Good morning, Grand Rapids.

LAUP will host its 10th annual gala Friday, Oct.

16 at the Holland Civic Center to honor Tino Reyes’ legacy — recognized through a new award — and although the event is sold out, the silent auction will open at 9 a.m. to support year-round programs.

Today and through Sunday, local venues will host events featuring concerts, art exhibits and family activities; highlights include shows by Anthony Hamilton and Zach Top at Van Andel Arena and the annual Pumpkin Train in Ottawa County.

The city of Wyoming has approved a $2.2M project to update Marquette Park at 1251 Marquette St. SW by adding a new sledding hill and expanding its dog park — work is set to begin this fall with improved trails and more amenities planned for the future.

Seven high school marching bands performed at the West Ottawa High festival on Tuesday, Oct.

13 in Holland. Families and friends enjoyed musical and visual displays rated highest across three criteria (music, visual and general effect) among the competing schools.

City High Middle School led local public schools with an average SAT score of 1180 in the 2025 to 26 school year, while Lighthouse Academy — South Campus recorded the lowest at 657 and Grand Rapids Montessori Middle High improved 51 points from last year.

The Rapid was awarded a $6 million state transit grant to expand bus service for downtown events and plans to buy up to six buses to ease wait times & improve connections between venues.

The new service will operate during concerts at Acrisure Amphitheater and soccer matches at Amway Stadium.

Early this week, the Vatican announced that Pope Leo XIV underwent successful surgery for lung adenocarcinoma and is recovering well, while local doctor Brandon Govan explained that early detection is key to fighting the disease, and Bishop Walkowiak urged the community to keep the pope and all battling cancer in their prayers.

Three developers propose a $55 million mixed-use project with 231 apartments at 516 Alabama Ave. NW on Grand Rapids’ West Side — a venture honoring the area's evolving identity.

Details on design and schedule will follow as planning continues.

A judge ruled Wednesday, Oct.

14 that RWE Solar may take possession of 562 acres from a local farming family, allowing the company to halt crop use and restrict neighbor access as it develops a planned 1,900-acre solar project that awaits state approval. The decision has raised local worries about farmland use.