If this email was shared with you click here.

Good morning, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane and this is Calder News — and if you like our newsletter, you’ll like our Instagram.

I’m posting something up pretty much daily because I’m on a mission to hit 1k followers. Can you help me out? Drop a follow @calder.news if you haven’t already.

Thank you in advance.

Now let’s dive into today’s newsletter. 🫡

~LeQwane L.

Connect: Linkedin

Get Cash For Your Clothes

Together with: Uptown Cheapstake

Have clothes that you can’t fit into or simply don’t need anymore? Here’s how you can exchange them for some extra cash. 

Located in Grandville and Kentwood, Uptown Cheapstake buys gently used men's and women's clothing. And also carries top brands like Nike, Levi, Polo, Lululemon, Gym Shark, and more for up to 70% off retail prices.

  • Clear your closet

  • Get cash the same day

  • And if you want, upgrade your style for less

Check out Uptown Cheapskate in Grandville or Kentwood

Interested in advertising your business here next? Learn more about our audience.

Another Air Quality Alert

Pollution has been out to get us folks.

Another air quality advisory has been issued across Kent County today. Why?

Hot weather and wildfire smoke from Canada are expected to raise ozone levels to a point that's unhealthy for “sensitive individuals”.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy also recommended that we limit doing things like filling up gas tanks or using gas-powered tools, which can make conditions worse.

For updates throughout the day, view the EGLE’s website.

The Digest

A briefing of local news that matters

Development

Grant Program Supports New Developers

Wondering what’s up with all the development? A city grant program supporting first-time and small developers has awarded nearly $2 million since launching last fall. So far the grant has funded 13 projects, which could lead to 261 new houses, townhomes, and apartments across Grand Rapids. To keep the momentum going, the city plans to allocate another $2 million to the program in its upcoming budget year. | Learn more about the program

Riverfront Park Opens in July

The newly renovated riverfront park called Lyon Square is almost ready to open. What’s left? Final touches are being put on a snow melt system beneath the pavement to keep the space accessible year-round. The park will be open to the public and available for rentals, with a grand opening expected in early July. | Learn more about the park

Civic

Ada Kicks Out Door-to-Door Sales

Ada Township is updating its solicitation ordinance to reduce door-to-door sales. The changes will require broader background checks and tighter regulations for companies going door to door. Earlier this week, the Ada township board voted to move forward with the changes. Maybe we’ll see something similar in the city? | Read about the ordinance updates

Parks Director Gets Role In KZOO

Parks and Recreation Director David Marquardt is heading to Kalamazoo to become the city’s new deputy city manager. Marquardt has led GR’s parks department since 2015. His last day in Grand Rapids is July 4th. While no successor is in place, the city is working on a plan for interim leadership. | Read more

Have news to report? Click here.

Community Feature

Taken by Dan, Calder News reader from Grand Rapids

Talk Of The Town

Interesting happenings around town

🔭 Planetarium Gets Major Upgrade

The Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium at The Grand Rapids Public Museum is closed until next week Monday for “significant upgrades”. According to GRPM’s post, the Planetarium will be much crisper and vibrant once it’s complete. Another reason to go to the museum if you haven’t in a while!

🎤 Wyoming’s Concerts in the Park Return

Wyoming is bringing back its Concert in the Park series next week. The series will feature local artists every Tuesday through July 29th, taking a small break on July 4th. Click here to view the lineup.

🖌️ ArtPrize Calls Muralist

Partnering with the Westside Corridor Improvement Authority, ArtPrize is offering a $10K grant to a local artist to create a mural at 859 West Fulton. If you’re interested here’s the registration.

Want to have your business featured here? Contact me.

What’s Happening?

Preview: Events —> Live Music

Wednesday, June 11th

  • Farmers Market | Fulton Street | 8 AM - 2 PM | Free to attend

  • Food Trucks | Air Port Viewing Park | 10 AM - 4 PM | Free to attend

  • The Taste | Goei Center | 5 PM - 8 PM | Starting at $28

  • Music Bingo | Rapid River Stillhouse | 7 PM - 9 PM | Free to attend

  • Evening Bike Rides | Veterans Memorial Park | 7:45 PM | Free to attend

  • Comedy Night | River City Saloon | 9 PM | Free to attend

Thursday, June 12th

Friday, June 13th

Submit Your Event

Live Music

Wednesday, June 11th

Thursday, June 12th

Friday, June 13th

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

Outside The Plaza

3 quick hits of news from cities around Grand Rapids

Calhoun County: Calhoun County launches new radio system for first responders

Michigan: MDOT proposes ban on camping, living in vehicles at Michigan rest areas and carpool lots

More for Michigan: Surveys show troopers lack confidence in MSP chief

That’s All For Today…

⭐ If you enjoyed today’s newsletter, copy the link to the post and share it with a friend. Every new reader that joins our email helps.

📧 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.

Connect: Linkedin

Made with ❤ in Grand Rapids

From earlier this week…

Made in Grand Rapids

© 2026 Calder News LLC.
Report abusePrivacy policyTerms of use
beehiivPowered by beehiiv