The Michigan International Auto Show, presented by Gentex Corporation, kicks off at DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids on Thursday.

One legal expert told 13 ON YOUR SIDE the phrase "sanctuary city" on its own has no legal meaning. But, he explained, there is a typical understanding of it.

A Grand Rapids mother accused of setting her own house on fire while her children were sleeping inside is now facing an additional murder charge.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — The Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM) announced four new exhibitions, which will run through February. The dynamic lineup includes large-scale textiles and sculptures at 101 Monroe Center downtown, highlighting migration stories across time and geography.

A Grand Rapids mother has pleaded not guilty to setting her house on fire, but admitted she intended to die with her daughters "so they could be free."

One executive order defines sex in a federal matter as only male or female, while not recognizing transgender, nonbinary, intersex people, or the idea that gender can be fluid. Another order bans transgender military members. Trump enacted this ban before in 2017, but President Biden later repealed it in 2021.

Firefighters can be seen pulling a 12-year-old girl out from the second-floor window and then performing CPR on her outside. The 12-year-old passed away from her injuries in the hospital Monday night according to GRPD. Two other girls, ten and seven years old, were also taken to a hospital and released after receiving treatment.

Efforts to add more housing was a key focus during the Grand Rapids Chamber’s annual meeting Wednesday, alongside major projects like Acrisure Amphitheater and the Amway Soccer Stadium.

The city of Grand Rapids is facing growing pressure from pro-immigration activists to defy President Donald Trump’s federal mass deportation efforts and declare itself a sanctuary city for immigrants.

School superintendents across Michigan are vowing to keep their students and school buildings safe and are bracing staff with instructions as the Trump administration amps up its immigration

From a non-profit leader, to a city manager and a legal expert - many were initially unsure how far the pause might reach. But for all three, it raised concern.

The end of the month doesn’t mean an end to the fun. In fact, West Michigan is just getting started with plenty of awesome events to check out as we head into February.