Good Day
Grand Rapids
Thursday, December 11th, 2025
Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 11th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ In Kent County, eight-month-old Killian was officially adopted by Ashley Sue and Nathaniel VanDyk after years of fertility struggles—uniting their family in a celebrated Adoption Day ceremony held Wednesday. This heartwarming event may inspire others to open their hearts to adoption. ABC 13
- ➤ The Great Lakes Pickleball Club — in the old Venom Motorsports building at 4180 Jupiter Ave. in Plainfield Township — will open in 2026. The facility has four pickleball courts, golf simulators and a retail area for 3D printed pickleballs, serving members and the public. MLive
- ➤ The Grand Rapids community is invited to celebrate Hanukkah next week at Calder Plaza with live music, traditional treats, and a firetruck-initiated chocolate coin drop — a festive tradition for children. Chabad of Western Michigan hosts the free event starting at 5 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 15. MLive
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Local craft breweries in Grand Rapids are adapting by adding food and entertainment to draw customers as rising costs and changing habits reshape the industry, with Vivant Brewery & Spirits leading the charge. Many brewers face these challenges amid a maturing market. MLive
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Christie and Ray Wiersma have shared 21 years of music and faith and perform weekly at Storypoint Senior Living — their musical partnership shows teamwork and resilience that enrich residents. FOX 17
- ➤ Gerald R. Ford International Airport is ending a week of holiday choir performances today with the Harrison Park Academy Elementary and Middle School Choir at 12:30 p.m. + Three choirs will perform tomorrow morning starting at 9:00 a.m. in the Grand Hall. FOX 17
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ UPS will lay off 67 workers at its Wyoming location (5757 Clyde Park Ave) as part of a reconfiguration aimed at optimizing capacity through additional automation. The Michigan Department of Labor received notice on Nov. 19 and the layoffs will take effect on Jan. 20. ABC 13
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ At a Zeeland Township planning commission meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 9, nearly 200 residents opposed a 1,100-acre solar farm project by Germany-based RWE that may use valuable land for a $300 million development. The meeting raised local concerns about potential environmental and economic impacts. MLive
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ The City Commission accepted the final plat for Pheasant Preserve on Dec. 8, permitting 18 lots in Richmond near Blandford at the edge of Walker. The developer now awaits further county & state approvals before construction can begin when weather permits. FOX 17
- ➤ The Grand Rapids Downtown Development Authority approved a letter of intent giving Rockford 12 months to study an 18-story mixed-use tower next to Amway Stadium. The project would offer 260 apartments + office and retail space and must start within five years. MLive
- ➤ SW Real Estate Investment began demolishing the old Family Fare on Breton Road SE to build 168 mixed-income apartments. Demolition is set to finish by the end of December & construction will start soon with units opening in the first half of 2027. MLive
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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.
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Christmas Reflections Service
7:00-8:15 p.m. — Messiah Lutheran Church — Free entry — Reflect on the birth of Jesus Christ with Scripture lessons and carols, plus cookies and beverages afterward.
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A Christmas Story Musical
7 p.m. — Matthews Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the beloved tale of Ralphie's quest for the ultimate Christmas gift with a delightful musical score.
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Grand Rapids Ballet - The Nutcracker
7:30-9 p.m. — DeVos Performance Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience the enchanting journey of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince in this timeless holiday ballet filled with magic and unforgettable music.
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Mega 80's - The Ultimate 80's Retro Party
8-11 p.m. — The Intersection — Ticket info not provided — Experience the vibrant sounds and styles of the 80’s with live music and retro flair.
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Tuba Christmas 2025
3-4 p.m. — Grand Rapids Public Museum — Free entry — Celebrate the holiday spirit with a festive concert featuring a charming ensemble of tubas and brass instruments.
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Chris Casello Trio with The Venturis
6-10 p.m. — Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill — 21+ — Enjoy live rockabilly and surf rock tunes from the talented Chris Casello Trio and The Venturis.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Man is condemned to be free.
~ Jean-Paul Sartre
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