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

School’s out for some kids already and others are finishing up this week. Maybe that means no more school buses slowing down your commute. Maybe that means quieter mornings, since you don’t have the get the kids ready. For me, that means trying to find new things to do around the city with my kiddo.

Some ideas to try: GRPL’s Summer Reading Challenge and Studio Park’s outdoor movie screenings. We’ll keep the suggestions coming all summer long!

Read about those and more in today’s newsletter.

~Jenny F.

Together with: Tommy Brann’s Steakhouse

It is officially grilling season, but some summer days are too hot to even fire up the grill.

Next time it’s 90 degrees and you feel like a steak, Tommy Brann’s can save the day. Enjoy their air-conditioning and their famous sizzler steaks at the same time, solving both your problems.

NBA Finals start this week, and even though the Pistons didn’t make it to the final round, maybe you want to enjoy the games while eating delicious ribs. Tommy Brann’s has you covered.

No matter what your summer needs, Tommy Brann’s has a solution.

A briefing of local news that matters

Utilities

Warmer days means air conditioning and fans are constantly running. In order to meet the need for more electricity, Consumers started their peak-hours summer rates which go until the end of September. From 2pm to 7pm, the price per kilowatt-hour raises from $.197 to $.245. Read more here.

Development

Do you drive past the shell of the new soccer stadium every day and wonder if they’re making any progress? They are! The last structural beam has been placed, and the Amway Stadium is on track to open in 2027. See more details.

Housing

So many new apartments are in the works for the city of Grand Rapids, and the latest one announced is located next to the Goei Center on Butterworth. It will have six units. Check it out.

Have news to report? Click here.

What the City Commission is looking at later today.

🎤 Jelly Roll Lights Up the Riverfront – Commissioners weigh a fireworks and special-effects permit for the upcoming Jelly Roll show at the amphitheater

🏒 Griff's IceHouse Gets Its Operator – A management agreement with DP Fox Sports & Entertainment (the DeVos company behind the Griffins) to run Griff's IceHouse at Belknap Park

👶 Rx Kids Comes to 49507 – A three-year, $150,000 agreement with the Grand Rapids Community Foundation to bring the Rx Kids cash-assistance program to the 49507 ZIP code, putting money directly in the hands of new and expecting moms in one of the city's highest-need neighborhoods.

🏠 Backyard Homes Up Next – The Commission sets June 16 to debate zoning changes to the city's Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) rules — the in-law suites and backyard cottages at the center of the housing-affordability fight.

🛠️ Crime Prevention by Design – The lone ordinance up for final adoption amends the city's CPTED code (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) — the rules shaping how lighting, sightlines, and layout get baked into new development.

🗳️ Prepping for Voting Season– Commissioners sign off on polling locations, early voting sites, and inspector pay for the August 2026 Primary.

Location: City Hall | 300 Monroe Ave NW (open to the public)

Time: 2 PM View full agenda ›

🥇 Annual Business Competition Accepting Submissions

Businesses just getting started, or established businesses that want to grow, can apply for funds in Start Garden’s annual entrepreneur competition, The 100. Submissions close on July 12th and 100 semifinalists will be selected.

📽 Outdoor Movie Lineup Announced

The Sunset Cinema series, free movie screenings in the yard of Studio Park, announced its summer lineup. On Saturday evenings, enjoy older favorites like “Jurassic Park” or new blockbusters like “Sinners.”

📚 Read Books, Earn Prizes

Whether you’re a kid or an adult, enjoy Grand Rapids Public Library’s Summer Reading Challenge. You set the rules—read a certain amount of days or a certain number of books—and get cool prizes, no library card required.

Do you have ideas about how to bring communities together?

The City of Grand Rapids wants to hear them. The Neighborhood Match Fund awards money to residents who propose community projects that benefit everyone.

This year’s theme, “Stories We Share: The Courage to Connect,” encourages plans that promote a deeper sense of belonging among neighbors. Some suggestions are block parties, community gardens, cleanups, and neighborhood events.

Projects can receive gifts between $500 and $5,000 to make these neighborhood dreams realities. Make sure to submit your idea by June 30th.

See more details.

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

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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