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Digital Reporter @WOODTV | Michigan State J-School Alum | Previously: @WDBMSPORTS, @SSR_MSU, @PistonPowered, @The_Step_Back & @michigan_public
Articles by A.J. Evans
Restaurants, rebounds and riffing: What to do in West Michigan this weekend Original
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Enjoy a weekend of comedy, music and basketball while trying food from special menus curated by restaurants across West Michigan. Here is a look at what you can do the weekend of Nov. 6: Basketball season has returned. The Grand Rapids Gold will tip off the 2026-27 season at Van Andel Arena against the Sioux Falls Skyforce at 7 p.m. Saturday.
Detroit Pistons overcome deficit, win season opener
DETROIT (WOOD) — A 22-point deficit wasn't enough to prevent the Detroit Pistons from pulling out the first victory of the regular season. Detroit shook off a sluggish start to defeat the Boston Celtics 121-113 in the opening slate of games on the NBA's season opener. The Pistons spoiled a 38-point debut from Paul George, who recorded the most points for a Celtic in his debut.
Detroit Pistons overcome deficit, win season opener
DETROIT (WOOD) — A 22-point deficit wasn’t enough to prevent the Detroit Pistons from pulling out the first victory of the regular season. Detroit shook off a sluggish start to defeat the Boston Celtics 121-113 in the opening slate of games on the NBA’s season opener. The Pistons spoiled a 38-point debut from Paul George, who recorded the most points for a Celtic in his debut.
Detroit Pistons overcome deficit, win season opener
A 22-point deficit wasn’t enough to prevent the Detroit Pistons from pulling out the first victory of the regular season. DETROIT (WOOD) — A 22-point deficit wasn’t enough to prevent the Detroit Pistons from pulling out the first victory of the regular season. Detroit shook off a sluggish start to defeat the Boston Celtics 121-113 in the opening slate of games on the NBA’s season opener. The Pistons spoiled a 38-point debut from Paul George, who recorded the most points for a Celtic in his debut.
Court documents: Man accused of shooting mom called her ‘evil’ Original
ALGOMA TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — A man was set to move out after several weeks of living with his mom and family members before shooting and killing her at her home northeast of Sparta last week, court documents say. Ryan Hansen, 30, was arraigned Monday on counts of open murder and felony firearm in the death of his mother Diane Kimar-Luman. Ryan Hansen during his arraignment Monday.
Monsters, mums and macabre: What to do in West Michigan this weekend
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A scary-good time is right around the corner thanks to some of these spooky events coming to West Michigan. Here is a look at what you can do the weekend of Oct. 16: Get ready for food trucks and a goth dance party at a dark artisan market in Grand Rapids this Saturday. Black Cat is hosting its annual Black Cat Bazaar this Saturday, Oct. 17, from 6 to 10 p.m. at Speciation Cellars on Wealthy Street. DJ Silvahalo will curate the dance party.
Monsters, mums and macabre: What to do in West Michigan this weekend
A scary-good time is right around the corner thanks to some of these spooky events coming to West Michigan. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A scary-good time is right around the corner thanks to some of these spooky events coming to West Michigan. Here is a look at what you can do the weekend of Oct. 16: Get ready for food trucks and a goth dance party at a dark artisan market in Grand Rapids this Saturday. Black Cat is hosting its annual Black Cat Bazaar this Saturday, Oct.
Monsters, mums and macabre: What to do in West Michigan this weekend
A.J. Evans Thu, October 15, 2026 at 4:30 AM EDT 3 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Add Yahoo on Google Monsters, mums and macabre: What to do in West Michigan this weekend GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A scary-good time is right around the corner thanks to some of these spooky events coming to West Michigan. Here is a look at what you can do the weekend of Oct.
Deputies: Man hit by car in Holland Township
HOLLAND TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — A 22-year-old man was hospitalized after being hit by a car in Holland Township Monday night, deputies say. According to the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office, the crash happened at around 10:12 p.m. on US 31 headed northbound at James Street. Deputies say investigations showed an Equinox was headed northbound and had a green light and the right of way, when the 22-year-old ran across the James Street crosswalk and was hit by the Equinox.
Deputies: Man hit by car in Holland Township Original
HOLLAND TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — A 22-year-old man was hospitalized after being hit by a car in Holland Township Monday night, deputies say. According to the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, the crash happened at around 10:12 p.m. on US 31 headed northbound at James Street. Deputies say investigations showed an Equinox was headed northbound and had a green light and the right of way, when the 22-year-old ran across the James Street crosswalk and was hit by the Equinox.
Allegan sheriff: Woman scammed out of retirement savings
HOPKINS, Mich. (WOOD) — An elderly Hopkins-area woman is breathing a sigh of relief after deputies arrested one of the people accused of defrauding her of nearly half a million dollars in cash, checks and gold coins. “It’s been real terrifying,” the woman told News 8.
Police: Man hospitalized after Benton Harbor shooting Saturday Original
BENTON HARBOR, Mich. (WOOD) — A man was hospitalized after a shooting in Benton Harbor Saturday morning, police say. According to the Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety, officials responded to a reported fight at a local restaurant on S. Fair during the “early morning hours” Saturday. While officials were investigating, they were told that a person had been shot and fled the scene, police say. The man, 47, took himself to a local hospital, police said.
Police: Bicyclist hospitalized after crash in Kalamazoo Township
KALAMAZOO TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — A bicyclist was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after a crash in Kalamazoo Township Saturday night, police say. The crash happened at around 11:30 p.m. on West Main Street, near the intersection of Turwill Lane, according to the Township of Kalamazoo Police Department. Police say the bicyclist, a 37-year-old from Kalamazoo, was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries.
Crews respond to fire at Newaygo County Sportsman's Club
NEWAYGO, Mich. (WOOD) — Crews responded to a fire in Newaygo Sunday afternoon. The fire started at around 5:15 p.m. at the Newaygo County Sportsman's Club, according to Newaygo County Dispatch said. It is unclear what led up to the fire. In a social media post Sunday night, Sportsman's said it was "devastated" following the fire. "We ask that you please keep everyone affected in your thoughts and prayers," the club wrote. "Our Club has always been more than just a place to gather.
Police: Bicyclist hospitalized after crash in Kalamazoo Township Original
KALAMAZOO TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — A bicyclist was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after a crash in Kalamazoo Township Saturday night, police say. The crash happened at around 11:30 p.m. on West Main Street, near the intersection of Turwill Lane, according to the Township of Kalamazoo Police Department. Police say the bicyclist, a 37-year-old from Kalamazoo, was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries.
Dispatch: Fire at Newaygo County Sportsman’s Club Original
by: A.J. Evans Posted: Oct 11, 2026 / 06:36 PM EDT Updated: Oct 11, 2026 / 06:41 PM EDT NEWAYGO, Mich. (WOOD) — Crews responded to a fire in Newaygo Sunday afternoon, according to dispatchers. The fire started at around 5:15 p.m. at the Newaygo County Sportsman’s Club, Newaygo County Dispatch said. It is unclear what led up to the fire. This is a developing story and News 8 will have more information as it becomes available.
Dispatch: At least one hurt after Cannon Township crash Original
by: A.J. Evans Posted: Oct 11, 2026 / 03:33 PM EDT Updated: Oct 11, 2026 / 03:34 PM EDT CANNON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — Crews responded to a crash in Cannon Township Sunday afternoon, dispatchers say. According to Kent County Dispatch, the crash happened at around 1:42 p.m., on Belding Road, near Bonita Vista Court NE. At least one person was hospitalized after the crash, according to dispatchers. None of the injuries suffered were believed to be life threatening, dispatch said.
Deputies: 1 hospitalized after being hit by car in Otsego Township
OTSEGO TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — A person was hospitalized after being hit by an SUV in Otsego Township Thursday night, deputies say. According to the Allegan County Sheriff's Office, the crash happened on M89 highway, at the intersection of Cross Oaks Mall Drive. The driver of the SUV was not hurt, deputies say. The pedestrian was transported to a local hospital. It is unclear what led up to the crash. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
Deputies: 1 hospitalized after being hit by car in Otsego Township Original
by: A.J. Evans Posted: Oct 9, 2026 / 12:06 AM EDT Updated: Oct 9, 2026 / 12:09 AM EDT OTSEGO TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — A person was hospitalized after being hit by an SUV in Otsego Township Thursday night, deputies say. According to the Allegan County Sheriff’s Office, the crash happened on M89 highway, at the intersection of Cross Oaks Mall Drive. The driver of the SUV was not hurt, deputies say. The pedestrian was transported to a local hospital. It is unclear what led up to the crash.
Spin room takeaways from the WOOD TV8 U.S. Senate debate Original
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Abdul El-Sayed and Mike Rogers faced off in WOOD TV8’s U.S. Senate debate Thursday night in Grand Rapids. In front of a national audience, the two opponents sparred on data centers, voters and tariffs, while trading jabs and insults in between. As the conversations continued in the spin room afterward, El-Sayed and Rogers reiterated their points and expressed confidence in the road to Election Day.
City of Walker holding interviews for next fire chief Original
WALKER, Mich. (WOOD) — The city of Walker is inviting residents to attend interviews for the final three candidates for the next fire chief. The search is underway after the city’s previous fire chief, Russell “Rusty” Shoultz, died unexpectedly in May after a medical emergency. He was 52. “We know finding a successor to Chief Russell Shoultz will not come easily, but this process is an important step for the City of Walker as we look to progress into the future,” Walker Mayor Gary Carey stated.
Deputies: 1 hospitalized after crash in Fillmore Township
FILLMORE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — One person was hospitalized after a crash in Fillmore Township Wednesday night, deputies say. The crash happened at around 7:53 p.m., at the intersection of Lincoln Road and 138th Avenue, according to the Allegan County Sheriff's Office. Witnesses told deputies that a truck was sitting at the intersection with its blinker on to turn westbound, when another car headed northbound did not stop, causing the crash, deputies say.
Deputies: 1 hospitalized after crash in Fillmore Township Original
FILLMORE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — One person was hospitalized after a crash in Fillmore Township Wednesday night, deputies say. The crash happened at around 7:53 p.m., at the intersection of Lincoln Road and 138th Avenue, according to the Allegan County Sheriff’s Office. Witnesses told deputies that a truck was sitting at the intersection with its blinker on to turn westbound, when another car headed northbound did not stop, causing the crash, deputies say.
Insurance company sues over 2023 DeltaPlex fire
WALKER, Mich. (WOOD) — An insurance company is suing contractors for a 2023 fire that left a firefighter injured and damaged the DeltaPlex Arena in Walker. According to court documents, Michigan Insurance Company is suing Coral Engineering and Italy-based engineering company Euromontaggi. MSI is seeking more than $75,000 in damages and suing on three counts of negligence, two counts of breach of contract and three counts of breach of warranty. The suit dates back to the night of Nov.
Grand Valley State University tightening visitor, guest hours Original
Editor’s note: The video report above aired Sept. 24, 2026. ALLENDALE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — Grand Valley State University is making safety changes on campus after a spate of incidents to open the school year. In a social media post, the university said it would “enhance enforcement” of its guests and visitors policies on evenings between Thursday and Saturday. According to the school, starting Oct.
Police investigating Muskegon Heights shooting
MUSKEGON HEIGHTS, Mich. (WOOD) — Authorities are investigating after two people were shot in Muskegon Heights Tuesday night. Multiple residents called 911 around 7:50 p.m. to report hearing 10 to 15 gunshots in the area of 5th Street and W Hackley Avenue, the Muskegon Heights Police Department said. Officers responded to the area within minutes and found evidence that at least one person had been hit by gunfire, though they found no victims at the scene.
Police investigating Muskegon Heights shooting Original
MUSKEGON HEIGHTS, Mich. (WOOD) — Authorities are investigating after a shooting in Muskegon Heights Tuesday night. According to the Muskegon Heights Police Department, officials were dispatched on reports of shots being fired at around 7:49 p.m. on 5th Street. Authorities did not locate a victim at the scene, police say. Later Tuesday night, two men arrived at a local hospital after the shooting, but police could not immediately confirm if they were the victims of the shooting.
Spin room takeaways from WOOD TV8’s gubernatorial debate Original
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Jocelyn Benson and John James faced off during WOOD TV8’s gubernatorial debate, covering a variety of state, nationwide and global issues pertaining to the day-to-day lives of Michiganders. After the Tuesday debate, the two candidates spoke to media members in the spin room, where they addressed a range of topics, including their stances on data centers, costs and transparency for residents.
Deputies: Three hospitalized after Allendale Township crash
ALLENDALE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — Three people were hospitalized after a crash in Allendale Township Monday evening, deputies say. According to the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office, the crash happened at around 7:12 p.m. at 64th Avenue and Pierce Street. Deputies say preliminary investigations showed a 69-year-old was headed west on Pierce in a Lexus SUV and pulled in front of a Jeep SUV headed north, causing the crash. Deputies say a 14-year-old was driving the Jeep with her father.
Kent ISD introducing 10 electric buses this year
Editor's note: The related video above aired on April 20, 2026 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A West Michigan school district is introducing electric buses for the first time this school year. Kent Independent School District is set to utilize more than 10 electric buses this school year. The rollout was funded by a $2.1 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and a $2.3 million grant from the State of Michigan.
Kent ISD introducing 10 electric buses this year Original
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A West Michigan school district is introducing electric buses for the first time this school year. Kent Independent School District is set to utilize more than 10 electric buses this school year. The rollout was funded by a $2.1 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and a $2.3 million grant from the State of Michigan.
Deputies: Three hospitalized after Allendale Township crash Original
ALLENDALE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — Three people were hospitalized after a crash in Allendale Township Monday evening, deputies say. According to the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, the crash happened at around 7:12 p.m. at 64th Avenue and Pierce Street. Deputies say preliminary investigations showed a 69-year-old was headed west on Pierce in a Lexus SUV and pulled in front of a Jeep SUV headed north, causing the crash. Deputies say a 14-year-old was driving the Jeep with her father.
Deputies: Cement truck crash leaves one dead, four hurt Original
OLIVE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — One person was killed and four people are in critical condition after a crash in Olive Township Monday afternoon, deputies say. According to the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, the crash happened at around 2:23 p.m. near the intersection of 120th Avenue and Stanton Street. Deputies said investigations showed a cement mixer was headed north on 120th towards Stanton when a Toyota did not yield at the intersection, deputies said.
Kent County Sheriff’s Office video shows deputies chase stolen vehicles Original
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Dashboard and body camera footage released by the Kent County Sheriff’s Office shows deputies chasing multiple vehicles stolen in Ada Township and later officers pulling a suspect out of the Grand River. The sheriff’s office said that on Oct. 2 before 3 a.m., deputies sent to a neighborhood in Ada Township for a car that had been reported stolen out of a driveway. The sheriff’s office said before the thieves were able to leave, deputies were on the scene.
MSP: 2 arrested, no one hurt after Wyoming shooting
WYOMING, Mich. (WOOD) — No one was injured after shots were fired into a vehicle in Wyoming Saturday afternoon, police say. According to a social media post from Michigan State Police, officials responded to the US-131 southbound ramp from 44th Street at around 5 p.m. MSP said witnesses reported a passenger in an SUV shooting at a Cadillac. Two men and three juveniles were inside the Cadillac, according to MSP.
Deputies: Man dead after crash in Fork Township Original
FORK TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — A man died after a crash Sunday afternoon in Fork Township, deputies say.
MSP: No one hurt after Saturday shooting in Wyoming Original
WYOMING, Mich. (WOOD) — No one was injured or hit by a gunfire after a shooting in Wyoming Saturday afternoon, state troopers say. According to a social media post from Michigan State Police, officials responded to the US-131 southbound ramp from 44th Street at around 5 p.m. MSP said witnesses reported a passenger shooting out of an SUV. Two men and three juveniles were in the vehicle, according to MSP.
Pistons, Jalen Duren agree to five-year, $200 million extension
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Jalen Duren and the Detroit Pistons have come to terms on a deal. The All-NBA center has agreed to return to the Pistons on a 5-year, $200 million extension, according to reports from ESPN. Duren had a breakout season in 2025-26, averaging 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game on 65% shooting in 70 games.
Pistons, Jalen Duren agree to five-year, $200 million extension Original
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Jalen Duren and the Detroit Pistons have come to terms on a deal. The All-NBA center has agreed to return to the Pistons on a 5-year, $200 million extension, according to reports from ESPN. Duren had a breakout season in 2025-26, averaging 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game on 65% shooting in 70 games.
KDPS: One hospitalized after Kalamazoo shooting Original
KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) — One person was hospitalized after a shooting in Kalamazoo Thursday night, police say. According to the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, a 23-year-old was shot on Fox Ridge Drive at around 6:17 p.m. The victim suffered non life-threatening injuries, according to KDPS. The shooting is the third this week in Kalamazoo and the second on Fox Ridge Drive.
MDOT: Multiple people injured in US-131 crash north of Rockford Original
by: A.J. Evans Posted: Oct 1, 2026 / 05:39 PM EDT Updated: Oct 1, 2026 / 06:13 PM EDT ALGOMA TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — A portion of US-131 north of Rockford was shut down for part of Thursday afternoon after a crash involving multiple vehicles. According to the Michigan Department of Transportation, multiple people were injured in the highway crash, near 13 Mile in Algoma Township. It is unclear what led up to the crash.
Woman charged in deadly crash near Holland Original
HOLLAND TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — A woman had been charged for her role in a drunken driving crash that left a person dead and multiple people injured in Holland Township, deputies say. Rajinder Kaur, 36, was arraigned Wednesday on charges of operating while intoxicated causing death, the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office said. A Sept. 29, 2026, booking photo of Rajinder Kaur from the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office.
Court documents: Man tortured, assaulted girlfriend at his home in Grand Rapids Original
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A man has been charged with torture after he assaulted, waterboarded and strangled his girlfriend multiple times over days at his home in Grand Rapids, according to court documents. Derrick Adams has been charged with three counts, including torture, unlawful imprisonment and assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder or by strangulation, according to documents. The charges date back to Sept. 16, when officers were dispatched to a woman’s home.
Deputies: 1 dead, multiple injured in Holland Township crash
HOLLAND TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — A 62-year-old woman died and multiple people were injured after a crash in Holland Township Tuesday night, deputies say. According to the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office, the crash happened at around 7:12 p.m. near the intersection of James Street and Butternut Avenue. Deputies said investigations showed that a GMC was headed northwest on Butternut "at a high rate of speed" as a Jeep Grand Cherokee was headed southeast on Butternut.
University of Michigan pauses freshman grade pilot program
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The University of Michigan is pausing its pass-no pass pilot program for first-semester students in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. The program was slated to start in the fall of 2027.
Deputies: 1 seriously hurt after crash in Holland Township Original
by: A.J. Evans Posted: Sep 29, 2026 / 08:37 PM EDT Updated: Sep 29, 2026 / 08:46 PM EDT HOLLAND TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — A person was seriously injured after a crash in Holland Township Tuesday night, deputies say. According to the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, the crash happened at around 7:14 p.m. near the intersection of James Street and Butternut Avenue. It is unclear what led up to the crash at this point.
University of Michigan pauses freshman grade pilot program
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The University of Michigan is pausing its pass-no pass pilot program for first-semester students in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. The program was slated to start in the fall of 2027.
CASA of Kent County holding volunteer training in November Original
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A local organization is looking for volunteers in Kent County. Court Appointed Special Advocates of Kent County is looking to expand its team. Volunteers would be paired with children in foster care around the area, according to executive director Stephanie Sheler.
CASA of Kent County holding volunteer training in November
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A local organization is looking for volunteers in Kent County. Court Appointed Special Advocates of Kent County is looking to expand its team. Volunteers would be paired with children in foster care around the area, according to executive director Stephanie Sheler.
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