Good Day
Grand Rapids
Thursday, January 29th, 2026
Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 29th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Jenison High School will transform its gym from green to pink on Friday during the 5:30 p.m. girls game and the 7:15 p.m. boys game — a tradition that began 18 years ago to support cancer fighters and has grown into a nonprofit effort uniting the community. FOX 17
- ➤ The GIANT Awards ceremony at DeVos Place on Saturday, Jan. 31 will honor 12 African American leaders for their community contributions — doors open at 5:30 p.m. with programming starting at 6 p.m. ABC 13
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Hudsonville Ice Cream is kicking off its 100th anniversary with a contest asking ice cream lovers to submit a creative 30-second video by Feb. 13 to be crowned the Ultimate Ice Cream Fan. The contest also debuts a limited-edition Birthday Cake ice cream, available at select retailers this month. MLive
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Patrick Goran, a Spring Lake high school senior (4.4 GPA) with sports accolades, publishes Letters to Grandpa and raises $45,000 for Alzheimer's awareness. He supports early detection while inspiring peers through leadership in student council and swimming achievements. ABC 13
- ➤ West Michigan school districts used up all their snow days amid heavy snowfall, and Allendale Public Schools (which canceled school eight times) will seek a state waiver to avoid extra makeup days. Officials may swap upcoming professional development days with school days if needed. FOX 17
- ➤ High school athletes can now profit from their own name, image & likeness after the Michigan High School Athletic Association announced a policy change Tuesday. The move aims to boost personal branding while coaches and parents help ensure students learn financial literacy. FOX 17
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Solon Township approved a 90-day halt on data center proposals during Tuesday night's meeting to address community concerns. The measure now awaits decision (next meeting Feb. 9) by the township board. FOX 17
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Dr. Diana Bitner explained that pelvic organ prolapse (when organs lose support in the pelvis) often stems from childbirth, infections, and hormonal changes; she advises those with bladder or rectal leaking to seek a doctor’s evaluation and explore pelvic floor therapy options. FOX 17
- ➤ On Wednesday, Jan. 28, state agriculture officials detected bird flu in an Ottawa County backyard flock, marking Michigan’s first case this year and the 16th since 2022 + they advised flock owners to secure their birds and keep them separate from wild birds. MLive
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ A vacant lot on Lake Eastbrook Blvd—once the Orbit Room—is planned for a $25 million, 132-unit mixed-income housing development by SW Real Estate Investment. Pending City Commission and state approvals, construction will begin this fall with completion predicted by early 2028. MLive
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Grand Rapids Weekend to Remember
Jan 30- Feb 1 — Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton — Registration required — Discover oneness in your marriage through inspiring talks and retreats.
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The Emperor and the Swan - DTE Family Concert
10 AM - 1 PM — East Grand Rapids Performing Arts Center — Family-friendly event — Experience a delightful musical journey with the Grand Rapids Symphony.
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Practicing Resilience in a Complex World
6 p.m. — Postma Center at Pine Rest — Free entry — Connect with the Fuller community over conversation and heavy appetizers while learning about local mental health initiatives.
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Keith Scott Blues Concert
5:30-9:30 p.m. — Third Nature Brewing Company — Check website for entry cost — Enjoy a night of dynamic blues with Chicago's own Keith Scott, a seasoned artist with over 40 years of experience.
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Groundhog Day Marathon and Half Marathon
8 AM – 2 PM — The Meadows at Millennium Park — Registration required — Embrace winter with a race alongside Grand Rapids' own groundhog Gus.
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2026 World of Winter Festival
9 AM – 11 PM — Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. — Free entry — Experience the largest winter festival in the Midwest filled with stunning art, performances, and fun activities for everyone.
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Comedy at the Club
8:00 p.m. — Gilda's Club Grand Rapids — $25 — The Family Improv Workshop offers an evening full of laughter for all ages.
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Magic and Comedy Date Night
9:00 – 10:30 PM — AllArtWorks Viewing Studio — $25 — Experience a unique blend of magic, comedy, and poetry this Valentine’s night.
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2026 World of Winter Festival
9 AM – 11 PM — Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. — Free entry — Experience a vibrant winter wonderland with light installations, performances, and activities for all ages.
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SAS Vendor Exhibit & Trade Show 2026
12 PM – 6 PM — DeVos Place — Exhibit participation cost varies — Explore innovations in analytics and software at this vibrant industry trade show.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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