Good morning, Grand Rapids.

Rika’s Chicken and More, run by Sherika Dennard — a cook who perfected her mother’s recipes since childhood — has gained local praise for its secret blend of nine seasonings and fresh-to-order chicken and comfort food at 736 Butterworth St SW in Grand Rapids.

The restaurant opened 18 months ago and offers daily meal deals and $1 wings on Wednesdays — a nod to family traditions — that keep customers coming back.

Joann Fabrics closed all its national stores including 33 in Michigan, and local customers now turn to Smith Owen Sewing + Quilting Center for fabric and sewing classes.

Fourth-generation owner Emma Rhoderick hopes the store's family-like service will bring in new business as shoppers seek local options.

Ruby Garcia, 25, was fatally shot on March 22nd near Leonard Street NW on U.S. 131 in Grand Rapids — her boyfriend Brandon Ortiz-Vite later turned himself in and confessed to the killing.

The FDA issued a Class II recall of nearly 5,000 pouches of shredded cheese from ALDI because the product may contain stainless steel fragments.

The recall affects packages sold in Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Connecticut.

Eleven-year-old Mason Madden left Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital Friday after three months and five surgeries to remove a spinal tumor — hospital staff and local hockey players created a graduation tunnel as he went home.

His family said they are happy to have him home and ready to adjust to a new routine.

Gardeners in Grand Rapids can now start planting seeds indoors for tomatoes, peppers, cabbage, broccoli, lettuce and herbs as the last frost is still weeks away.

They may also prune fruit trees and hydrangeas and add a balanced fertilizer (triple-12) to help the plants get ready for warmer weather.

Grand Rapids West Catholic came back from a 12-point deficit at halftime and beat Detroit Edison PSA 54-48 in the Division 2 girls basketball state semifinals (the game was held at the Breslin Center on March 21).

Grand Rapids Griffins vs. Texas Stars

7-11 p.m. — Van Andel Arena — Cost varies — Catch the Griffins in their 2024-25 AHL season matchup against the Texas Stars and enjoy a night of hockey excitement.

MIB International Networking Event in Grand Rapids

9-11 p.m. — 317 Coffee — Free entry — Empower and connect with like-minded women at a supportive networking meeting featuring guest speakers and business growth opportunities.

Columbus Fury at Grand Rapids Rise

7-11 p.m. | Van Andel Arena | Ticket prices vary | Experience thrilling soccer action as the Columbus Fury takes on the Grand Rapids Rise.

The Bad Bunny Party

9:00 PM — The Pyramid Scheme — Ticketed event — Celebrate the vibrant music of Bad Bunny at a lively party atmosphere.

John R. Miller Concert

7-10 p.m. | Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill | Ticket prices vary | Enjoy an evening of live music with John R. Miller's soulful tunes.

Jeffrey Lewis Live Performance

7-11 p.m. — The Pyramid Scheme — Buy tickets online — Experience an exciting night with Jeffrey Lewis and opening acts Voltage, Grasping Straws, and SHRiNK.

Lenten Prayer Services

11 a.m. & 7 p.m. — Messiah Lutheran Church — Soup Supper available — Experience Lenten meditations with prayer and song, focusing on The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Emma Bieniewicz Live Concert

7-11 p.m. — The Pyramid Scheme — Buy tickets — Enjoy an evening with Emma Bieniewicz, Harlow, and The Skinny Limbs at this vibrant venue.

60 Minutes of Virtual Reality Experience

April 4-27 — Amped Virtual Reality — Ticket required — Immerse yourself in traditional VR or collaborate in multiplayer escape rooms for a thrilling hour of fun.

Grand Rapids Rise vs. Vegas Thrill

7-11 p.m. — Van Andel Arena — Check out this exciting matchup between the Grand Rapids Rise and the Vegas Thrill.