Good morning, Lansing.

Local hospitals welcomed their first babies of 2026 as Mateo James was born at 12:16 a.m. on Jan.

1 at UM Health Sparrow Lansing + Terrell Couthen Jr. arrived at 8:30 a.m. on Jan. 1 at McLaren Greater Lansing, giving local families new reasons to celebrate.

LSJ staff released a curated photo gallery that reviews key events from 2025 in Greater Lansing.

The collection shows school graduations, local rallies, festivals and sports moments + community celebrations across the year.

Michigan unemployment benefits increased from $446 to a maximum of $530 a week, following step-wise changes set by a law signed last year — dependent rates also rose and jobseekers must now complete three work search tasks weekly.

Michigan is using $77 million from RenewMI to fund cleanup of thousands of contaminated sites, offering developers grants up to $2 million to ready areas for housing, commerce, and parks.

The ongoing program has already transformed many brownfields + created jobs across local communities.

Michigan Avenue reopened after two years of work — a $14 million project — between the state Capitol and MSU, adding new sidewalks, traffic signals and cycle tracks for safer travel.

Enhanced premium subsidies for marketplace health insurance expired Jan.

1, leaving nearly 500,000 residents facing monthly premium increases of $100 to $200 and prompting lawmakers to consider an extension while providers warn higher costs may delay necessary care.

Defending Big Ten champ Michigan State basketball resumes league play today at 9 p.m. (on Peacock) against red-hot Nebraska after a strong 12-1 start that included several tough nonconference wins.

Coach Tom Izzo said the team is sharpening its mental toughness as it prepares for a challenging season ahead.

The No. 19 Michigan State women’s basketball team (Spartans) attempted to extend its winning streak to five when they played Indiana on Jan.

1 as part of a Big Ten contest. They followed a Dec. 31 home win over Rutgers and the game aired on the Big Ten Network.

Jalyn Brown scored a season-high 20 points in her first start as the Spartans defeated Indiana 80-60 at Assembly Hall on Jan.

1, extending their win streak to five (Grace VanSlooten added 18 points and 14 rebounds in MSU's first Big Ten road win).

Michigan State's men's basketball team will face Nebraska at 9 p.m. today at Oracle Bank Arena in Lincoln.

Analysts say the Spartans will test their road skills as they seek to overcome Nebraska’s tough interior play—led by returning center Rienk Mast—to secure a close win.

November BOTM: One Dark Window

7-9 p.m. — Foster Community Center — Light snacks and beverages provided — Engage in a mystical discussion about Elspeth's journey in the eerie kingdom of Blunder.

Verdi, Miller, and Brahms Concert

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Wharton Center for Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience classic compositions by Verdi and Brahms alongside contemporary work by Miller.

Comedy and Music Night with Johnny Hamcheck

7-8:30 p.m. — Macs Bar — $10 — Experience a unique blend of stand-up comedy and music from the quirky social media sensation Johnny Hamcheck.

USC Trojans vs. Michigan State Spartans Women's Basketball

8-11 p.m. — Breslin Center — Tickets start at fair pricing — Catch a thrilling women's basketball matchup in East Lansing.

Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Michigan State Spartans Men's Hockey

6-9 p.m. — Munn Ice Arena — Tickets starting at $77 — Watch a thrilling college hockey matchup between two fierce rivals.