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- 📍 New Grand River project moves forward | July 21st, 2025
📍 New Grand River project moves forward | July 21st, 2025
Plus, rummage sale takes over Fulton, fed cuts affect local programs, and more

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Good morning, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane and this is Calder News — and since it’s Monday, I figured I’d ask you a question: What kind of local content do you actually want more of?
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The Digest
A briefing of local news that matters
Environment
Grand River Project Moves Forward
A new $2.1M grant will support efforts to stop invasive sea lampreys in the Grand River. The funding will help design a new barrier system to protect over 4,000 miles of waterway from these destructive fish. The barrier project is part of a larger effort to protect ecosystems from invasive species and keep the $7 billion Great Lakes fishery alive. | Read More
Community
Kent County Warns of Federal Cuts
Hundreds of GR residents could get squeezed as federal budget cuts put local support programs at risk. Kent County Community Action, says proposed funding cuts could lead to fewer services, just as more people need them. KCCA distributed more than 100,000 food boxes last year and that program is in jeopardy. | Read more
Outdoors
New Trail Coming to Ada
Construction is progressing on a new trail extension in Ada, giving locals more ways to bike or walk into town. The north-south connector along Pettis Avenue will link Chief Hazy Cloud Park to Ada’s shops and parks making it easier for residents and trial enjoyers to move through the area without a car. The project is expected to wrap up in mid-August. | Read more
Transit
Road Work Update for 44th Street and I-96
If you're driving through Grandville or Walker, expect some delays. 44th Street SW between Ivanrest and Yorktown is getting resurfaced with lane closures in place through July 25. And after a brief closure, eastbound I-96 is now reopened at Fruit Ridge.
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We Asked
Last week, I asked the question, “What ’s one local event you never miss each year?”.
I got over 100 responses. And here’s what you guys said!
ArtPrize (45% of responses)
World of Winter (20% of response)
Cultural Festivals (12% of responses)
Each week I source 75-100+ unique events around town. So it’s cool to see what you guys are interested in!

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Talk Of The Town
🧑🍳 First Full-Service Black Owned Restaurant Closes
On Friday, Forty Acres Soul Kitchen, located on Wealthy, announced that they are closing their doors for good next week after 7 years. However, they’re legacy will remain as the head chef is opening another concept in the space.
🔥 New Soul Food Concept Opens
Glady’s Grille, a new soul food restaurant, is coming to the Madison neighborhood later this month. The kitchen’s goal is to make food “like your grandma used to make”.
👚 Rummage Sale Takes Over Fulton
In one week, the annual Summer Rummage Sale will take over Fulton Street Market. The event will include vintage clothing, goods, collectibles, and concessions.
What’s Happening?
Preview: Events —> Live Music
Monday, July 21st
Stuff The Bus | Buddy's Pizza (28th St.) | 11 AM - 9 PM | Free | Help donate school supplies for local Grand Rapids students
Studio Club | Speciation Cellars | 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM | $25
Tuesday, July 22nd
Community Night | Grand Rapids Art Museum | 12 PM - 5 PM | Free admission
Rapid Fire Improv | SILVA | 6 PM | Free
Standup Comedy Show | The Garage Bar | 7:15 PM - 9 PM | Free
Wednesday, July 23rd
Nick Thomas Family Entertainment | KDL Walker Branch | 10 AM | Free
Food Trucks Fest | Rosa Park Circle | 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM | Free
Ice Cream Social | Versluis Park (Plainfield) | 1 PM - 3 PM | Free
ADA Celebration | Special Olympics Unified Sports Center | 4 PM - 7 PM | Free
Moon Goddess Circle | Riverside Park | 6:30 PM - 9 PM | Free ($10 donation suggested)
All Week
Various family/ individual events | Local Library | Free | Check out 30+ recurring or one-off events are being hosted at your local public library this week
Outdoor Fitness Classes | Various parks | Various times | Free to attend
SOUL Basketball League | Garfield Park Basketball Courts | Various times | Free to participate
Live Music
Monday, July 21st
Tommy Pancy Octet | Millennium Park | 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM | Free
Vespa | John Collins Park | 7 PM | Free
Buick Audra w/ Michael Riley | TipTop | 8 PM | $12.25
Tuesday, July 22nd
Phabies | Lamar Park | 6 PM | Free
Redferrin | The Intersection | 6:30 PM | $30
The Grand Rapids Chorus Sweet Adelines + Great Lakes Brass | Meijer Gardens | 7 PM | Included with admissions
Wednesday, July 23rd
Joe Reilly's Children's Concert | KDL Kentwood Branch | 10 AM - 11 AM | Free
McKinley James w/ DJ Tom Shannon | TipTop | 7 PM | $12.25
Summer Concert Series | 3025 6 Mile Road Northwest | 7 PM | $15
Nathan Walton & The Remedy | Ada Legacy Park | 7 PM | Free
*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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