Good morning, Grand Rapids.

Kent County Animal Shelter will move back into its renovated facility at 740 Fuller Ave on Thursday, April 24 after months in a temporary site.

Director Angela Hollinshead said the shelter will operate with only 38 kennels and needs foster families and adopters—plans for a community grand re-opening are set for late May.

A coastal Italian restaurant called Allora is opening today at 201 Monroe Ave.—City leaders held a ribbon-cutting ceremony yesterday—and owner Betsy DeVos said it will serve coastal Italian dishes made with local ingredients, replacing Reserve Wine & Food which closed last year.

Today, Allora, owned by Betsy DeVos, opens its upscale Italian restaurant at 201 Monroe Ave., N.W. in Downtown Grand Rapids to offer a coastal Italian menu made with sustainable seasonal ingredients.

Managed by AHC Hospitality with General Manager Parker Bulliment, the restaurant features the acclaimed oil painting Open Water NO. 24 — once displayed at Reserve Wine & Food — in the revitalized Lyon Square area.

A security camera recorded a suspect stealing pivot irrigation wiring from Spartan Farms Meat a couple weeks ago at 4 a.m.—at least five West Michigan farmers have reported similar thefts that are now costing them thousands in repair expenses.

Jury selection resumes today as defense and prosecutors question potential jurors for former Grand Rapids police officer Christopher Schurr—charged with second-degree murder over the April 2022 shooting of Patrick Lyoya—after many in the jury pool reported watching video of the incident.

Judge Christina Mims presides over the murder trial of former Grand Rapids police officer Christopher Schurr, accused of fatally shooting Patrick Lyoya during a traffic stop on April 4—jury selection began April 22—and trial testimony will begin next week.

State police are searching for 77-year-old Richard Savickas — who has early signs of dementia — after he was last seen at 7 p.m. Sunday leaving Howard City in a silver 2014 Jeep Patriot with license plate ATS759 as he headed toward his Grand Rapids home, and anyone with information is urged to call MSP at 989.352.8444.

City leaders and project officials started construction yesterday on Grand Rapids’ West Side near US-131 as kids played soccer in an empty parking lot—signaling plans for the new Amway Stadium.

The $175 million project will build an 8,500-seat stadium for a Major League Soccer Next Pro team—expected to boost local housing and business development as crews work for about two years.

Project supporters will gather Tuesday at an 8-acre site near the YMCA on Lake Michigan Drive NW to break ground on Amway Stadium, a new 8,500-seat venue set to host professional soccer and 56 other events starting in spring.

The project will cost about $175 million—funded partly by a $33 million naming rights deal and a $100 million city bond paid through increased hotel taxes.

Family Fun Science Night

5-6 p.m. — Alger Head Start — Free entry — Engage in exciting science experiments and experiences with Alger teachers.

EAZYBAKED with Wooli

9 PM – 12 AM — The Intersection — Ticket prices vary — Experience Wooli's dynamic bass music and immersive performances that have captivated festival crowds.

Live at Night Grand Rapids

7:00-8:30 p.m. — GLC Live at 20 Monroe — Cost info not provided — Enjoy an evening of live entertainment for ages 18+ with an exciting lineup of acts.

Grand Rapids Ballet: Be Here Now

2-3:30 p.m. — Peter Martin Wege Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the enchanting return of Le Grand Jazz! with a mix of classic and contemporary jazz tunes.

Shinedown Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Van Andel Arena — Tickets from $32 — Experience the electrifying energy of Shinedown live in concert.

Texas Stars vs. Grand Rapids Griffins (Playoff Game)

7-11 p.m. — Van Andel Arena — Ticket prices vary — Catch the excitement as the Texas Stars face off against the Grand Rapids Griffins in an action-packed playoff game.

Science and Sensory Night

4:30-5:30 p.m. — South Godwin Head Start — Free entry — Engage in hands-on science activities and enjoy delicious walking tacos.

Marvel Years Concert

8-11 p.m. — The Stache — Ticket prices vary — Experience the electric soul of Cory Wythe as he showcases his guitar mastery at The Stache.

Invent Animate + Silent Planet - Tour 2025

6:00-8:30 p.m. — Elevation — $33 — Experience a powerful night of music with Invent Animate and Silent Planet in Grand Rapids.

Giovannie & The Hired Guns Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — The Stache — Tickets available — Experience the explosive blend of alt-metal and country from the dynamic band that defies musical boundaries.