Good morning, Grand Rapids.

After losing his job at GM, Danny Larsen and his wife Maria started Afterglohe last November in Holland.

They create custom candles that light up with photos & ship orders in one to two days using local supplies.

The Grand Rapids Public Museum reopens its 1928 Spillman Carousel today at 9 a.m. with accessible upgrades including a wheelchair-accessible chariot and freshly painted animals — neighbors can ride until the museum closes at 8 p.m.

The Acrisure Amphitheater in downtown Grand Rapids will open in May 2026 and host Lionel Richie plus other acts during its debut concert series.

The 12,000-seat venue, costing $184 million, is set to boost tourism and local business with a Golden Ticket giveaway running until March 8.

The latest Labor Department report shows 130,000 jobs were added and unemployment edged down, though West Michigan faces slower growth largely due to AI adoption cutting manufacturing jobs.

GVSU’s Dr. Isley expects future gains from diverse sectors like healthcare and tech but warns of continued challenges in entry-level hiring.

On Thursday, Feb. 12, The Right Place unveiled a three-year plan in Grand Rapids to create and retain 4,500 jobs at $30 an hour and attract $700 million in capital investment by 2028.

The plan calls for 100 industry education partnerships and offers strategies to address local data center concerns.

Thirteen homeowners including Larry Gibbs accepted a $195,000 settlement approved by the city on Tuesday, Feb.

10 after a June 2024 water main break flooded homes on the southeast side, and Gibbs plans to repair his house and move because he estimated $200,000 in damages.

Businessman Perry Johnson, who was removed from the ballot in 2022 over a signature scandal, is running for governor in the upcoming 2026 election.

He stressed his business background to cut taxes, boost manufacturing & improve education statewide.

Park Township will purchase the former Coast Guard station at 2280 Ottawa Beach Road on Lake Macatawa for $1.4 million to serve as a water rescue base for its fire department.

Renovations will begin in March and the station is expected to be operating by summer (boosting emergency response along the shoreline).

The Plainfield Township Fire Department took delivery of its new Engine 3 (a custom-built $868,383 fire truck) after a three-year wait; the department is mounting equipment and awaits a state inspection before it goes into service.

Local swimmers built a 25-yard lap pool from ice on Bostwick Lake near Grand Rapids to keep their winter outdoor swim streak alive, and they use it weekly to train toward an Ice Mile challenge (swimming a mile in 41°F water or colder).

Cindy Kelley, a former college basketball player who had five knee surgeries over ten years, returned to the court with strong workouts at Power Strength Training Systems in Kentwood and played in her daughter’s college alumni game in January — showing her impressive comeback.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Kameron Marlowe Live Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — The Intersection — Ticketed event — Enjoy an evening with country singer Kameron Marlowe known for his heartfelt performances and rich vocal style.

Manitoba Moose vs. Grand Rapids Griffins

7-9 p.m. — Van Andel Arena — Tickets available — Celebrate the Griffins’ milestone season with an exciting match against the Manitoba Moose.

Ole 60 Concert

7-10 p.m. — GLC Live at 20 Monroe — Tickets from $73 — Experience an unforgettable evening with Ole 60 in vibrant Grand Rapids.

Beer Fest Pre-Party

6-9 p.m. — The Pyramid Scheme — All ages welcome — Enjoy a night of live music featuring local breweries before the Winter Beerfest.

Iowa Wild vs Grand Rapids Griffins

7-9 p.m. — Van Andel Arena — Streaming available — Catch the action as Iowa Wild battles Grand Rapids Griffins in an exciting hockey matchup.