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  • 📍 GR ranked #1 in what? | July 16th 2025

📍 GR ranked #1 in what? | July 16th 2025

Plus, how to get free popcorn at Rivertown this weekend

Author

LeQwane Lynch
July 16, 2025

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Good morning, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane and this is Calder News — and look at that, we’re halfway through the week.

Let’s keep the good vibes going and get you caught up on what’s happening around town.

~LeQwane L.

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The Digest

A briefing of local news that matters

Health

Prime Mosquito Weather

Rain might be great for your garden, but local health officials say the upcoming wet weather could mean more bugs. And more risk of mosquito-borne illness. To avoid that the Kent County Health Department is giving out free mosquito dunks, which are safe for pets and pollinators but stop larvae from turning into biting adults. You can pick them up at the Environmental Health Center on Division or upcoming community events. | Read more (you’ll have to scroll a bit)

Education

GRPS Teachers Push For Raises

Grand Rapids Public Schools teachers are calling for higher pay as contract talks with the district continue. The previous contract expired June 30, and the educators’ union is pushing for annual raises and more competitive salaries. GRPS teachers currently earn the lowest average pay in Kent County. The school board recently passed a leaner budget to address funding uncertainty, but educators say pay is still a priority. | Read more from the latest community meeting

Leisure

RiverTown’s Movie Theater New Upgrades

Celebration Cinema just wrapped up the first phase of its much needed renovations at RiverTown Crossings. They’ve added heated recliners, updated auditoriums, and refreshed hallways and restrooms. To celebrate, the theater is giving out free small popcorn with any ticket purchase on Saturday. What’s phase two? A new lobby, bar, and full kitchen. | Read more

Weather

Air Quality Alert in Effect

Ozone levels are expected to rise across GR today. It’s recommended those with asthma or other respiratory conditions limit strenuous outdoor activity. Also, to help reduce ozone pollution, officials recommend holding off on mowing the lawn, avoid topping off gas tanks, and opt for biking or walking when possible.

Have news to report? Click here.

Grand Rapids Tops Another List

Welp, we’ve done it again, Grand Rapids.

Our little metropolitan with limited parking just made the #1 spot on LinkedIn’s new “Cities on the Rise” list.

The report highlighted metro areas with strong job growth and “affordable living”. The report pointed to our city’s booming tech, insurance, and healthcare industries. Along with a strong job market, lower cost of living (compared to other cities), and easy access to trails, waterfronts, and breweries.

It’s easy to overlook how much GR is improving when you live here, but national attention always helps put perspective on things. Read the full report here.

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If you are exploring hyper-local ways to connect with GR residents for your business or organization, we can help. Reach out here.

Talk Of The Town

Interesting happenings around town

đŸŽŸ New Indoor Pickleball Venue Opens

Kentwood now has an indoor Pickleball/ Wiffleball court. Dinks and Dingers Social Club is now open at Broadmoor Ave near 52nd. And it features courts, a bar, and full service restaurant.

â›Č Riverfront Hangout Opens

After months of construction, Lyon Square on the riverfront is open to the public. The re-designed space has a snowmelting system, event space, accessibility updates a more.

đŸŽ” River to the River Festival Line Up

The 2025 Return to the River (Riverfront) festival lineup was released yesterday and it looks solid. It features over 23+ live acts over 2 days and is completely free to attend. Check out the details when you have time.

Want to have your business featured here? Contact me.

What’s Happening?

Featured Event

Golden Hour: Rooftop Stand-up Comedy

📍 Mertens (Prime) Rooftop
📆 Friday, July 18th
đŸ•›ïž Doors: 8:30 PM | Show: 9 PM

Enjoy comedy? Join us for The Golden Hour of Comedy — an intimate rooftop stand-up comedy show on the best rooftop in Grand Rapids

Wednesday, July 16th

Thursday, July 17th

Friday, July 18th

Live Music

Wednesday, July 16th

Thursday, July 17th

Friday, July 18th

*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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