Good morning, Grand Rapids. I’m Jenny and this is Calder News.

I hope everyone is staying cool during this heat wave! It’s definitely one of those times I wish I had a swimming pool in my backyard. I’ll have to settle for squirting myself with the hose. You gotta do what you gotta do!

But also, don’t forget that Grand Rapids has a bunch of splash pads and swimming pools, as well as cooling centers, that you can take advantage of!

Hopefully, today’s newsletter will give you some ideas about how to spend these hot days.

~Jenny F.

Leave the cooking to someone else this Fourth of July and check out Grand Rapids’ Foodie Fest.

From July 3rd-5th, food trucks and booths will take over Calder Plaza for this free community event. Taste-test all kinds of local cuisine while enjoying live music, dance performances, and cultural entertainment.

Adults can enjoy a refreshing beverage in the beer garden, and all food vendors take credit cards in addition to cash.

Read more here.

A briefing of local news that matters

Weather

There’s no mistaking that it’s hot out there, and unfortunately, it’s sticking around through Thursday. Make sure you drink enough water and seek out cooling centers if you don’t have air-conditioning. Read more here.

Community

“It Takes a Village” is a teen program organized by Cure Violence under the Urban League of West Michigan. During summer evenings, teens can enjoy music, art, and sports. Informative programs and free food are also available. See more details.

Sports

It might seem like GR is all about soccer right now, but we’re actually fanatics for basketball. The Grand Rapids Gold was named Franchise of the Year in its division for its high ticket sales. Funny thing is, the Gold isn’t even a winning team! Check it out.

Have news to report? Click here.

Heads up, most City Offices will be closed on July 3rd. The libraries will be closed on July 4th. All public pools and splash pads will remain open through the holiday (except Briggs, which will be closed on July 4th).

Yesterday, the newly appointed Grand Rapids Police Chief Joe Trigg was sworn into his position. Trigg is a 25-year GRPD vet, holding roles ranging from patrol and district captain to his current role. Watch the highlights here.

🎙Cutlerville Starts Concert Series

There are lots of options for outdoor concerts this summer, and now you can add Cutlerville to the list. Their Sounds of Summer concert series features free concerts in Cutler Park every Thursday night in July.

🎨 New Mural on Ellnora’s Patio

Local artist E’lla Aimee helped spruce up Ellnora’s Kitchen’s outdoor patio space with a custom mural on Sunday. The mural pays homage to Ellnora’s well-known soul food.

When someone is going through a hard time, it’s a common response to bring them a meal. But what about people who don’t have family and friends to answer that call or whose struggles are lasting longer than they’d like?

Picky Chef to the rescue! This Creston neighborhood organization doesn’t want anyone to go hungry. Since November, Chefs Aiyana and Y have served nearly 1,200 free meals to nearby residents who are facing food insecurity.

You don’t need to pay, subscribe, or even give a reason. If you are hungry, they’ve got you covered.

Want to get involved? They are completely donation-based, and you can contribute by visiting their Venmo page.

See more details.

Los Potrillos, a Mexican restaurant, just opened in the old One Trick Pony location on Fulton. Rumor has it that their tortillas are handmade.

168 Asian Mart, Michigan’s largest Asian supermarket in Madison Heights, is expanding to Grand Rapids and will open in the former Big Lots space on 28th Street.

The bustling Fratelli’s Italian Kitchen on Bridge Street is opening a second location and bringing its award-winning espresso martinis to Lowell.

There are three Cava, a fast-food Mediterranean chain, on the east side of the state, and now one is finally coming to the west side with its eye on a 28th Street location.

It’s not every day an ice cream shop explodes, but unfortunately, that’s what happened to Twisters Ice Cream on GR’s west side, closing the shop indefinitely. Luckily, no one was hurt.

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

Made for Grand Rapids locals by locals. 📍