Good morning, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane and this is Calder News — and before we dive in, I just wanted to stop for a moment and thank you for reading.

Almost every newsletter I send, I get responses with people asking how to support.

The best way to support Calder News (if you’re not one of our advertising partners 😉) is simple: share it with a friend.

Every new reader helps us grow and keep more people around town informed.

~LeQwane L.

Together with: Treadstone Mortgage

Treadstone Mortgage has just launched its Heart & Home Project — a new initiative giving back to those who serve our community every day.

As the school year begins, Treadstone is honoring education professionals with two offers through October 31st

Calder News is possible thanks to the support of our partners. 🤝 Want to chat about getting your business in front of 14,000+ GR locals next? Contact me: [email protected]

A briefing of local news that matters

Travel

I don’t usually like these things due to people gaming them, but Gerald R. Ford International Airport is a finalist for USA Today’s “Best Small Airport” award. The contest is based on reader votes, which are in fact open daily until Oct. 6th. Our airport is one of 20 airports recognized for things like flight options, accessibility, and amenities. | You can vote here

Environment

Ground testing has confirmed PFAS contamination in a pond at the Grand River Indian Mounds. Apparently, the levels exceed state advisories, prompting warnings against eating fish from the site (which people shouldn’t be doing anyhow). | Read more

Resources

September is Hunger Action Month, and new reports say local food banks have record-high demand. Feeding America WM says 1 in 7 residents in the WM are already affected, with another 50,000 expected to face shortages in the next two years. | Read more

Have news to report? Click here.

ArtPrize is reaching into the city.

Uptown Grand Rapids is throwing a free kickoff party to launch ArtPrize 2025 on Thursday, Sept. 18, at the historic Hermitage at Diamond (located at 1009 Hermitage St SE).

The free evening will feature…

Outside of this kick-off, 33 Uptown businesses across Eastown, East Hills, Wealthy Street, and East Fulton will host artists as part of ArtPrize.

More details here

🎤 The Amphitheater’s First Show

Although it’s not opening until next year, the Acrisure Amphitheater has announced its first booked concert. The artist? Country pop singer Russell Dickerson. Never heard of him, but what do you guys think?

🏀 GR Gold Hosts Youth Camp

I’m not big on sports, but I know (some of) our audience is. To celebrate the return of basketball season, the GR Gold is hosting a free youth camp day for kids 8-14 next Friday, September 19th, at the Kroc Center.

📚 Public Library Pushes For Sign-ups

To celebrate National Library Card Sign-Up Month, GRPL is giving away free merchandise and discount cards to local businesses for anyone who gets a library card.

Business Opening:

Sugah Please - A Detroit restaurateur has made her way to Grand Rapids to open a southern comfort breakfast and brunch spot at 1 Carlton Ave. SE.

Submit a message, announcement, shout-out, etc, for your business.

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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📧 Get your business in an upcoming issue of Calder News. Let’s talk about how we can put your business in front of thousands of GR locals.

Made with ❤ in Grand Rapids