Good morning, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane and this is the final issue of Calder News for 2025.
The next newsletter will be released on January 5th, 2026. We’ll continue daily content across Facebook, Instagram, and our TikTok.
I wish you and our other 6,000+ readers today a happy holiday and a safe New Year.
~LeQwane L.
The Digest
A briefing of local news that matters
Education
GRCC Names New President
GRCC trustees named Kathryn Rogalski, a college leader from Green Bay, as the school’s next president. Steven Triezenberg will continue leading the school until the transition in 2026. Rogalski currently oversees academic and workforce programs at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. | Read more
Traffic
I-196 to US-131 Ramps Reopen
On Saturday, MDOT announced that the westbound I-196 to southbound US-131 and the northbound US-131 to eastbound I-196 ramps downtown are now open again after a major semi-truck crash earlier this month. The opening is temporary to help traffic. A full repair will take place by April. | View announcement
Travel
Holiday Rush at The Airport
Gerald R. Ford International Airport expects more than 190,000 passengers between today and January 2nd. Airport leadership reported that 2025 was the busiest year on record, with 4 million travelers passing through the airport during the year. | Read more
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Talk Of The Town
🎁 Last Minute Shopping Downtown
Christmas is just 3 days away, and if you’re looking to pick up a few last-minute gifts, here are a few locally owned stores downtown where you can go.
🏷️ Goodwill Launches Major Discount
Speaking of last-minute shopping, Goodwill locations around Grand Rapids have launched a 50% discount on new and used “holiday” items.
Local Eats
☕ Molly’s Deli and Cafe → Molly’s, a new cafe and deli, has opened in Gaslight Village
🍕 Two Sons → A popular pizzeria from Traverse City has officially opened its pop-up location downtown - the location is temporary while the company finds a permanent space
What’s Happening?
Events This Week
Christkindl Markt | Downtown Market | (Mon, Tues) | Free
Winter Break | GRCM | (Mon - Tue, Fri-Sun) 9 AM - 4 PM | $1.75+
Ugly Sweater Party | Inex Studio | (Wed) 7 PM | ?
Christmas Movie Marathon | Ada Hotel | (Thu) 4 PM - 10 PM | Free
Comedian: Bill Bushart | Dr. Grins | (Fri, Sat) Various times | $15+
Ice Skating | Rosa Parks Circle | Various times | $3+
Festival of Trees | Ada Legacy Park | Free
Winter Window Competition | Ada Village | 12 AM | Free
Sugar Plum Winter Camp | Fulton St. | 1 PM - 3 PM | $55
Christmas Lite Show | LMCU Ballpark | $31+
Enlighten Holiday Light Show | Mejier Gardens | 5:30 PM | $27+
Great Lakes Invitational | Van Andel Arena | (Sun - Mon) 3:30 PM | $26+
NYE Events
Tuesday, December 30th
New Year's Early Eve | GR Children’s Museum | 5 PM | $16+
New Year Glamour Night Swing | DeVos Place | 7 PM | $22
Wednesday, December 31st
Dave and Busters | 11 AM - 12 AM | $33+
Happy Noon Year! | Multiple Public Library Branches | 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM | Free
Dungeon Bar & Lounge | 4 PM | Free
Fink’s | 4 PM | ?
Neon New Year's Eve | Walker Ice & Fitness Center | 5 PM | $10
Founders Brewing Company | 5 PM | Free
SpeakEZ | 6 PM | $10+
Pages & Grapes Early NYE Celebration | 6 PM | ?
Skating Party | 6:30 PM | $15+
Tip Top | 7 PM | $17
Mojo’s Dueling Piano Bar | 7 PM | $30+
The BackForty Saloon | 7 PM | $40
The Score Restaurant | 7 PM | $70
The B.O.B. | 7 PM | $50
The Lit | 7 PM | $40
Social Dance Studio | 7 PM | $75
Black-Tie Gala Dinner | 8 PM | $200
Rapid River Stillhouse | 8 PM | $10
AC Hotel Grand Rapids Downtown | 8 PM | $80
Ada Hotel | 8 PM | $135
New Holland - The Knickerbocker | 8 PM | Free
IDC | 8 PM | $10
Adults Only New Year’s Eve Craig’s Cruisers | 9 PM | $59+
Twisted Bull | 9:30 PM | Free
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That’s All For Today…
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