Happy Monday, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane and this is Calder News — and we search for the most important news and interesting things happening around town so you don’t have to.

Over the weekend one of you informed me that our system was incorrectly flagging some people as inactive readers.

I found the issue and patched it up lickety-split. If you have no idea what I’m talking about great. Feel free to skip this next bit.

If you received any emails from Calder News saying you were going to be removed for inactive, disregard them.

I know you’re awesome and super engaged. So as long as you opt to stay, you’ve got a forever spot on our list. 🫶

Now for what you came here for…

In today’s issue, you’ll learn about the state of our schools, a historical building’s new use, our first fact of the week, and more.

I hope you enjoy today’s quick read. Have a great week. 😁

LeQwane L.

A briefing of local news that matters

Sports

Over the weekend, Grand Rapids’ Special Olympics Unified Sports Center hosted the Area 11 Basketball Tournament. Which brought 18 teams made up of people with and without intellectual disabilities together to compete in the state finals. The event brought hundreds to the city and had an “electric vibe”. | Read more about the event here

Education

Late last week, GRPS celebrated major progress — with graduation and enrollment rates increasing for the first time since 2016. on Thursday, Superintendent Dr. Leadriane Roby highlighted these achievements during the State of Our Schools address at Ottawa Hills High School. 82% of 2023 graduates earned diplomas and enrollment rates climbed 88% since the previous year. | Read a full recap of the “State of Our Schools” report here

Housing

The historic Dominican Sisters of GR building has been transformed into 109 affordable apartments for residents aged 55 and older. The community named Academy Manor offers a mix of studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments, while maintaining original features, like its chapel and terrazzo flooring. And although some of the building is still under construction, it’ll be fully open to residents in the coming months. | Learn more here

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Ps. In case you missed it, over the weekend, TikTok was re-added to the Google and Apple app store.

The log jam that almost bankrupted Grand Rapids.

Did you know that 37 million tons of timber caused a massive log jam in the Grand River back in 1883?

In 1883, the Grand River nearly caused a disaster that could’ve derailed West Michigan’s economy.

After two months of heavy rain, a massive logjam formed in the river, blocking bridges and threatening to flood Lake Michigan with millions of logs.

This could have suffocated shipping lanes, halted the lumber mills, and destroyed Grand Rapids’ booming furniture industry.

Read about how one man helped Grand Rapids avoid this major crisis.

Preview: Events —> Live Music

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

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