Good afternoon, Grand Rapids. I’m LeQwane and this is Calder News — And today you’ll have a chance to answer the biggest question on the internet this week…

In addition to that, today’s newsletter will cover a new park, kittens, advisories, and alerts around Grand Rapids.

I appreciate you taking the time to read Calder News, but before you move on, it’s time to ask the question of the week…

I’m putting my coins on the gorilla.

~LeQwane L.

A briefing of local news that matters

Community

The city is considering naming its newest park "Plaza Navarro," honoring Miguel and Isabel Navarro, founders of El Matador Tortilla Chip Company. The new $2.3 million park is located at Cesar E. Chavez Avenue near Rumsey Street. And will feature inclusive playgrounds, spaces for vendors, public art, and sustainable landscaping. | Keep an eye on what name they’ll settle on

City

City officials have revealed the city’s proposed $735M budget for 2026 — an increase of 6.5% from last year. If approved, locals will see parking tickets rise from $15 to $20 and odd-even parking violations from $20 to $25. The budget would also fund 22 new city positions, including electricians and public safety staff, plus investments in solar power and neighborhood upgrades like parks and infrastructure. The commission will do a final vote on the proposal on May 20th. | Read a breakdown of the proposal

Environment

Due to dry and windy weather, we’ve been issued a no-burn alert. This bans outdoor fires, wood stoves, and charcoal grills. Limiting grilling and any fires in town to be gas or propane only. The fire risk is currently marked as “Very High,” and the city can hand out citations if they catch ya violating the rules, so be careful! Rain later this week might clear up the temporary ban. | View the fire safety map

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In Monday’s newsletter, I asked, “How many people live in GR?” And about one hundred of you took a guess.

Here are the results

The correct answer is that 196,000 people live in Grand Rapids.

While I can see why most of you guessed 319,000, when you include all of Kent County, there are over double that amount of people, with a reported 661,300 folks in the county.

Advertise with Calder News to grow your business or raise awareness for your event. Contact us to reach 2,750+ engaged locals.

Every spring, kitten season hits Grand Rapids—and the Humane Society of West Michigan is prepping for its annual “Kitten Caboodles” fundraiser.

Between May and September, they expect 500–700 kittens to arrive with many of them being just hours old and without a mother.

To prepare, the organization is asking for your help.

Donations help buy formula, tiny bottles, scales, warmers, vaccines, and even heartbeat-simulating pillows. Every dollar supports the care of the kittens and comes with the perk of letting donors name a kitten in return.

The campaign is already 75% of the way to its goal of $4,000 and gaining momentum as more locals pitch in. Just like the kittens themselves, every little bit helps.

If you want to support, you can learn more here.

Interesting happenings around town

♠ Local Game Shop Cures Weekend Boredom

Last Friday, a few friends and I rented a new game called Heat: Pedal to the Metal. What started as "just one race" turned into 3+ hours of competitive fun. I enjoyed it so much, I teamed up with Board Haven Games to give you a free board game rental. So pick one of 60+ games while you can! *

💐Kentwood’s Spring Toss-Out

Out with the old, in with the new — Kentwood’s annual Community Cleanup Day starts on Saturday, and it’ll give you a free chance to get rid of yard waste, furniture, and old appliances. To participate, just show up with your junk at the Public Works Department off Breton Road with your ID in hand.

💧Water Advisory In Wyoming

Wyoming has been placed on a boil water advisory as of today. The notice is due to “a loss in pressure in the water system this morning”. Check out the city’s official page for more information.

Want to have your business featured here? Contact me.

Preview: Events —> Live Music

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

Quick hits of news from cities around Grand Rapids

Muskegon: Thirty new homes coming to Muskegon, offering 'attainable paths' to homeownership

Michigan: Hometown kid: Lions draft West Michigan native

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📧 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.

Made with ❤ in Grand Rapids