Good Day
Grand Rapids
Wednesday, December 31st, 2025
Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 31st of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Consumers Energy worked to restore power after ice, snow and strong winds brought down trees and lines on Tuesday, leaving 47,000 customers without service; restoration is expected to be complete today as crews, including some from out of state, help clear hazards. MLive
- ➤ Ottawa County projects include RWE’s proposed 1,100-acre solar farm in Zeeland targeting a 2026 start, Hyperion Automation’s expansion at 72 W 64th St., a new Tru Hotel by Hilton in Holland, and an upgraded hyperbaric suite at Holland Hospital; Hand2Hand is also expanding its Jenison warehouse into spring 2026. MLive
- ➤ i understand is hosting the Project EAS Blanket Drive to collect 1,000 blankets for West Michigan families by December 31; 800 blankets have been donated so far and volunteers will deliver them with pink & positivity notes to Pine Rest on Jan. 5. ABC 13
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Ziggi’s Coffee opened its 1,500 sqft café on Dec. 30 in Hudsonville and will offer daily deals from Jan. 5 to 11 — with 50% off drinks, a community fundraiser, free KidZone drinks, BOGO menus, and a rewards giveaway. Local franchise owners the Gordons aim to create a welcoming venue. MLive
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Grand Rapids Children's Museum offers its Winter Break program through Jan 4 after kicking off Dec 30 with Opera Tots, juggling and a ticketed New Year's Early Eve celebration; following a Dec 31–Jan 1 closure, families can join drumming on Jan 2 and woodworking on Jan 3–4. FOX 17
- ➤ Acrisure Amphitheater in downtown Grand Rapids will open in May with 14 concerts, including performances by Lionel Richie and Mötley Crüe at the $184 million venue at 201 Market Ave. SW, funded by taxpayer dollars and private donations and managed by the Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority. MLive
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Michigan workers in Grand Rapids will see their minimum wage rise to $13.73 on Jan. 1 as part of national increases in 19 states+including Michigan, aiming to help offset inflation and benefit millions. ABC 13
- ➤ Michigan's minimum wage will rise from $12.48 to $13.73 on Jan. 1 after new legislation followed a state Supreme Court ruling. The change is part of a plan to eventually reach $15 while adjusting tip pay requirements. ABC 13
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Officials warn residents that Reeds Lake in East Grand Rapids remains mostly open water despite recent solid ice conditions that once allowed ice fishing and dog walking, and today's below-freezing weather makes the ice unpredictable and unsafe. Residents are advised to test ice every 10-15 feet, carry safety gear, and avoid walking onto it * follow public safety guidance. FOX 17
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Crews worked on a temporary repair for a sinkhole that opened Monday night at Kinney Avenue NW and Mohler Street NW in Walker; officials advised drivers to navigate with care while planning a full repair in spring (following a telecom drilling error that damaged a storm sewer pipe). ABC 13
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ In Kentwood, Dr. Urminda Firlan of Life Journey Psychological Services advises residents to use smart, specific goal-setting with discipline to boost self-esteem and protect mental health as New Year's resolutions begin on Jan. 1. She notes that setbacks are part of achieving lasting success. FOX 17
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ KMF Construction is set to begin work on an $11 million mixed-use project on a 12-acre site near 44th Street and 8th Avenue in Georgetown Township (including 29 market-rate rental units and two commercial buildings), with construction starting in spring 2026 and finishing by early 2027. FOX 17
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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
Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.
~ Banksy
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