Good Day
Grand Rapids
Thursday, January 8th, 2026
Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 8th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ A local pastor’s social media post sparked a neighborhood effort to feed Ottawa Hills basketball players before home games — the initiative now provides a meal to all 45 athletes and invites additional donations of sports drinks and snacks. FOX 17
- ➤ Mel Trotter Ministries opened its new thrift store at 9377 Cherry Valley Ave. SE in Caledonia on Wednesday, Jan. 7. Proceeds will fund shelter, transitional housing and job training programs (CEO Chris Palusky said the store expands support for families in need). MLive
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Microsoft wrote a letter to Lowell Township officials to address community concerns over a proposed data center that was paused in December. The company said planning remains in early stages and will share more project design + resource use details during the site plan review process. ABC 13
- ➤ Kobold’s Kitchen, a board game café with over 800 games and a full diner menu, will open in the former Fat Boy Burger at 2450 Plainfield Ave. NE in Grand Rapids by spring. Owner Theodore Geiger has been showcasing sample dishes and offering gift certificates at local events. MLive
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ GasBuddy forecasts that the national gas price will drop below $3 per gallon in 2026, with Michigan expecting prices from $2.93 to $3.20 due to a new gas tax & a slight spring rise before a later decline. ABC 13
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Patricia R. Harris, president of Kuyper College, announced she will retire on June 30, 2026 after 13 years of leadership, including nine as president, during which she led major changes like launching athletics and securing accreditations—while the Board of Trustees begins its search for a new leader. ABC 13
- ➤ Blake Sherman was named the first Robinson Dental Scholar Athlete of the Week after earning a 4.8 GPA & managing six AP classes while bowling at his local club; he also volunteers in school clubs including blood drives at East Grand Rapids High. ABC 13
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A court ordered MDHHS to launch a new foster care system in Kent County within 30 days, but West Michigan Partnership for Children faces uncertainty after state funding cuts forced it to tap reserves, CEO Sonia Norman said—its flexible model now risks halting timely childcare. ABC 13
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The nonprofit i understand will offer one-hour Be The ONE training sessions in 2026 to help community members support others with mental health challenges. Founder Vonnie Woodrick said the training shows how to offer support + encourage talk that can save lives. ABC 13
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ A new housing project in Viking Hollow near Howard City offers 21 single-family homes starting at $275,000. Sable Homes has received township approval and will build two roads plus begin permitting two homes to create 1.25-acre lots for families seeking affordable options. MLive
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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
Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.
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Reveal the authorAbout Good Day Grand Rapids
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