Good morning, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane and this is Calder News — with your Good Friday check-in.

There’s a good chance we’ll get some rough storms throughout the day.

Whether that’s true or not, time will tell, but keep an eye on your weather app so you’re not caught off guard.

In today’s newsletter, I discuss voting precincts, new condos, a fund for Latino business owners, and, of course, things to do for Easter this weekend.

Thank you for reading Calder News today.

Now let’s get into the neeeewsss.

~LeQwane L.

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The Digest

A briefing of local news that matters

Voting

GR plans To Drop 15 Voting Precincts

Grand Rapids may cut its number of voting precincts from 74 to 59 ahead of the next election. The proposed change would close 3 precincts in the First Ward, 5 in the Second, and 7 in the Third. The move is said to “reflect a shift toward early and absentee voting” and would allow more resources to be directed toward 9-day early voting operations. If approved, changes would take effect 30 days after the City Commission re-reads the proposal. | Read more about this change

Housing

New Condos In Plainfield Twp

Habitat for Humanity of Kent County is planning to build a new mixed-use development at 2500 5 Mile Rd NE. The four-story project will include 27 owner-occupied condos and ground-floor retail space. The new development will also feature a shared community space, fitness area, and 92 parking spots. The project is expected to break ground in 2027. | Read more about the development

Local Business

$1.2M Fund Boosts Latino-Owned Businesses

Kent County has approved a $1.2M grant to help Latino entrepreneurs access capital and support through the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan. The new loan program will offer Latino business owners funding between $1,000 and $250,000, alongside Spanish-language business coaching and marketing support. | Get more information on the loan program

Development

GR Soccer Stadium Breaks Ground

Groundbreaking for the new $175M Amway Stadium kicks off Tuesday at 2 PM. The 8,500-seat venue, set to open in 2027, the stadium will sit near the YMCA and anchor an 18-story mixed-use tower with retail, restaurants, apartments, and office space. | Learn how to view the groundbreaking

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Ask Grand Rapids 🤔 

I’ll be including the top 3 or 5 responses in Monday’s newsletter. So if you have a story — let’s hear it!

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Talk Of The Town

Interesting happenings around town

♟️ Level Up Nights with Board Haven Games

Sick of scrolling all night? Grab a board game and bring the crew together. Rent board games for parties, dates, or chill nights. Get your first rental from Board Haven free, with no delivery or pickup fee. No stress—just fun.*

🏊‍♀️ Free Pool Passes For The Season

Grand Rapids is offering free summer pool passes for residents 17 and under to anyone who signs up before pools open on June 6. The pass covers entry to all three city pools from June 7th to Aug 17th. Parents can register to secure a free pool pass here.

Want to have your business featured here? Contact me.

What’s Happening?

Preview: Events —> Live Music

Friday, April 18th

• Easter Eggstravaganza | We Rock The Spectrum | All Day | $20 per child/ $15 per sibling | a fun filled Easter Celebration

• The Color Purple | The Civic Theatre | (Fri - Sun) Various times | Starting at $20

• Photos with the Bunny | Woodland Mall | 10 AM - 8 PM | Starting at $37

• Big Fitting Event | Maplehill Golf | 3 PM - 7 PM | This event is by appointment only

• The Music of Austin Powers | Circle Theatre | 7 PM | Starting at $30

• Comedy Hour | Founders Brewery | 8:30 PM - 11 PM | $20

Saturday, April 19th

• The Shelley Irwin Fun Run | Millennium Park | 9 AM | $35, $10 for adults and Children 6 and under

• Cascade Community Easter Egg Hunt | Cascade Township Park | 10 AM | Free |

• BREKKY WITH D. BUNNY | 12 PM | Wealthy Theatre | $5 | A spin on the classic "Breakfast with the Easter Bunny..." Only our rabbit's got swag

• Grand Rapids Rise VS Indy Ignite | Van Andel Arena | 12 PM | Starting at $18

• WestSide Easter Egg Hunt | Sullivan Field | 1 PM - 2:30 PM | Free

• Peeps & Pints Adult Egg Hunt | Ed Dunneback Farm | 1 PM - 4 PM | $45

• Grand Raggidy Roller Derby | JAM Sports | 4 PM - 8:30 PM | Starting at $10

• Ali Siddiq | DeVos Performance Hall | 7 PM - 9 PM | Starting at $29.50 | Ali Siddiq ****is a stand-up comedian and public speaker out of Houston, TX

• Pop Scholars Live | Wealthy Theatre | 8 PM - 10 PM | $15 GA | Fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat, what-just-happened-exactly, face-and-ab-hurting-kind-of-funny Improv Comedy

Sunday, April 20th

• Easter Sunday Brunch | Rapid River Stillhouse | 10 AM - 4 PM |

• Easter Sunday Brunch | Founders Brewing | 11 AM - 3 PM

• Easter Brunch | Ucellos | 10 AM - 3 PM

Easter specific events around Grand Rapids

Live Music

Friday, April 18th

• Zach Rushing Live | Wealthy Theatre | 6 PM - 8 PM | $35

• VKTM – The Veil Of The Hunter Tour | The Stache | 8 PM | Starting at $18

• Stan Society Presents Best Song Ever | GLC Live | 8:30 PM | $28

• The Return of Henry Brooks | The Mint | 10 PM | $20

Saturday, April 19th

Road to SESO: League of Sound Disciples wsg Cofresi | The Stache | 8 PM | $17

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

That’s All For Today…

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