Good Day
Grand Rapids
Saturday, October 4th, 2025
Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 4th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ John Ball Zoo revealed the name of its pygmy hippo calf as Hugo after a weeklong public vote — officials said his name means smart and spirited. He was born Sept. 3 and is part of the Species Survival Plan, with a public debut expected in late October. WOOD TV
- ➤ Paws with a Cause held a training exercise during ArtPrize on Friday in downtown Grand Rapids — six service dogs with their handlers practiced navigating crowds to gain real-life experience — to better prepare the dogs to assist people with disabilities. WOOD TV
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ A new boutique hotel—Hotel Rose—opened in downtown Rockford on Sept. 26 and sold out its first weekend as city leaders view the $14 million project as a boost for downtown growth. Local business news also reports that Mitten Brewing’s co-founder Chris Andrus is stepping away after 15 years while a $9 million project to expand Oxford Trail is underway. MLive
- ➤ CNC Logistics closed its Walker facility on August 27 after Amazon ended its contract, resulting in layoffs of 75 employees—70 of whom were delivery associates. Affected workers will be allowed to apply with other delivery service partners in the region. WOOD TV
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Local artist Arturo Morales Romero spent three weeks creating a 14x75-foot mural titled 'Under the Same Heaven' at West Side Smoke Shop on Bridge St. NW in Grand Rapids—his work honors Indigenous and Indian cultures with images of bison and an elephant—and the mural was unveiled after the ArtPrize awards on Oct. 3. MLive
- ➤ During Grand Rapids' Pulaski Days, the Polito—a burrito filled with kielbasa, garlic potatoes, cheese and cabbage smothered in bacon whiskey sauce—is served at Polish Falcons Hall. Three Men and a Grill created the dish 12 years ago and will offer it through Sunday, Oct. 5. MLive
- ➤ Second Vibes, a Grand Rapids store on Division that sells vintage and sustainable fashion, won a $100K prize for its exhibit Scraps at BioPhilia Gallery in this year’s ArtPrize competition — the co-owners plan to build on their local art support and reduce textile waste with the win. FOX 17
- ➤ Mark Lewanski’s glass sculpture Arras—made from thousands of glass fibers—won ArtPrize 2025’s $100,000 public vote grand prize at Studio Park on Friday night. The art was shown at the Gerald R Ford Museum and more than 110 thousand people cast their votes in the contest. ABC 13
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ City Middle/High School in GRPS was ranked as the best magnet high school and 4th best college prep public high school in Michigan by Niche—using data from over 90,000 public high schools nationwide and more than 500 in Michigan based on academics, diversity, and extracurricular programs. This ranking places the school among the state's top performing institutions. ABC 13
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Immigration advocates in Grand Rapids worry over ICE’s voluntary plan for undocumented kids — a program ICE says helps keep children safe even though they were smuggled by cartels. They advise families to consult an attorney before signing any documents. WOOD TV
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The University of Michigan Medical School’s Department of Anesthesiology received a $16.5 million NIH grant — part of the HEAL Initiative — to develop better treatments for chronic lower back pain by matching patients with the right therapy. Researchers have reviewed past patient data and will recruit 500 new volunteers to test these personalized methods for improving chronic pain care. WOOD TV
- ➤ Jon Husby, ADAC CEO, nearly lost his life to atrial fibrillation—he spent eight days in the hospital and later had an ablation procedure to restore his heart rhythm. He now follows a strict diet and exercise plan and is joining his team in the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk today at Aquinas College, with a pre-walk event at 9 a.m. and the walk at 11 a.m. ABC 13
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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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Rooftop Gas and Electric Training Class
9 AM - 12 PM — Young Supply Company - South Grand Rapids — Cost not specified — Dive into the intricacies of DDC and non-DDC control systems under expert guidance.
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Stand Atlantic Concert
6-10 p.m. — GLC Live at 20 Monroe — All ages welcome — Experience the energy of Stand Atlantic live in Grand Rapids.
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Brandon Lake - King of Hearts Tour
7:00 – 8:30 PM — Van Andel Arena — Tickets from $94 — Experience an inspiring evening of worship and music with Brandon Lake.
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The Third Mind Live Performance
7-9:30 p.m. — The Stache — Tickets available — Experience a supergroup inspired by psychedelic improvisation with captivating vocals by Jesse Sykes.
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Maddox Batson Concert
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Elevation — Check website for ticket prices — Experience the remarkable songwriting of a young talent who navigates the music scene with wisdom beyond his years.
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Squeaky Feet Concert
7-10 p.m. — The Stache — $10 — Experience the electrifying fusion of progressive rock and jazz with a modern twist.
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TAUK Concert
7:00-9:30 p.m. — Elevation — Ticket prices vary — Experience an innovative fusion of sound and improvisation with the acclaimed band TAUK.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Help others achieve their dreams and you will achieve yours.
~ Les Brown
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