Good Day
Grand Rapids
Thursday, December 4th, 2025
Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 4th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Downtown Zeeland hosts the Feel the Zeel of Christmas celebration on Friday and Saturday. The event features horse-drawn trolley rides at 4 p.m. (pickup at 140 E. Main St.), Santa visits at Drip Coffee (150 E. Main St.), and a gingerbread competition with voting through Dec. 31. FOX 17
- ➤ Lyon Square's $12 million renovation created a vibrant plaza between the DeVos Place convention center and Amway Grand Plaza hotel. Now open with seating, paths, and space for art shows by the Grand River, local officials celebrate this collaborative project completed in July. ABC 13
- ➤ The Kent County Sheriff's Office is hosting a pajama drive for nearly 70 children with incarcerated parents — partnering with nonprofit 70x7 to collect new pajamas for infants through 15-year-olds; donations are accepted at designated drop-off centers until Dec. 15. ABC 13
- ➤ Studies show Michigan drivers reported the fewest crashes and insurance inquiries compared to other states. Lending Tree data from Jan. 1 to Sept. 30, 2025 and an Insurify study of 2024 found a crash rate of 10 per 1,000 drivers and low speeding incidents, although DUI rates are higher. ABC 13
- ➤ A community Christmas tree is lighting up the Comstock Park plaza today at 6 p.m. thanks to ERA Reardon Realty Great Lakes, which also plans a Cookies with Santa event on Dec. 14, with parking available at Mill Creek Middle School and near Dwight Lydell. FOX 17
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Safari Circuits purchased the LaCroix manufacturing plant to keep it open and save 116 jobs—investing $750,000 in new equipment and planning to hire over 20 workers to meet growing customer demand at the facility on Michigan Street NE. ABC 13
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Grand Rapids Public Schools reached a tentative agreement with its union for an 11.8% teacher salary boost that will increase wages for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years, pending ratification by the Board of Education and the Grand Rapids Education Association (the union). MLive
- ➤ Cornerstone launched its accredited SOAR program – a phone-based college degree option for working adults featuring 20 to 30 minute learning bursts. The program charges about $7,400 a year for a bachelor’s degree, serves 200 students, and is eligible for financial aid. ABC 13
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The judge postponed today's court hearing on the fate of the historic Sligh Furniture Company building, with the new date set for Friday, Dec. 12 due to a scheduling conflict (a tenant motion was filed). Antique store owners hope to save the site as they continue operations in Grand Rapids. FOX 17
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ My Michigan Beach launches the Give the Gift of Michigan Sweepstakes, offering five prizes such as a Cherry Republic food gift box + Michigan-themed clothing and local getaway packages during the holiday season in West Michigan. FOX 17
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Award-winning reporter Patrick Nothaft of MLive, with 14 years in journalism (mainly in high school sports), covers the Grand Rapids athletic season including football state finals at Ford Field, record-setting swim meets, and all-conference recognitions. His reporting gives fans detailed updates on local athletic achievements. MLive
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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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The Band Feel
7-9:30 p.m. — The Stache — Tickets available — Experience a euphoric rock journey with The Band Feel as they merge music and art from across generations.
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Christkindl Markt Food Tour
11 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. — Grand Rapids Downtown Market — Ticket required — Experience festive food tastings and holiday cheer at a magical European-inspired market.
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Josh Teed - The Tides of Change
7-9:30 p.m. — The Stache — Tickets available — Experience a unique blend of electronic and instrumental music by the talented Josh Teed.
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Jonas Brothers: JONAS20 Tour
7:30-9:00 p.m. — Van Andel Arena — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate 20 years of Jonas Brothers with hits and new tracks in a lively hometown concert.
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Bingo Loco – The Wildest Bingo Party
5-7 p.m. — The Intersection — Tickets Available — Experience the most outrageous bingo party featuring DJs, dance-offs, and wild prizes.
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The Whoville 5k Fun Run
1:05-5:00 p.m. — Riverside Park — Registration fee applies — Experience a whimsical run with beloved Dr. Seuss characters and festive treats.
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Business Growth Workshop
8-10 a.m. — Grand Rapids Chamber — Cost unknown — Gain essential tools for success in finances, operations, and marketing at this workshop.
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.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.
~ Albert Einstein
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