Good morning, Grand Rapids.

Homes Giving Hope—a nonprofit from Rockford—is honored for its work providing housing and support to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Co-founder Brian Boven is a finalist for a national Good Neighbor Award and will share the group’s efforts at a Houston conference later this year.

A new Hot ‘n Now restaurant opened on Monday, Oct.

13 at 1146 129th Ave near Wayland where fans lined up and honked to try nostalgic burgers starting at $2.77. Gun Lake Investments CEO Monica King said the quality upgrade honors the chain’s 1984 roots and boosts excitement for its comeback — a nod to a beloved Michigan favorite.

The Better Business Bureau of Michigan warned that fake relief check scams are on the rise as the government shutdown nears, with scammers sending texts or calls promising an unclaimed check of over $5,000 and directing locals to a fraudulent website for personal details—residents are urged to hang up and verify claims through official sources to avoid identity theft.

Holland artist Carolyn Stich’s poster “We the People” won first place in the DAR National Constitution Week poster contest, and she called the win an ‘unbelievable feeling’ that drives her community work.

She donates art supplies to unhoused locals and works monthly with an organization that supports adults with special needs—efforts that show her deep commitment to local art and service.

A West Michigan band released its album 'POINTS' in July after adding drummer Ben Ferrell to replace its drum machine—after a Midwest tour, the group plans to return to the studio to beat the sophomore curse.

Grand Rapids Public Schools and the teachers' union are in mediation to end a contract dispute as educators at Ottawa Hills High School have protested over building access and pay concerns.

The union is asking for a 7.5 percent raise while the district offered 4.5 percent, and a new mediation session is set for October 28.

Grand Rapids teen Savannah Remijin (18) graduated a month before finishing high school and, after taking the LSAT, was accepted into law school; she will start next fall while she works full-time as a legal assistant at a downtown firm (a rare feat that sets a new example for dual enrollment students).

Downtown Grand Rapids is launching a tree replanting project – 100 trees will be planted this fall with $111,000 approved by the Downtown Development Authority – and Friends of Grand Rapids Parks will care for the new trees for two years until spring.

A 63-year-old Kent County man won a $476,728 Fantasy 5 jackpot after matching all five numbers on September 18 at Alpine E-Z Mart in Comstock Park—he said his winnings will provide a financial cushion for retirement in a few years.

Feeding America West Michigan is bracing for increased demand as a government shutdown creates uncertainty for federal food assistance programs and more local residents turn to its Kentwood warehouse for help.

President and CEO Ken Estelle warned the nonprofit might soon support federal workers who stop receiving paychecks—private donations are also helping to cover the rising need.

Experts say that myths about mental health may keep people from getting needed help.

Cat Lanting of the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan—who noted that anyone can face mental health challenges—urged people to focus on next steps to feel better.

Dr. Julio Garcia-Castro of Corewell Health hoped to bridge the divide between doctors and Latino patients in West Michigan — his efforts aimed to improve health care communication for the Hispanic community.

The West Michigan Whitecaps have announced their 2026 season details and will start with a road game on April 2 against the Lake County Captains and a home opener on April 7 at LMCU Ballpark with a post-game fireworks show at 6:35 p.m.—tickets go on sale Oct 28 for season options and Dec 1 for general admission. Additional games feature special promotions like April Dollar Days and weekend fireworks shows throughout the season.

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.

Storytime for Young Readers

10:00-10:30 a.m. — Allendale Twp Library — Free entry — Enjoy storytime with songs and early literacy fun designed for kids under 6 with a caregiver.

Neon Trees Live in Grand Rapids

8-9:30 p.m. — Elevation — Tickets available — Experience an evening of dynamic rock and heartfelt authenticity with Neon Trees as they promote their new album.

Tate McRae Concert

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Van Andel Arena — Ticket prices range from $132 to $218 — Experience an electrifying evening with Tate McRae live in concert.

Chris Thile Concert

7-10:30 p.m. — St. Cecilia Music Center — Tickets required — Experience the multifaceted musical talents of Grammy-winning mandolinist Chris Thile live in concert.

Manitoba Moose at Grand Rapids Griffins

7:00–8:30 p.m. — Van Andel Arena — Low cost tickets available — Enjoy an exciting AHL matchup between the Manitoba Moose and the Grand Rapids Griffins.