Good morning, Lansing.

Rx Kids, a no-strings-attached cash assistance program for new mothers, is expanding into Lansing and Jackson after Ingham County and Jackson City approved matching funds; Dr. Mona Hanna said the program helps families buy baby supplies and essential items (it started in Flint in 2024).

Lansing Community College will open The Changemakers Center tomorrow, Feb.

18, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Downtown Campus Gannon Building (422 N. Washington Square, 3rd Floor); the interactive exhibit honors local leaders and shares African American stories.

Michigan celebrates Lunar New Year beginning today with cultural fairs and food tastings statewide, and MSU in East Lansing will host its annual concert (Cook Recital Hall) at 3 p.m. Feb.

22 to honor the Year of the Horse.

Gas prices in Michigan hit a new 2026 high last week as AAA reported an average of $2.97 while Lansing saw $2.98 and neighboring counties reached $3.01 + a brief peak of $3.03.

Grand Ledge students will soon experience hands-on learning at the new Dave and Betty Morris Agricultural and Natural Science Center built on 80+ donated acres, with construction underway and plans to open by early fall.

Governor Whitmer’s $88.1 billion budget proposal will raise homecare wages to $17 an hour, but advocates say the change is too small + warning that the 20% vacancy rate may persist unless officials secure enough funding.

According to cancer.gov, data collected between 2017 and 2021 shows about 441 Michigan residents per 100,000 were diagnosed with cancer annually, though counties in the north report higher rates — Lansing and other metros record figures below the state average.

A 2024 Michigan law requires schools to adopt plans for cardiac emergencies but the education budget excluded dedicated funds, leaving many schools to secure alternative resources & delaying HeartSafe designations as districts await adequate support.

Michigan State’s turf team worked all year to keep natural grass playing surfaces in top shape at Spartan Stadium and Old College Field despite challenging weather.

The team vacuumed 100 pounds of dead grass after games & repaired fields so student-athletes had safe areas to compete.

MSU men's basketball will take on UCLA at 8:30 p.m. today at Breslin Center.

The Spartans, still adjusting after a loss at Wisconsin, are set to rebound while UCLA returns key transfer Xavier Booker — adding new energy to the lineup.

LSJ is asking readers to vote for their girls high school athlete of the week for Feb.

9-15. Candidates include Taliyah Andrews, a gymnast from East Lansing; Shealynn Campbell, a wrestler from Holt; and Kaitlyn Johnson, a basketball player from Haslett, with voting ending at noon tomorrow.

MSU Jazz Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — College of Arts and Letters — Ticketed event — Experience the artistry and improvisational spark of MSU jazz artists with standards and original works.

Board Game Night at Summit Comics & Games

2-9 p.m. — Summit Comics & Games — Free entry — Enjoy a fun night of board gaming with fellow enthusiasts in a welcoming environment.

Lunar New Year Celebration

3-7 p.m. — Cook Recital Hall At MSU College of Music — Ticketed event — Celebrate the Lunar New Year with cultural performances and festivities.

Chance Huiet Jazz Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Fairchild Theatre — Ticket info not provided — Enjoy an evening of smooth jazz with Chance Trottman-Huiet performing live.

Adult Casual Clay Wheel Workshop

6-8 p.m. — REACH Studio Art Center — 20% discount for second registrant and beyond — Unleash your creativity in this beginner-friendly clay workshop and enjoy a relaxed artistic experience.

LEGO®Palooza 2026

9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Impression 5 Science Center — Kids $20, Adults $15 — A two-day fundraising extravaganza filled with over 20 special LEGO® themed activities for the whole family.

mParks Conference & Trade Show

March 4-5 — Lansing Center — Registration required — Explore professional development opportunities and celebrate Michigan's parks and recreation community.

The Wild Honey Collective Concert

7-11 p.m. — The Green Door — Ticket prices vary — Experience an evening of melodic tunes by The Wild Honey Collective with engaging lyrics and music videos.

Time to Paddy 5k/10k & Lucky 13.1 Half Marathon

8-11 a.m. — Burchard Park — Entry fee varies — Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with family-friendly running events and festive giveaways.

Curry Hand Pies Workshop with Chef Shirley Boucha

6-8 p.m. — Allen Neighborhood Center — Free entry — Learn to craft delicious curry hand pies in a fun kitchen workshop with Chef Shirley Boucha.