Thursday, January 8th, 2026
Good morning, Lansing. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 8th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Lansing still lacks a dump-and-go bottle return machine like those in Oregon—residents instead can find faster manual returns at Meijer in West, South, or East Lansing, with weekday mornings suggested to avoid crowds. WJIM AM
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ YaYa's Flame Broiled Chicken will open a company-owned location at 716 N. Clippert Ave., near the Frandor Shopping Center, by the end of January. The Flint-based chain is returning after local residents pushed for its comeback following the closure of its former franchise in June 2023. Lansing State Journal
- ➤ Old Town General Store in Lansing will close at the end of March as owner Rhea Van Atta retires after 13 years in business, and the store building at 408 E. Cesar Chavez Ave will become the Old Town Cultural Center. Stacks 92.1
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ The U.S. Mint unveiled new coin designs for America’s 250th anniversary, including a quarter featuring the Mayflower Compact. Michigan residents can purchase collectible coins and dimes throughout 2026 on the Mint’s website+ a chance to hold a piece of history. Lansing State Journal
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Lansing Community College’s women’s basketball team beat Jackson College 67-62 last night at home after a slow start turned around by key bench energy—crucial for their NJCAA tourney hopes—and now prepares for conference play with a home game against Glen Oaks Saturday at 1 p.m. Lansing State Journal
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Following a Bridge investigation that found neglect and abuse in nursing homes, two gubernatorial candidates and a state lawmaker have promised to propose new bills to enforce staffing and improve care; the changes will aim to hold operators accountable for substandard conditions. Bridge Michigan
- ➤ Michigan child care providers are concerned after the federal government announced (Dec. 31) a nationwide freeze on child care funds that will require extra documentation. MiLEAP said today that providers have not been impacted yet as they await further details. Lansing State Journal
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The federal government unveiled new dietary guidelines on Wednesday, Jan. 7 that call for increased beef, pork and chicken (2025-2030) along with full-fat dairy; local ranchers welcomed the focus on high-quality protein that may shape food choices nationwide. FOX 47
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Juliann Woodard returned from last year’s ACL tear to play a key role when she hit a clutch 3-pointer for MSU during a Jan. 4 win over Illinois, helping the Spartans extend their winning streak ahead of a Jan. 8 road game at Washington. Lansing State Journal
- ➤ Lansing Community College men's basketball coach Mike Ingram adjusted the lineup Wednesday to improve ball movement and share scoring in a 100-70 win over Mott Community College. Zander Woodruff scored 32 points as the Stars closed a 10-4 non-conference season ahead of Saturday's conference opener. Lansing State Journal
- ➤ Michigan State fans keep traditions alive as the celebrated Izzone student section (a longtime force behind the home-court advantage) readies for upcoming basketball games at Breslin Center. Students continue to bond during pregame campouts while securing coveted seats and supporting the team. WKAR
- ➤ Michigan State added center Trent Fraley (son of Lions coach Hank) and transfer running back Cam Edwards on Jan. 7 to boost its run game before the portal window closes on Jan. 16; the moves come after last season’s low rushing totals. Lansing State Journal
- ➤ Former Michigan State cornerback Charles Brantley transferred from Miami and will return for his final season eligibility—he saw limited play and injuries with the Hurricanes. He will rejoin the Spartan program in East Lansing where his past play is expected to boost the football roster. Lansing State Journal
-
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.
-
Mid-Michigan Women’s Expo 2026
12 PM – 4 PM — Lansing Center — Ticketed entry — Shop from hundreds of exhibits while enjoying presentations and prize giveaways at this women-oriented expo.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.
~ Rumi
About Good Day Lansing
Welcome to the Good Day Lansing, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Lansing, Michigan community. If you like the Good Day Lansing, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Lansing.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Lansing and across Michigan. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Good Day Lansing
A free Lansing community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://gooddaylansing.com/sitemap