• Calder News
  • Posts
  • šŸ“ Thousands in GR to receive debt relief | July 18, 2025

šŸ“ Thousands in GR to receive debt relief | July 18, 2025

Plus, Mosquitoes with viruses, wealthy closed, and diverse businesses get funded

Author

LeQwane Lynch
July 18, 2025

If this email was shared with you, click here.

Good morning, Grand Rapids. Iā€™m LeQwane and this is Calder News ā€” and itā€™s finally Friday.

The weekendā€™s right around the corner, so Iā€™ll make getting you caught up quick so you can close out the day, then chill out.

Unless youā€™ve got a busy weekend that isā€¦

~LeQwane L.

Stranger Mosquito Danger

The Kent County Health Department has confirmed West Nile virus in three mosquito samples collected in Grand Rapids, Walker, and Plainfield Township.

And these are the first confirmed cases in the U.S. this year. But how serious is this?

While most people show no symptoms, the virus can lead to some pretty serious illnesses. So local health leaders recommend taking precautions:

  • Use insect repellent with DEET

  • Wear long sleeves (when possible)

  • Avoid peak mosquito hours at dawn and dusk

  • And remove standing water around your home

The Digest

A briefing of local news that matters

Community

Kent County Gets Medical Debt Relief

Shout out Whitmer ā€” Nearly 10,000 Kent County residents just got all their medical bills cleared (about $8.7 million worth). Thanks to a program launched by Gov. Whitmer and the nonprofit Undue Medical Debt, which aims to help those who are most burdened by healthcare costs. Eligible residents will be notified by mail this July, offering relief without any additional action needed. | Learn more

Construction

Sky Bridge Closes Wealthy

Wealthy Street is shut down between Jefferson and Lafayette due to the installation of a pedestrian bridge connecting Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital to the new Joan Secchia Childrenā€™s Rehabilitation Hospital. Construction is expected to finish next year, but the street will only stay closed until August 13th. If you're headed through that part of town, expect detours and delays! | Read more

Business

More Support For Diverse Local Businesses

The New Community Transformation Fund is picking up speed. After partnering with Michigan Capital Network last year, the fund has quickly expanded from three to nine investments in businesses owned by people of color. Recent investments include local shoe company Holo Footwear and food company Hummus Goodness. With plans for more investments soon, the fund aims to keep helping diverse entrepreneurs thrive right here in GR. | Learn more

Have news to report? Click here.

Ask Grand Rapids šŸ¤” 

Whatā€™s one local event you never miss each year?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Hereā€™s an interesting Calder News fact: about 70% of all 4,600+ of you read our newsletter to keep up with what events are happening around town.

So, I thought itā€™d be cool to see and share what events you like the most.

Talk Of The Town

šŸ‡®šŸ‡¹ Italy In West Michigan

After a 26-year break, the Italian Festival is returning to West Michigan. The festival will take place at Tanger Outlet and for 2 days itā€™ll feature live music, Italian-themed family activities, and of course Italian food.

šŸ’æ Local Live Music Venue/ Bar Closes

Earlier this week, Turnstiles bar and music venue announced its closing for good on July 26th. The business operated for 4 years and was supported by lots of folks all around town.

Want to have your business featured here? Contact me.

Whatā€™s Happening?

Preview: Events ā€”> Live Music

Friday, July 18th

Saturday, July 19th

Sunday, July 20th

Upcoming Events

  • Food Truck Fest | Rosa Park Circle | July 23rd/ 25th

  • Paws on the Patio | Mammoth Distilling | July 24th

  • Dude Perfect | Van Andel Arena | July 30th

Live Music

Friday, July 18th

Saturday, July 19th

Sunday, July 20th

*Shows are subject to change, but thatā€™s show biz.

Outside The Plaza

Quick hits of news from cities around Grand Rapids

Thatā€™s All For Todayā€¦

ā­ļø If you enjoyed todayā€™s newsletter, copy the link to the post and share it with a friend. Every new reader that joins our email helps.

šŸ“§ Get your business in an upcoming issue of Calder News. Letā€™s talk about how we can put your business in front of thousands of GR locals.

Connect: Linkedin

Made with ā¤ļø in Grand Rapids