Good morning, Lansing.

Several national retail chains are planning to close underperforming stores in 2026 due to financial pressures, with some Michigan locations, including in Lansing, expected to be affected, while other brands plan new openings as part of portfolio adjustments.

Back to the Future: The Musical will play at MSU's Wharton Center from Jan.

13 to Jan. 18. The production uses a turntable-mounted DeLorean and a smaller ensemble to bring the 80s classic to life on stage — appealing to fans of the film and theater alike.

Downtown businesses will showcase over 300 art pieces by local K-12 students from Tuesday, Jan.

13 to Monday, Feb. 23; the annual exhibit is sponsored by the City's Downtown Management Board & features work from three local schools.

Pete Johnston, a Michigan State University faculty member and Alma native, competed on Jeopardy! on Jan.

8 and finished third in the Tournament of Champions wild card round after a risky Final Jeopardy bet dropped him to $3,199. His exit removes his chance to join the semifinals.

Lansing Mayor Andy Schor activated the Code Blue weather plan for extreme overnight cold starting at 7 p.m. Jan.

11 through 7 a.m. Jan. 19; Letts Community Center will serve as a warming center (9 p.m. to 6 a.m.) for residents.

Organizers with One Fair Wage are pushing a referendum to undo Michigan’s 2025 minimum wage law that lets tipped workers earn half the standard pay.

They need 223,099 signatures by March 24 after hosting events — including one with Jane Fonda in Detroit — to qualify the measure for the ballot.

UM Health-Sparrow advises Lansing residents to manage most flu cases at home as hospitals operate at high capacity amid Michigan’s CDC highest risk level.

Emergency rooms should be reserved for serious symptoms (difficulty breathing or very high fevers), according to chief medical officer Dr. Chandu Vemuri.

MSU beat Northwestern 76-66 in a hard-fought Big Ten game as Spartan veterans sparked a late surge and turned the tide in the second half.

Coach Tom Izzo praised the team's resilience; the Spartans will face Indiana on Tuesday, Jan. 13 at 7 p.m.

On Jan. 9, local girls basketball teams including Okemos, Haslett, Olivet, Mason, Ithaca, Ionia, Portland, DeWitt, Lakewood and Corunna competed in tight CAAC+Flint Metro games that saw players like Elizabeth Schafer and Christina Dixon deliver key performances in close wins.

Michael 'Mex' Carey, the Sports Information Director for MSU men's basketball and golf teams, is celebrated for his work supporting athletes in East Lansing.

With eight years at MSU and a career that includes roles at Siena, St. John's, and Georgetown, he continues to promote a positive team spirit.

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.