Grand Rapids, MI — Hundreds of protesters lined the sidewalk in front of the Tesla dealership on 29th St. Ave. SE in Grand Rapids on Saturday, March 29, as part of a nationwide demonstration against the electric vehicle giant.
The protest, dubbed “Tesla Takedown,” was one of many held across the country over the weekend in opposition to Tesla CEO Elon Musk’s expanding political influence. Specifically, demonstrators targeted Musk’s role as the head of the newly created Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—a position that has granted him access to sensitive federal data and the authority to shut down entire government agencies in an aggressive push to cut spending.
Musk, whose estimated $340 billion fortune is largely tied to his Tesla holdings, continues to lead the company while simultaneously working alongside former President Donald Trump. Critics argue that his growing influence is a threat to democratic institutions.
Protesters held signs with slogans such as “No Kings, No Felons,”“Don’t Buy Swasticars,” and “Tesla is Funding the Coup.” Organizers say this is just the beginning of a larger movement aiming to challenge Musk’s role in both business and politics.
With additional demonstrations planned, the “Tesla Takedown” movement signals escalating public concern over the intersection of corporate power and government control.
Marcher line up to take to the streets of Grand Rapids
GRAND RAPIDS — The streets of downtown Grand Rapids echoed with chants of “¡Sí se puede!” and “Aquí estamos” on the afternoon of Saturday, February 1, as hundreds of demonstrators gathered for the Stand Up & Fight Back rally. Organized by the Grand Rapids Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (GRAARPR), the rally aimed to highlight issues impacting marginalized communities under the current administration, particularly immigrant rights and Palestinian lives.
The demonstration began at Fountain Street Church, where local organizers and community leaders addressed the crowd before leading a march through downtown. Protesters held signs high and voiced their concerns over policies they believe disproportionately affect immigrants, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other vulnerable groups.
Among the marchers was Marianna Silva, who attended the rally in honor of her immigrant parents. “My parents are immigrants, but it’s okay. They’re out here making the world better for me,” Silva said. “It actually makes my heart bigger. It makes my heart melt. There are so many people out here who have immigrant parents, and they’re standing in solidarity. That’s how it should always be.”
Yasmin Montoya echoed that sentiment, saying she was marching to be a voice for her parents. “I want to be their voice, since they really can’t use theirs as much as they’d like to. I’m here to advocate for them and for our community,” Montoya said. “It’s a blessing to see so many people coming together to support one another.”
For Sherlyn A., the event was an emotional experience shared across borders. “My parents came to this country legally, and they work hard every day,” she said. “I was just on FaceTime with my dad, showing him all the people who came out to support. He looked like he wanted to cry.”
The rally brought together over a dozen organizations, including Planned Parenthood, Palestine Solidarity Grand Rapids, and GR Rapid Response to ICE. Organizers emphasized the importance of unity among different movements fighting for justice.
“We have to stand in solidarity with all these different movements,” said Julian Cortez of GRAARPR. “We’ve already seen a lot of executive orders, and we see the direction this administration wants to take the country. We are standing here to say we are not going to take it.”
Cortez highlighted that the fight is far from over. “We are here standing in solidarity with the Two-Spirit LGBTQ+ community, with Palestinians, with Black lives, and with workers’ rights. This is only the beginning.”
Saturday’s rally marked the first large-scale protest in Grand Rapids since the new administration took office, but organizers made it clear it would not be the last.
“We cannot let fear make us apathetic,” one organizer told the crowd. “Let’s make 2025 the people’s year.”
As the marchers returned to Fountain Street Church, the energy remained high, with many attendees discussing ways to stay involved and continue the fight for human rights. With the momentum gained from this event, activists in Grand Rapids are making it clear: they are ready to stand up, fight back, and keep pushing for change.
LANSING, MI – A powerful display of transgender solidarity unfolded at the Michigan State Capitol on Thursday as more than 200 people gathered to voice their concerns over recent executive orders by President Donald Trump. The rally, organized by the Transgender Unity Coalition, was one of nine held nationwide to protest policies that activists say threaten the rights and well-being of transgender individuals.
Concerns Over Executive Orders
The executive orders in question include measures that cut federal support for gender-affirming health care, limit legal recognition of gender identities beyond male and female, and restrict transgender individuals from serving in the military. Rally leader Mallory Fournier spoke passionately about the fear and uncertainty these policies have created within the transgender community.
“We’re concerned for our access to health care. We’re concerned for our existence in society,” said Fournier. “If the federal government isn’t there to protect us and is actively trying to erase us, then some of our transgender siblings won’t be able to make it with us.”
Photos from the Rally
The rally featured signs with messages of support, pride flags waving in the wind, and powerful moments captured on the steps of the Michigan Capitol.
Testimonies from the Community
The rally featured a series of speeches from transgender individuals and their allies. Many shared personal stories about how the executive orders could affect their lives. Alexandra Hulscher, a volunteer with the advocacy group Trans Unity, emphasized the importance of feeling seen and supported.
“When you wake up in the morning feeling like yourself, you want to stay that way,” Hulscher said, highlighting the emotional and psychological toll of restrictive policies.
Taylor Bumgardner, another speaker, stressed the life-or-death importance of gender-affirming health care.
“I think access to gender-affirming care is literally life or death,” said Bumgardner. “It’s impossible to live uncomfortably in your own body, and that’s why everyone should have the right to exist as they are.”
Waabano Mandosking, who traveled from Sault Ste. Marie to attend, drew on her Indigenous heritage for strength.
“As a trans person and also an Indigenous person, it doesn’t feel good obviously,” Mandosking said. “I just keep reminding myself my ancestors persevered through worse administrations, and we survived.”
A Clash of Views
The rally was not without opposition. A small group of counter protesters, including members of Turning Point USA’s Michigan State University chapter, voiced support for the executive orders. Alex Bitzan, the group’s president, defended the federal government’s position.
“The idea that people can just be whatever they want to be without having to be accountable to objective reality is a fundamentally harmful one,” Bitzan said.
Tensions flared at moments, but the rally remained largely peaceful, with the transgender rights activists maintaining their focus on unity and resilience.
Political and Community Support
State representatives Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia) and Emily Dievendorf (D-Lansing) were among those in attendance, showing support for the transgender community. Rep. Julie Brixie (D-Meridian Twp.) also addressed the crowd, recalling her role in amending the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to protect LGBTQ+ Michiganders.
“We see you. We love you. We are protecting you,” said Brixie. “Do not give up. Engage, participate, join us, help us. You matter.”
The rally took place just two days after President Trump signed an executive order cutting federal support for gender-affirming care for minors. The move has sparked widespread criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates, who argue that denying health care to transgender youth is cruel and harmful.
A Long History of Struggle
Among the speakers was Grace Bacon, 84, widely regarded as the mother of Michigan’s transgender community. She founded Crossroads in 1977, the state’s first transgender support group. Bacon urged attendees to remain strong in the face of adversity.
“We’re being picked on, and we’ve been picked on, and it’s not gonna let up,” said Bacon. “Trump’s emboldened a lot of hatred toward all of us. And we’re all targets. But for the rest of you, you’re gonna come out of this eventually, and I hope we all do. We’re here to stay. We’re here; we’re queer; we’re gonna stay here.”
Hope and Resilience
Danny Jones, a nonbinary attendee, shared a deeply personal reflection on choosing hope over bitterness.
“It would have been so easy to walk through that door and to become bitter and cynical, but I don’t want to go through that door,” said Jones. “Hope is a choice. It’s something we can feed. It’s something we can put those logs on the fire and keep alive. And we can do that for each other.”
The rally closed with chants of solidarity and messages of perseverance. Organizers emphasized that this gathering was just the beginning of a continued effort to advocate for transgender rights and push back against restrictive policies.
“I hope that people know that there is a community,” Fournier said. “We’re here, we’re organizing, and we’re doing our best to combat any legislation that tries to erase us. Because we exist. We will still exist. And together, we can make it through this.”
The Transgender Unity Coalition confirmed that similar rallies were held Thursday in California, Colorado, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Ohio, Texas, Utah, and Wisconsin. The national effort aimed to unite the transgender community, assert their presence, and demand justice from elected officials.
As the sun set on the Capitol, one message remained clear: the fight for transgender rights is far from over, but the community remains steadfast in its determination to exist, resist, and thrive.
Streaking Marco Rizzo Finishes Third After Winning Round 1
Grand Rapids, Mi – In a thrilling display of bull riding prowess, Cody McCandless from Derry, Pennsylvania, emerged victorious at the Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour’s Tractor Supply Co. PBR Grand Rapids, claiming his first PBR event title. McCandless demonstrated unmatched skill, going a perfect 3-for-3 in the final night of competition.
The Pennsylvania cowboy began his trek to the top from the eighth position on Saturday after a successful 78.5-point ride on Little Hornet (Mike Miller Bucking Bulls) in Round 1. Determined to clinch his first PBR event buckle, McCandless rode Rip VanWinkle (J Bar W) for 82.5 points, securing his spot in the championship round.
The over eight thousand in attendance at Van Andel Arena roared as the 21-year-old cowboy soared to the lead by rocketing out of the gate on Muss Buss (C-B Bucking Bulls) for an impressive 85.5 points. McCandless’s flawless performance earned him 116 Velocity Global points, propelling him to the No. 3 spot in the Velocity Tour standings.
Qynn Andersen from Koumala, Queensland, Australia, maintained the second-place spot after a strong Round 1 performance. Despite being bucked off Blaze (J Bar W) in 7.13 seconds, Andersen rebounded in the championship round, claiming victory with an event-high 87.5 points on The Undertaker (Cornwell/Riley/PCP Bucking Bulls). This success propelled him into the Top 10 in the Velocity Tour standings with 96 Velocity Global points.
Round 1 winner Marco Rizzo from Quitman, Georgia, secured a third-place finish. Rizzo maintained his top spot in the event standings after riding Money Maker (C Check Bucking Bulls) for 84 points in Round 2. Despite a valiant effort in the final round on Shazam (Dave Martin/Mike Miller Bucking Bulls), he was bucked off in 1.84 seconds. The bronze finish earned Rizzo 80.5 points, preserving his hold on the No. 1 ranking in the early Velocity Tour standings.
In fourth position was Rubens Barbosa from Iaciara, Brazil, who went 2-for-3 with notable rides on Kiss This (J Bar W) and Sierra’s Dance (J Bar W). Barbosa’s first Top 5 finish of 2024 secured him 54 Velocity Global points.
Grayson Cole from New Riggold, Pennsylvania, rounded out the Top 5 with impressive rides on Recall (J Bar W) and Monkey Doo (C-B Bucking Bulls). Despite being bucked off Bad Hart (Mike Miller Bucking Bulls) in the championship round, Cole left Van Andel Arena with 48 Velocity Global points.
Tyler Manor from Portland, Indiana, claimed the sixth position, putting together two solid rides. Manor’s Top-10 finish, including a successful ride on Funny Farm (Cornwell Bucking Bulls/PCP Bucking Bulls) in the championship round, earned him 43 Velocity Global points.
In the bullpen, The Undertaker and Muss Buss shared the Bull of the Event title, marking an exceptional display of skill and strength.
The Tractor Supply Co. PBR Grand Rapids showcased remarkable performances from riders and bulls alike, creating an unforgettable event for fans and participants.
Grand Rapids, Mi-Following his triumphant win at the Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour (PWVT) in Charleston, West Virginia, Marco Rizzo of Quitman, Georgia, is taking the lead after the opening round of the Tractor Supply Co. Professional Bull Riders (PBR) event in Grand Rapids. Ranked No. 1 in the Velocity Global standings, Rizzo showcased his skills by conquering Air Shift from Mike Miller Bucking Bulls, earning a round-winning score of 87 points on Friday night. This victory extended his lead in the standings, garnering an impressive 28 Velocity Global points.
Qynn Andersen, representing Koumala, Queensland, Australia, secured the second position in Round 1. Teaming up with Cash Goblin from Dave Martin/Mike Miller Bucking Bulls, Andersen thrilled the crowd with an 85.5-point ride, adding 18 points to his Velocity Global standings.
The last spot on the podium currently belongs to Hunter Ball of Carsonville, Michigan. With the support of his home state fans at The Van Andel Arena, Ball successfully rode Down N Dirty from C Check Bucking Bulls for the requisite 8 seconds, earning 85 points. The 17 Velocity Global points propelled him to the fourth position in the standings.
The Tractor Supply Co. PBR event, hosted at The Van Andel Arena, home to the Grand Rapids Griffins Ice Hockey team, is currently underway. The arena, typically known for ice hockey, has transformed into a battleground for thrilling PBR action. The final round is set to return on Saturday night, promising more intense matchups between skilled riders and powerful bulls. As the competition heats up, Grand Rapids remains the epicenter of this adrenaline-pumping event, captivating audiences with the fearless spirit of bull riding.
PBR Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour
Tractor Supply Co. PBR Grand Rapids Van Andel Arena – Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids, Mi– Protesters gathered at Rosa Parks Circle on March 8, 2021 for a Justice for George Floyd Rally in response to the start of Derek Chauvin’s trial. Chauvin is a former Minneapolis police officer charged with the May 25, 2020 death of Floyd.
The peaceful protest, organized by nonprofit organization Justice for Black Lives, began at 6 p.m. with event organizers and supporters giving speeches calling for equal rights, unity, and the conviction of Chauvin’s and the others involved with the death.
Following the speeches, around 100 people began a march through the streets of downtown.
About 20 minutes into the march, protesters were met by Grand Rapids Police at the intersection of Ionia and Monroe Center where eight people were arrested, all for misdemeanor offenses.
Charges ranged from creating a public disturbance to obstructing traffic to refusing to obey a command by an officer.
Media Works of John Rothwell 