Thursday, March 19th, 2026
Good morning, Grand Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 19th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Mi Cultura Cafe launched on Feb. 20 inside Las Rocas Postres on Division Ave, offering Mexican-themed lattes like churro, mazapán, horchata, and duvalín — a taste of local culture. The woman-owned spot has quickly gained favor with the local Hispanic community and plans future support initiatives. MLive
- ➤ John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids will open its 2026 season tomorrow, March 20, featuring a 3,500 sqft river otter habitat and attractions like baby hippo Hugo and snow leopard cub Juniper, and it will return with the Grand Rapids Lantern Festival and other community events. MLive
- ➤ A Grand Rapids nonprofit, NewYoungFathers.com, will host a free pizza and paper airplane party for young fathers and their children this Saturday, March 21 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 342 Market Ave SW. FOX 17
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ A 31-year-old man turned a $20 ticket purchase at Wesco gas station (on North Main Street in Cedar Springs) into a $1 million win and claimed his prize at Michigan Lottery headquarters, choosing a lump sum of about $693,000 and planning to buy a new car and save the rest. ABC 13
- ➤ Fowling Warehouse in Cascade Township will permanently close on March 29 after eight years of blending football and bowling amid rising costs and a changing market. The business invites community members to visit during its final days to enjoy one last game. MLive
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Rep. Bill Huizenga honored Calvin University’s 150th birthday before the House this week in Washington, D.C. The Grand Rapids-based institution, founded in 1876 (originally a small theological school), now enrolls 3,681 students from 48 states and over 60 countries. MLive
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Emergency Management extended the flood warning for the Grand River near Comstock Park until 2 a.m. Sunday as water levels remain above flood stage from heavy rains and snows. The Sheriff's Office advises residents to avoid flooded roads and secure outdoor items (minor flooding is expected along the Abrigador Trail). ABC 13
- ➤ Grand Rapids approved a one-year contract with ParkMobile to test a new app that lets drivers reserve off-street parking spots; users will pay an extra 15% fee and transaction charges. The app is expected to launch by late April to help manage parking during busy events downtown. MLive
- ➤ Grand Rapids officials said they will not speculate on potential changes to tributes honoring Cesar Chavez after new abuse allegations emerged, noting that the local celebration on March 12 and existing namesakes at a street and a school remain unchanged. FOX 17
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services has opened a $98M Pediatric Center of Behavioral Health on its Gaines Township campus at 300 68th St. SE + the facility, featuring 66 inpatient beds and Michigan’s first children’s urgent care for mental health, will begin inpatient admissions on Monday, Mar. 23. MLive
- ➤ A local team in Grand Rapids 3D printed a custom wheelchair for little Ella to boost her mobility. The project highlights accessible technology and community effort to bring innovative care to children. FOX 17
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Hudsonville Ice Cream has launched a new dirt cake-flavored ice cream in partnership with Albanese Confectionery. The treat blends vanilla and chocolate pudding-flavored ice cream with cream-filled chocolate cookies and specially formulated gummi worms (made to keep their chew) and is now available at grocers including Meijer and Walmart. MLive
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Ottawa Hills junior Damarcus McKnight earned a 4.29 GPA while playing basketball and will join the football team this fall, aiming to score as a wide receiver and lead by example for his siblings. ABC 13
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Mega 80's vs. Class of 98 Showdown
9 PM — Elevation at The Intersection — Tickets available — Experience an electrifying night of music as the 80s and 90s battle it out on the dance floor.
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Secondhand Serenade Concert
7-8:30 p.m. — The Pyramid Scheme — Ticket prices vary — Experience the heartfelt music of Secondhand Serenade in the intimate setting of a local venue.
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Quinn XCII Concert
8-10:30 p.m. — The Stache — Ticketed event — Experience the genre-bending sounds of Quinn XCII with energetic live performances and heartfelt storytelling.
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Sam Bush Performance
7:30-9 p.m. — St. Cecilia Music Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the innovative sounds of Sam Bush blending bluegrass with jazz and rock influences.
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Anthony Gomes Live Concert
8-11 PM — The Stache — Ticket prices vary — Experience the electrifying blues and rock fusion from Canadian guitarist Anthony Gomes.
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Super Future Live
9 PM – 12 AM — Elevation — Tickets available — Experience a unique electronic journey with Super Future's eclectic sounds and high-energy performance.
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K-Pop Kids Dance Party
10:30 AM – 4:30 PM — Elevation — Family-friendly event — Dance along to K-Pop remixes and iconic pop anthems while dressed in your favorite costumes.
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Candlelight - 90s Hip-Hop on Strings
6:30-7:45 p.m. — Wealthy Theatre — Ticketed event — Experience the essence of 90s hip-hop reimagined through strings in a magical candlelit setting.
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Hot In Herre: 2000s Dance Party
9 PM – 12 AM — Elevation — Entry details not specified — Relive the 2000s with top hits and nostalgic vibes from your favorite artists.
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Annual Easter Brunch Buffet
10 AM – 4 PM — Reds at Thousand Oaks — Adults $39, Children 5–12 $16 — Indulge in a delightful array of breakfast favorites and holiday specialties.
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