Brian McVicar

Grand Rapids

Reporter at MLive

Reporter for @GRPress, @MLive @michiganstateu alum. Contact me at [email protected]

Articles

Free outdoor movies return to downtown Grand Rapids for summer 2025

4 days ago | mlive.com | Brian McVicar

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Free outdoor movies are returning to Studio Park in downtown Grand Rapids starting this month. Sunset Cinema, a collaboration between Celebration Cinema and Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., will kick off June 7 with a screening of the Hunger Games at Studio Park’s piazza, 123 Ionia Ave. SW.
Yesterdog sold: Grand Rapids hot dog landmark for nearly 50 years changes ownership

5 days ago | mlive.com | Brian McVicar

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Yesterdog, a landmark Grand Rapids eatery that’s been serving hot dogs slathered with chili, cheese, onions, diced pickles and other toppings for nearly 50 years, has been sold by longtime owner Bill Lewis. “I just turned 80, so I guess I’ve earned it,” said Lewis, who in 1976 opened Yesterdog at 1505 Wealthy St. SE, about six blocks from where he grew up. Lewis said he sold Yesterdog to Pat Connor and his wife, Lisa.
Iconic motorcycle brand axed by Harley-Davidson roars back to life in Michigan

5 days ago | mlive.com | Brian McVicar

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Inside a nondescript building in Cascade Township, Bill Melvin and his team are in the final stretch of a years-long quest to build the next great American motorcycle. Buell Motorcycles plans to launch the Super Cruiser this fall, and Melvin hopes to give industry heavyweights such as Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycle a run for their money. The bike retails for $26,000, blending the design of a classic American cruiser with the power of a European superbike.
Veteran Grand Rapids real estate developer launches new firm with son

5 days ago | mlive.com | Brian McVicar

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Longtime real estate developer and investor Scott Wierda has stepped down from his role as managing partner at CWD Real Estate Investment and launched his own firm, SW Real Estate Investment, in partnership with his son Spencer.
Trump administration axes $170.8M clean energy grant for Kraft Heinz

1 week ago | mlive.com | Brian McVicar

HOLLAND, MI — The U.S. Department of Energy has canceled a $170.8 million grant to Kraft Heinz that was originally set to fund clean energy projects at ten of the company’s U.S. plants, including one in Holland. The Kraft Heinz grant was one of 24 clean energy grants canceled Friday, May 30, by the department, according to a release. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the cancelations would save over $3.7 billion in taxpayer funds.
Corewell Health names new regional president

1 week ago | mlive.com | Brian McVicar

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Dr. Josh Kooistra has been named president of Corewell Health in West Michigan. Kooistra, who formerly worked as a senior vice president and chief medical officer at Corewell, had been serving as the organization’s interim president since December 2024.
Survey: Rising health costs limit growth at Michigan small businesses

1 week ago | mlive.com | Brian McVicar

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Rising health care costs are hurting Michigan small businesses, with more than three-quarters of respondents to a new survey saying it’s affecting their ability to hire new workers. The survey, released by the Small Business Association of Michigan, shows 38% of respondents have seen the cost of their health insurance benefits climb by 10% to 14% this past year. Another 29% saw an increase of 15% to 20%.
Bridge Street apartment project on track for 2026 opening in Grand Rapids

1 week ago | mlive.com | Brian McVicar

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Construction is progressing on a five-story, 148-unit apartment building in the heart of the Bridge Street commercial corridor, and the project is on track to open next year. Talbot Development broke ground on the project, located at the site of the former Duthler’s Family Foods grocery store, in December, and workers recently finished setting the building’s precast concrete, said Ryan Talbot, owner of Talbot Development.
Kent County hotel tax increase generates nearly $1 million in first two months

1 week ago | mlive.com | Brian McVicar

GRAND RAPIDS, MI —Kent County’s new 8% hotel tax has generated an additional $999,469 in the first two months of this year, according to the latest available data. Kent County voters approved a ballot request in August to raise the county’s hotel tax from 5% to 8% to help fund large-scale, tourism-oriented projects such as Acrisure Amphitheater, Amway Stadium and, potentially, a John Ball Zoo aquarium.
Michigan tribe’s 30-year quest for ‘justice’ gets new legislative push

2 weeks ago | mlive.com | Brian McVicar

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — After a previous bill failed to get traction, U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten has reintroduced legislation to recognize the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians, saying she’s hopeful the new leader of a key congressional committee will support the proposal. The Grand Rapids Democrat, who introduced the bill with Republican Rep.