Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids – September 13, 2026 -- Protein Pints is expanding its Protein Pops ice cream bars into Target this week and into all of Kroger's Family of Stores starting September 13, following a summer debut that sold through its initial online inventory in under eight hours.

The bars sold more than 10 times over online projections at launch

Protein Pops launched in June as the brand's first major product beyond its original pints, offering 10 grams of protein per bar in an individually portioned format. Demand exceeded online sales projections by more than 10X within hours of release, and the bars have continued building momentum at Sprouts Farmers Market throughout the summer.

Sheboygan Falls, Wis. – September 11, 2026 -- Johnsonville is running "Sausage" as a mock candidate for "Dinner 2026," a campaign built on new Harris Poll research showing Americans are worn out by both politics and nightly meal decisions.

Survey finds political fatigue is bleeding into dinner planning

The Johnsonville-commissioned National Temperature Check found 81% of Americans believe society has become too political, and 66% expect the 2026 midterms to make news even more overwhelming. Seventy-four percent say they hate political advertising, and 84% think their communities could better use the estimated $10 billion being spent on midterm ads this year.

On the dinner side, 31% of respondents say they've forgotten to plan a meal at least once in the past year due to distraction from current events. More than half, 53%, say they hate deciding what to make for dinner, and the same share wish someone would just hand them an idea.

Grand Rapids – September 07, 2026 -- Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park will reopen ENLIGHTEN Presented by PNC Bank on Nov. 23, running through Jan. 10, 2027, with member ticket sales starting Sept. 1 and public sales beginning Sept. 8.

The third season of the immersive holiday light experience guides guests along a one-mile outdoor path from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on select evenings, featuring sculptures synchronized with music and lighting.

A reimagined midway stop highlights Mark di Suvero's Scarlatti sculpture

At the midpoint of the walking path, Scarlatti by Mark di Suvero returns with new lighting, music and choreography. The stop also includes a warming tent, firepits, and food and beverage options for visitors.