Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How a court fight could reshape foster care near Grand Rapids

Coming up on the Grand Rapids Patch calendar: Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings

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Thursday December 25th Patch AM
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Hey hey Grand Rapids! Your one-stop source for local news is here. Continue reading for all the updates. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How a court fight could reshape foster care near Grand Rapids
  • How Helen DeVos Hospital is making Christmas magical for young patients
  • How a family connection keeps Michigan’s basketball coach rooted and thriving

Also on today's calendar: Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings and 3 more events.

Find out what's happening in Grand Rapidsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did the little needle say to the mother needle when it brought home a failing report card? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Grand Rapidsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Thursday: Low clouds, with a high of 37 and low of 30 degrees.
  • Friday: Breezy, morning rain; cloudy, temps: high: 37, low: 30.
  • Saturday: Low clouds, with a high of 40 and low of 36 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Court rules state must restore Kent County's unique foster care model (mlive.com) — A state court has ordered Michigan to restore Kent County’s unique, performance-based foster care system, a model closely followed by Grand Rapids-area families and agencies. The ruling gives the state 30 days to reinstate the specialized structure, though it doesn’t require a contract with the nonprofit that built it. Local foster providers warn delays could disrupt services for hundreds of vulnerable children.
   

• DeVos Children's Hospital brings Christmas cheer (woodtv.com) — Families spending Christmas at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids are getting extra holiday cheer from child life staff, volunteers and even Santa himself. From surprise visits and stuffed animals to the free Winter Wonderland gift shop, the hospital is working to make young patients feel more like they’re celebrating at home while they receive care.
   

• Dusty May thriving at Michigan with the help of family (woodtv.com) — Reporting from Grand Rapids, this feature follows University of Michigan basketball coach Dusty May and how having his sons on the team and staff has boosted his happiness and success. It highlights their shared journey from childhood gym time to working together in Ann Arbor, and why that family connection convinced May to commit long-term to Michigan.
   

📸 Around Grand Rapids

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Grand Rapids

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📣 Grand Rapids Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Found near the elementary this morning.
    Very friendly dog. A collar but no tag. Message me if you have any info. (Nextdoor Ken-O-Sha Park)
  • 45 degrees and sunny so I headed out to my favorite place for a walk, Lamar Park.
    I walked around the lake a couple of time soaking in the sun. I wish it could stay like this all winter. (Nextdoor Oakdale)
  • Michigan Staffing posted a job opening for Porter in Grand Rapids. Apply here.
  • SpartanNash posted a job opening for Grocery Associate in Grand Rapids. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Grand Rapids here.

🗞 Nearby News

East Grand Rapids

  • East Grand Rapids sees major infrastructure gains one year after millage renewal (fox17online.com)
  • Photographer focuses national attention on Reeds Lake (woodtv.com)
  • Morning Buzz: December 23, 2025 (fox17online.com)

Walker

  • ‘It's just time:' Walker city manager set to retire after 11 years (mlive.com)
  • 'When we're full, we're full': Humane Society of West Michigan is at capacity; how you can help (fox17online.com)
  • 'The Plainfield Elf Runner' revealed: What a nice guy (fox17online.com)

Ok Grand Rapids! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I guess I’m not as sharp as I thought.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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