Grand Rapids, MI

Dr. Grins comedy club lists six January 2027 shows

Grand Rapids Built World One month of listings

Dr. Grins Comedy Club has six shows posted for January 2027. The room sits inside The B.O.B. in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, and the list comes from the venue's own calendar rather than a review.

Dr. Grins Comedy Club has six shows posted for January 2027. The room sits inside The B.O.B. in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, and the list comes from the venue's own calendar rather than a review.

Westbound I-196 to northbound US-131 ramp closes for construction in Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids Built World About one week

The ramp from westbound Interstate 196 to northbound U.S. 131 in Grand Rapids is closed for construction from Nov. 16 through Nov. 25, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). MDOT lists the closure as total, so drivers cannot use that ramp in that direction.

The ramp from westbound Interstate 196 to northbound U.S. 131 in Grand Rapids is closed for construction from Nov. 16 through Nov. 25, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). MDOT lists the closure as total, so drivers cannot use that ramp in that direction.

Grand Rapids Griffins' 36-game home slate at Van Andel Arena

Grand Rapids Built World 6-month home slate (Oct 2026 – Apr 2027)

Van Andel Arena has 36 Grand Rapids Griffins home dates this season, from the Oct. 9 opener through April 3. The arena seats about 12,000 for hockey.

Van Andel Arena has 36 Grand Rapids Griffins home dates this season, from the Oct. 9 opener through April 3. The arena seats about 12,000 for hockey.

MDOT closes Pearl Street ramp to northbound US-131 in Grand Rapids for seven weeks

Grand Rapids Built World 7-Week Ramp Closure

The Pearl Street entrance ramp to northbound US-131 in downtown Grand Rapids has been closed since Sept. 8, when the Michigan Department of Transportation shut it for seven weeks. The agency listed Oct. 30 for reopening and, as of Nov. 10, had not said whether it is back open.

The Pearl Street entrance ramp to northbound US-131 in downtown Grand Rapids has been closed since Sept. 8, when the Michigan Department of Transportation shut it for seven weeks. The agency listed Oct. 30 for reopening and, as of Nov. 10, had not said whether it is back open.

Brothers open cigar lounge inside former Grand Rapids bank, vault becomes humidor

Grand Rapids Money Moves Nearly three-year development, open since September 2026

A former Fifth Third Bank branch at 700 Bridge St. NW is now Patel's Cigar Lounge & Spirits, run by brothers Harsh and Tony Patel. The old bank vault is a walk-in humidor, and the lounge carries about 500 cigars priced from about $8 to nearly $100.

A former Fifth Third Bank branch at 700 Bridge St. NW is now Patel's Cigar Lounge & Spirits, run by brothers Harsh and Tony Patel. The old bank vault is a walk-in humidor, and the lounge carries about 500 cigars priced from about $8 to nearly $100.

Historic Grand Rapids church restored as arts venue

Grand Rapids Built World Ongoing restoration

A 150-year-old church in Grand Rapids' East Hills neighborhood is being restored as an arts venue. Built in 1875 as Third Reformed Church, the building later housed Church of God in Christ and Iglesia Resurreccion Y Vida. Since 2017, nonprofit Hermitage at Diamond has occupied it.

A 150-year-old church in Grand Rapids' East Hills neighborhood is being restored as an arts venue. Built in 1875 as Third Reformed Church, the building later housed Church of God in Christ and Iglesia Resurreccion Y Vida. Since 2017, nonprofit Hermitage at Diamond has occupied it.

Dr. Grins lists nine December 2026 comedy shows

Grand Rapids Built World One-month listing

Dr. Grins Comedy Club has posted nine shows for December 2026. The list is pulled from the venue's own calendar, so it changes as dates are added or moved.

Dr. Grins Comedy Club has posted nine shows for December 2026. The list is pulled from the venue's own calendar, so it changes as dates are added or moved.

Dr. Grins comedy club lists seven November 2026 shows

Grand Rapids Built World November 2026 Calendar

Dr. Grins Comedy Club in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has posted seven shows for November 2026. The listing is a calendar, not a review: dates, times and lineups come from the club and can change.

Dr. Grins Comedy Club in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has posted seven shows for November 2026. The listing is a calendar, not a review: dates, times and lineups come from the club and can change.

Kent County food aid enrollment falls after federal SNAP changes

Grand Rapids Rule Changes Ongoing since July 2025

About 10,000 fewer Kent County residents are receiving federal food aid than before Congress and President Donald Trump changed the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in July 2025. The Kent County Essential Needs Task Force gave Grand Rapids city commissioners that figure on Tuesday, tying it to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

About 10,000 fewer Kent County residents are receiving federal food aid than before Congress and President Donald Trump changed the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in July 2025. The Kent County Essential Needs Task Force gave Grand Rapids city commissioners that figure on Tuesday, tying it to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

Blandford Nature Center names first elder-in-residence

Grand Rapids New Capabilities Ongoing

Blandford Nature Center has appointed Punkin Shananaquet as its first elder-in-residence. The new role is meant to bring Indigenous perspectives into the center's environmental and land education programs.

Blandford Nature Center has appointed Punkin Shananaquet as its first elder-in-residence. The new role is meant to bring Indigenous perspectives into the center's environmental and land education programs.

Grand Rapids Public Museum opens bilingual early-childhood exhibit

Grand Rapids New Capabilities Ongoing

The Grand Rapids Public Museum will open a bilingual traveling exhibit on November 14. Called 'AlgreMENTE | Happy Brain: Celebrating Early Connections,' it is designed for children ages 0-6 and their caregivers.

The Grand Rapids Public Museum will open a bilingual traveling exhibit on November 14. Called 'AlgreMENTE | Happy Brain: Celebrating Early Connections,' it is designed for children ages 0-6 and their caregivers.

John Ball Zoo appoints new CEO

Grand Rapids Money Moves 6-Week Leadership Transition

Jason Jacobs starts as John Ball Zoo's chief executive on Dec. 7, after a nationwide search that drew dozens of candidates. He has more than 25 years of zoo leadership experience, with roles at Lion Country Safari in Florida, the Sacramento Zoo and Reid Park Zoo in Arizona.

Jason Jacobs starts as John Ball Zoo's chief executive on Dec. 7, after a nationwide search that drew dozens of candidates. He has more than 25 years of zoo leadership experience, with roles at Lion Country Safari in Florida, the Sacramento Zoo and Reid Park Zoo in Arizona.

Michigan begins mailing absentee ballots for Nov 3 election

Grand Rapids Rule Changes 40-Day Voting Window

Absentee ballots began going out Sept. 24, after the Supreme Court blocked a Postal Service rule that would have restricted mail delivery. Several clerks missed the state's 40-day mailing deadline, and some voters in Antrim and Presque Isle counties were still waiting on Sept. 29.

Absentee ballots began going out Sept. 24, after the Supreme Court blocked a Postal Service rule that would have restricted mail delivery. Several clerks missed the state's 40-day mailing deadline, and some voters in Antrim and Presque Isle counties were still waiting on Sept. 29.

Gleaves Whitney to leave the Ford Presidential Foundation

Grand Rapids Money Moves Leadership transition

Gleaves Whitney will step down as executive director of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation on Dec. 31, MLive reported on Nov. 9. He has led the Grand Rapids nonprofit since 2020, when he became the fourth person to hold the job.

Gleaves Whitney will step down as executive director of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation on Dec. 31, MLive reported on Nov. 9. He has led the Grand Rapids nonprofit since 2020, when he became the fourth person to hold the job.

Sullivan's Carpet and Furniture closes after 77 years in Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids Money Moves 77-Year Run

Sullivan's Carpet and Furniture, a 28th Street SE store that operated for 77 years, has closed. Its remaining sofas, carpet rolls and forklifts will be sold at a public online auction.

Sullivan's Carpet and Furniture, a 28th Street SE store that operated for 77 years, has closed. Its remaining sofas, carpet rolls and forklifts will be sold at a public online auction.

Michigan Supreme Court approves pilot program for domestic cases in four counties

Grand Rapids Rule Changes Ongoing pilot

The Michigan Supreme Court adopted an order on Oct. 14 creating a simpler court process for domestic cases in Kent, Allegan, Montcalm and Muskegon counties. New cases will start on the informal docket by Jan. 1, 2027, except initial personal protection orders. The State Court Administrative Office announced the project on Nov. 5.

The Michigan Supreme Court adopted an order on Oct. 14 creating a simpler court process for domestic cases in Kent, Allegan, Montcalm and Muskegon counties. New cases will start on the informal docket by Jan. 1, 2027, except initial personal protection orders. The State Court Administrative Office announced the project on Nov. 5.

Hell's Kitchen opens six-night run at DeVos Performance Hall in Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids New Capabilities Ongoing National Tour

Alicia Keys's Hell's Kitchen played six nights at DeVos Performance Hall in September, the first stop on its North American tour. The tour closed at Shea's Buffalo Theatre on November 1 and is now at Rochester's West Herr Auditorium Theatre through November 8.

Alicia Keys's Hell's Kitchen played six nights at DeVos Performance Hall in September, the first stop on its North American tour. The tour closed at Shea's Buffalo Theatre on November 1 and is now at Rochester's West Herr Auditorium Theatre through November 8.

Amphitheater donor deal lets Acrisure pursue venue owner's insurance business

Grand Rapids Money Moves Ongoing donor-procurement story

Acrisure gave $30 million to put its name on Grand Rapids' new riverfront amphitheater. MLive reported on Nov. 7, 2026, that the donor-recognition agreement also let the insurance broker pursue the venue owner's insurance business.

Acrisure gave $30 million to put its name on Grand Rapids' new riverfront amphitheater. MLive reported on Nov. 7, 2026, that the donor-recognition agreement also let the insurance broker pursue the venue owner's insurance business.

Invasive mudsnails detected in Kent County, Michigan

Grand Rapids Rule Changes Interactive Ongoing

Michigan officials have confirmed the New Zealand mudsnail in Bear Creek, a coldwater tributary of the Thornapple River in Kent County. It is the first detection of the invasive snail in southern Lower Michigan, about 75 miles south of the closest known infestation.

Michigan officials have confirmed the New Zealand mudsnail in Bear Creek, a coldwater tributary of the Thornapple River in Kent County. It is the first detection of the invasive snail in southern Lower Michigan, about 75 miles south of the closest known infestation.

Wendy's franchisee Meritage files for bankruptcy

Grand Rapids Money Moves Ongoing bankruptcy process

Meritage Hospitality Group filed for Chapter 11 on September 17 with about $651 million in liabilities. Wendy's had terminated the franchise agreements a day earlier and says Meritage owes roughly $147 million; Meritage disputes the termination and sued to keep the agreements in force. The two sides are still fighting in bankruptcy court, and Meritage has kept closing restaurants.

Meritage Hospitality Group filed for Chapter 11 on September 17 with about $651 million in liabilities. Wendy's had terminated the franchise agreements a day earlier and says Meritage owes roughly $147 million; Meritage disputes the termination and sued to keep the agreements in force. The two sides are still fighting in bankruptcy court, and Meritage has kept closing restaurants.

Grand Rapids Marine Corps Reserve Center set for demolition

Grand Rapids Built World Ongoing

Morrison Industrial Equipment plans to tear down the four buildings at the former Naval and Marine Corps Reserve Center on Monroe Avenue NW by March. The Grand Rapids company bought the 3.5-acre riverfront parcel at federal auction for $3.1 million.

Morrison Industrial Equipment plans to tear down the four buildings at the former Naval and Marine Corps Reserve Center on Monroe Avenue NW by March. The Grand Rapids company bought the 3.5-acre riverfront parcel at federal auction for $3.1 million.

Grand Rapids upgrades sirens to alert only neighborhoods within a mile of a threat

Grand Rapids Built World First year of year-round testing

Grand Rapids' 27 outdoor warning sirens now sound only within a mile of the area the National Weather Service flags as a threat, instead of all at once across the city. The first test under the new year-round schedule is at noon Friday, Nov. 6.

Grand Rapids' 27 outdoor warning sirens now sound only within a mile of the area the National Weather Service flags as a threat, instead of all at once across the city. The first test under the new year-round schedule is at noon Friday, Nov. 6.

Isabella Bank completes acquisition of Grand River Bank

Grand Rapids Money Moves 5-Month Acquisition and Integration

Isabella Bank has completed its acquisition of Grand River Bank, giving the Mount Pleasant-based lender its first branches in the Grand Rapids area. The deal was announced in June and became effective Nov. 2.

Isabella Bank has completed its acquisition of Grand River Bank, giving the Mount Pleasant-based lender its first branches in the Grand Rapids area. The deal was announced in June and became effective Nov. 2.

GRPS Turkey Trot adds 10K and 1-mile walk for 2026

Grand Rapids New Capabilities 11-Week Build-Up to Thanksgiving

The Grand Rapids Public Schools Turkey Trot returns on Thanksgiving morning, November 26, with a new 10K and a 1-mile walk alongside the usual 5K. The 10K starts at 8 a.m. outside Van Andel Arena, the Mini Trot for children follows at 8:10, and the 5K and walk go off at 8:30.

The Grand Rapids Public Schools Turkey Trot returns on Thanksgiving morning, November 26, with a new 10K and a 1-mile walk alongside the usual 5K. The 10K starts at 8 a.m. outside Van Andel Arena, the Mini Trot for children follows at 8:10, and the 5K and walk go off at 8:30.

Northpointe Bank files layoff notice for Grand Rapids workforce

Grand Rapids Money Moves WARN notice filed; layoffs set for Dec. 31

Northpointe Bank filed a notice with Michigan labor officials on Nov. 4 saying it will lay off 338 workers at three locations, including its Grand Rapids headquarters and a 28th Street office. The layoff date is Dec. 31. The filing is a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification, or WARN notice, which requires 60 days' notice of a mass layoff.

Northpointe Bank filed a notice with Michigan labor officials on Nov. 4 saying it will lay off 338 workers at three locations, including its Grand Rapids headquarters and a 28th Street office. The layoff date is Dec. 31. The filing is a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification, or WARN notice, which requires 60 days' notice of a mass layoff.

Kent County voters reject jail millage, sheriff seeks voter concerns

Grand Rapids Money Moves Post-Election Funding Gap

Kent County voters rejected a 20-year jail tax renewal and increase on Nov. 3, with about 60% voting no. The sheriff's office says daily operations will not change immediately, but the county still faces a gap for an aging jail whose medical unit sits in a wing built in 1972.

Kent County voters rejected a 20-year jail tax renewal and increase on Nov. 3, with about 60% voting no. The sheriff's office says daily operations will not change immediately, but the county still faces a gap for an aging jail whose medical unit sits in a wing built in 1972.

Dang Nice Deli sells out on opening day in Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids Money Moves Opening Day

Dang Nice Deli opened in Grand Rapids on Wednesday. The deli sold out of food within hours, according to local reporting.

Dang Nice Deli opened in Grand Rapids on Wednesday. The deli sold out of food within hours, according to local reporting.

Grand Rapids' Flanagan's prepares to reopen under new ownership

Grand Rapids Money Moves Seven-Month Rebuild

Flanagan's Irish Pub closed in 2025 after its liquor license was suspended. In April 2026, a judge ordered the pub seized for loan default, and the Rood Building sold for $3.3 million. New owner Brendan Bianchi has spent about $250,000 renovating the space and plans to reopen it as Flanagan's Social House by the end of November.

Flanagan's Irish Pub closed in 2025 after its liquor license was suspended. In April 2026, a judge ordered the pub seized for loan default, and the Rood Building sold for $3.3 million. New owner Brendan Bianchi has spent about $250,000 renovating the space and plans to reopen it as Flanagan's Social House by the end of November.

Four new members elected to Grand Rapids school board as enrollment falls

Grand Rapids Rule Changes Election and board transition

Voters elected four new members to the Grand Rapids Public Schools Board of Education on Nov. 3: Ismalis Nuñez, Carlos Kulas-Dominguez, Amaad Hardy and Antoinette Chapman. Board President José Rodriguez won a second four-year term, and Erika VanDyke took an unopposed partial term.

Voters elected four new members to the Grand Rapids Public Schools Board of Education on Nov. 3: Ismalis Nuñez, Carlos Kulas-Dominguez, Amaad Hardy and Antoinette Chapman. Board President José Rodriguez won a second four-year term, and Erika VanDyke took an unopposed partial term.