Good morning, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane and this is Calder News —and is it just me, or did someone leave the AC on outside?
The cool air’s here to wake us up, so grab that hoodie (if you’re up this morning) and let’s get into the news.
~LeQwane L.
Home of The Week
Together with: Smallegan Real Estate

For this week’s home of the week, we’re highlighting a beautiful Caledonia Home Near the White Pine Trail.
This 4-bed, 3-bath home offers nearly 2,400 sq. ft. of move-in ready space on a large in-town lot. Features include a bright kitchen, open living and dining areas, and a finished basement. Upstairs, the primary suite has a walk-in shower and soaking tub.
Enjoy a peaceful backyard and the White Pine Trail right in the neighborhood.
Send an email to [email protected] to advertise in Calder News
The Digest
A briefing of local news that matters
Parking
Drones Track Downtown Parking
Grand Rapids is moving forward with a $30,000 drone study to measure parking demand downtown. Here’s what that means: over 3 weeks, drones will fly downtown to collect images that will help determine parking “hot spots”. No personal details like license plates will be captured. The funding comes from the city’s parking fund, and the full commission is expected to vote on final approval this week. | Learn more
Community
Playground Coming to Houseman Field
Houseman Field is getting a $300,000 playground, with volunteers building it over the next two days. The park will include a cyclone play structure, swings, sensory features, and new seating for families. The park is funded by the city’s parks millage and support from the Midtown Neighborhood Association. | Read more
Education
Ford Foundation’s $12M Education Fund
The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation has launched a $12 million campaign to expand civic education and engagement. With $10 million already raised, the effort will fund programs for K-12 students, college learners, and emerging leaders, as well as help school groups cover museum visits starting in 2026. | Read more
City
GRFD Breaks Ground on New Training Center
Tomorrow, GRFD will break ground on a $46 million fire department training facility at 850 Pannell Rd. NW. The 97,000-square-foot complex will include classrooms, an emergency operations center, and a five-story burn building. Once finished in 2027, it’s expected to serve as a regional training hub for the greater GR area. | View the facility
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Talk Of The Town
☺ Relaxation Made Simple
“Massages with Eric are an essential part of my self-care routine.” One of our readers’ at-home massage sessions is melting away tension and even includes music, blankets, and summer outdoor massages. The best part? He’s trusted, convenient, and right here in Grand Rapids. Read about Eric @ Integrity Massage Therapy*
📸 Library Launches Photography Club
The Amy Van Andel Library in Ada Township has launched a new (and free) community photography club. The club will meet regularly at the library starting this Thursday.
🚶♀️ Non-Profit Breaking Records
Local non-profit Be Nice and Special Olympics Michigan are teaming up in an effort to break the Cake Walk world recommend. The event is scheduled for Sept. 6th and is free to attend as long as you register.
♿ GR Public Museum Accessibility Updates
Earlier this week, the GRPM showcased some of its multi-million-dollar renovations. With a big focus on general accessibility, the project is pretty interesting.
Opening:
Stubble - A new barber shop has opened on the West Side. The shop is full-service and offers a welcoming environment and quality cuts.
What’s Happening?
Preview: Events —> Live Music
Wednesday, August 27th
All Paws on Dek | Margaux | 3 PM - 6 PM | $15
Community Zumba | Treetops collective | 6 PM - 7 PM | Free
Moon Guidance Goddess Circle | Riverside Park | 6:30 PM | $10 donation
Open Projector Night (Music Edition) | Wealthy Theater | 7 PM | Starting at $8.64
Thursday, August 28th
Baxter Community Kickback | Joe Taylor Park | 4 PM - 10 PM | Free
SUMMER NIGHTS | John Ball Zoo | 6 PM - 9 PM | $16
Visionnaire Series: Creative Mixer | GRAM | 6 PM - 9 PM | Free
Friday, August 29th
GrandCon Board Game Convention | DeVos Convention Center | Various times | $55
LATE NIGHT IN BIKINI BOTTOM | FIKA | 5:30 PM - 9 PM
Ice Guru Silent Disco | Blue Bridge | 6 PM - 10 PM | $6
Swing 'n' Sip Social | Social Dance Studio | 7 PM - 9 PM | $10
The Stolen Stool Live (comedy) | Wealthy Theatre | 8 PM - 10 PM | $20
Summer Scream | Agave | 9 PM | $18
Live Music
Wednesday, August 27th
Jake Stevens | Vander Mill | 6:30 PM | Free
Caskey | The Intersection | 7 PM | $35
Thursday, August 28th
Bahar Ensemble | Rosa Park Circle | 12 PM | Free
Gypsy Jazz | Horrock’s Market | 4 PM | Free
Vinyl Bandit | The Score | 6 PM | Free
Nathan Walton | Rapid River Stillhouse | 6 PM | Free
The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus | The Intersection | 7 PM | $35
JP Harris wsg Sam Hess | Tip Top | 8 PM | $18
The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus | The Intersection | 8 PM | $35
Friday, August 29th
Multiple shows | The Score | Various times | Free
The Moonrays | Speciation Cellars | 5 PM - 11 PM | Free
Sam Starkie | The BOB | 6 PM | Free
Smooth Piano Jazz | Horrock’s Market | 6 PM | Free
Hexing + The Lithiums + New Troy + Wilson Ave | Pyramid Scheme | 7 PM | $12
PIERRE BENSUSAN 50TH ANNIVERSARY | Tip Top | 7:30 PM | $29
Dylan Raymond | Rapid River Stillhouse | 8 PM - 1 1 PM | Free
PROJECT 90 | Billy’s Lounge | 9 PM | Free
Anime Rave | The Intersection | 9 PM | $29
*Shows are subject to change, but that’s show biz.
Outside The Plaza
Quick hits of news from cities around Grand Rapids
That’s All For Today…
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