Good Day
Grand Rapids
Saturday, December 13th, 2025
Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 13th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services is hosting its annual Signing Santa event today at Northview High School to bring accessible holiday fun to deaf and hard-of-hearing children. Attendees will enjoy crafts, games, treats and a sign language reading of The Night Before Christmas — a cherished tradition growing each year. MLive
- ➤ Mel Trotter expanded overflow capacity at its main shelter at 225 Commerce Ave. SW on Friday as patrols search for those living on the streets amid hazardous, single-digit temperatures and wind chills near zero — the Code Blue remains in effect until Monday, Dec. 15. MLive
- ➤ Millennium Park offers nearly 18 miles of trails for winter activities — including walking, running, fat-tire biking and skiing — and stays open daily from 7 a.m. to sunset. FOX 17
- ➤ Urban League launched its first Cure Violence Teen Summit today at Covenant High School to teach conflict resolution and offer career opportunities for youth. The program builds lasting mentorships while planning another summit in 2026. FOX 17
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Grand Rapids Public Schools teachers and staff approved a contract with historic wage hikes and improved working conditions for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years – the Board of Education will vote on Monday, Dec. 15 to finalize the deal, which also offers retroactive pay and enhanced benefits. ABC 13
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Residents at a Zeeland Township meeting Tuesday, Dec. 9 opposed a proposed $300 million solar farm to be built on up to 1,100 acres as they worry it will damage farmland, groundwater and wildlife. The Germany-based project remains under review amid local concerns. MLive
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Kent County judge Curt Benson denied a motion to close the historic Sligh Furniture building after safety concerns and scheduled a settlement conference to hear repair proposals from owner JV SBAM SB + three antique shops in the building will remain open pending the outcome. MLive
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Residents in Forest Hills learned their water exceeded PFAS limits when a home sale test triggered an investigation on Aspenwood Drive. EGLE is expanding sampling to nearby wells and will supply free state filters + increase monitoring to protect public health. FOX 17
- ➤ On Dec. 11, John Ball Zoo closed to the public to conduct its annual Penguin Palooza, where two veterinarians and zookeepers gave 24 Magellanic penguins thorough physical exams, including eye checks, blood tests, and radiographs (while local 4th and 5th graders observed through the Zoo Lab program). MLive
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ The former Fifth Third Bank building at 111 Lyon Street is converting into 140 apartment units, including 28 reserved for income-qualified renters. Leasing begins Jan. 15 as construction, which started last March and is 65% complete, continues with work expected to finish in June. ABC 13
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Cannonsburg Ski Area in Belmont opened its season on Friday, Dec. 12 at 4 p.m., offering skiing, snowboarding and tubing — along with a holiday forest trail featuring Snoopy, the Grinch and Santa Claus — as staff boosted snow-making efforts to secure a solid base. FOX 17
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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.
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Great Lakes Invitational
3:30-5 p.m. — Van Andel Arena — Ticket prices vary — Watch top college hockey teams clash for the MacInnes Cup in this exciting tournament.
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AFTERGLOW: New Year's Eve Celebration
7-10:30 p.m. — The Intersection — Ticket prices vary — Experience Big Gigantic's genre-blending sound of electronic dance music and live instruments this New Year's Eve.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.
~ Jim Rohn
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