Good morning, Grand Rapids.

A new coastal Italian restaurant named Allora will open on April 23 in downtown Grand Rapids at 201 Monroe Ave NW after more than a year of planning.

The restaurant promises a dynamic menu using fresh, seasonal ingredients and hosted a hiring event to fill key positions ahead of the opening.

The Grand Rapids Art Museum’s popular Art in Bloom exhibit returns today and runs until March 30—13 West Michigan floral designers create extravagant displays inspired by works in the museum’s collection.

Visitors can take part in gallery chats, live artmaking, and award competitions, with a Juried Award winner unveiled at 2 p.m. today and a Public Vote Award announced on March 30.

A new Michigan Department of Education report shows schools in the Grand Rapids area posted 98% or higher graduation rates, with two public schools reporting a 100% rate and many schools increasing since 2023.

Charter schools like NexTech High School and PrepNet Virtual Academy reported the lowest rates — 38% and 46% respectively.

City officials in Grand Rapids are considering naming a new park at 680 Cesar E.

Chavez Ave. SW as Plaza Navarro (to honor two local Hispanic business pioneers) as part of plans in the Roosevelt Park neighborhood, a move that could highlight the entrepreneurs' impact on the community.

Dr. Kristin Oldenberg has been named as the new medical director for Kent County Public Health—she brings 20 years of experience in obstetrics and gynecology to the role.

She will lead the department's efforts to improve community health.

Dr. Curtis Weaver of Trinity Health's endoscopy center said that more people under 55 are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer and doctors have lowered the screening age to 45—colonoscopy helps catch cancer early and removes polyps before they become cancer—urging all to get screened.

Grandville seniors Kaden Elzinga, Caleb Rigterink and Monroe Grifhorst competed at the National Powerlifting Championships in Wisconsin over the weekend, finishing first, third and fifth respectively.

Elzinga’s victory marked Grandville High School’s first national win — a milestone for the team.

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.

Headband Henny Concert Night

7-11 p.m. — The Pyramid Scheme — Buy tickets online — Enjoy a night of live music featuring Headband Henny, Motion Sick, Griff Paws, and Daniel Brock.

Grand Rapids Woodcock Walk 2025

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Luton Park - Prairie Overlook Parking Lot — Registration required — Experience a unique outdoor birdwatching event with a limited number of participants.

Indian Mounds Rock & Mineral Show

9:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. — Rogers Plaza Town Center — Free entry — Explore museum-quality exhibits and get hands-on with geode cracking and artisan displays.