Good Day
Grand Rapids
Wednesday, November 26th, 2025
Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 26th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Feeding America West Michigan hosted its mobile food pantry Tuesday — distributing complete Thanksgiving meals with turkey, stuffing, pies, and canned vegetables to more than 300 Kentwood families facing food insecurity. FOX 17
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Harmony Brewing Company will launch its holiday porter, Battle Squirrel, today at its brewpub at 1551 Lake Drive SE — the beer offers a richer flavor and 9% alcohol compared to its original Black Squirrel porter. MLive
- ➤ The Walker Planning Commission approved a plan to demolish a former TGI Fridays building to build a Raising Cane’s at 3179 Alpine Ave in Walker, with construction set to begin in July—crews may start as early as late spring. The move is part of the chain’s broader effort to expand in West Michigan, with more locations planned in Grand Rapids. WOOD TV
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Michigan trader Brian Mitchell and his partner Kevin Mack Jr. are under FBI investigation for allegedly running a Ponzi scheme that lost over $750,000 for clients between December 2020 and May 2022—falsifying monthly statements to hide losses and paying back some funds as ordered by Maryland officials. MLive
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park has opened its Christmas and Holiday Traditions exhibit today (featuring dozens of decorated trees that show global celebrations) and will host the display until January 4. FOX 17
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Grand Rapids Community College selected three presidential finalists from 78 candidates last Tuesday—public interviews will be held at the college’s Wisner-Bottrall Applied Technology Center from Dec. 1 to Dec. 10 as the board looks for a permanent president to take office early next year. MLive
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Byron Township opened its new $2.4 million fire station (6675 Clay Ave. SW) in September after two years of planning. Located near M-6 and U.S. 131 (busy highways), the station cuts response times and adds six full-time firefighters to a team of 16 full-timers and 11 on-call firefighters. MLive
- ➤ Gerald R. Ford International Airport prepared for the busiest Thanksgiving travel period in more than a decade, recording 52,185 scheduled flights on Tuesday and expecting 153,000 passengers until Dec. 3. Officials advised travelers to arrive two hours early and check flight and weather updates—due to a forecast of snow. WOOD TV
- ➤ Walker Fire Chief Russell Shoultz advised drivers to stay in their cars after a crash and call 911 if they are unsure whether it is safe to exit—he said that remaining inside in icy, busy conditions minimizes injury risk. He warned that leaving the vehicle can expose you to secondary crashes—critical advice for anyone caught in a winter accident. FOX 17
- ➤ Consumers Energy is preparing for potential power outages as winds and snow are forecasted to affect West Michigan over the Thanksgiving holiday; the utility has over 250 crews ready to respond and advises residents to charge devices and prepare emergency kits — local hardware stores in Cascade Township have stocked up on generators and winter supplies — to help reduce disruptions. WOOD TV
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ UM Health-West earned the Magnet with Distinction award Tuesday for nursing excellence and patient care — the hospital spent seven years on documentation and site visits to meet strict standards — as less than 10% of hospitals hold this honor. WOOD TV
- ➤ State officials confirmed that bird flu was found in every watershed and urge waterfowl hunters to use gloves, cook meat to 165°F, and disinfect their gear—steps meant to keep the virus from spreading to people and pets. The guidance applies during the current hunting season, which runs from September 1 to February 15. MLive
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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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A Magical Cirque Christmas
7:30-9 p.m. — DeVos Performance Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience breathtaking variety acts and holiday magic for the whole family.
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Sips & Succulents Cocktail Class
6-8 p.m. — New Holland Brewing - Grand Rapids Brewpub — Ticket required — Craft cocktails while designing your own succulent arrangement for home.
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In The Christmas Mood With The Glenn Miller Orchestra
7-8:30 p.m. — DeVos Performance Hall — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the holiday season with timeless classics performed by the legendary Glenn Miller Orchestra.
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Donna The Buffalo Concert
7-9:30 p.m. — The Stache — Ticket prices vary — Experience the vibrant lifestyle of Donna The Buffalo and their roots rock sound.
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Maddy O'Neal Live
8:00 – 10:30 PM — Elevation — Ticket info not provided — Experience a night of genre-blending electro-soul and bass music with Maddy O'Neal.
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The Insiders - Tom Petty Tribute
7-9:30 p.m. — The Pyramid Scheme — $20 — Experience the premier tribute to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers with six veteran musicians.
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