Good morning, Grand Rapids.

Uncertainty over SNAP funding due to a government shutdown has led West Michigan families to seek help at local food pantries as USDA will not release funds on Nov.

1. The Northwest Food Pantry in Grand Rapids served 884 families last month — up more than 11% from September 2024.

15-year-old Isaieh, who is in foster care and loves animals, was featured at Mackenzie’s Animal Sanctuary — where his bond with a dog named Bitsy showed his caring nature — and he dreams of finding a forever home and adopting a dog he would name Coco.

On Saturday, November 1, a chili cook-off will take place at Gimme's Par and Grill in downtown Grand Rapids to benefit the Van Andel Institute.

The event runs from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. — advance tickets cost $10, door tickets cost $15, and children 10 and under attend free.

On Oct 27th, a sign was unveiled at the corner of Lake Drive and Robinson Road in Eastown to honor Indigenous history and mark trade routes of the Grand River Bands of Ottawa Indians.

The sign displays records from 1712 — a reminder of the long Native presence in the area.

Yesterday, a groundbreaking at the museum’s Community Archives and Research Center on Washington Street SE started an expansion that will add 5,000 square feet with new classrooms, labs, and meeting spaces.

The project, funded by a $1 million grant from the State of Michigan, will let community members access the collections—an effort decades in the making.

In some Michigan beach towns, trees hold onto bright fall colors longer because the warm waters from the Great Lakes slow the change of the leaves—this effect, known as the Sweetwater Sea effect, keeps nights warmer to delay the process.

Experts say extra sugar stays in the leaves so the vivid reds, oranges, and yellows can last into November.

The Fruit Ridge Avenue Bridge reopened Monday afternoon in Walker after months of construction that replaced the old two-lane structure with five lanes and a new walking and biking trail—Walker Mayor Gary Carey cut the ribbon at the official ceremony.

The project improved safety for workers, families and businesses crossing the busy I-96 corridor.

Grand Rapids drivers will see reduced congestion when the $1.3 million bridge repair project on I-196 and U.S. 131 is expected to finish tomorrow by 5:30 p.m., MDOT said, ending lane closures that have been in place since September.

Crews repaired concrete substructures, replaced bearings, and improved slopes to extend the bridges' service life.

Clancy is a trained service dog that helps his owner Jon Krieger live independently and highlights the harm caused by false claims of service animals.

Grocery Outlet owner Jim Hocking and Paws With A Cause officials explained that fake service dog claims lead to confrontations and jeopardize food licenses—forcing businesses to educate staff—so that true service animals can support those with disabilities.

Six area high schools, including Hudsonville, Kenowa Hills, Lowell, Unity Christian, GR Catholic Central, and Belding, earned home-field advantage in district playoff pairings under the new playoff points formula—Hudsonville claimed the top seed.

Teams will use this advantage in upcoming district rounds.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

State Champs Concert

6-9 p.m. — The Stache — Tickets available — Experience high-energy pop-punk as State Champs showcases their latest album.

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.”

Vended Live Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — The Stache — Purchase tickets online — Experience Vended's energetic performance pushing the boundaries of heavy music.

Dogs In A Pile Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Elevation — Ticket prices vary — Experience the eclectic sounds of Dogs In A Pile as they blend funk, jazz, and rock on stage.

Ryan Hurd Live Concert

8-9:30 p.m. — Elevation — Tickets available — Experience the chart-topping hits of Nashville's own Ryan Hurd in an electrifying live performance.