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Good Afternoon, Grand Rapids! I’m LeQwane, and this is Calder News — back again with your go-to updates on local happenings and what’s making waves around the city.
I’ve gotta admit, I’ve been looking forward to today’s newsletter all week. The GR Noodle Festival is just 1 day away. And I’m SOOO ready for it.
As for today’s newsletter, you’ll read about the city’s idea to ditch trash collectors, the rise of measles, new morals, and a local restaurant recommendation.
Whether I bump into you at tomorrow’s Noodle Fest or not, I hope you have a great weekend. And I’ll see ya again on Monday!
~LeQwane L.
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The Digest
A briefing of local news that matters
Community
Inspiring Futures of Latinx Youth
Hundreds of middle schoolers gathered at GRCC for the annual Latinx Youth Conference this week. The event was hosted by the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan and was designed to empower students as they prepare for high school and beyond — connecting students with Latino leaders, career workshops, and an inspiring keynote on resilience and success. | Learn more about the conference here
Public Works
GR’s Unemployment Office Relocates
The Grand Rapids Unemployment office is moving to a temporary location at the Kent County Human Services building while its main office undergoes renovations. The renovations will take about 1 month to complete. | Read more here about the relocation
No More Private Trash Collectors?
The city is considering getting rid of independent trash collectors. According to its study, the move could cut pollution, reduce road wear, and save locals money with the city’s new “pay-as-you-throw system”. Currently, independent companies only collect 10% of residential trash. A final decision on the next steps is expected to occur in October and potentially go live by July 2027. | Learn more
Health and Wellness
Measles Cases Are Increasing
Lastly, something to be aware of — measles is making its way to West Michigan. The contagious virus can cause complications, but apparently its vaccine is 97% effective in preventing it. | Read more
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Restaurant Of The Week
This one’s for you if you’ve got a sweet tooth—or just love a good slice of pizza.
Today’s Restaurant of the Week is Wealthy Street Bakery—and trust me, it’s got everything.
Cookies. Croissants. Fresh bread? Sandwiches. And oh, did I mention their pizza is incredible? Because it is.
This local gem sits right at 610 Wealthy St SE. And serves up baked goods and cozy vibes. With 462 reviews at 4.3 stars, plenty of folks agree it’s worth a stop.
If you haven’t been yet, do yourself a favor and grab a slice… or a whole loaf. No judgment here.
Do you have a favorite local spot I should check out? Let me know what it is —I’m always looking for my next go-to spot.
Talk Of The Town
Interesting happenings around town
❄️ It’s not Spring just yet
It’s not Spring just yet — Winter’s making a comeback in Kent County this weekend with strong winds, a quick warm-up, and a blast of cold air. Check out the winter weather advisory here.
🎨 We’ve got new art
A mural of Harriet Woods Hill, Grand Rapids' first African American female officer, has been painted in an alley near the GRPD headquarters to honor her resilience and legacy. The project is a part of the Women's Way Initiative to highlight local minority women leaders.
Want to have your business featured here? Contact me.
What’s Happening?
Preview: Events —> Live Music
Friday, February 28th
Daisy Daze Sale | Warehouse One Antiques | (Fri - Sun) Various times | Free | Join the annual Daisy Daze Sale to celebrate Daisy's birthday at Warehouse One Antiques
Disney’s Camp Rock Musical | Civic Theatre | (Feb 28th - Mar 16th) Various times | Tickets start at $23
Public Play | RLM Amusements | 5 PM - 10 PM | $15 admission | Enjoy unlimited play on classic arcade games during vintage arcade night, where nostalgia meets endless fun
GR Gold vs. Cleveland Charge | Van Andel Arena | 7 PM | Tickets starting at $19
#imomsohard: The Flashback Tour | GLC Live | 7 PM - 10 PM | Starting at $63
Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto | DeVos Place | (Fri, Sat) Various times | Tickets start at $19
Saturday, March 1st
Workshop: Basic Electrical | Home Repair Services of Kent County | 10 AM - 12 PM | Free (NO RSVP) | A fun and informative workshop on how to wire an outlet, light switch, and light fixture
Intro to Amateur Astronomy | GR Public Museum | 10:30 AM - 12 PM | This class will explore challenges faced by those new to amateur astronomy
Noodle Fest | Calder Plaza | 11 AM - 6 PM | Free (dishes are $6 each) | Taste a variety of dishes from local vendors and vote for your favorite
5th Annual Bourbon Fest | New Vintage Place | 4 PM - 6:30 PM | Tickets start at $10
GR Griffins vs Iowa Wild | Van Andel Arena | 7 PM | Tickets starting at $24
Comedy Improv | Wealthy Theatre, Comedy Project | 7:30 PM, 9 PM | Starting at $12, $15 tickets
Sunday, March 2nd
Time to Paddy | Riverside Park | 6:30 AM - 11:30 AM | $15 - $65 | A St. Patrick-themed run that is perfect for the whole family
When A Woman's Fed Up | DeVos Performance Hall | 3:30 PM | Starting at $49 | A stage play of various types of relationships, focusing on the challenges women face
Crazy Rates Night | Cannonsburg | 4 PM - 9 PM | Grab the best deal of the season on lift tickets, rentals, AND a lesson—all for a fraction of the price!
Live Music
Friday, February 28th
JAMMIES 25 | The Intersection | 6 PM | $10 Tickets
Joe Samba + Dale and the Z Dubs + Highdeas | The Pyramid Scheme | 7 PM - 11 PM | $16 Tickets
An evening of Jazz | St. Cecilia Music Center | 7:30 PM | $20 Tickets
Beats and Bourbon | Mammoth Distilling | 8 PM - 12 AM | Free
Saturday, March 1st
Gravity Jazz Band | Horrocks Market | 6 PM | Free
Scythian | Elevation | 7 PM | $25 tickets
The Marathon - 80s New Wave | The Stache | 7 PM | $10 tickets
R&B Only | GLC Live | 8 PM - 10 PM | Starting at $40
Sunday, March 2nd
TOBYMAC | Van Andel Arena | Starting at $19
*Shows are subject to change, but that’s show biz.
That’s All For Today…
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