Good morning, Grand Rapids.

In Walker on December 10, 2025, police rescued a deer trapped in a basement after it broke a window; officers placed a floor mat on unstable steps (the animal was nicknamed Bambi) and guided it safely outside without injury.

Forest Hills Public Schools held a groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday for a new community aquatic center funded by a $340 million bond approved in 2023.

The three-floor facility with locker rooms, two pool decks, an observation deck (with spectator seating and a multi-purpose room) will serve local high schools when it opens in July.

Focus on Ferals in Byron Center said a Petfinder website glitch is cutting holiday adoptions in half by showing wrong cat listings; the shelter is updating new arrivals on Facebook while Petfinder works on a fix.

OVD Insurance has relocated to its new offices at 37 Ottawa Ave NW in downtown Grand Rapids, occupying the third and fourth floors of a seven-story building — a space acquired in partnership with CWD Real Estate Investment.

The move supports its growth and enhanced client service.

Sixty-one companies in Kent and Ottawa counties received funds from the Going PRO Talent Fund to support employee training in sectors such as agribusiness, healthcare, manufacturing, and construction — awards ranged from $10,000 to $267,000 while West Michigan Works aided in the process.

GRPS announced repurposing of two closed elementary schools and invites community feedback at meetings on Wednesday, Jan.

14, 2026 (Rev. Lyman S. Parks Administration Building) and Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026 (Stocking Elementary Gymnasium). The district outlined steps with site tours starting Feb. 4 and a proposal deadline of April 1.

The U.S. Postal Service will close for Christmas Day (Dec.

25) and New Year’s Day (Jan. 1) while self-service kiosks at local post offices provide 24/7 access — residents will see regular hours resume on Dec. 26 and Jan. 2.

A federal judge on Wednesday, Dec.

17 blocked Gov. Whitmer’s attempt to shut down the 4.5-mile pipeline running beneath the Straits of Mackinac (linking Lake Michigan and Lake Huron), ruling only the federal government can regulate interstate pipeline safety.

A new Caledonia location of the family-owned Cascade Hospital for Animals opened in early December at 9351 Cherry Valley Ave SE, bringing compassionate pet care to an underserved suburb.

Dr. Clayton Siegle’s team held a grand opening celebration — with tours, treats, and pet-friendly fun — on Saturday, Dec. 13.

Corewell Health is partnering with the Grand Rapids Fire Department on a six-month pilot (starting in January) that places a full-time community health worker with emergency response teams to direct 911 calls and cut repeat ER visits; the program comes at no extra cost to the department.

The Jacksonville Jaguars adopted the be nice. mental health program from Grand Rapids to boost staff well-being — initial training was completed in November and the team plans ongoing support throughout the year.

The West Michigan Mountain Bike Alliance is fundraising $100,000 to extend Johnson Park's trail from 6 to 8 miles near downtown Grand Rapids.

The trail—boasting the largest vertical drop in the WMMBA system—will open in 2026.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Concert Night with King Ink and Friends

7-10:30 p.m. — The Pyramid Scheme — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of energetic performances with King Ink and supporting acts Zudocks, Moravian, and Feeding Grizzlies.