michigan's first fully municipal compost program
The City of Grand Rapids has officially launched Renew Grand Rapids, a citywide food scrap pilot that will turn roughly 13,000 tons of annual organics waste into compost — the first fully municipal-owned and operated compost program in Michigan.
Grand Rapids City Commission Set to Vote on Replacing Lime With Veo as Sole Scooter and Bike Provider
The Grand Rapids City Commission is expected to vote later this month on replacing Lime with Veo as the city's sole micromobility provider, a move that could end the current e-bike and scooter program after a decade of pilots and contracts.
Grand Rapids Griffins Hit 100-Point Mark in Historic Season, Fastest in Franchise History
Grand Rapids Griffins reached 101 points in 66 games, the fastest pace in franchise history, with Central Division clinch and Western Conference title within reach.
Grand Rapids to Host Free Disability Advocacy Event at Aquinas College, Connecting Families with Local Resources and Support Services
Grand Rapids hosts free disability advocacy event at Aquinas College, connecting families with local resources while Mayor LaGrand outlines city priorities and Policy Conference addresses regional development challenges
Police Chase Ends with Car Crashing Into Kentwood Pond
A 39-year-old man was arrested after a high-speed chase in Kentwood ended with his vehicle crashing into a pond. Multiple firearms and methamphetamine were found in the car.
Grand Rapids and Kent County Lead Michigan in Population Growth as State Pulls Ahead of Nation
New Census data reveals Grand Rapids and Kent County led Michigan in population growth from 2020-2025, while Detroit and Southeast Michigan experienced population decline. West Michigan's stability, diverse economy, and manufacturing base drove the surge.
Cascade Bridge Renamed to Honor Veterans in East Grand Rapids Ceremony
The McDonald-Osmer American Legion Post 451 is partnering with the community to rename the Cascade Road Bridge the Cascade Veterans Memorial Bridge in a dedication ceremony on May 11 at noon.
Grand Rapids River Restoration Gets $11M Federal Funding Approval, Brings Rapids Back to the Grand River
Grand Rapids secures $11 million in federal funding to begin construction on the Lower Grand River Habitat Restoration Project, a nearly two-decade effort to remove four low-head dams and restore natural river features.
Grand Rapids Environmental Nonprofit WMEAC Sells 2488-Square-Foot Lake Drive SE Office for 829000 Amid Financial Headwinds and Remote Work Trends
West Michigan Environmental Action Council sells 2488-square-foot Lake Drive SE office building for 829000, citing financial pressures and shift toward remote workplaces
Outfront Media Returns to Grand Rapids With New 22,200-Square-Foot Office in Factory Yards Development
Outfront Media, the nation's leading digital signage company, breaks ground on a new 22,200-square-foot office in Grand Rapids' Factory Yards development, marking the company's first major expansion in the city in nearly 60 years.
Kentwood Fire Department Responds to Structure Fire at Hearthside Food Solutions Facility on 32nd Street
The Kentwood Fire Department responded to a structure fire at the Hearthside Food Solutions manufacturing facility on 32nd Street late Friday night, June 26. Dispatchers confirmed crews arrived at 8:30 p.m. and extinguished the blaze.
Man named in multiple sexual assaults in Kent County arrested one day after $2,000 reward posted
A 23-year-old man wanted in multiple sexual assault cases across Kent County was arrested one day after a $2,000 reward was offered for information leading to his arrest.
Grand Rapids Commission Deadlocks on 1st Ward Appointment, Leaves Seat Empty
Grand Rapids City Commission deadlocked in a 3-3 tie over three finalists for a vacant 1st Ward seat, leaving the position empty as the city prepares for budget season.
New Feeding America Pantry Opens in Kentwood, Serves Over 2,000 Households in First Seven Weeks
Feeding America West Michigan opens first fixed-site pantry in Kentwood, serving over 2,000 households in seven weeks as regional hunger relief efforts expand amid rising food prices.
Mi Bella Guatemala Bakery Relocates to Comstock Park for More Space and Parking
Mi Bella Guatemala Shop, a Guatemalan bakery that operated for four years on Grand Rapids' Fulton Street, has relocated to a new location on Alpine Avenue in Comstock Park for better parking and expanded space.
Grand Rapids Police Ransack Elderly Couple's Home During Search: Family Demands Answers After 31-Year Residence Destroyed
Grand Rapids Police search for a suspected domestic violence perpetrator left an elderly couple's 31-year home damaged, with officers deploying pepper spray and damaging walls, floors, and belongings while searching for the suspect who was never found.
Wyoming: Brunswick Moves Land 'N' Sea Marine Distribution to Lowell, Citing Millions in Savings
Land 'N' Sea, a marine distributor in Wyoming, is moving its distribution operations to Lowell in January. Brunswick Corporation says the move will save millions and improve efficiency while keeping Land 'N' Sea as a separate business.
Grand Rapids Launches First Spanish-Language Emergency Response Training to Address Language Barriers in Disaster Preparedness
Grand Rapids Emergency Management Director Benjamin Rance organized the first entirely Spanish-language emergency response training to help Spanish-speaking residents understand critical safety information during disasters.
Former Special-Education Teacher Faces Up To 30 Years in Federal Prison After Sexually Exploiting Student
Former special-education teacher Paul Daniel Masko faces up to 30 years in federal prison after sexually exploiting a student who shared explicit photos of herself and the two having sex.
Developer Matthew O'Connor Plans Workforce Housing at Former Credit Union Site in Northeast Grand Rapids
Developer Matthew O'Connor is converting a former Grand Rapids Family Credit Union into 48-unit workforce housing at 1225 Plymouth Ave. NE, adding residential options to the northeast Grand Rapids corridor.
Stryker Medical Fully Operational After Iranian Cyberattack Wiped Systems and Exposed Employee Data
Fortune 500 medical device manufacturer Stryker Corporation announces it has returned to fully operational status after a March 11 cyberattack by Iranian-linked Handala group that wiped systems across its global manufacturing network and reportedly stole 50 terabytes of data.
109 New Apartments Coming to Grand Rapids' West Side After State Approves $4.75 Million Loan for Abode West Fulton Development
Michigan Strategic Fund approves $4.75 million loan for 109-unit apartment development on Grand Rapids' West Side, transforming former Adobe Mexican Kitchen site into mixed-use housing and commercial space.
West Michigan Teachers Surprise Winners With Trip to Atlanta After Hearing Only Five Will Go
150 West Michigan teachers attended a surprise announcement during Huntington Bank's Ignite the Classroom event, where they were told all of them would attend the Ron Clark Academy training in Atlanta after initially believing only five would be selected.
Grand Rapids Public Schools Receives Multiple Proposals for Two Former Elementary School Sites
Grand Rapids Public Schools receives multiple developer and community organization proposals for two shuttered elementary school sites as part of district's facility restructuring initiative.
Kentwood teen fights off attacker who also assaulted 66-year-old woman hours earlier
John Moore, 29, was arrested in Kentwood after assaulting a 66-year-old woman and attempting to kidnap a 14-year-old girl on the same day. The teen fought him off. Moore has a prior history of sexual misconduct.
Grand Rapids Unveils $51 Million Road Construction Plan With Major Projects on Burton Street, Buchanan Avenue and Cesar Chavez
Grand Rapids announces $51 million in road construction projects starting this spring, with major work planned on Burton Street, Buchanan Avenue, Cesar Chavez Avenue, and Monroe Avenue through the city's Vital Streets program.
Mayor LaGrand Delivers Second State of the City Address, Highlights Crime Drop and Housing Progress in Grand Rapids
Mayor David LaGrand delivered his second State of the City address, highlighting an 18% drop in shootings, nearly 1,400 new housing units permitted, and major developments including the Acrisure Amphitheater and Amway Soccer Stadium
Service Reproduction Co. Closes After 78 Years, Marking End of Era for Grand Rapids Art Community
Service Reproduction Co., a family-owned art supply store on Grand Rapids' west side, closes after 78 years of serving artists, crafters, and schools. Post-pandemic costs, declining sales, and nearby stadium construction impact the business as it shuts its doors this Saturday.
Michigan's largest-ever Chihuly exhibition returns to Meijer Gardens after more than 15 years
Dale Chihuly returns to Grand Rapids for Michigan's largest-ever exhibition at Meijer Gardens, featuring over 15 years of glass art and installations across the 158-acre campus.
Holland Christian Schools Names Jeff Haverdink Next Head of Schools: Former Calvin University Executive Returns Home to Lead Six-Campus System
Holland Christian Schools announces Jeff Haverdink as next Head of Schools, effective July 1, bringing 25 years of executive leadership experience from Calvin University and Dutton Christian School back to his alma mater
East Grand Rapids City Commission Weighs Handing Brownfield Authority to Kent County as Gaslight Village Seeks Tax Breaks
East Grand Rapids City Commission debated handing brownfield redevelopment authority to Kent County. The decision affects how Gaslight Investors could receive tax increment financing for the controversial Gaslight Village project. Commissioners requested more information before deciding.
Shorts Brewing Plans $3 Million Third Location in Traverse City, Expected to Open by 2027
Shorts Brewing, Michigan's largest independent craft brewery, has announced plans to open a third location in Traverse City by April 2027 at the Logan's Landing East building, representing a $3 million investment in a mixed-use development.
Grand Rapids Budget 2027: City Manager Proposes $785.4M Plan Amid Rising Property Values
Grand Rapids City Manager Mark Washington proposes a $785.4 million budget for fiscal year 2027, representing a 6.4 percent increase over last year despite a 1.2 percent millage reduction. The plan allocates $75.4 million for police and $48.3 million for fire services, while average homeowners will pay about $51 more annually due to rising property values.
Walker: Grand Rapids Man Charged With Attempted Murder After Double Shooting at Travelodge
Mario Martinez-Cruz, 50, was charged with two counts of assault with intent to murder after two men were shot at a Walker Travelodge on May 22. Both victims are in stable condition.