Good morning, Lansing.

The world premiere of Sandra Seaton’s one-woman play Sally opened at Wharton today, offering a fresh look at Sally Hemings’ struggles with a simple stage set featuring Jefferson’s writings.

Director Hannah Ryan and lead Sabrina Sloan create a moving portrait of history in real time.

State superintendent Glenn Maleyko said the DOJ probe into Lansing schools mischaracterized local sex ed guidelines, and local boards maintained parents were informed and could opt their children out + officials stressed local control over curriculum.

The inquiry had already been underway before today.

Okemos school board will interview six candidates, including Lori Haven and Matt Stuard (with current superintendent John J.

Hood retiring in March) from Feb. 23 to Feb. 25 at Okemos High School library.

Michigan reported a new high in graduation rates with the statewide four-year rate rising to just over 84%; Lansing School District raised its rate from 62.1% to 94% and lowered its dropout figure to 2% in 2025 (state data shows these advances reflect renewed support efforts).

ASMSU passed Bill 62-83 Thursday to create a committee that will plan a transition to directly elect a student body president by Spring 2028 (the vote was 20 for, 1 against and 5 abstentions).

Mid-Michigan residents are warned that unpredictable ice conditions on water and roads pose risks as spring temperatures create unstable surfaces.

Jackson Fire Chief Tim Gonzales advises extra caution (check for cracks or discolorations) to prevent accidents on black ice and melting layers.

Lansing is enacting its Code Blue plan starting 7:00 p.m. today as very cold conditions are expected overnight; the plan will let shelters extend hours, offer free CATA rides, and have fire and police help residents reach warming centers until 7:00 a.m. Wednesday.

DTE is negotiating nearly 3 gigawatts for new data center projects and expects one large agreement in coming weeks with filings planned for mid-2026.

Local governments like Henrietta Township (ordinance effective next month) and Dexter Township are advancing temporary moratoriums while Lansing will revisit a rezoning request on March 3.

In Lansing, pet experts advise dog owners that state law requires dogs to be kept under control and suggest using off-leash parks like Soldan Dog Park, where safety rules still apply.

Officials stress checking local guidelines and using private rentals such as Sniffspots for secure off-leash exercise.

MSU Police said an employee accidentally clicked the wrong button during a routine test, sending a false alert of active violence to thousands + the department has now turned off the exercise mode for future tests.

University of Michigan Health-Sparrow will break ground on a new 64-bed, $83 million behavioral health hospital this summer on the former Eastern High School site; a planned remembrance garden (with saved cornerstone and arches) will be built pending council approval at Jerome and Pennsylvania.

Washington Apartments, a 104-year-old building in REO Town (listed on the National Register), will be renovated into 50 senior housing units for households earning 60% of the Area Median Income, with work set to begin by the end of 2026.

Michigan State named Tamara Durante as the new head field hockey coach after a monthlong search + she becomes the program's 10th leader and brings 11 seasons of experience from various coaching roles on campus.

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.

Lansing Home & Garden Show

2 PM – 5 PM — Farm Bureau Pavilion — Cost info not provided — Explore the strongest Home & Garden show in the Mid-Michigan area.

Book Signing with Anthony Brogdon

12-1:30 p.m. — Gregory's Soul Food — $10 for the book — Attend a presentation and get your copy of the Black Business Book autographed by the author.