Good morning, Grand Rapids.

John Ball Zoo earned five years of accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums after a multiday June review, with inspectors praising its new pygmy hippo and otter habitats—one minor fix near the tiger exhibit was completed.

The approval meets a county requirement and reinforces high animal care standards.

Grandville police and five churches will host the sixth annual Food and Basic Needs Drive on Saturday, Oct.

10 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at three Grandville locations (3181 Wilson Ave. SW, 3960 44th St. SW, 3130 44th St. SW) to collect essential donations.

JR Automation announced on Wednesday that Yusuke Kazama is its new CEO amid expansion.

He will drive global strategy as the company nears completion of its $72.8 million global headquarters in Zeeland, uniting 350 employees + adding at least 150 new jobs.

ArtPrize is ending its run as public voting closes at 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday brings events at Acrisure Amphitheater with an 8 p.m. awards ceremony, followed by a 9 p.m. fashion show and drone display — organizers aim to break a world record for fashion show attendance.

Kent County officials are asking residents to review and comment on a new waste management and recycling plan that outlines sustainable strategies.

Residents can give feedback online until Monday, Nov. 30; open houses are at Cedar Springs on Oct. 29, Kentwood on Nov. 12, and Grand Rapids on Nov. 18 (see details for locations).

Hope Network received a $600K SAMHSA grant to train 5,000 people in mental health awareness and suicide prevention over the next three years at its Education Center on 36th St. SE.

The nonprofit partners with local groups to expand training statewide (as part of its Zero Suicide Initiative).

Grand Rapids' Behavioral Health Crisis Center (Michigan's first crisis stabilization unit) has helped over 10,000 people since May 2024 by offering immediate care in mental health crises and substance abuse challenges, and now marks its two-year milestone.

Director Mandy Matthews said the center also reduces wait times at local emergency departments and eases law enforcement involvement.

AC Grand Rapids introduced its first head coach, Erik Bushey, on Oct.

1 as the team will debut in MLS NEXT Pro in March 2027. Construction continues on Amway Stadium, an 8,500-seat downtown venue + Bushey expressed excitement about boosting local energy at home.

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