Sunday, November 16th, 2025
Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 16th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ GR Bicycle Co. hosted its third annual Cranksgiving on Nov. 12, blending a scavenger hunt with holiday spirit at the bicycle company. The event also featured The Leftover Run— a food donation drive that benefited North Kent Connect on Nov. 15. WOOD TV
- ➤ On Nov 15th, runners participated in a fun run at Forest Hills Eastern High School that raised food and cash donations for North Kent Connect. Participant Destiny Smith boosted her finish by donating 285 pounds of turkey—helping the event gather over three pallets of food and more than $3,000 in cash donations. WOOD TV
- ➤ A Grand Rapids lawn care company was sold to a Greenville tree service firm that will expand outdoor work in West Michigan—plans for the Van Andel Arena alley are changing as local businesses favor ease over looks and Meijer Gardens will host an immersive nighttime event on November 24 with new art and food. Voters approved bonds for school projects in Byron Center and Fruitport, Darrius Barnes was named president of a new soccer team, and shifts in hotel rates and discount deals are impacting local choices. MLive
- ➤ On November 15, hundreds gathered along Graham Street as Southwest Middle/High School hosted a coat distribution event organized by the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan to help local families get ready for winter – the drive provided essential coats for cold weather. WOOD TV
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Kellen Goff, the voice of Funtime Freddy and Glamrock Freddy from the Five Nights at Freddy's series, appeared on WOOD TV+ to discuss his career and his experience at GR Comic Con on November 14 — his segment focused on his role in the popular game franchise. WOOD TV
- ➤ Madison Reid from Detroit was crowned Miss Wheelchair Michigan 2026 on Saturday—she is one of five finalists and was paralyzed after gun violence by her boyfriend. WOOD TV
- ➤ Thousands attended Grand Rapids Comic Con on Saturday, November 15 at DeVos Place Convention Center where cosplayers showcased characters from superheroes, video games and anime; the event continues today (10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). MLive
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Nine luxury cruise ships will bring thousands of U.S. and Canadian retirees and a rising number of French- and German-speaking travelers to Michigan ports in 2026. Local officials say the tours will boost local economies by $300 million — a 25% growth over 2025. MLive
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ State biologists said leaving fall leaves in yards helps critters such as moths, beetles and eastern box turtle hatchlings survive winter — the DNR advises residents to skip full cleanup and instead rake leaves near trees if a tidier look is preferred. MLive
- ➤ Michigan hunters harvested 136524 deer during the 2024 firearm season—down slightly from 137074 in 2023—as many southern and western counties saw declines while Upper Peninsula counties posted gains. MLive
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ GR West Catholic secured its first regional title since 2022 when two top running backs rushed for nearly 250 yards and the defense forced 4 takeaways in the Division 5 final—defeating Kalamazoo United. MLive
- ➤ Michigan deer hunters began the regular firearm season Saturday—officials said the season runs through November 30 and urged hunters to wear blaze orange and report harvests online for safety. WOOD TV
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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TVBOO Live Concert
7-9:30 p.m. — The Intersection — Ticket prices vary — Experience electrifying bass music and high-energy performances from rising star TVBOO.
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GR Turkey Trot 2025
8:10 a.m. — Van Andel Arena — Registration fee required — Celebrate fitness and community spirit with the 33rd Annual Grand Rapids Turkey Trot 5K run/walk.
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Straight No Chaser Holiday Concert
7-9:30 p.m. — DeVos Performance Hall — Tickets vary — Enjoy a festive evening filled with holiday cheer from the renowned a cappella group Straight No Chaser.
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Candlelight Concert: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons
6:30-7:29 p.m. — Wealthy Theatre — Tickets available — Experience a magical candlelight concert featuring the music of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons performed by the KalHaven String Quartet.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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