Good morning, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane and this is Calder News — the 3x a week newsletter you can read for everything Grand Rapids.

Boy, am I happy the elections are over, no more “vote for me” text messages or commercials everywhere I look. The other plus is that the world can get back to regularly scheduled programming.

Calder News will never be political. But I don’t mind saying what we’re all thinking. 😆 

Anyhow, let’s get into today’s email…

Here’s what is in today’s update:

• 🫡 A new sheriff is in town

• 🚧 Prepare for detours

• 🍔 Restaurant of the Week

• Plus dozens of fun events and shows around town

Let’s get started!

~LeQwane L.

What’s Happening

A briefing of local news that matters

City:  A new sheriff is in town

There’s a new sheriff in town, and it's not the President. Grand Rapidians have elected David LaGrand as their new Mayor. LaGrand is stepping up to replace former Mayor Rosalynn Bliss after she has reached the term limit.

Traffic:  Prepare for detours

The weather is getting cooler and that means one thing — construction. If you’re headed east on I-96 (toward the airport), the exit ramp to 36th Street is closed from today until November 25th.

Community Feature

To get featured in Calder News - tag us on Instagram or Facebook

Events

Preview: Events —> Live Music

Wednesday

• GR Affordable Housing Fund Meeting | 300 Monroe | 12 PM - 2 PM

• Knitting Circle | Blandford Nature Center | 6 PM - 8 PM | Free | Enjoy a cozy evening of knitting in Blandford’s cabin - recommended for ages 13+

Thursday

• Family Flicks | Participating Celebration Cinemas | $5 (free for kids 12 and under) | Enjoy a cheap showing of “Wonka” with your family

• Free museum night | GR Art Museum | 5 PM - 9 PM

• Trivia Nights | Perrin Brewin Co. and Kusterer Brauhaus | 7 PM, 7 PM | Free

• Fiddler on the Roof | Blythefield Church | 7 PM - 9:30 PM | $15 for adults, $5 for kids/students

• College Night | Billy’s Lounge | 9 PM

Friday

• Comedy Night: AJ Wilkerson | Golden Age Nov 8/9 | GA $25 | The show is 18+

• The Salvation Army Red Kettle Kickoff | The Blue Bridge | 5 PM - 6 PM | Free

• Grand Rapids Gold v Windy City Bulls | Van Andel Arena | 7 PM | Starting at $15

• Killers of Kill Tony | DeVos Performance Hall | 7 PM - 11 PM | Resell tickets only

Things to do any time this weekend

• Restaurant Week GR | Today - Saturday | $25-$45 | 50+ local restaurants are putting up their best 2-3+ course meals for the chance to earn your vote

Live Music

Wednesday

• Vlad Holiday (Chillstep) + The Best Intentions (Local rock) | The Pyramid Scheme | 7 PM

• Blane Howard (Country) | DeVos Performance Hall | 7 PM

• REO Speedwagon (Rock) | Van Andel Arena | 7 PM | Starting at $40

• The Slaps + Noah Pope + Shane T + Pretty Sure | The Pyramid Scheme | 7:30 PM | $18 at the door

Thursday

• Knocked Loose (Metal) | GLC Live | 6 PM | Starting at $45

• Ratboys & Low Phase (Rock) | Midtown GR | 6 PM | $25

• Josh Ross Single Again Tour (Modern country) | The Stache | 6:30 PM

• Godspeed You! Black Emperor | Elevation | 7 PM

• Equipment + RILEY! + New Age Thief | The Pyramid Scheme | 7 PM | $18

Friday

• Shelby Lentz (Pop rock) | The Holiday Bar | 6 PM

• St. Sinner Orchestra | The Stray | 7 PM | $15

• Harbour (Indie pop) | The Pyramid Scheme | 7 PM

• Kurt Elling (Jazz vocals) | Midtown GR | 7:30 PM | Starting at $48

• Tape B (Dubstep) | The Intersection | 9 PM | Starting at $80

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

Restaurant Of The Week

What better time to debut Calder News' 'Restaurant Of The Week' than during Grand Rapids' Restaurant Week?

For our first feature — I’ll put you on to the best burger spot in town.

Black Napkin is located at the intersection of Diamond/Fulton. And they serve up big, juicy smash burgers done right. How good are they?

With house-made everything (from seasoned fries to craft sodas), lines outside the door, and 4.9 stars from 500+ Google reviews - the stats speak for themselves.

While they might not part of Restaurant Week, if you’re a burger lover, try this spot when you get a chance. Plan on $30-$40 for two.

Click here to check out their stuff.

That’s all for today…

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-LeQwane L | Publisher @ Calder News

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