Good Day
Grand Rapids
Saturday, January 3rd, 2026
Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 3rd of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ With winter deepening, Forest Hills homeowners face the risk of frozen pipes disrupting water flow; local plumbing experts advise letting faucets drip + insulating exposed pipes to keep water moving and avoid costly repairs. FOX 17
- ➤ Local planning commissions reviewed several development projects in December. A $1B data center in Lowell Township was postponed indefinitely, while Wyoming approvals included a drive-thru restaurant, an 85,250-sqft truck facility, and three new duplexes— plus a condo plan in Walker was denied amid traffic concerns. MLive
- ➤ In downtown Grand Rapids, a community project placed one chair at Monroe Center and Pearl asking passersby to share what made 2025 special. Twelve residents recalled family milestones, job changes, and new adventures (lasting one hour) during the chilly winter event. ABC 13
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ In 2025, Grand Rapids saw 30 restaurants and breweries open or close as new spots like Myanmar Meals, Go Vegan GR, and SILVA added fresh flavors while old venues like Rockwell Republic and The Green Well shuttered amid industry challenges+ the busy year reshaped the dining scene. MLive
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ University of Michigan Health-West welcomed its first baby of the year when Shepherd Isaac Anderson was born at 6 a.m. Jan. 1 (weighing 7 lbs, 3 oz and measuring 19.5 inches), and his parents, Jenn and Mike Anderson, are doing well after the delivery. MLive
- ➤ Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital welcomed the first baby of 2026 shortly after midnight on Thursday (born at 1:35 a.m. and weighing 10 lbs, 8 oz) with both mother and baby doing well. ABC 13
- ➤ Local health experts warned that ACA subsidies expiring on New Year’s Day have caused Michigan residents’ premiums to rise, affecting nearly 530,000 locals (about 90 percent of marketplace enrollees). Hospitals may see more unpaid bills that could raise costs for those with employer insurance. ABC 13
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ IHOP in Grand Rapids will offer unlimited buttermilk pancakes with select breakfast combos starting Jan. 5 until March 30 (a promotion announced in a playful ad featuring Malik Nabers) that brings a fresh twist to local dining. MLive
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Grand Rapids housing advocate Dee Jones is urging officials to consider 3D printed homes as part of the city’s housing plan through 2031. He said similar projects in Detroit show that this innovative method could cut building costs—currently estimated at about $23,000 for a 1,200 sqft home. FOX 17
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Grand Rapids Gold host their second Flint Tropics Night today at Van Andel Arena, featuring a halftime wrestling match at 7:00 p.m. between Jackie Moon and Dewey the Bear - with WWE legend Rhino and referee Andy Curtis joining the bout. FOX 17
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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.
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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.
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Milwaukee Admirals vs. Grand Rapids Griffins
7-9 p.m. — Van Andel Arena — Ticket prices vary — Catch an exciting hockey matchup between two AHL rivals in Grand Rapids.
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The Somm Series: Vino & Pintxos
7-9 p.m. — Grand Vin — $75 per person — Discover exquisite Spanish wines paired with delightful snacks led by experienced sommeliers.
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John Heffron Live Comedy Show
6:00 – 10:15 PM — Dr. Grins Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of laughter with comedian John Heffron performing live.
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John Heffron Live
6:00 – 10:15 PM — Dr. Grins Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of laughs with the comedic stylings of John Heffron.
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Cabin Fever Psychic & Holistic Fair
10 AM – 6 PM — Tulyp, Tapestry Collection by Hilton — Free entry — Explore mystical vibes with aura photography, tarot readings, and more to break the winter blues.
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Methodology Melee: How We Build Digital Products
6-8 p.m. — Start Garden — Free entry — Discover the human side of digital product development through expert-led discussions and networking.
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Baby Storytime
10:00-10:30 a.m. — Allendale Twp Library — Free entry — Storytime filled with stories, songs, and play for little ones and their caregivers.
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Candlelight: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons Concert
6:30-7:45 p.m. — Wealthy Theatre — Get your tickets now to experience the harmonic soundscapes of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons illuminated by candlelight.
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
No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man.
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