Good Day
Grand Rapids
Friday, January 9th, 2026
Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 9th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ A Michigan family stranded in the Caribbean amid halted flights due to conflict in Venezuela has returned to U.S. soil today after Congresswoman Lisa McClain arranged travel from Miami to Detroit. FOX 17
- ➤ A West Michigan farm has gone viral for an unusual friendship between retired racehorse Lightning Charlie (who retired this fall) and a cat named Mr. Kitty at Beauty for Ashes Stable in Bailey. The owner said the horse now grooms the cat as he awaits a new home. ABC 13
- ➤ Faith Hospice celebrated 30 years of service by launching its new Real Grief program & hosting workshops at the Van Andel Hope and Healing Pavilion in Byron Center to help residents process unexpected loss. The nonprofit serves nearly 300 patients daily and plans to announce the 2026 schedule soon. MLive
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Microsoft announced it is backing a proposed $1B data center at Covenant Business Park (a 237-acre parcel) in Lowell Township. The project may spur economic growth in the area if it moves forward. MLive
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The free World of Winter festival kicks off its annual Ice Breaker Event with a community-voted 5,000-pound ice sculpture reveal tomorrow at Rosa Parks Circle from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. — the two-month festival features light-based art and live performances, promising family-friendly fun. FOX 17
FINANCE NEWS
- ➤ Corey Davis with Mattson Financial Services advises residents to list all debts - then choose the avalanche method to save money on interest or the snowball method for quicker wins, while also building an emergency fund after the holiday season. FOX 17
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Local law enforcement has nearly completed switching from DJI to American-made Skydio X10 drones after the FCC banned new foreign-made models in December — agriculture companies are now exploring alternatives that provide similar performance for crop management. ABC 13
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Kent County Health Department released a report showing that 40% of children were overweight or obese based on data from 2017 to 2022 and the results, higher than state and national averages, will guide programs to boost healthy eating and regular exercise in the community. 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.
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Reveal the authorAbout Good Day Grand Rapids
Welcome to the Good Day Grand Rapids, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Grand Rapids, Michigan community. If you like the Good Day Grand Rapids, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Grand Rapids.
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