Saturday, January 31st, 2026
Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 31st of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Religious leaders and police chief Eric Winstrom unveiled a new community plan yesterday to address violence and support local youth in Grand Rapids. The plan calls for weekly prayer meetings, expansion of the GRACE (youth program), and police-faith liaisons to strengthen community safety. FOX 17
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Buell Motorcycle in Cascade Township received a $10M federal loan to boost production of its new Super Cruiser launched last fall & plans to add 162 jobs in two years, with production expected to be 25 times higher than in 2025 under CEO Bill Melvin's lead. MLive
- ➤ Business at All Star Sports in Wyoming surged after fans rushed in following Friday’s Michigan-Michigan State rivalry game at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. Owner Eric Prunell said the game boosted sales of player merchandise and memorabilia (including top-selling jerseys). FOX 17
- ➤ Detroit native Wendy Ringo opened Sugah Please Breakfast Brunch Bar on the southeast side on Jan. 2 in a soft opening offering New Orleans-inspired Southern fare & modern touches. The restaurant is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Monday and plans to adjust hours for its grand opening soon. MLive
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Kent County retains and attracts young people thanks to strong collaboration between schools and local companies in tech, healthcare and manufacturing. Census data shows an 18 percent increase in people aged 25 to 34 since 2000, marking its success in keeping talent in the region. ABC 13
- ➤ Eight Michigan companies announced layoffs totaling over 1,700 jobs in January, with GM cutting 1,140 positions at its Detroit plant and Utz Brands ending operations at its Grand Rapids facility that employed 75 people (other cuts were set from Jan. 5 to May 26) as market demand slowed. MLive
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel sent a letter to Gotion demanding repayment of ($23.6M) within 30 days after the state ordered the funds returned in October 2025. State officials say the action follows the decision to pull funding incentives after Gotion failed to meet project milestones. ABC 13
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A 74-year-old hockey player suffered a heart attack two weeks ago in Holland and his teammates along with two anesthesiologists used an AED and CPR to save him, with hopes of returning to the ice this summer. FOX 17
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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.
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Trey Kennedy - The Relatable Tour
7-9 p.m. — DeVos Performance Hall — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of laughter with Trey Kennedy's humorous storytelling and audience interactions.
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The Lou Fighters and Blender
8-11 p.m. — Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill — Free entry — Experience high-energy rock from The Lou Fighters and unique 90's hits with Bender The Blender.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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