Good Day
Grand Rapids
Thursday, October 23rd, 2025
Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 23rd of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Critter Barn in Zeeland will host its fifth annual Boo at the Barn event this weekend to celebrate Halloween with festive activities for families—attendees can enjoy candy and visit barn animals—and the event will run Friday, October 24 from 1 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, October 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. FOX 17
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ American Seating, a Grand Rapids company dating back to 1886, was sold on October 21 to a joint venture of longtime customers NFI Group Inc. and GILLIG LLC, which will keep the local workforce and invest in growth including a move to a new headquarters in 2026. MLive
- ➤ A West Michigan plumbers union picketed Wednesday morning outside Moore Mechanical in Wyoming to demand voluntary recognition as the bargaining agent for workers at its Grand Rapids-area facility—because the shutdown of the National Labor Relations Board delayed the union election process. WOOD TV
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Tattoo Fest Grand Rapids will open downtown tomorrow at DeVos Place Convention Center—hundreds of tattoo artists will compete in daily tattoo contests and a costume contest offering a $1,000 cash prize, with events continuing through Sunday. FOX 17
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ East Grand Rapids Public Schools is asking voters to approve a half-mill sinking fund millage on the Nov. 4 ballot that will pay for building repairs, improved security, upgraded technology and student transportation starting in 2026—if approved, homeowners will pay between $125 and $200 annually to help raise about $548,320. MLive
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Kent County Veterans Services will launch its Operation Green Light initiative from November 4-11, giving away 2,000 free green light bulbs at local libraries and its office to support veterans. The campaign will conclude with a Veterans Day parade at 6 p.m. on November 11 in downtown Grand Rapids+ it is part of a nationwide effort to highlight veterans’ needs. MLive
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Catherine’s Health Center launched a new mobile van that brings care to homeless people in Kent County—running two days a week around Grand Rapids with exam room supplies like a sink, a bed, and vaccines. The van helps reduce pressure on emergency rooms by letting a doctor and a medical assistant offer care from the Mel Trotter Ministries clinic. WOOD TV
- ➤ Leaders at Corewell Health said their new 118-unit housing project, announced Oct. 21, aimed to attract more resident doctors to work in their hospitals. The project is expected to ease staffing shortages — a key step in meeting growing patient needs. WOOD TV
- ➤ Holland Hospital and U-M Health began construction on Oct. 22 on the $45M Westpark Specialty Center in Zeeland (a 63,000-square-foot hub for specialty infusion therapy, lab work, pharmacy, and radiology services). The center is expected to open in 2027 (reducing the need for long trips for care) and strengthens the partners’ alliance to bring top care closer to home. MLive
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Grand Rapids' 13 On Your Sidelines staff announced the Week 8 MVP nominees — including Jenison kicker Cohen Chatfield, Coopersville wide receiver Brooks Hadden, Godwin Heights running back Julius Hoskins, and Unity Christian quarterback Justin Febus — and fans will vote by Thursday at noon for a live studio interview invitation as playoffs approach. ABC 13
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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.
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Electric Citizen Live Show
7:00 – 9:30 PM — The Pyramid Scheme — Tickets available — Experience the electrifying rock sounds of Cincinnati's Electric Citizen in a vibrant live performance.
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MANIA: The ABBA Tribute
6:30-8:00 p.m. — DeVos Performance Hall — Ticket information available online — Experience the unforgettable tribute to ABBA with dazzling performances and all their classic hits.
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2025 Great Lakes Summit
8 a.m. – 5 p.m. — L.V. Eberhard Center — Registration required — Engage with industry experts at Michigan's inaugural summit for data and analytics professionals.
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Trunk or Treat Event
6-7:30 p.m. — Messiah Lutheran Church — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of treats, games, and family fun in a festive outdoor setting.
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Thunderstruck - America's AC/DC Tribute
8-11 p.m. — The Intersection — Tickets required — Experience the high voltage energy of America's premier AC/DC tribute band live on stage.
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Grand Rapids Ballet: Sherlock
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Peter Martin Wege Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience a captivating ballet that immerses you in the world of Sherlock Holmes with stunning choreography and storytelling.
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Josh Ritter & The Royal City Band Concert
5-6:30 p.m. — Royce Auditorium — Tickets from $76 — Experience an unforgettable evening with Josh Ritter & The Royal City Band in Grand Rapids.
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State Champs Concert
6-9 p.m. — The Stache — Tickets available — Experience high-energy pop-punk as State Champs showcases their latest album.
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The Book of Mormon
7:30-9 p.m. — DeVos Performance Hall — Tickets required — Experience the nine-time Tony Award-winning musical hailed as “the best of this century.”
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The only way to become excellent is to be endlessly fascinated by doing the same thing over and over.
~ Ryan Holiday
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