Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 8th of October.
Good morning, Grand Rapids.
Eighty-three veterans will leave Kalamazoo on Saturday for a Talons Out Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. to visit Arlington National Cemetery and the National Mall — guardians will help the group manage the long day of travel and walking.
A woman in Walker has spread her Veterans Day drive from the Walker Ice and Fitness Center to 18 collection sites to help veterans and their families get needed items—last year the drive collected two full pickup truck loads of donations with help from the city's Department of Public Works.
Firefighters in Alpine Township urge residents to practice nighttime evacuation drills during Fire Safety Week after two elderly men died in separate early morning house fires, one in a burning mobile home on Oct.
3 and the other at a home on 4 Mile Road in September—reminding locals to install smoke detectors and check electrical plugs for safety.
Safe Haven Ministries, the YWCA and the Grand Rapids Police Department formed a high-risk team that trains officers with a danger assessment to help them respond to domestic violence calls and support survivors.
The group also held a domestic violence documentary screening at Celebration Cinema Studio Park on Oct 7 as part of ongoing awareness efforts.
Monday night, the East Grand Rapids City Commission approved Gaslight Investors’ final plan to turn a long-unused plot into a mixed-use site with 147 homes, 109,500 square feet of business space, and a central social hub—this step lets the developer begin design work and complete key studies. The plan is valid for two years and includes 10 conditions before final design approval.
Sen. Mallory McMorrow changed her stance on the Israel-Hamas war over the weekend—she called the conflict in Gaza genocide and said she will not accept AIPAC support while addressing voters at a brewery in Allegan Township.
She vowed to use every diplomatic tool to help free hostages and end the conflict.
A West Michigan doctor says safe sleep strategies such as placing babies on their back, keeping cribs clear of extra items, and avoiding smoking can help protect infants from SIDS.
He warned that many products claiming to prevent SIDS have not been tested+ parents should consult with their doctor for trusted advice.
A Holland resident said she survived a severe flesh-eating infection after an ovarian cyst surgery in 2023 and had to undergo four emergency surgeries—she spent a month at Corewell Health in Grand Rapids.
She now urges anyone with unexpected pain to get multiple medical opinions to avoid extra suffering.
Wedgwood Christian Services will open the Audere Transitional Living Program in Kentwood on Thursday to help teens aged 15 to 18 move from residential treatment to independent living — the new 10-bedroom facility will offer health, wellness, academic support and therapy to build a stable future.
The Grand Rapids Fall Bridal Show of West Michigan will take place on Oct.
11 at DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring over 100 booths for bridal gowns, accessories, and wedding services. A 2 p.m. fashion show will offer specialty cocktails and door prizes—details that will draw local brides and guests.
The West Michigan Whitecaps were named Minor League Baseball’s 2025 Organization of the Year after a historic season — they posted a 92-39 record, won the Midwest League Championship, and set a record for attendance — and they credited strong community support for their success.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Squeaky Feet Concert
7-10 p.m. — The Stache — $10 — Experience the electrifying fusion of progressive rock and jazz with a modern twist.
Music in the Stacks: Gemini Moon
6-7 p.m. — Grand Rapids Public Library — Free entry — Enjoy original tunes and classic rock riffs from Gemini Moon in a cozy library setting.
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.
Southeast Area Farmers Market with Friends of GR Parks Pumpkin Party
3 p.m. — Dean Lake Park — Free admission — Celebrate fall with local vendors and pumpkin-themed fun for the whole family.
Cage The Elephant Concert
6-9 p.m. — GLC Live at 20 Monroe — Ticketed event — Experience an evening with the uniquely self-aware and poignant sounds of Cage The Elephant.
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