Good Day
Grand Rapids
Tuesday, November 18th, 2025
Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 18th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ A list of donation drop-off sites for the 2025 Toys for Tots campaign is now available for West Michigan residents—with options at libraries, fire stations, and businesses in Grand Rapids, Kentwood, and other counties. Donors can also give toys online by following instructions to change the shipping address to TOYS FOR TOTS. ABC 13
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ A Family Fare store in Byron Center was renovated on Nov. 12 to add a larger produce section, an upgraded meat and seafood counter, and an enhanced deli—with more grab-and-go meals, a new entrance, and self-checkout lanes. The changes aim to give shoppers a more modern and easy experience. MLive
- ➤ Acrisure appointed Aaron Radelet as its new corporate affairs chief— a former Walgreens executive and GVSU graduate who will lead brand strategy and communications while reporting to President John Tuttle. The company, valued at $32 billion and employing about 1,000 local workers, recently secured a $2.25 billion funding round and continues to grow. MLive
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Grand Rapids is in the midst of a major transformation as six big projects progress in different stages. An 8,500-seat soccer stadium is under construction to open in spring 2027, a 12,000-capacity amphitheater is set for Memorial Day 2026, and plans for a greenway trail, waterfront aquarium, high-rise towers, and a Grand River rapids restoration are moving forward—each funded by public and private investments. MLive
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Hudsonville High School's pantry, run by sophomore Charlotte Baker (a former beneficiary), provides food, toiletries and clothing to students facing food insecurity. School counselors say community partners and local churches work to keep the supplies fully stocked for those in need. FOX 17
- ➤ Graduates of West Catholic High School who earn a 2.0 GPA or above will be automatically admitted to Aquinas College as part of a new partnership that applies to students entering college in fall—simplifying the college application process. Aquinas College is increasing enrollment efforts to keep local talent in Grand Rapids. MLive
- ➤ At Kent ISD GSRP Early Childhood Center, teacher Jamie Alber was named Teacher of the Week as students (ages 3 and 5) surprised her with handmade signs to honor her fun teaching style in math, literacy, and science. Supervisor Rachel Pond credited a well-timed evaluation meeting (which confirmed her positive performance) for setting up the surprise as she thanked educators for their hard work. ABC 13
- ➤ Grand Rapids Public Schools will start seven construction projects early next year and finish them by 2027, funded by a $305 million bond. Upgrades include a new elementary school near Aberdeen (the first new school in northeast Grand Rapids in 60 years) and renovations to other schools to address low enrollment and deferred maintenance costs. MLive
- ➤ Teachers in Grand Rapids Public Schools are picketing during student drop-off as contract talks stall over salary issues in mid-November. Negotiators reached tentative deals on a school calendar and benefits programs — yet the district's 4.5% offer differs from the union's 7.5% request, and discussions continue. FOX 17
FINANCE NEWS
- ➤ Danielle Brown, a CPA and GVSU graduate who worked as interim CFO for four years, has been named vice president and CFO at Grand Rapids Community Foundation. She will lead money planning, budgets, and investments — along with human resources and other operations — to help give grants and scholarships to local groups. MLive
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Kent County DPW released its Holiday Recycling Guide to help residents answer recycling questions about holiday items; the guide shows that wrapping paper with glitter is not recyclable plus string lights must be taken to special drop-off sites. WOOD TV
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Cherry Health will pilot a teledentistry program at its Southside Health Center in Grand Rapids and its Muskegon Recovery Center, funded with a $120,000 state grant—patients will have Friday morning access from 8 a.m. to noon to discuss concerns like pain, swelling, and infections. The service is available to current patients and will later expand to serve others with more hours. MLive
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ A Hudsonville baseball player, JT Sokolove, was named to the Savannah Bananas’ 2026 roster as a designated runner. He will travel to Savannah next year to start his pro career with a team known for its trick pitches, comedy routines, and choreographed dances. FOX 17
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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.
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Los Tigres del Norte Concert
8-9:30 p.m. — DeVos Performance Hall — Tickets on sale — Experience the legendary Los Tigres del Norte live in a musical journey through their classics and new hits.
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