The New Faces And Veteran Mainstays: A Complete Guide To The FOX 17 News Grand Rapids Cast In 2025
The FOX 17 News Grand Rapids cast has seen a significant wave of changes and exciting new additions, making the current team one of the most dynamic in West Michigan broadcasting. As of the end of 2025, the newsroom at WXMI Channel 17 has balanced the stability of long-time local favorites with fresh, national talent, creating a compelling lineup for both the morning and evening newscasts.
This article provides an in-depth look at the current anchors, meteorologists, and reporters, highlighting the recent departures that have reshaped the team and introducing the new journalists who are quickly becoming familiar faces to the Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and Muskegon viewing areas. The station is focusing on a renewed commitment to local, reporter-driven news coverage, a strategy evident in the diverse backgrounds of its newest hires.
The Complete FOX 17 News Grand Rapids Cast Roster (2025 Updates)
The FOX 17 team is structured to deliver news across all dayparts, from the early morning wake-up calls to the late-night wrap-up. The recent personnel shifts have brought a fresh energy to the news programming, with a mix of veteran stability and new perspectives on local issues.
Evening News Anchors & Team Leads
- Samantha Mesa (Evening Anchor): A significant new hire, Mesa joined the team to co-anchor the primary evening newscasts, including the 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 10 p.m., and 11 p.m. segments. Originally from Colorado, her background includes work in major markets like New York, Texas, and Iowa, bringing a wealth of national experience to West Michigan. Mesa’s arrival marks a push for a strong, authoritative presence on the nightly news.
- Josh Berry (Evening Anchor): Co-anchors the evening newscasts alongside Samantha Mesa. Berry is known for his extensive catalog of major news stories and serves as a consistent, experienced presence in the newsroom.
- Thomas Cook (Sports Director): Cook is the station's new Sports Director, a key role in the sports-focused West Michigan market. He previously worked as a reporter in Lansing and is a graduate of Kalamazoo College.
Morning News Anchors & Team Leads
- Morning Anchor Team: The FOX 17 Morning News is known for its diverse and energetic team. While specific names of the current main morning anchors change, the team is noted for featuring a diverse lineup, including a Black woman and a gay man, reflecting the station's commitment to diverse representation in West Michigan broadcasting.
The FOX 17 Weather Team (Meteorologists)
The West Michigan weather team is one of the most respected in the market, anchored by a long-serving veteran and boosted by the return of a beloved local figure.
- Kevin Craig (Chief Meteorologist): Craig is the undisputed veteran of the FOX 17 weather team, having served as Chief Meteorologist since 2001. A Michigan native, born in Detroit, Craig’s long tenure provides deep expertise in forecasting the famously unpredictable West Michigan weather.
- Terri DeBoer (Morning Meteorologist): In a major local news story, DeBoer "un-retired" from television news to join the FOX 17 Morning News team. After spending over 30 years as the morning meteorologist at WOOD-TV, her return to broadcasting in 2023 at WXMI was widely celebrated by local viewers.
- Kara James (Evening Meteorologist): James serves as the Evening Meteorologist, having joined the FOX affiliate in Grand Rapids after working at WeatherNation.
- Michael Fish (Meteorologist): Known as the "Weather Guy," Fish is a Scripps transfer from Green Bay, adding another experienced forecaster to the team.
Key Reporters and Contributors
- Candace Monacelli: Serves as the Weekend Morning Meteorologist and Reporter, showcasing versatility in both weather and news coverage for the station.
- Cassandra Alonso: A dedicated local reporter covering specific areas like East Grand Rapids, Forest Hills, and Cascade.
- Executive Reporter: The station also maintains an Executive Reporter role, a position that focuses on high-impact, in-depth news stories.
The Great Shift: Understanding Recent Departures and New Direction
The current FOX 17 cast roster reflects a significant period of transition for the station, WXMI Channel 17. Over the past year, the station has experienced several high-profile departures and internal shifts that have fundamentally changed the on-air lineup. These changes are a common part of the competitive Grand Rapids broadcasting market, but the sheer volume of turnover has been notable.
One of the most discussed changes was the departure of longtime morning news anchor Deanna Falzone, who announced her plan to leave the FOX 17 Morning News. Her exit, along with the departure of other key personnel like Reece Cole, created voids that the station has since moved quickly to fill. The news director also resigned, contributing to a sense of internal restructuring.
The community has engaged in discussions about a perceived "purge" of top talent and even layoffs, suggesting a strategic shift in the station’s operational model. However, the quality of the incoming talent, such as Samantha Mesa and the return of Terri DeBoer, indicates a strong commitment to maintaining a high-caliber news product. The new direction appears to be a move toward a more "reporter-driven" news format, focusing on on-the-ground, detailed coverage of West Michigan issues.
Topical Authority: Why the FOX 17 Team Matters to West Michigan
WXMI, operating as FOX 17, is a crucial source of local news for the entire West Michigan Designated Market Area (DMA), which is one of the largest in the United States. The station's focus on local stories in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and Muskegon, combined with its affiliation with the Fox network, makes its news cast a significant player in the regional media landscape. The team’s ability to cover a diverse range of topics—from breaking news and investigative reports to detailed West Michigan weather forecasts—is vital to the community.
The Importance of Local Experience
The blending of veteran anchors and meteorologists with newer, nationally experienced journalists creates a powerful dynamic. For instance, the stability provided by Chief Meteorologist Kevin Craig’s two decades of experience is invaluable when covering major West Michigan weather events like lake-effect snow or severe summer storms. His long history with the station since 2001 ensures a deep understanding of the region's unique climate patterns.
Similarly, the return of Terri DeBoer brings a familiar, trusted face back to the morning news. Her long-standing relationship with the audience from her time at WOOD-TV gives FOX 17 a competitive edge in the highly-watched morning daypart.
The New Generation of Journalists
The addition of journalists like Samantha Mesa and Sports Director Thomas Cook signals a forward-looking strategy. Mesa’s experience in various markets, including New York, allows her to bring a broad perspective to the Grand Rapids news cycle, while Cook’s local roots (Kalamazoo College) ensure he remains connected to the community he serves. This blend of national training and local commitment is essential for a modern news organization.
The commitment to a diverse morning anchor team also reflects a growing trend in broadcasting to better represent the communities they serve, ensuring that different voices and perspectives are heard on key issues affecting Kent County and the surrounding areas. The station’s continued investment in its news team, despite the recent turnover, underscores its dedication to being a primary source for Grand Rapids broadcasting and West Michigan news.
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