Good morning, Grand Rapids.

Tanger Outlets Grand Rapids will host a holiday event Friday, Nov.

7 at 5:30 p.m. in front of Kate Spade and J. Crew stores where families can enjoy a tree lighting ceremony, photos with Santa, hot cocoa from Lola Lee’s Coffee and Bookstore, and cookies. The event will include festive touches such as live reindeer and a Byron Center orchestra — along with Tanger Deal Days offering savings until Nov. 23.

Daily Deals, a discount grocery chain in Grand Rapids, saw more customers and added $1 protein to meet shoppers' needs amid uncertain SNAP benefits and rising inflation.

The chain is tightening margins to fund weekly ads and make food donations to five local charities through the end of November — aiming to help families stretch dollars during this challenging time.

New Holland Brewing Co. in Holland is re-releasing its Dungeons & Dragons-themed Dragon’s Milk gift sets this week, offering the limited edition D20 Brew at brewpubs in Holland, Grand Rapids and Battle Creek and the Origin Mead at tasting rooms in Grand Haven, Saugatuck and South Haven. Online sales for both sets begin Nov. 17—New Holland employees will hand out tickets in line to secure bottle purchases while supplies last.

In July, nearly 70 swimmers completed a 411-mile relay from Lake Superior to Detroit to honor the 29 mariners lost on the Edmund Fitzgerald—raising over $200,000 for Whitefish Lighthouse preservation amid rough conditions.

A documentary trailer titled 'The Legend Lives On' is set to release Nov. 10 and a memorial ceremony was held at Mariners’ Church of Detroit to remember the fallen crew.

ArtPrize organizers announced on Tuesday that the 2026 art competition will run from Sept.

17 through Oct. 3—expected to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to Grand Rapids. Over 1,000 artists showcased their work at 155 venues last year, helping boost local revenue.

Hurricane Melissa missed most major US refineries, so local gas prices stayed around $3 a gallon yesterday.

Analysts say prices will rise early this week but drop by the weekend—drivers may save money if they wait to fill up.

On Tuesday, Nov. 4, Zeeland voters approved a $186 million bond proposal for Zeeland Public Schools to fund building and safety upgrades in 15 facilities through 2035—projects include new playgrounds, reconfigured drop-off zones, and an indoor activity center starting in 2027.

The state is waiting on a judge’s decision on its plan to change Michigan’s mental health system—supporters say it will fix treatment gaps while critics warn it may worsen local control and care disparities.

A hearing is set for Dec. 8—when officials will review the plan’s impact on the $4 billion system serving 300,000 people.

The city announced a road closure on Eastern Avenue SE from Cherry Street to Wealthy Street that begins today at 7 a.m. and lasts until Nov.

10 at 8 a.m.—city crews will repair concrete near manholes—and drivers are advised to follow detour routes for northbound and southbound travel.

A government shutdown may delay federal LIHEAP funds for low-income families, putting many at risk of losing needed help to keep heat and electricity on this winter.

Officials warn that delays and a drop in enrollment could force households to make hard choices—local agencies and utility companies are working to find backup solutions.

Michigan schools have stepped in to support children as the government shutdown ended federal SNAP and Head Start programs—nearly 35,000 kids have lost Head Start services and 3,000 more may lose access by December 1.

School leaders are sending food home and working with food banks to help fill the gap.

Marshawn Kneeland, a West Michigan native and Cowboys defensive lineman, scored his first NFL touchdown on Monday Night Football by recovering a blocked punt in the end zone during a game against the Cardinals.

Spring Lake High School football won a 42—35 playoff game over Godwin Heights to start its state championship bid, with coach Cody Mallory saying the team focused on finishing games after a tough season.

The Lakers will face Unity Christian in the district final at Grandville High School with a 7 p.m. kickoff as they aim for historic success.

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.