Happy Monday, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane and this is Calder News — catching you up with what’s happening around the Rapids on this fine Monday morning.

And quite frankly, there’s not a ton to catch you up with. Which in today’s world is a good thing.

In today’s issue, I cover the upcoming East Beltline bridge remodel, poll results from Friday, and a bunch of things to do for the first few days of this week.

I hope you have a great day. Now, let’s get into today’s newsletter…

~LeQwane L.

The Digest

A briefing of local news that matters

Infrastructure

The East Beltline bridge is getting remodeled

MDOT is receiving $25M from the federal government to replace the East Beltline bridge. Why? The bridge is in “poor” condition according to MDOT. This fed-backed project is expected to start in 2027 and will result in a completely new bridge that features an ADA-compliant walkway and bicycle lanes. | Read about the project here

Housing

GR land bank gets 107 pieces of land

Grand Rapids’ new land bank is getting 107 state-owned pieces of land located around the city. The previously state-owned parcels are sitting vacant around town. However, once ownership is transferred, the land can be sold off to locals or redeveloped into more affordable housing at the land bank authority’s discretion. | Read what Major LaGrand has to say about the land

Have news to report? Click here.

We Asked

Last week Friday, we asked, “If you had to choose, which store would you shop at”. And here are the results.

• 44% of you said Meijer

• 22% said Aldi

• and ~8% said Trader Joe’s

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What’s Happening?

Preview: Events —> Live Music

Monday, January 27th

• January Speaker Series | Calvin University | 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM | Free | Participate in a 10-day event filled with brilliant speakers | View speakers here

• Late Night Karaoke | Turnstiles | 10 PM - 2 AM | Free

Tuesday, January 28th

• January Speaker Series | Calvin University | 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM | Free | Participate in a 10-day event filled with brilliant speakers | View speakers here

• Gallery Chat | GRAM | 1 PM - 2:30 PM | Free | Chat with GRAM docent about works of art in the gallery

• Harlem Globetrotters | Van Andel Arena | 7 PM - 10 PM | Starting at $35 | High-flying fun with challenges and displays of epic basketball skill

• Music Trivia | Turnstiles | 6 PM - 9 PM | Free

• Comedy Night | Garage Bar, Tip Top | 7 PM ,9 PM | Free

Wednesday, January 29th

• January Speaker Series | Calvin University | 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM | Free | Participate in a 10-day event filled with brilliant speakers | View speakers here

• Gallery show for kids | AllArtWorks | 4 PM - 6 PM | Free

• Grand Rapids Griffins vs. Rockford IceHogs | Van Andel Arena | 7 PM | Starting at $20

• Comedy Night | River City Saloon | 9 PM | Free

• Karaoke Night | Turnstiles, Mulligan’s Pub | 10 PM - 1 AM, 9 PM | $5, Free

Events you can attend anytime this weekend…

• World of Winter | Free | View art installations throughout the city

• Various family/ individual events | Free | Check out what recurring or one-off events are being hosted at your local public library this week

• Moulin Rouge (Musical) | Price varies | Tuesday - Sunday

Live Music

Tuesday, January 28th

• The Dutcher Snedeker Trio - Wine & Jazz Night | The Stray | 7 PM - 9:30 PM | Free

Wednesday, January 29th

• Brother Wolf + Coffin Problem + Bronson Arm | The Pyramid Scheme | 7 PM | $10

• Albert Lee with special guests The Cryers | Tip Top | 7 PM | $30

*Shows are subject to change, but that’s show biz.

That’s All For Today…

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