Saturday, February 21st, 2026
Good morning, Lansing. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 21st of February.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ 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. The State News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ 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. Lansing State Journal
- ➤ 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. Stacks 92.1
- ➤ 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). Bridge Michigan
- ➤ 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). The State News
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ 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. FOX 47
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ 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. FOX 47
- ➤ 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. WKAR
- ➤ 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. Lansing State Journal
- ➤ 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. The State News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ 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. WKAR
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ 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. Lansing State Journal
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ 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. The State News
-
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.
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
What looks like talent is often careful preparation.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout 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