Good Day
Grand Rapids
Wednesday, October 29th, 2025
Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 29th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ John Ball Zoo let members see Hugo, a baby pygmy hippo about two months old who grew from 11 to 43 pounds, making his first debut with his mother Penelope. The zoo will allow more visitors by Saturday — staff changed his enclosure so he is safe as he adjusts to more people. FOX 17
- ➤ Five local groups received $10,000 grants Tuesday night at Pilgrim Rest Church during Pitch Night—hosted by the Safe Alliances for Everyone Task Force—to launch programs that reduce gun violence through youth education. The groups will partner with the city as they implement their proposals from March to September. FOX 17
- ➤ Beer City Dog Biscuits is donating 1 million handmade dog treats to West Michigan shelters and rescues as part of its Good Dog, Good Deed Biscuit Drive—every purchase supports local Brew Bakers who work with disabilities and keeps the nonprofit donor-funded. ABC 13
- ➤ United Way and Fair Food Network are stepping in to help Michigan families when SNAP benefits pause on Nov. 1—United Way is expanding pantry hours and boosting its 211 helpline, while Fair Food Network is removing its $20 daily cap and adding a one-time $40 voucher to support those in need. These efforts aim to keep food on tables and ease the strain on local families. ABC 13
- ➤ For Pet Adoption Tuesday, the Humane Society of West Michigan offers Leo, a puppy ready for a loving home. The society said its Humane Hustle event is set for Nov. 8 and obedience classes begin in November — more details are available at the shelter. FOX 17
- ➤ John Ball Zoo introduced its new pygmy hippo calf Hugo and his mother Penelope to zoo members on Oct. 28—staff noted the pair are still adapting to increased attention; the zoo will open the indoor habitat to the public on Nov. 1 once the animals are comfortable with more visitors. MLive
- ➤ Exodus Place, a nonprofit feeding over 150 people, relies on SNAP benefits to cover half its $55,000 monthly food bill and now warns that a pending pause starting November 1 could worsen local food insecurity — nonprofit president Robb Munger compared the impact to conditions in third world countries. Community members and staff expressed worry that the pause will leave many without essential meals, heightening concerns about support for vulnerable residents. FOX 17
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Rebel Nell, a women-owned social enterprise focused on graffiti-themed jewelry, opened its fourth retail location at 96 Monroe Center downtown Grand Rapids on Oct. 23 — the new 750-square foot store features a design bar, a commissioned mural, and supports women transitioning out of homelessness. MLive
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Grand Rapids community marked a centuries-old Indigenous footpath when its educational signage was unveiled at 1405 Robinson Road—showing how Ottawa farmers and hunters once used the route. In coming months the site will get a Michigan Historical Marker as local and tribal leaders work to preserve its cultural legacy. MLive
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ After an Indiana refinery outage raised gas prices by 30 to 50 cents, GasBuddy analysts say Grand Rapids pump prices, which peaked at $3.23, dropped by 11 cents and will fall below $3 by the weekend—drivers who wait a few days will save more. FOX 17
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Ottawa Area Intermediate School District is turning a closed Rite Aid in Jenison into a center for young adults with special needs and is combining programs from Hudsonville and Coopersville. Construction began about a month ago and the center will open in August with a secure entrance, new windows, and special classrooms—designed to serve 70 students. MLive
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ On Tuesday morning, UM Health-West opened its new Hematology and Cancer Care building in Wyoming at 2147 Health Dr. SW to offer medical oncology and hematology services — a one-stop shop built to handle the rising number of cancer patients. Radiation oncology remains at the nearby Cancer Center, and infusion services will open next year — adding more options for care. WOOD TV
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Cannonsburg Ski Area and Great Lakes Outpost will host a gear swap Nov 7-9 that gives discounts of *30-60%* off on ski gear from goggles to boots. Sellers can drop off items Nov 3-5 and pick up unsold goods Nov 10-12. MLive
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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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Vended Live Concert
7-8:30 p.m. — The Stache — Purchase tickets online — Experience Vended's energetic performance pushing the boundaries of heavy music.
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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.
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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.
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Matt Rife's Stay Golden Tour
7-8:30 p.m. — Van Andel Arena — Ticket prices vary — Experience comedy from one of the biggest stand-up stars today.
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