Good Day
Grand Rapids
Tuesday, September 23rd, 2025
Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 23rd of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Homeowners in Grand Rapids can join Community Roots as Kind Hearts Bloom helps turn front yards into spaces for native plants and vegetables— the nonprofit will provide materials, design help, and garden installation over two years to boost bees, butterflies and birds. Applicants this year can show demand for future garden projects. ABC 13
- ➤ Today we meet Lucas, a 13-year-old teen in foster care who is rebuilding his life after a dirt bike crash left him with two broken legs and a broken arm three years ago — he now builds bikes from scraps while hoping to find a permanent home. FOX 17
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Grand Rapids selected Blueprint by artist Steve Wammack as the winning entry in its 175th Anniversary Commemorative Poster Competition after receiving 68% of the vote—this artwork showing local architecture will be displayed at City Hall and other community sites during ArtPrize. WOOD TV
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Gas prices in Grand Rapids have risen today to an average of $3.18 per gallon for regular unleaded according to AAA—this 12-cent increase from last week comes as demand rises and supply falls. Drivers will pay about $47 for a full 15-gallon tank and may see further increases if demand grows. ABC 13
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Max Colley Jr., the revered former Northview High School band director known for his 40 years of service and lasting impact on music education, died at 76. His legacy lives on in the many students and educators he inspired—memorial plans have not yet been announced. FOX 17
- ➤ Starting in January 2026, the GR Promise expansion will let Grand Rapids students who finish at GRCC receive up to $14,000 a year for tuition, fees and on-campus housing when they transfer to Ferris or GVSU—this funding is supported by tax increment financing and will not raise property taxes—providing a new path to a bachelor’s degree. MLive
- ➤ At West Middle School in Byron Center, Chelsea Freiman, a math teacher, was surprised when her students and colleagues honored her as Teacher of the Week with cheers and balloons—she has taught for 10 years and built strong bonds with the community. Her engaging methods help make math meaningful to middle schoolers. ABC 13
- ➤ Kathryn Christie, a fifth-generation farmer at Endley’s Charolais Farms in Hastings, has published her new book that shows how combines are cared for after the harvest—helping kids see a side of farming they may not know. The book follows a farmer and his son on their 2,000-acre farm—teaching children about farming work and equipment care. WOOD TV
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Immigration and Customs Enforcement will expand its operations in Grand Rapids as the General Services Administration seeks furnished office space—part of a nationwide effort to house thousands of law enforcement employees—for a 10-year lease. Local groups linked the plan to the city commission’s refusal to adopt Sanctuary policies—raising concerns about increased risks for undocumented immigrants. MLive
- ➤ Work began yesterday on a $1.3 million project to repair five bridges at the I-196 and US-131 interchange as the westbound ramp to southbound US-131 remains closed. MDOT has scheduled lane closures on I-196 and expects repairs to finish in late October—economic modeling shows the project will support 12 jobs. WOOD TV
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Over 85,000 packages of shrimp sold at Kroger stores—including some in Michigan—were recalled due to possible Cs-137 contamination, and customers are advised to return the items for a refund. WOOD TV
- ➤ The new Holistic Health Collective wellness center on Grand Rapids’ east side will hold its grand opening on Sept. 26 from 5 to 7 p.m. — it offers yoga, massage, counseling, doula services and more while accepting major insurances like Medicaid and Medicare. The center will bring many health providers together under one roof to offer complete care that connects mental, emotional and physical health. MLive
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Dylan Larkin said he was amazed by the sellout crowd at Van Andel Arena during the red and white game last Sunday when Team White beat Team Red 3-2 in a scrimmage that recalled his early days in West Michigan. The practice game boosted the team’s readiness for today’s preseason home game against the Chicago Blackhawks — young prospect Elmer Soderblom stood out with key plays. MLive
- ➤ Over 10,000 fans watched the Detroit Red Wings finish training camp with a Red & White Game at Van Andel Arena on September 21—where future stars and familiar faces like Dylan Larkin and Lucas Raymond took the ice. The team won 3-2 in a shootout and will open its preseason today against the Chicago Blackhawks at 7 p.m. at Little Caesars Arena. MLive
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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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Jack Van Cleaf Live Performance
6:30-9:00 p.m. — The Stache — Tickets available — Experience the viral sensation Jack Van Cleaf as he performs tracks from his introspective new album 'JVC'.
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Austin Snell Live Performance
8-9:30 p.m. — The Stache — $ — Experience the raw emotional sound of rising country star Austin Snell with hits and heartfelt storytelling.
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Starcrawler Live in Concert
7-9:30 p.m. — The Pyramid Scheme — Ticket prices vary — Experience the explosive energy of Starcrawler's live rock performance with their electrifying frontwoman and talented band.
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Lecrae Live in Concert
7-9 p.m. — Elevation — Ticket prices vary — Experience Lecrae's unique blend of faith and hip-hop as he performs from his latest project, Church Clothes 4.
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Rock of Ages Musical Performance
7:30-9:00 p.m. — Grand Rapids Civic Theatre And School Of Theatre Arts — VIP tickets available — Experience the electric atmosphere of the iconic Rock of Ages musical featuring classic rock hits.
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Ben Folds with Grand Rapids Symphony
7:30-9 p.m. — DeVos Performance Hall — Ticket info TBA — Experience the influential sounds of Ben Folds in a grand orchestral setting.
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Rock of Ages Musical Performance
2:00 – 3:30 PM — Grand Rapids Civic Theatre And School Of Theatre Arts — VIP tickets available — Experience the classic rock musical with premium seating and hospitality options.
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Gordon Food Service Food Show 2025
Oct 7-8 — DeVos Place — Free entry — Explore a wide range of chicken products at the Gordon Food Service Show.
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White Reaper Live Performance
6:30-8 p.m. — The Pyramid Scheme — Ticket prices vary — Experience the high-energy sound of White Reaper, blending glam and grit for an unforgettable night of music.
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