Friday, September 12th, 2025
Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 12th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ On September 8, hundreds of volunteers focused on Bless the City— a service project in a southeast Grand Rapids neighborhood that aimed to meet local needs. Community members are invited to support future efforts as the initiative builds on its success. WOOD TV
- ➤ Today at Hamilton High School, students, staff and families joined the Football Frenzy Tailgate to donate food for Hungry For Christ—a local ministry that has served West Michigan for 25 years and now faces a 30% increase in need. WOOD TV
- ➤ On Sept. 11 in Grand Rapids, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum hosted a 13-hour continuous salute honoring lives impacted by 9/11 — Boy Scouts, fire and police officials and community members joined in bell-ringing tributes. A scheduled program with remarks by local chiefs and a Salvation Army Band performance added to the commemorations — marking a respectful day of remembrance. MLive
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Uncle Cheetah's Soup Shop in Grand Rapids reopened its doors Wednesday after closing in early June for renovations—bringing new staff and an updated menu that excited loyal customers. FOX 17
- ➤ Workers with Holland-based EV Construction are preparing the site at 1970 Breton Road SE — next to Breton Village — to build a new Tommy’s Express car wash that will be the chain’s second Grand Rapids location, though the opening date remains unclear. MLive
- ➤ Revolin Pickleball in Holland is celebrating five years of making eco friendly pickleball gear from sustainable materials like hemp and volcanic rock—its party Saturday, Sept 13 will feature cake, discounts and court challenges. Cofounder Hugh Davis said the local company plans to keep offering high-performance paddles made in West Michigan. ABC 13
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The nearly complete 13,000-year-old mastodon skeleton was unveiled to the public at the Grand Rapids Public Museum on Sept. 11 after a private preview on Sept. 10. The Clapp family donated the fossil and scientists spent three years preparing the exhibit—now on display in the museum's atrium. MLive
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Kent County is buying a 0.85-acre parcel at 1184 Maynard Ave. SW in Walker for $550,000 to expand Millennium Park—closing on Sept. 15, with a 1,348-square-foot house to be demolished in 2027 after the occupants leave by December 2026; funds include $400,000 from ARPA and a $200,000 commitment from the Kent County Parks Foundation. MLive
- ➤ The city of Grand Rapids will hold public meetings next week at Sibley Elementary and Grand Rapids Public School University to gather feedback on a proposal that would make city trash collection the only service for single-family homes and small multi-unit buildings. The plan aims to lower environmental impacts and reduce heavy trucks on neighborhood streets — officials said residents can help shape the proposal by sharing their experiences — and input from the community is encouraged. WOOD TV
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Respiratory illness is rising in West Michigan as rhino-enterovirus spreads along with hand, foot and mouth disease and COVID-19. Health experts say the virus usually lasts one to two weeks and urge families to clean hands and seek care if symptoms like fever or trouble breathing worsen. FOX 17
- ➤ Jessica Marchant (a 19-year-old East Grand Rapids graduate) returned to Michigan after suffering a series of rare spinal strokes in Hawaii that left her paralyzed. She is now receiving intensive rehabilitation at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital as doctors and her family cautiously hope that specialized treatment will boost her independence. FOX 17
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ After a 7-2 win over the Lake County Captains Tuesday, the West Michigan Whitecaps hosted Game 2 of the Midwest League Eastern Division Championship on Thursday at LMCU Ballpark. The team offered new food and drink options — part of a record-setting postseason run as they chased their first championship since 2015. FOX 17
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Come Back To Earth - Tribute to Mac Miller
8-9:30 p.m. — Elevation — Tickets available — Experience the heartfelt performances of the world's first Mac Miller tribute band.
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Scoochie Boochie & Groovebox
7-8:30 p.m. — The Pyramid Scheme — Tickets start at $76 — Enjoy an unforgettable night with Scoochie Boochie and Groovebox in Grand Rapids.
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Peach Pit Live
8-9:30 p.m. — The Intersection — Ticket prices vary — Experience the emotionally resonant indie rock sounds of Peach Pit featuring their latest album, Magpie.
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Rock of Ages Musical Performance
6:30-9:00 PM — Grand Rapids Civic Theatre And School Of Theatre Arts — Tickets available — Experience the rock-n-roll musical set in the 1980s with iconic hits and a fun storyline.
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Jon Pardi: Honkytonk Hollywood Tour 2025
7:00-8:30 p.m. — Van Andel Arena — Ticket prices vary — Catch country star Jon Pardi live in concert for an unforgettable night of honky-tonk music.
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Wade Bowen Live Performance
7-9 p.m. — Elevation — Check for ticket prices — Experience an evening with one of country music's finest as Wade Bowen showcases his captivating songwriting and performances.
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Luke Severeid: Stand-Up Comedy Show
7-9 p.m. — Ambrosia Theater — Ticketed event — Experience a night of laughter with the metal-loving stand-up comedian Luke Severeid.
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Northlane Live Concert
7-9 p.m. — Elevation — Varying prices — Experience the dynamic heavy music of award-winning Australian band Northlane at their Grand Rapids show.
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Leo Kottke Concert
7:30-9 p.m. — St. Cecilia Music Center — Tickets starting at $71 — Experience an unforgettable performance by guitar legend Leo Kottke.
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Rock of Ages
7:30-9 p.m. — Grand Rapids Civic Theatre And School Of Theatre Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience the high-energy rock musical featuring iconic anthems from the 80s.
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