Good Day
Grand Rapids
Thursday, November 27th, 2025
Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 27th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Students at West Michigan Academy of Environmental Science are collecting toys for the Toys for Tots campaign to help local families this holiday season—parent drop-offs have increased as the effort grows beyond the school community. ABC 13
- ➤ AAA resumed its tow-to-go program on Wednesday night—this free service offers a confidential ride and tow within a 10-mile radius and will run until December 1 at 6 a.m. The program is available to both members and non-members and aims to keep impaired drivers off local roads during the busy Thanksgiving weekend. FOX 17
- ➤ Ada Township's north side of its covered bridge park is nearly finished near the Thornapple River to host the bridge lighting ceremony on Dec. 5 at 5:15 p.m.—final preparations are underway for north side access while the south side will open in June. FOX 17
- ➤ Volunteers from Patriot Guard Riders welcomed home military members at Ford Airport yesterday in a 14-year tradition called Operation Handshake—volunteers lined up with American flags to honor active service members and veterans before Thanksgiving. They will host the next handshake event on December 23 for anyone wishing to volunteer. FOX 17
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ UPS will cut 67 part-time jobs at its Clyde Park Avenue facility in Wyoming by Jan 20th—targeting daytime package sorting workers. The layoffs are part of a restructuring effort designed to optimize the network and boost productivity through increased automation. MLive
- ➤ Burger King at 2204 Plainfield Ave NE in Grand Rapids reopened under New York-based Carrols Corporation after closing in late 2024, and the move comes as some franchisees have stepped in to revive previously closed sites. MLive
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The West Michigan Christmas Lite Show returned to LMCU Ballpark on November 26 and now lights up the night with 2 million bulbs and 70 animated displays that draw over 50,000 visitors each year — the family-friendly drive-thru runs daily until January 3 with tickets starting at $30 onsite. MLive
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Calvin University announced plans to reduce 12.5% of its faculty positions over the next two years—cutting programs such as French, journalism, and public health—and consolidating other academic offerings to meet shifting higher education trends while ensuring current students can finish their studies. MLive
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Lowell City and Lowell Township are holding open houses on Dec. 2 at City Hall and Dec. 3 at Township Hall to discuss a proposed data center at Covenant Business Park that could bring up to $1B in investment over three to five years — officials say the project is at an early stage and will need rezoning and infrastructure upgrades. MLive
- ➤ The Kent County Road Commission said its snowplows and crews are ready for a forecasted winter storm over Thanksgiving—director Steve Roon stated that 95 day-shift workers and 40 night-shift workers are set to keep roads safe, and motorists should allow extra travel time. The commission aims to ensure smooth holiday travel despite the early winter arrival. FOX 17
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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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Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve Tour
2:30-4 p.m. — Van Andel Arena — Ticket prices vary — Experience a mesmerizing blend of rock and classical music with dazzling visuals in a holiday classic.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Life is not what happens to you, but how you interpret what happens to you.
~ Alfred Adler
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