Good afternoon, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane and this is Calder News —and can we just say... y’all are showing up lately.

The newsletter’s growing fast, getting great engagement, and I’ve got you to thank.

If you’re loving it, do me a solid, refer just one friend.

You’ll unlock “Calder Plaza” within the newsletter giving you quick hits on important stuff happening just outside of town. It’s like a bonus round, but for good vibes.

~LeQwane L.

In a recent interview, Grand Rapids’ police chief, Eric Winstrom, said after 3 years of work, the department is turning a corner.

Here were 3 areas of improvement he highlighted

GRPD now has nearly 300 officers, and leadership says that’s making it easier to respond to 911 calls and serve our growing city.

All solid progress, but he and other city officials also admitted the work isn’t done.

A briefing of local news that matters

Resources

Neighbors on the West Side want to turn the now closed Stocking Elementary into a full-blown community hub. The $12 million vision includes everything from early childcare to workforce programs, nonprofit office space, and even a garden to help supply a future food pantry. Talks with the school district are still early, but local groups are already lining up to help bring it to life. | Read more

Community

After narrowing down over 160 ideas, the city is asking for your vote (again) to help name its newest park in the Roosevelt Park area. This time, it’s down to two final picks. Unity Park, celebrating community connection and diversity, or Navarro Plaza, honoring local entrepreneur Miguel Navarro’s legacy. | Voting is open here

Infrastructure

If you lost power Monday morning, blame a tiny, furry culprit. A squirrel knocked out electricity for over 3,000 homes and businesses on Grand Rapids' West Side after causing trouble at the Wealthy Street substation. Thankfully, crews had everything fixed by lunchtime. | Full story

Update

Construction is moving along on the Joan Secchia Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital (Michigan’s first facility just for pediatric rehab). A skybridge now connects it to Mary Free Bed, marking a big milestone. Located on Wealthy Street SE, the hospital is set to open in 2026 and will serve kids across the region. The street itself is estimated to re-open sometime next week. | View the bridge

Have news to report? Click here.

One thing that i’ve come to love about our readers is that you are engaged in your communities.

So at your request, I found some interesting volunteer opportunities to share:

If you’re aware of any organizations that may need volunteers in the coming weeks/ months, please send them to me [email protected]

🚴‍♂️ Get Active

After a three year break, Grand Rapids FitFest has returned for the week. The “event/ festival” has 10+ gyms and studios participating and offers more than 200 fitness classes across town until Saturday.

🧱 Write On A Brick

Ever wanted to have a custom-engraved brick in public? Fulton St. Market is running a “buy a brick” program through August 15th to raise money for its community efforts. Each brick is $100 and gets you 3 lines of custom text.

Want to have your business featured here? Contact me.

Preview: Events —> Live Music

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

Quick hits of news from cities around Grand Rapids

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