Good Day
Grand Rapids
Wednesday, December 17th, 2025
Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 17th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The sixth annual Great Food Giveaway, hosted by The Eric Zane Show Podcast, takes place Tuesday, Dec. 23 at 3 p.m. at Ervine's Auto Repair in Wyoming + volunteers will distribute Christmas dinners, pet food, and feminine hygiene products from donations. FOX 17
- ➤ Today, the Salvation Army in Kent County reported it had reached 38% of its $1.45M Christmas campaign goal amid an 11% rise in families needing holiday support. It distributed toys and gift cards Tuesday at 9:30 a.m., and anonymous donors matched contributions dollar-for-dollar up to $250,000 through Dec. 31. MLive
- ➤ Walker police rescued a deer stuck in a basement for two days on Dec. 10+ officers used a broom and catch pole to guide it outside into the snow where it walked off. MLive
- ➤ On Wednesday, Dec. 10, Walker Police Department helped remove a deer that had occupied a home’s basement for 48 hours — officers used a broom and an animal control pole to coax it out and return it to the wild. FOX 17
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Holiday sales are expected to top $1 trillion during the final shopping week before Christmas as consumers plan to spend an average of $890 on gifts — local West Michigan businesses report increased foot traffic while preparing for a busy season. FOX 17
- ➤ Rob Rex II of My State Designs said his five West Michigan stores are facing 50-70% lower sales during the holiday season at Woodland Mall in Kentwood despite steady foot traffic, and he will boost online orders by 2026 to support his 37 employees. FOX 17
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ ArtPrize winner Mark Lewanski moved his tapestry 'Arras' from the Ford Museum following government shutdown delays to a new home at Soul-Art Gallery at Bridgewater Place. The artwork will stay until the new year and may move to Scottsdale Art Week in March (if unsold). ABC 13
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Record domestic oil output has led to falling diesel prices in Grand Rapids, with GasBuddy forecasting a 20 to 25 cents per gallon drop around Christmas; lower fueling costs may ease grocery prices later. FOX 17
- ➤ ArtPrize 2025, held this fall in Grand Rapids, brought in $82.6 million and supported 629 jobs, according to a study by ArtPrize and Grand Valley State University. The event attracted 967,000 visitors and 110,000 votes — boosting local spending as organizers plan next year's festival. FOX 17
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ On Dec. 7, a basement fire in East Grand Rapids reminded officials that blocked hydrants can delay emergency response, so the city continues to clear hydrants and asks residents to help keep them ice-free during winter. Residents are urged to clear nearby snow to ensure swift access for firefighters. FOX 17
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The Michigan DNR advises caution on frozen lakes as ice 2 inches or thinner is unsafe and ice with snow on top may freeze slower (only 4 inches is recommended for foot traffic). Winter enthusiasts are urged to check ice strength and inform someone of their plans before venturing out. FOX 17
- ➤ An 8-year-old second grader in Jenison suffered a stroke during a school field trip when her teacher quickly called 911, and she received a clot-busting drug at a local children's hospital. Amelia recovered well and headed home after 32 days of care (doctors said this treatment was a breakthrough in pediatric care). FOX 17
- ➤ Health officials monitor the new H3N2 subclade K flu variant as flu season gets underway, noting only about 21% of residents have gotten vaccinated so far. Dr. Lampen says the vaccine helps reduce hospital visits — residents are urged to get their shot early. FOX 17
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ This week for Pet Adoption Tuesday, Mackenzie's Animal Sanctuary in West Michigan introduces Ant Man, a lively dog who enjoys beach days, car rides, and basic commands. He needs a (cat-free) home and follows a special diet for allergies. FOX 17
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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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Grand Rapids Camper, Travel & RV Show
12:00 – 1:30 PM — DeVos Place — Ticket prices vary — Explore the latest RVs, travel trailers, and camping gear at this local favorite event.
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
The truth is found when people are free to pursue it.
~ Franklin D. Roosevelt
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