Good morning, Grand Rapids.

Community leaders in Grand Rapids are addressing SNAP benefits uncertainty by sharing free meals—Chef Kirel Shaw is serving free meals at Mizizi on Sundays in November while Pastor Zach McNees organized a rapid response that filled lasagna orders in just 10 minutes at Northlawn United Methodist Church.

Yesterday, West Michigan marked Veterans Day with events that included a nonprofit lunch in Kentwood—where an SUV was donated to a veteran and stories were shared—and a school ceremony at Allendale High where students heard veterans’ accounts.

A Veterans Day brunch at Hub 07 in Grand Rapids honored nearly 30 veterans—while an annual Wyoming breakfast also celebrated local service members.

Raising Cane’s will open its new Kentwood location at 3650 28th St near Lake Eastbrook Boulevard on Nov 18—celebrations start at 8 a.m. with a drawing for 20 free meal winners, a cheer team show, DJ music, and a ribbon cutting at 9:45 a.m.

Has Heart coffee shop, owned by veterans, honored local service members through art when it unveiled a project Tuesday night featuring veteran Jilmar Ramos-Gomez as he shared his struggle with PTSD—his experience was captured in a piece by Rico Padilla and documented by Aves Films. The coffee shop has worked for years to bring together veterans, artists, and the local community to share stories and support one another.

A new 600-foot pedestrian bridge opened Tuesday, November 11 on Hook Avenue SW, giving pedestrians and bikers a safer way to cross 28th Street.

The $7.4M project, funded by state and federal grants, connects to 4.6 miles of trails including Trail 3 that winds past the water tower and through wooded areas — part of Wyoming’s City Center project.

A new late-night dessert shop called Slutty Buns is set to open on Friday, Nov.

21 in downtown Grand Rapids and will serve NSFW cinnamon rolls with creative names. The shop will operate from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. from Thursday to Saturday—offering delivery and pickup options.

McAlister’s Deli will open its fifth West Michigan location in Walker at 3120 Alpine Ave NW on Monday, Nov 17 at 10 a.m., with a ribbon-cutting hosted by the Walker Chamber of Commerce.

The new restaurant will offer a free club sandwich weekly for 52 weeks to the first 100 guests at 10:30 a.m. plus construction began in late June.

Corewell Health laid off a small number of employees after a routine business review, a spokesperson said.

The system added that it had thousands of job openings and was actively hiring—despite the recent cuts.

Spirit Christmas stores in Novi and Grand Rapids quickly replaced their Spirit Halloween displays to offer festive merchandise and a walkable Peppermint Village.

The Novi location opened Friday with long lines as shoppers explored holiday hats, sweaters, inflatables, and a 7-foot moving Krampus—while the Grand Rapids store in a former JoAnn Fabrics space offers similar features.

At a Veterans Day luncheon on November 11, Grand Valley State University launched its Military Promise program—guaranteeing university admission for service members and providing a $500 per-semester grant to active duty personnel.

The initiative expands the university’s support for military education and builds on existing local scholarship efforts.

City officials are installing a 37-foot Christmas tree today at Rosa Parks Circle downtown using a crane and boom lift; the tree from Watson’s Tree Farm will have 40,000 to 50,000 lights, and a tree lighting show and Santa Parade with over 60 entries are set for Nov.

22 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.—free treats like hot chocolate, coffee, and ice cream will be available.

Local veterans said on Veterans Day that the government shutdown disrupted their benefits and left many relying on local food banks + they expressed worry about uncertain funding that may cause further hardship.

Generators are essential for many West Michigan residents this winter and safety tips warn against using them in confined spaces—Dr. Orwig advises keeping generators well-ventilated and away from open windows.

Experts also stress the importance of checking carbon monoxide monitors at home.

Darrius Barnes, a retired MLS player and executive, has been named the first president of AC Grand Rapids— the new MLS Next Pro soccer team set to launch in 2027.

He will bring his experience from Charlotte FC and Crown Legacy FC, and his family will move to West Michigan next year.

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.

Anne Wilson Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — DeVos Performance Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience inspiring music from rising Christian artist Anne Wilson in an intimate venue.

West Michigan Lutheran Science Day

9:30 AM – 1:35 PM — West Michigan Lutheran High School — Registration required — Engage in hands-on water-based science experiments for students in grades 5–8.

QuickBooks Online Training

1-5 p.m. — Grand Rapids Office — Cost not listed — Level up your accounting skills with hands-on training in QuickBooks Online.

Christkindl Markt 2025

8-9 p.m. — Grand Rapids Downtown Market — Free entry — Experience the magic of a traditional European Christmas village with artisan vendors and holiday cheer.

Charlotte Checkers vs Grand Rapids Griffins

7-8:30 p.m. — Van Andel Arena — Watch the action live on FloHockey as two top teams face off on the ice.

Made Market - Grand Rapids Holiday Market

10 AM - 5 PM — Goei Center — Free entry — Explore 60+ local makers and their unique, handmade goods this holiday season.

Postmodern Jukebox: Magic, Moonlight & Mistletoe Tour

8-9:30 p.m. — DeVos Performance Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of vintage musical magic with genre-twisting covers and holiday classics.