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Good morning, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane and this is Calder News — it’s Friday, so here’s a riddle to kick things off:
The more of me you take, the more you leave behind. What am I? (Answer at the end… unless you cheat and Google it.)
Now, let’s get into the news.
~LeQwane L.
The Digest
A briefing of local news that matters
City
New Noise Limits
Changes could be coming to the city’s noise ordinance, potentially limiting amplified sound near the entrances of health care facilities. The proposal aims to balance free speech with patient privacy and comfort, prompted in part by loud demonstrations near the Planned Parenthood on Cherry Street. The discussion is still in early stages, with no formal action taken yet. | Read more
GRPD Gets A Raise
Grand Rapids has approved new police contracts that include a 12% raise over the next 3 years. City leaders say the agreement helps current oversight and accountability measures while supporting recruitment and retention. Police Chief Eric Winstrom expects the department to reach full staffing this fall, with plans to grow as the city adds major projects like the new amphitheater and soccer stadium. | Learn more
Education
Aquinas Welcomes Largest Freshman Class
Aquinas College kicked off move-in day with its biggest group of first-year students in seven years. The record comes after a surge in applications and acceptances, thanks in part to changes that simplified the admissions process by removing standardized tests, essays, and recommendation requirements. | Read more
Development
Riverfront Housing Adds Plaza
Developers have unveiled a design for an affordable housing project on the Grand River that swaps a planned surface parking lot for a public plaza. The updated $20–$30 million plan includes 80 apartments, parking inside the building, and outdoor space with food truck hookups, a small stage, and pedestrian-friendly features. The project is expected to go before the city’s Planning Commission on Sept. 11. | Read more
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Talk Of The Town
💆♂ Relax Without Leaving Home
Grand Rapids’ own Integrity Massage Therapy brings the spa to you. Owner Eric specializes in deep tissue, sports, trigger-point, and Swedish massages to melt away stress in your living room or at special events. Book a session and let the healing come to you.
🎒 Back to School Freebies
Winner’s Hair Braiding on the SE side is giving local kids free braids today to get them ready for the first day of school.
Plus, Save a Life a Day Outreach is hosting a backpack giveaway on Saturday at Alger Middle School.
Opening:
Sapo Coffee House - A new spot in Wyoming is offering Vietnamese coffee, matcha, and for the community to connect. Check out Sapo Coffee House here.
Featured Event
Tailgate with New Development
📅 Aug. 15th
⏰ 3 PM
📍 205 Carrier St NE

Friday, August 15th
Greek Cultural Festival | Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church | (Fri - Sat) 3 PM - 10 PM |Free
Family Fiesta | Roberto Clemente Park | 4 PM - 7 PM | Free
Family Paddle Night | Riverside Park | 4 PM - 8 PM | Free
Block Park | The Kroc | 5:30 PM | Free
The BRENA Beach Bash | Sullivan Field | 5:30 PM -9 PM | Free
Latte Art Throw Down | Ferris Coffee & Nut Co. | 7 PM - 9 PM | Free
Ice Guru Silent Disco | Blue Bridge | 6 PM - 10 PM | $6
Saturday, August 16th
BRelay | Pinery Park | 8 AM - 11 AM | $10
GRAAHI 17th Annual 5k | Ottawa Hills HS | 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM | Free fair, $15 - $40 Walk/ Run
Slip and Slide | Rosewood Park | 12 PM - 4 PM | $2 - $10
The Mitten Vintage Market | Calder Plaza | 12 PM - 6 PM | Free
Diamonds on the Ave | Shiny Diamond Auto Detailing | 12 PM - 8 PM | Free
Rosa's Funktion | Rosa Park Circle | 12 PM - 11 PM | Free
Back to School Rally | Brown Hutcherson Ministries | 1 PM - 4 PM | Free
GR8 Taco Fest | Riverside Park | 2 PM - 9 PM
Gnomes gone wild | Silva | 4 PM
Sunset Cinema: Inside Out | Studio Park | 8 PM | Free
Sunday, August 17th
Back to School Celebration | Baxter Community Center | 9 AM - 4 PM | Free
Artisan Jewelry Market | Downtown Market | 10 AM - 7 PM | Free
RTS Back to School Fair | Celebration Cinema South | 3:30 PM - 7 PM | Free
Kingpin of Comedy Competition | Spectrum Entertainment Center | 8:30 PM | Free
Upcoming Events
Louis CK | Van Andel Arena | Aug. 25th
GrandCon Gaming Convention | DeVos Place | Aug. 29th - 31st
ArtPrize | Various Locations | September 18th
Live Music
Friday, August 15th
Breakaway Music Festival | Belknap Park | 4 PM | $99+
Mike McIntosh | Tanger Outlet | 5 PM | Free
LaSoulfulRock | Horrocks Market | 6 PM | Free
Beers at the Bridge Summer Concert Series: The Soul Syndicate | Legacy Park | 6:30 PM | Free
The Fuzzrites | Pux Taphouse | 7 PM | Free
Adrian Wright and the Great Let Go's + m.a.s.h. + Disco Behemoth + The Fukushima Daisies | The Pyramid Scheme | 7 PM | $15
Matt Welch | Rapid River Stillhouse | 8 PM | Free
Tony Jarvis | Speciation Cellars | 9 PM | Free
GR Just Us | The BOB (HOME) | 9 PM | Free
Saturday, August 16th
Larry Lowis | The BOB (Bobarino’s) | 5 PM | Free
A NIGHT OF POP & ROCK COVERS | The DAAC | 6 PM | $10
Kolby Cooper | Elevation | 6:30 PM | $30
Ben Erhart | BrickYard Tavern | 6:30 PM | Free
Still Remains (20th Anniversary of Of Love And Lunacy) + Wounded Touch + Cause For Conflict | The Pyramid Scheme | 7 PM | $33
Rob Leonard | Vander Mill | 7 PM | Free
Asphalt: The Music of Jonathan Moody | Midtown | 7:30 PM | $20
Sunny Sweeney | Tip Top | 7:30 PM | $20
Jessey Adams | Rapid River Stillhouse | 8 PM | $5
The Red Roses | The BOB (HOME) | 9 PM | Free
Gentleman Deluxe, Damien Christian, Joey Warhead | Mulligan’s Pub | 10 PM | Free
Sunday, August 17th
Big Band Nouveau | The Stray | 5 PM | Free
Imminent Sonic Destruction + Entransient + Paradigm Shifter + Metzfire | The Pyramid Scheme | 6 PM | $15
Something Missing, Midwest Skies, The Burdens | Speciation Cellars | 6 PM | Free
STS9 | The Intersection | 7 PM | $60
Phantom, Dog Skull, Attrition Cult | Mulligan’s Pub | 10 PM - 1 PM | Free
*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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