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Rockford High School student Annika Meier dies after battle with brain cancer
Seventeen-year-old Annika Meier of Rockford died after battling brain cancer since age 11. Her classmates honored her by wearing pink during a memorial gathering.
Kentwood and Wyoming Voters Approve School Funding Measures
Kentwood and Wyoming Public Schools voters approved funding measures on Tuesday, with Kentwood passing a $125 million bond for facilities improvements and Wyoming renewing its operating millage for 10 years.
Grand Rapids Company Develops Reusable Flood Barrier After Regional Flooding
Grand Rapids-based Cascade Engineering partners with the City of Grand Rapids and NOAQ to develop a reusable flood barrier that costs 300 to 350 dollars per unit and features a 10 year warranty.
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.
Macy's Closes Grandville Location As Department Store Chain Continues 2026 Store Reductions
Macy's permanently closes its Grandville location at RiverTown Crossings as the department store chain implements its Bold New Chapter strategy. The closure leaves only nine Macy's stores remaining in Michigan.
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.
Wyoming Public Schools Voters Approve Non-Homestead Millage for $10.3 Million Funding
Wyoming Public Schools voters approved a non-homestead millage renewal that will provide $10.3 million for staff, transportation, and classroom services over the next 10 years. The measure passed with 63.83 percent yes votes and applies to rental and commercial properties only.
2 dead after soccer dispute leads to shooting near Grand Rapids school
A 14-year-old boy and a woman in her 30s were killed in a shooting near Southwest Elementary School in Grand Rapids. The incident began during a soccer dispute where the suspect was turned away from a game.
Fire spreads to six homes in Lowell's Centralville neighborhood, displacing dozens
Five alarms struck as a fire spread to six residences in Lowell's Centralville neighborhood, displacing at least 25 residents and sending two firefighters to the hospital for heat exhaustion.
Comstock Public School bond fails in May election as voters reject scaled-down proposal
Comstock Public School voters rejected a $23.7 million bond proposal that aimed to upgrade school safety and infrastructure. The district had scaled back from a $31.8 million proposal rejected last November.
Woman and teen boy dead in Forest Hills shooting after soccer dispute
A woman and 14-year-old boy died in a Forest Hills shooting after the suspect was turned away from playing soccer with children at a nearby park. The suspect was arrested following the incident.
Rockford Krause Memorial Library Renovation Opens October After Eight Months of Construction
Rockfords Krause Memorial Library renovation will open in October after eight months of construction. The $11.2 million project preserves historic elements while adding expanded spaces including a larger childrens area.
Ada Residents Can Shape Village Future Through New Strategic Plan Survey
The Village of Ada is launching a community survey to gather input on a new Strategic Plan that will guide future development decisions and prioritize projects for the village.
East Grand Rapids updates rules for electric scooters, bikes to keep up with modern mobility
East Grand Rapids City Commission approved updates to ordinances for electric scooters and bikes. The changes define micromobility devices and establish rules for safe operation throughout the community.
Kentwood man drives into pond during police chase
A 39-year-old Kent County man surrendered after driving his vehicle into a pond during a police chase in Kentwood. Deputies found firearms and methamphetamine in the vehicle.
Grand Rapids Man Sentenced To 90 Months For Firing Ghost Gun In Crowd On Blue Bridge
A Grand Rapids man was sentenced to 90 months in federal prison after firing a ghost gun into a crowd on the Blue Bridge. Tyrone Smith Jr had four prior felony firearms convictions before firing the weapon that sent people fleeing from the downtown gathering spot.
$740M Fulton & Market Development Set to Transform Grand Rapids Riverfront in Fall 2026
A $740 million mixed-use development featuring nearly 700 homes, a luxury hotel and retail space will transform Grand Rapids riverfront starting fall 2026.
Grand Rapids commission deadlocks on 1st Ward appointment, leaving seat empty
Grand Rapids city commission deadlocked on a 3-3 tie twice as commissioners failed to reach a consensus on filling a vacant 1st Ward seat. Three finalists interviewed but no appointment made.
West Michigan Voters Head to Polls for May 5 Special Election on School Funding, Fire Services, and Government Changes
West Michigan voters including Grand Rapids area residents will decide on school bonds, fire service funding, and government changes including the potential dissolution of Sand Lake village.
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.
25-Year GRPD Veteran Joe Trigg Named Interim Police Chief As Winstrom Resigns
After 25 years with GRPD, Deputy Chief Joseph Trigg has been appointed interim police chief effective March 2 following Chief Eric Winstrom's resignation to lead the Pensacola Police Department in Florida.
78-Year-Old Pewamo Resident Dies After ATV Crash at Ionia County Intersection
A 78-year-old Pewamo resident died after an ATV crash at an intersection in Lyons Township, Ionia County. The rider failed to yield and was hit by a westbound vehicle, then airlifted to Butterworth Hospital where they died.
Woman killed in Grand Rapids crash after vehicle runs red light
A woman was killed Sunday night in a crash on south Division Avenue after a vehicle ran a red light and struck her car. Police believe both alcohol and speed were factors in the incident.
Friends of Grand Rapids Parks Announces Free Community Events for 2026
Friends of Grand Rapids Parks announces free 2026 community events including wildflower walks, bird watching, gravel bike races, and tree planting initiatives across local parks.
Grand Rapids Griffins Shut Out Manitoba to Even Playoff Series at One
Grand Rapids Griffins goalie Michal Postava recorded his first career playoff shutout in a 2-0 victory over the Manitoba Moose in Game 2 of the Central Division Semifinals, evening the best-of-five series at one win apiece.
78-Year-Old Pewamo Resident Airlifted to Hospital After ATV Crash in Ionia County
A 78-year-old Pewamo resident was airlifted to Butterworth Hospital with serious injuries after an ATV collision at a Lyons Township intersection Sunday afternoon.
GVSU Students Study Radical Alternative to US-131 in Grand Rapids
GVSU students propose converting US-131 into a boulevard after studying successful freeway conversions in other cities
91-Year-Old Man Dies After Fatal Crash Into Transmission Tower in Tyrone Township
A 91-year-old man died after his vehicle crashed into a transmission tower near Tyrone Avenue and 18 Mile Road on Sunday afternoon. The Kent County Sheriff's Office is investigating the fatal crash.
Motorcyclist from Spring Lake Killed in Collision with Pickup in Ottawa County
A 35-year-old Spring Lake man died Sunday morning after his motorcycle collided with a pickup truck in Crockery Township, according to the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office.
Kent County Prosecutor Clears Grand Rapids Officer in Da'Quain Johnson Fatal Shooting; Family Plans Appeal
Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker announced no criminal charges against Grand Rapids Police Officer Christopher Carlson for the Feb. 18 fatal shooting of Da'Quain Johnson, ruling it justified self-defense. Johnson's family plans to appeal to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.
Michigan Supreme Court Weighs In on Grand Rapids FOIA Response Times After ACLU Challenge
Michigan Supreme Court to decide whether FOIA requires public bodies to have deadlines for completing records requests after Grand Rapids case
Grand Rapids City Manager Proposes $785.4 Million Budget for Fiscal Year 2027
Grand Rapids City Manager Mark Washington proposes a $785.4 million budget for fiscal year 2027, representing a 6.4 percent increase over the previous year. The balanced budget includes $75.4 million for police, $48.3 million for fire services, and $40.4 million for parks while managing a $2.3 million deficit from fiscal year 2026.
$10 Million Tunnel Opens Under Northland Drive to Connect Grand River Greenway
Groundbreaking work began Thursday on a $10 million pedestrian tunnel under Northland Drive that will connect the Grand River Greenway to the South Rogue River Trail.
Holland School District Seeks Sinking Fund Renewal on May 5 Ballot
Holland Public Schools will ask voters May 5 to renew a 10-year sinking fund covering facility repairs and now transportation needs at the current 1.25 mill rate.
Dale Chihuly Returns to Grand Rapids for Most Expansive Exhibition Yet
International glass artist Dale Chihuly returns to Grand Rapids for his most extensive exhibition yet at Frederik Meijer Gardens, running from May 2 through November 1.
Grand Rapids Commission Deadlocks on Commission Appointment, Leaving First Ward Seat Empty
Grand Rapids city commissioners failed to appoint a replacement for the vacant First Ward seat after three votes split among three finalists, leaving the ward underrepresented as the budget process begins.
Three Weekend Shootings in Grand Rapids Leave Two Injured, One Woman Arrested
Three separate shootings occurred in Grand Rapids over the weekend, with two people sustaining non-life-threatening injuries and one woman taken into custody by police.
Prosecutor Drops Charges Against Former Grand Rapids Officer In 2022 Shooting Death
Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker announced Thursday he will not retry former Grand Rapids Police Officer Christopher Schurr in the 2022 death of Patrick Lyoya after a jury could not reach a verdict in the second-degree murder trial. The decision comes weeks after Judge Christina Mims declared a mistrial on May 8, 2025, following four days of jury deliberations. Becker told reporters he believes a second trial would not produce a different outcome.
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.
Walker Fire Chief Russell Shoultz Dies After Medical Emergency
Walker Fire Chief Russell Shoultz died unexpectedly after a medical emergency on Friday, May 1, 2026. The community and fire department mourn the loss of a leader who served with dedication for more than 30 years in emergency services.
Feeding America West Michigan Selects New CEO to Lead Organization Through Next Chapter
Feeding America West Michigan has selected Pattijean McCahill to serve as President and CEO, succeeding Ken Estelle after 15 years. McCahill brings a decade of leadership at the organization and extensive corporate experience.
Sand Lake Village Vote to Dissolve Could End 157-Year-Old Municipality
Sand Lake village voters will decide Tuesday whether to dissolve the 157-year-old municipality and merge with Nelson Township amid ongoing disputes over fire department services and village governance.
Grand Rapids Yassou! Greek Festival Canceled For 2026
The popular Yassou! Greek Cultural Festival will not return in Grand Rapids in 2026 as organizers take a break before returning in 2027.
$10M Pedestrian Tunnel Under Northland Drive Set to Begin Construction in May
Construction begins May 4 on a $10 million pedestrian tunnel under Northland Drive to connect Grand River Greenway trails in Plainfield Township, with completion expected by late fall.
Grand Rapids Public Schools seeking new uses for two shuttered elementary schools
Grand Rapids Public Schools received seven development proposals for two shuttered elementary schools, with plans ranging from affordable housing to community centers and nonprofit campuses. The district will evaluate the proposals and present recommendations at a May 11 board meeting.
$10M Pedestrian Tunnel Set To Open Under Kent County's Busiest Road
A $10 million pedestrian tunnel under Northland Drive in Plainfield Township opens construction May 4 as part of the Grand River Greenway network, creating a safer crossing for pedestrians and cyclists on Kent Countys busiest road.
Grand Rapids Budget Proposal Shifts Focus to Sustaining New Assets as Federal Funding Phases Out
Grand Rapids City Manager Mark Washington proposes a $785.4 million FY2027 budget with lower property taxes, increased public safety funding, and a strategic shift to sustaining new infrastructure as federal ARPA funding phases out.
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.
Foxtail Coffee to Replace Starbucks at Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Downtown Grand Rapids
Foxtail Coffee, backed by Cheri DeVos, will open a new location at Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in downtown Grand Rapids this spring, replacing the existing Starbucks.
Three Weekend Shootings Leave Two Injured, One Suspect Arrested in Grand Rapids
Three separate shootings over the weekend in Grand Rapids left two people with non-life-threatening injuries and resulted in one arrest. Police are investigating all incidents as they remain active.