1. The January Series is back at Calvin University starting today, but it looks a little different.
The free 15-day lecture series will be completely virtual. Watch each presentation starting at 12:30 on an electronic device.
However, you'll still need to register to watch. Visit calvin.edu/january-series to sign up.
2. United Way of Ottawa county is giving the community a chance to walk in the shoes of one of the thousands of Americans living in poverty.
The Greater Ottawa County United Way has teamed up with Well Design Studio in Grand Rapids to create "Making Ends Meet."
This interactive tool allows participants to follow the lives of four families, who are struggling to balance money and stress. People can choose one of four characters like a single mom, or a family with two kids. Then, face challenges to see if you can make it through one month.
If you'd like to check it out, visit makingendsmeet.ottawaunitedway.org.
3. Roll up your sleeves, it could land you at next year's Super Bowl! January is National Blood Donor Month, and the Red Cross is teaming up with the NFL to encourage people to donate.
anyone who gives blood and plasma between now and the end of the month will be automatically entered to win a trip to next year's Super Bowl 56 in Los Angeles. Prizes also available include a 65-inch television and a $500 gift card for this year's big game.
The Red Cross wants those who've recovered from COVID-19 to give. To find a donor center near you, visit redcrossblood.org.
4. It's National Shortbread Day, in honor of the traditional Scottish treat enjoyed across the world.
It's typically made with white sugar, butter, and flour, but there are many modern variations. These include salt, ground rice, cornflour, and frosting.
Mark the day by trying out a new shortbread recipe and enjoying it over tea, or simply buy some.
5. The Mega Millions Lottery Jackpot just climbed to nearly half a billion dollars.
Nobody won the jackpot in Tuesday's drawing, pushing the prize from $447 million to an estimated $490 million. The cash payout is now $372.3 million.
This could be the eighth-largest jackpot in Mega Millions history, and it's up for grabs in Friday's drawing.
Despite the jackpot rolling over, there are some other notable wins. Four tickets won the game's second prize of at least one million dollars.
Those tickets were sold in California, Minnesota, New Jersey, and New York.
