Good morning, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane and this is Calder News.
We reallllyy needed those last few days of sunshine to recharge and remind us that the cold grey days aren't permanent.... it was starting to feel that way.
I’m truly thankful for you taking the time to read Calder News today.
~LeQwane L.
The Digest
A briefing of local news that matters
Safety
Kent County’s Real Time Intelligence Center
Earlier this week, the Kent County Sheriff’s Office announced it is set to receive $750,000 to develop a real-time intelligence center for the department. Funded by community project funds, the money will be used to purchase networking software, hardware, and train staff, along with setting up camera systems. | Read more
Technology
We’ve Got AI At Home
GVSU is set to receive ~$1M in federal funding to launch the West Michigan Trustworthy AI Consortium through its College of Computing. The goal is to bring together experts, students, and the public to ensure AI is equitable and safe. | Read more
Development
GR Veteran’s Home Gets Demolished
Parts of the 140 year old Veteran’s Home in Grand Rapids are being demolished. The demo includes two out of standard buildings (essentially hospitals) from the 40s and the 80s. The long-term plan for the land is not set in stone; however, the space will be turned into a green space that the residents can utilize until it’s repurposed. | Read more
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Calder News is 100% free to read, independently owned, and locally operated (outside of our video editor, it’s just me).
Your contributions go toward keeping the Crew going so I can have more fun, build more community, and create a team. I appreciate any and all support my friends! - LeQwane
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Talk Of The Town
🥒 Pickle Festival Sells Out
Just weeks after being announced, the tickets to the Pickle Palooza Festival being held at LMCU Ball Park are sold out. And they did it in record time. 3,000 tickets went live at 10 AM on Thursday, and by 1 PM, they were sold out. Who knew we loved pickles that much? I’m a bit salty I didn’t get a ticket.
⚾ Local Legend Passes On
Bob Sullivan, a local businessman and baseball team owner, passed away on Tuesday evening at the age of 96 years old. This news came just after Fans of Valley Field finished raising the funds to renovate Sullivan Field. View a video about his story.
🏀 Gold → Nuggets
Earlier this week, Spencer Jones, a star player at the Grand Rapids Gold, signed a full-time contract with the Denver Nuggets. Spencer previously played with Dener and The Gold on a two-way contract.
Talking Shop
Jersey Junction → Winter wasn’t too kind to Jersey Junction this year. The historic ice cream shop announced on social media that the shop’s opening will be delayed until April due to much-needed repairs
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Uptown’s Commerce With Culture Guide
‘Wealthy of Soul’, by artist Edwin Anderson
Uptown GR, Inc. put together a Black History Month feature highlighting Black-owned and Black-led businesses and community leaders across its districts, and it’s the kind of list you save for your next walk on Wealthy or Fulton.
Looking for some self-care? Think Apsara Spa, a fresh cut at Lady Love on Wealthy (a neighborhood staple since the 1970s), and family-friendly downtime at Tia’s Play Café.
Hungry? Go to the local favorites, Caribbean at Chez Olga, or grab Ethiopian at Go Jo or Little Africa.
They also spotlight creative work like Ambrosia Theatre, Grandstand Pictures, and new additions like Sugah Please and Real Good Foods.
I was reading the guide myself and noticed that Calder News was included, too, and I seriously appreciate the love.
Featured Event
Click the image to learn more
📍 Celebration North
📅 Thursday, February 26th
⌛ 6:30 PM
Join Mosaic Film Experience for a night of student-made films and meet the young creators. The program includes Living Histories: GR, with mentor-guided interviews across WM and airing on WGVU in 2026, plus Nourishing Narratives, a youth film project focused on food justice.
Friday, February 20th
Circus Wonderland | Calder Plaza | 6 PM | Free
Wine Social | Horrocks Market | 6 PM | $35
Grand Rapids Griffins vs Chicago Wolves | Van Andel Arena | 7 PM | $28
Saturday, February 21st
Women's Sports and Health Expo | DeVos Place | 9 AM - 4 PM | $18 (kids free)
Paint the Park | Rosa Park Circle | 11 AM - 5 PM | $3+
History of the Blues with Asamu Johnson and the Associates of the Blues | GRPL Main Branch | 1 PM | Free
Painting w/ Drakkari Williams | AllArtWorks | 6 PM - 8 PM | Free
Amaze & Amuse Magic Show | Wealthy Theatre | 6 PM, 8 PM | $33+
River City Improv | Midtown | 6 PM | $20
Grand Rapids Gold VS Osceola Magic | Van Andel Arena | 7 PM | $15
Sunday, February 22nd
The Simon & Garfunkel Story | DeVos Performance Hall | 7:30 PM | $55
Monday, February 23rd
Clock Making Workshop | Three Blue Brushes | 10 AM - 1 PM | $32
STEM Workshop Event | Cornerstone University | 6:30 PM | Free
Live Music
Friday, February 20th
Jammies 26 | The Intersection | 5:30 PM | $12
Kevin Reeves | Downtown Market | 6 PM | Free
We Are The Village | Della Soul Records | 6 PM | Free
Ben Erhart | Garage Bar & Grill | 6 PM | Free
Irish Traditional Session w/ Levi Lamberjack | The Stray | 6:30 PM | Free
Jason Eller and the Distraction | Rapid River Stillhouse | 7 PM | $5
Jazz Night | CitySen | 7 PM | Free
The Phil Collins Story | GLC Live | 7 PM | $48
Spencer LaJoye | Midtown | 7:30 PM | $20
GRCC Band, Orchestra, and Guitar Concert | St. Cecilia | 7:30 PM | $0 +
The Lou Fighters and Blender | Tip Top | 8 PM | $12
KYNDRED | Back Forty Saloon | 9 PM | Free
The Sundogs | Speciation Cellars | 9 PM | Free
Revamp Alternative Night with DJ Kermit and Richard Oxygenn | Mulligan’s Pub | 10 PM | Free
Saturday, February 21st
Celebration of Soul | DeVos Performance Hall | 4 PM | $140+
Kameron Marlowe | The Intersection | 6:30 PM | $41
Nine Inch Nails | Van Andel Arena | 7 PM | $85+
Folkroom | The Stray | 7 PM | $15
lij + Tequila Mockingbird + Ocean + Jingwei + Ciao | The Pyramid Scheme | 7 PM | $15
Kameron Marlowe | The Intersection | 7:30 PM | $35+
Nikita, The Wicked | The Intersection | 8 PM | $25
Erin Monroe Wsg Nathan Walton | Tip Top | 8 PM | $12
Derek Winter Band | The Back Forty Saloon | 9 PM | Free
Emo NIte | Elevation | 9 PM | $16
Chrome Horse: Bob Dylan Tribute Show | Speciation Cellars | 9 PM | Free
Mighty Big Rig / Gremlin Mode / Green Acres | Mulligan’s Pub | 10 PM | Free
Sunday, February 22nd
GR Youth Symphony & Classical Orchestra Winter Concert | DeVos Center For Arts | 3 PM | $9+
The Rush Tribute Project | GLC Live | 6:30 PM | $30
*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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