Good morning, Grand Rapids.

Twenty-five influential Latino leaders were honored Thursday night at a gala in Grand Rapids presented by Vive Michigan to recognize their work in business, public service and community contributions; funds raised will support scholarships for Latino students.

The Kent County Road Commission and Kent County Parks Department unveiled the 2026 Fall Color Tour with 18 routes across 350 miles of county roads, featuring a new interactive guide (pilot tool with Google Maps) and printable PDF maps for residents to enjoy fall colors safely.

Tourism leaders say fall is drawing a new wave of visitors to West Michigan’s lakeshore as vibrant autumn colors attract cyclists, anglers, and sightseers to local spots (including the Hart-Montague Trail) with business expected to be busy through October.

Meijer donated $1 million to fund nearly $25 million renovations expanding the Walker library by about 20,000 sqft, adding areas for children’s events, community meetings, and more; the project is set to open on Oct.

19 at 4293 Remembrance Road NW.

The Playground GR hosted a sold-out Play Soleil fundraiser on Oct.

1 at 20 Monroe Live—featuring a private circus performance and raising funds for free play therapy for those coping with trauma or grief.

Prism Controls Inc. in Vergennes Township announced a $3.8 million expansion of its 15,000 sqft facility — the project will double production and create 28 new jobs with wages from $22.61 to $36.22 per hour to meet growing demand in agricultural technology.

Rockford High School's 185-member marching band, led by Brian Phillips + Mary Claire Reynolds, was named MLive's Band of the Week after earning the most votes in an online poll.

The band, performing its show 'Bump in the Night,' will compete next at Bands of America Toledo Regional.

Temperatures are falling across Michigan and fall colors are emerging; the Upper Peninsula has reached its peak while northern and lower areas show low to moderate hues, and West, mid, and southeast Michigan will reach peak color around Oct.

24 and Oct. 25 — by mid-November, fall colors will fade.

Grand Rapids area planners approved several projects in September (including a Pizza Hut rebuild in Wyoming with a new pick-up window creating 20 jobs and a Maple Hill expansion adding recreational amenities) that also include new homes and an industrial building; some projects will break ground soon.

13 ON YOUR SIDELINES recaps high school football Week 3 action across West Michigan, where Mona Shores edged Byron Center 29-28 + teams like Hopkins, Hudsonville, and Caledonia posted strong wins.

The program streams regional highlights for local fans to follow the season.

High school football returned to LMCU Ballpark on Friday when the Sparta Spartans squared off against the Coopersville Broncos for the storied Friendship Trophy.

The Broncos won 35 to 0 with running back Corbin Motman scoring three touchdowns.

GR Catholic Central won its homecoming football game against Thornapple Kellogg on Friday, Oct.

2 with a 27-7 score. The Cougars now prepare to face GR Ottawa Hills next week at Houseman Field.

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*GET 20% OFF WITH CODE "GOODDAY". Fresh off of 3 World Tours as The Savannah Bananas Magician, join award winning magician (and massive sports fan) Jake Schwartz for 75 minutes of high-octane and hilarious MAGIC - packed with sports-fandom inside jokes, mind-blowing tricks, and a playoff-worthy crowd-experience.