The Archive
Every story we've published
Friday, July 24, 2026
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
East GR Native's Yesterdog Celebrates 50 Years
An East Grand Rapids native tied to 'American Pie' helps celebrate Yesterdog's half-century as a Grand Rapids staple.
Whitmer Signs Bipartisan Housing Bills Easing Grand Rapids Costs
New state laws aim to ease Grand Rapids' housing crunch through tax credits and looser building rules.
Monday, July 20, 2026
Gaslight Village Project Advances Amid East Grand Rapids Opposition
East Grand Rapids' Gaslight Village project is moving forward despite strong resident pushback and potential legal disputes.
GR Remembers Charles Belknap's Key Role in Early Days
Charles Belknap's multifaceted contributions helped shape early Grand Rapids, connecting the community to its foundational history.
Friday, July 17, 2026
1,500+ Complaints Trigger Michigan Power Outage Investigation
The state is probing how utilities handled July 4th storm outages, a move that could improve power reliability for Grand Rapids residents.
Corewell Health Uses Mako Robot to Cut Knee Surgery Recovery
Corewell Health Hospital is using the Mako robotic system to make knee replacements more precise, reducing pain and recovery time for Grand Rapids patients.
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
13-Month FOIA Delay Heads to Michigan Supreme Court
The state’s highest court will consider whether Grand Rapids violated public records law by taking over a year to respond to FOIA requests.
Huntington Closes 2 West Michigan Branches
Huntington Bank shutting two West Michigan branches; employees to be reassigned.
Wildfire Smoke Arrives Wednesday, Air Quality Alert for GR
Wildfire smoke from Canadian fires will degrade air quality in Grand Rapids starting Wednesday, posing risks especially for sensitive groups.
Monday, July 13, 2026
GR Native Nancy Norton Skydives with Grandkids at 18
A Grand Rapids native returns to West Michigan to skydive with each grandchild at 18, honoring her late husband's wish.
Grand Rapids Native Produces Star-Studded Apple TV+ Series
A Grand Rapids native has produced a star-studded comedy series for Apple TV+, with a private screening held in Michigan.
Friday, July 10, 2026
99 Signatures Seek to Rename Chavez Avenue Back to Grandville
Roosevelt Park residents submit request to rename Cesar E. Chavez Avenue back to Grandville Avenue.
Free Fries Friday at McDonald’s and Wendy’s in GR
This Friday, July 10, get free and discounted fries at local chains for National French Fry Day.
Planning Commission Approves 32-Home Shawmut Hills Development
The Grand Rapids Planning Commission unanimously approved a controversial 32-unit housing development in Shawmut Hills, reducing wetland setbacks after intense public debate.
Monday, July 6, 2026
GR Entrepreneur Launches Golf Cart Shuttles to Acrisure
A new golf cart shuttle service aims to ease traffic and parking for events at Acrisure Amphitheater.
GR Teen Named to Guatemala's Under-17 Soccer Team
A 15-year-old Grand Rapids sophomore will compete internationally for Guatemala.
Friday, July 3, 2026
GR Banks, Stores Adjust Hours for July 4th Weekend
Grand Rapids businesses and services are adjusting hours for the July 4th holiday, with some closing on Friday, July 3rd.
GR Shoppers Scale Back July 4th Cookouts Over Grocery Costs
Rising grocery prices are leading Grand Rapids families to change how they celebrate Independence Day with cookouts.
West Michigan Water Safety Campaign: Swimming Isn't Enough
Local advocates warn that knowing how to swim doesn't guarantee safety in open water as lake season begins.
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Consumers Energy Shuts Down West Michigan Payment Offices
Consumers Energy is closing its in-person payment locations in West Michigan, affecting how some Grand Rapids residents pay utility bills.
LMCU Ballpark Offers Free Water to Beat Heat
The West Michigan Whitecaps are providing free cold water and allowing refillable bottles at LMCU Ballpark during the heat wave to keep fans safe.
The Rapid Offers Free Rides on Clean Air Action Days
On days with high heat and pollution, all rides on The Rapid are free to help residents travel safely and reduce emissions.
Tuesday, June 30, 2026
E. coli Levels Safe at Millennium Park Beach
Millennium Park's beach and splash pad meet Michigan's safety standards for E. coli, reassuring families about water quality.
Family Loses $26K and Home in Rent-to-Own Deal
A Grand Rapids-area family lost their home and $26,000 savings after a rent-to-own deal collapsed due to the seller's financial problems.
GR Heat and Humidity Stick Around for Holiday Weekend
High humidity and heat continue across the Grand Rapids area this week, impacting outdoor plans and health.
Friday, June 19, 2026
80 Special Olympics Athletes Depart from GR Airport
West Michigan athletes head to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis after a community send-off.
Bank Averts $800K in Business Scams Over Five Days
A West Michigan bank security team stopped $800,000 in losses from a scam targeting local businesses.
Doug Small Retires After 45 Years Leading Grand Rapids Tourism
Doug Small, longtime head of Experience Grand Rapids, announces retirement after a 45-year career shaping the city's tourism.
GR Initiative Rebrands, Houses 228 People
A Grand Rapids homelessness program, rebranded from '100 in 100,' has now housed 228 individuals.
John Ball Zoo and Long Road Distillers Release Otter Watte Cocktail
A new limited-edition cocktail from Long Road Distillers helps fund otter habitat conservation at John Ball Zoo.
Yan Liu Leads Meijer LPGA Classic in Windy Conditions
Yan Liu took the lead in the first round of the Meijer LPGA Classic at Blythefield Country Club with a 6-under 66 in windy conditions.
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Acrisure Amphitheater Noise Draws Resident Complaints
A Grand Rapids commissioner has received complaints about excessive noise from the new Acrisure Amphitheatre affecting nearby neighborhoods.
Grand Rapids community rallies to replace God's Kitchen oven
Local soup kitchen exceeds fundraising goal for critical new oven thanks to community donations.
Guiding Light Opens New Women's Recovery Space
Guiding Light marks two years of its Women's Recovery Program with a new dedicated space in Grand Rapids.
Monday, June 15, 2026
A Six-Planet Parade is Coming to West Michigan Skies
A rare alignment of six planets will be visible just after sunset in mid-June — no telescope required for most.
Isabella Bank to Acquire Grand River Bank in $54.6M Deal
Mount Pleasant-based Isabella Bank announced plans to purchase Grand Rapids' Grand River Bank, with the deal expected to close in late 2025.
Friday, June 12, 2026
Bethany Christian Services Requires Staff to Sign Anti-LGBTQ+ Statement
Grand Rapids’ largest faith-based foster agency now mandates a belief statement opposing abortion and same-sex marriage, affecting staff and foster parents.
On the Border Closes Company Stores, Local Impact Unclear
The national chain shutters all company-owned restaurants this week, but it’s not yet known which, if any, Grand Rapids locations are affected.
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
Free Shuttle Connects Uptown and Downtown on Saturdays
A free shuttle will run between uptown and downtown Grand Rapids every Saturday this summer from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
GRPS Board Halts Sale of Alexander and Stocking Schools
The board rejected staff-recommended proposals, leaving the fate of two vacant neighborhood schools up in the air.
Monday, June 8, 2026
Friday, June 5, 2026
Boston Square Ice Cream Shop Opens After Owner's Health Comeback
A familiar entrepreneur returns to the neighborhood with a new scoop shop, signaling resilience and sweet treats in the Boston Square corridor.
Curious Raccoon Zaps Traffic Signals Across GR
A raccoon knocked out power to streetlights and traffic signals across Grand Rapids early Friday, but crews restored everything before the morning rush.
Downtown Power Outage Traced to One Curious Raccoon
A furry saboteur knocked out electricity downtown for several hours before crews restored the lights.
Free Summer Youth Program Kicks Off Monday
Grand Rapids launches its annual 'It Takes A Village' summer program, offering free activities for teens ages 12 to 17 starting this Monday.
Indie and Ginny Are Ready for Their Forever Families
Two well-behaved dogs at Kent County Animal Shelter are looking for local adopters.
Rockford Woman Joins Pacific Row to Hawaii
Julie Bennett of Rockford and Susan Katt of South Haven set out June 5 as part of a four-person team rowing from California to Hawaii.
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
A Jenison Radon Scare Reminds Grand Rapids to Test Now
A family’s discovery of radon at seven times the EPA action threshold underscores why every homeowner here should pick up a test kit.
Board Game Café Opens in Creston This Week
A new board game café with 700 games and a globally inspired menu opens this week in the former Fat Boy building.
Pride Center Reopens After Flooding, Refreshed and Ready
Months after flooding forced a temporary closure, the Grand Rapids Pride Center reopens with a brighter, more accessible space and a full slate of community services.
Monday, June 1, 2026
Bluey, Silent Disco, and a Weekend of Family Fun
Grand Rapids Kids just dropped its curated weekend roundup, taking the guesswork out of family plans for May 29–31.
Downtown Market Offers Free Rides to Amphitheater Shows
The year-round food hall now runs complimentary shuttles to Acrisure Amphitheater concerts throughout June.
Eight Decades In, Van’s Pastry Shoppe Still Delivers
The family-run bakery on Fulton Street thrives on tradition, loyal customers, and pastries that taste like home.
Eventbrite Names Its Top 10 Grand Rapids Festivals
The ticketing platform dropped a curated list spotlighting three upcoming highlights alongside seven other local favorites worth penciling in.
Historic downtown office tower begins new chapter as apartments
A ribbon-cutting marked the conversion of a longstanding downtown office building into new residential units, adding fresh housing stock while keeping the city’s architectural character intact.
Journey and Brian Vander Ark Top Grand Rapids' 2026 Concerts
Eight major concerts are coming to Grand Rapids next year, with local musician Brian Vander Ark kicking things off and Journey headlining in June.
June Kids Calendar Is Packed With Free Summer Fun
The GRKids event roundup is live with dozens of low-cost or free family outings across West Michigan.
Juneteenth Jam Returns to Downtown for Sixth Year
Justice 4 All's free celebration of Black culture brings performers, vendors, and games back to the heart of the city.
Life EMS Graduates First Ottawa County EMT Class
The 14-week program, hosted in Grand Haven Township, aims to strengthen the regional emergency response pipeline.
New Pill Doubles Pancreatic Cancer Survival Time
A daily experimental pill targeting a common mutation offers hope for hundreds of Grand Rapids-area residents diagnosed with one of the deadliest cancers.
Pitch Your Welcoming Week Idea, Score City Cash
The city's Neighborhood Match Fund is now accepting applications for projects that make Grand Rapids more welcoming, with a special push for September's Welcoming Week.
Reddit User Hunts for Brick Salvage Beyond Pitsch
A local renovator’s search for architectural salvage sparks a community conversation.
Tim Ream Named US Men’s National Team Captain
The St. Louis native and veteran defender will lead the squad into the 2026 World Cup, a story that caught the attention of West Michigan soccer fans via WZZM 13.
Uptown Calendar Unlocks Free Tours and Neighborhood Fun
A free online calendar from Uptown GR makes it simple to find neighborhood tours, games, and events that support local shops.
Friday, May 29, 2026
El-Sayed Goes on Attack in Senate Debate
The Democratic primary for Michigan's U.S. Senate seat got heated Thursday, signaling a spirited race that Grand Rapids voters will help decide.
Kids Food Basket Founder Mary Hoodhood Steps Into Spotlight
A charity event celebrated the founder of Kids Food Basket and the nonprofit’s daily work feeding thousands of West Michigan children.
Whitmer Walks Back Her 2028 Presidential Denial
The governor’s quick pivot from a firm ‘no’ to ‘nothing to announce’ leaves her political future—and Michigan’s spotlight—wide open.
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Free summer learning kicks off at Grand Rapids libraries
The Grand Rapids Public Library launches free educational programs for kids and teens across city branches starting in June.
Meet Grand Rapids' Police Chief Finalists at Upcoming Events
The city is giving residents two chances to meet the candidates and share their thoughts.
Pizza Hut brings back '90s red cups and checkered tables
Select West Michigan Pizza Hut locations are rolling out retro interiors, bringing back red plastic cups and checkerboard tablecloths for a nostalgia-fueled dine-in experience.
Pools and Splash Pads Open June 6
Grand Rapids public pools and splash pads open Saturday, June 6, giving you free and cheap ways to beat the summer heat.
Unseen Oceans Opens at GR Museum in June
The Grand Rapids Public Museum’s new summer exhibition offers a hands-on dive into deep-sea exploration without leaving the Midwest.
West Michigan CEO Summit Returns to Downtown GR
Regional leaders gather June 2 at the JW Marriott to shape the strategies that drive local jobs and growth.
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
Memorial Day Blackout Hits 10,000 in West Michigan
Three Consumers Energy substations failed Monday, cutting electricity to swaths of Grand Rapids and beyond, interrupting cookouts and family gatherings without warning.
West Michigan Pauses to Honor Fallen on Memorial Day
Parades and ceremonies across the region gave residents a chance to pay respects and remember local service members.
Monday, May 25, 2026
ArtPrize Returns in September with a $500,000 Grand Prize and New Downtown Footprint
Organizers announced ArtPrize 2026 will expand to include the new ICCF Community Hub and a new public sculpture park along the Grand River.
City Proposes Removing 400 Parking Spots to Build Protected Bike Lanes on Wealthy and Lake Drive
A draft plan released Friday would add 4.2 miles of protected lanes on two major corridors — but business owners are already pushing back on the parking loss.
470-Unit Apartment Tower Approved for Ottawa Avenue — Tallest Residential Building in GR History
The 32-story tower at Ottawa and Fulton will break ground in Q1 2026 and include 94 units reserved for households earning 80 percent of area median income.
Eastown Gets Its First Neighborhood Brewery as Barkeep Opens Doors
After two years of build-out, Barkeep Brewing opens Saturday on Wealthy Street with a focus on lager and a back patio that seats 80.
Fulton Street Farmers Market Opens for the Season This Saturday
Michigan's oldest continuously operating farmers market kicks off its 104th season with 80 vendors, a new maple syrup cooperative, and extended hours.
GRAM Opens 'Rivers Run Through Us' — A Survey of Indigenous Art from the Great Lakes Region
The Grand Rapids Art Museum's largest exhibition of Indigenous art to date features 60 works by 28 artists and runs through September 7.
Grand Rapids parade salutes fallen soldiers
Memorial Day observances across the city honored those who died in military service.
Griffins Force Game 7 After Stunning 4–1 Win Over Milwaukee in Game 6
GR's AHL franchise is one win away from the Calder Cup Finals after Jared McIsaac scored twice and goalie Sebastian Cossa stopped 34 shots.
Chef Rosa Medina of Donkey Taqueria Is a James Beard Award Finalist
The Grandville Avenue taqueria's owner is a finalist for Best Chef: Great Lakes — the first Grand Rapids chef to reach that stage since 2019.
Tono Ramen Opens Next Week in the BOB Complex, Bringing Sapporo-Style Bowls to Downtown
The ramen-focused concept from Michigan native Jin Park fills the last ground-floor restaurant slot in the BOB's renovated north wing.
Pyramid Scheme Drops Its Most Ambitious Summer Lineup Yet
The beloved basement venue announces 48 shows from June through August, headlined by three national touring acts and a hometown showcase series.
Start Garden Announces 2026 $5K Cohort — Applications Open Through June 15
West Michigan's flagship startup accelerator will fund 20 early-stage companies this fall, with a new focus track for food and agriculture startups.
City Council to Vote on West Side Brewery District Zoning Tonight
A landmark rezoning proposal could transform six blocks of Bridge Street NW into Michigan's first officially designated Brewery District.
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