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Good morning, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane, and this is Calder News — and it’s Friday, but my mind’s already on next month.
There’s a new show called The Paper, a spin-off of The Office, which is set to drop in September...
Until then, we’ve got plenty of local news to hold us over.
~LeQwane L.
BACK TO SCHOOL
Together with: Uptown Cheapskate
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Look your best when you hit the books. Uptown has all your favorite brands at up to 70% off retail prices!
Plus, you can trade the clothes you no longer wear for cash or Store Credit to upgrade your closet! Uptown Cheapskate in Grandville and Kentwood!
The Digest
A briefing of local news that matters
Development
GR’s First Accessible Mixed-Use Housing
A new $6 million development is set to bring 20 accessible apartments with commercial space to Burton Street SE in Alger Heights. Led by developer Gabriel Grant, the four-story Heights on Burton will be GR’s first fully accessible mixed-use building. Backed by a city grant and community input, the project aims to break ground in 2026. | Watch my video explainer here
Habitat for Humanity Plans Office Move
Habitat for Humanity has purchased a $2.3 million building on the NW side to move its offices, warehouse, and construction operations under one roof. The move will free up its current Roosevelt Park office site, which could be taken over by another nonprofit or childcare provider to serve the neighborhood and future residents of Habitat’s 54-unit Pleasant Hills development. Part of that project includes replacing the group’s old warehouse with a five-story building featuring 27 for-sale homes aimed at local workforce buyers. | Read more
Sports
GR Gold’s New Head Coach
The Gold are bringing in former NBA player and longtime Denver Nuggets assistant Ryan Bowen as their new head coach. Bowen spent the past decade on the Nuggets’ bench, including their 2023 championship run, and will now lead the Nuggets’ G League affiliate here in Grand Rapids. He replaces Andre Miller and becomes the third straight former NBA player to take the reins. | Read more
Have news to report? Click here.
We asked
On Wednesday, we asked the trivia question: “What is the most photographed location in town?”.
And I learned I’ll have to ask some tougher questions.
Of the 160+ responses, 91% of you picked the correct answer — The Blue Bridge. ✅
Community Highlight
The Buist Community Assistance Center in Byron Center has been a lifeline for local families since 2008, offering free groceries, clothing, and a welcoming space for those in need.
Located at 870 74th St. SW, the center distributes about 60,000 pounds of food each week (enough for 50,000 meals). Families shop in a grocery store-style setup, which helps preserve dignity, and each household receives a personalized program tailored to their needs.
Beyond serving nearly 200 local families weekly, the center shares excess food with other pantries across the region and even in other states. Clothing is always free, and everything is provided without charge.
Talk Of The Town
🚒 Construction Update
The Grand Rapids Fire Department’s Kendall St. location is nearing completion. The GRFD shared these images on Instagram.
🧑🎨 ArtPrize Announces Headliner
Yesterday, ArtPrize announced that Tiera Kennedy will headline its free outdoor concert for the ArtPrize Halftime show. The performance will take place toward the end of September.
Opening
Burlington - A new Burlington store is opening in Grandville next year, marking the chain’s 31st store in Michigan. The popular discounter will be located at 4655 Canal Ave. SW.
Sav Sav - Popular local coffee retailer Squibb is expanding its brand with a wine bar/ charcuterie/ coffee shop. The Euro-style cafe is opening inside the Downtown Market this Friday.
What’s Happening?
Preview: Events —> Live Music
Friday, August 8th
USSP Senior Pickleball Tournament | Belknap Park | (Fri - Sun) 9 AM - 7 PM | Free to spectate
Motorcycle Rally | Riverside Park | (Fri - Sun) 10 AM - 10 PM | Free to attend
Summer Street Fair | Downtown Grandville | 4 PM | Free
Don McMillan | Wealthy Theatre | 6:30 PM | $37
Movies in the Park: Inside Out 2 | Bicentennial Park | 7 PM | Free
Rooftop Comedy Night | Mertens Prime | 8:30 PM | Starting at $30
Saturday, August 9th
Cars and Coffee Car Show | Ada Village | 10 AM - 1 PM | Free
Fiesta del Pueblo | Roberto Clemente | 10 AM - 5 PM | Free
A Glimpse of Africa Festival | Calder Plaza | (Sat - Sun) 10:30 AM - 11 PM | Free
Beads & Meads, Friends & Gems | Pour Michigan Wine Barn | 12 PM - 5 PM
Piecing Together Unity | Rosa Park Circle | 1 PM - 8 PM | Free
Swinging and Swearing In | Gerald R. Ford Pres. Museum | 6 PM - 7 PM | Free
Sunset Cinema: Dirty Dancing | Studio Park | 8 PM | Free
Sunday, August 10th
Family Resource Community Fair | Wyoming SDA Church | 4 PM - 7 PM | Free
Upcoming Events
Hardy | Van Andel Arena | 8/21
Return to the River Festival | Sixth Street Park | 8/23
Dozynki Polish Festival | Calder Plaza | 8/24
Live Music
Friday, August 8th
Multiple Shows | The Score | 12 - 2 PM, 6 PM - 10 PM | Free
Anna Massey | The Bob | 6 PM | Free
The Krank Daddies with Red Hot Voodoo | Tip Top | 6 PM | $12.25
The Soul Syndicate | Legacy Park | 6 PM | Free
Simply In Time | Horrocks Market | 6 PM | Free
Annie Bacon and Coldville | The Stray | 7 PM | Free
Prior Noon | Rapid River Stillhouse | 8 PM | Free
KIESZA + Bonnie McKee | The Pyramid Scheme | 8 PM | $95
Tiberius & Riot Punch | Speciation Cellars | 9 PM | Free
Blisshead, Head, Density’s Child, Michael Riley | Mulligan’s Pub | 109 PM | Free
Saturday, August 9th
Multiple Shows | The Score | 12 - 2 PM, 6 PM - 10 PM | Free
Sebastien Bordeaux | Tip Top | 6 PM | $12.25
Asamu Johnson and The Blues associates | Chicago Beef Joint | 6 PM | Free
King Biscuit Blues Trio | Horrocks Market | 6 PM | Free
Rory McCallan | BrickYard Tavern | 6:30 PM | Free
Vincent Palilla, Kaitlyn Fox, Tony Halchak & the Happenstance | They Stray | 7 PM | Free
Tyler Hilton | Midtown GR | 7:30 PM | $30
The Greeting Committee + Hana Eid | The Pyramid Scheme | 8 PM | $30
JP & The Energy | The Bob (HOME) | 9 PM - 1 AM | Free
Multiple Shows | Mulligan’s Pub | 10 PM | Free
Sunday, August 10th
Multiple Shows | The Score | 12 - 2 PM, 6 PM - 10 PM | Free
Jake Scott | The Intersection | 6:30 PM | $41
Multiple Shows | The Pyramid Scheme | 8 PM | $24
*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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