Good morning, Grand Rapids.

Covenant House Michigan is hosting its first Sleep Out event Thursday night at its shelter on Antoine Street SW to raise money and awareness for youth homelessness—local supporters will join a candlelight vigil and hear stories of resilience from former clients.

The event starts at 6 p.m. Thursday and lasts until Friday morning as the organization notes that about 325 young people sleep outside in Kent County while nearly 40% of its clients are aging out of foster care.

Fulton Street Market in Grand Rapids has opened a dry goods pantry that will run every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to help families as SNAP benefits face uncertainty during the government shutdown — the market also continues its SNAP and Double Up Food Bucks programs while calling for community donations.

A Grand Rapids nonprofit was named one of five winners of a $10K grant from the city SAFE Task Force for its youth program—Breaking Chains, Building Crowns—and Katrina Winston will use the funds for journals, a therapist, supplies and an event center as the group prepares to launch a six-week workshop next year that helps kids change pain into purpose. The grant announcement follows Winston’s years of mentoring experience and her personal journey in support of local youth.

Feeding America West Michigan began its emergency food drive on Monday, November 3rd at 3070 Shaffer Ave SE in Kentwood — aiming to fill a $19 million monthly SNAP aid gap for more than 3000,000 Michiganders — and will run through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Food banks and law enforcement agencies across West Michigan have launched emergency food drives as more than 160,000 households wait for their SNAP benefits to resume.

In Grand Rapids, local businesses like Lantern Coffee Bar are collecting donations and offering discounts while Ottawa County set up resource points on Monday to help families in need.

News 8 is running a series of stories before Nov.

10 that show how a strong November storm—where gusts hit 86 mph and waves reached 25 feet—made the Edmund Fitzgerald sink, and the series ends with a WOOD TV+ special at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. to mark its 50th anniversary.

DTE Energy and Walker-Miller Energy Services have launched a free, paid six-week Energy Efficiency Academy in Grand Rapids to train workers for in-demand energy efficiency jobs — the program offers childcare, transportation assistance, and meals and will see graduates celebrate their certifications later in November.

Forest Hills Eastern High School in Ada celebrated teacher Melissa Morley by rolling out the red carpet for her Teacher of the Week surprise to honor her 33 years of teaching.

Principal Amy Pallo said Melissa inspires high expectations in her classroom—helping students grow every day.

Grand Rapids Mayor David LaGrand announced Monday he is fasting for SNAP to raise awareness about food insecurity as federal benefits remain disrupted due to the government shutdown—he urged residents to sign a pledge and support local food pantries to help families in need.

Grand Rapids celebrated its one-year electric vehicle car share program, launched in October 2024 to offer low-cost rides that logged over 23,000 hours and 143,000 miles (the fleet now has nine vehicles); the city plans to add three more by 2027 (vehicles are in parking lots from downtown to Eastown).

Temporary traffic circles on Lakeside Drive in East Grand Rapids were removed last Tuesday morning—neighbors had mixed views about the change.

City officials have collected data since August and said they may consider a new design if the circles are reinstalled.

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.

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.

Gabby's Dollhouse Live

5-7:30 p.m. — DeVos Performance Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience an a-MEOW-zing musical adventure as Gabby and friends search for colors to rebuild the rainbow.

MIB International Networking Event in Grand Rapids

6-8 p.m. — The Times of Our Lives — Free entry — Connect with inspiring women entrepreneurs while enjoying a supportive networking environment.

The Brokes Tribute to The Strokes

8-9:30 p.m. — The Stache — Ticketed event — Experience a stellar tribute to one of rock's most iconic bands with energy and precision.

Lotus Live Performance

8-9:30 p.m. — The Intersection — Ticket prices vary — Experience Lotus’s blend of electronic dance music and improvisation in an electrifying live show.

YDG Live Performance

9-10:30 p.m. — Elevation — Tickets available — Experience the versatile sounds of YDG as he rises in the underground bass community with electrifying performances.

Grand Rapids Gold vs. Motor City Cruise

7-8:30 p.m. — Van Andel Arena — $20+ — Enjoy an exciting matchup as local favorites Grand Rapids Gold take on Motor City Cruise in an evening of professional basketball.