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  • 📍 GR air quality isn’t doing great... | April 23rd, 2025

📍 GR air quality isn’t doing great... | April 23rd, 2025

Author

LeQwane Lynch
April 23, 2025

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Good afternoon, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane and this is Calder News — I don’t know if you know this, but today is National Take a Chance Day.

Although we don’t have a title sponsor for today’s issue, i’m going to take a chance and ask YOU to take a chance whenever you do see a sponsor in Calder News.

I only partner with reputable local companies when I think their products or services bring value to the Friends of Calder News.

So when you see one offering something you might be interested in, take a chance. It’s the best way to support the publication and help expand what I’m able to do for you.

Have a business or service you want to tell locals about? Take a chance on Calder News.

Anyhow, thanks for reading today’s newsletter. I hope you’re having a great Wednesday so far.

Now onto today’s issue.

~LeQwane L.

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The Digest

A briefing of local news that matters

Environment

GR Fails On Air Quality Test

The latest air quality report ranked Grand Rapids among the 30 worst U.S. cities for ozone pollution in the USA with the city averaging nine unhealthy air days a year. What caused the air pollution? Wildfire smoke and local emissions contributed to the drop in air quality. What can you do to help the problem? According to The Lung Association, residents should take efforts to reduce emissions and support greener city initiatives. | Read more about the study

Development

Stadium Breaks Ground Downtown

The $175M Amway Stadium officially broke ground this week near Pearl Street and US-131. The 8,500-seat venue will host a new MLS Next Pro team, concerts, and community events—adding even more momentum to ongoing downtown development projects.

Education

Local Leaders Address Student Needs

More than 100 students, parents, educators, and policymakers gathered for the 2025 Education Summit in Grand Rapids, working together to tackle growing concerns like school safety, mental health, and unmet basic needs. The event, hosted by KConnect, focused on turning community feedback into actionable strategies that improve student well-being and influence policy change. | Learn more about the event

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We Asked

In Monday’s newsletter, I asked “Who has the best pizza in GR?” And over a hundred of you responded.

Here are the top 3 results

A few honorable mentions, Mitten Brewing, Licaris, and Arcane.

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Strangest Things In Grand Rapids

Last week, I put out a poll asking what the strangest thing you saw around Grand Rapids was. I collected the top 5 (clean) responses.

And here they are:

  • A man peddling a small bike with a child trailer and a large man stuffed inside of it down Madison

  • A neighbor in his tighty whiteys chasing and throwing snowballs at a raccon

  • The wizard on roller skates

  • A guy dragging a 6’ tall statue of a knight in armor down Fuller

  • The Star Wars Jeep and or The Suburban with wood paneling

If you’re interested in seeing the full range of what people have seen for a quick laugh, check out the responses to my Reddit post.

Talk Of The Town

Interesting happenings around town

🧑‍🌾 Wyoming’s Farmers Market Is Coming Soon

Wyoming is getting its own “community market”. Yesterday, Wyoming Parks and Rec. shared early previews of the Godwin Mercado, an active year-round market space for local vendors, produce, artists, and community events. The market will be located at 301 36th st SW and is expected to be completed later this year.

🐈 Walker Cat Wins National Award

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What’s Happening?

Preview: Events —> Live Music

Wednesday, April 23rd

  • Homeschool Wednesdays | Bricks & Minifigs | 1 PM -3 PM | Free | Supplement your curriculum and hang with other homeschool families at our free event in our party room

  • Geeks Who Drink trivia | Speciation Cellars | 7 PM - 9 PM | Free

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

Thursday, April 24th

Friday, April 25th

  • Neighborhood Garage Sales | Hidden Hills Ave SE | 9 AM | Free to attend | With over 10 families participating, there's something to be had for everyone

  • Be Here Now | Peter Martin Wege Theatre | 4/25 - 5/4 | A complement of four stand-alone works, this program opens with Le Grand Jazz!

  • Sheng Wang (Comedian) | GLC Live | 6 PM | $53 | This fun run will be an untimed, competitive run designed to give kids a positive experience and introduction to the sport of running

  • Rivertown Kids 1 Mile Fun Run | Millennium Park | 6 PM | $15

  • Carmina Burana | DeVos Performance Hall | (Fri, Sat) 7:30 PM | $19

Live Music

Friday, April 25th

Thursday, April 24th

Wednesday, April 23rd

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

That’s All For Today…

⭐️ If you enjoyed today’s newsletter, copy the link to the post and share it with a friend. Every new reader that joins our email helps.

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