Good morning, Lansing.

Michigan skies will host a six-planet parade on Saturday, Feb.

28 soon after sunset. Binoculars or a telescope may be needed to see Neptune and Uranus while Mercury, Venus, Saturn, and Jupiter may be seen with the naked eye.

Wendy's announced it will close 5-6% of its U.S. restaurants in the first half of 2026, but its 212 stores in Michigan may remain open for now.

Guest performer Haiqiong Deng led the fifth annual Lunar New Year Celebration Concert at MSU's Cook Recital Hall on Sunday afternoon, featuring traditional Chinese instruments & contemporary elements that offered a vivid cultural showcase for students and community members.

Lansing Schools posted a historic 93.81% four-year graduation rate and a 1.75% dropout rate for 2024–2025 (state averages are 84% and 7.1%) as officials credit a collective school and community effort.

Michigan’s Strong Beginnings program will offer free preschool to three-year-olds at 34 schools across 15 ISD/RESAs.

Families in Eaton RESA have two fall spots available while Ingham ISD enrollment is full (saving hundreds on childcare costs).

The Michigan Department of Education reported an 84% high school graduation rate for 2025, the highest since 2008, while dropout rates fell to 7.1%.

Governor Whitmer credited increased investments in textbooks, technology, and meals, and 16 of 20 large school districts saw improvements.

Voting is open until noon Wednesday, Feb.

25 for the LSJ girls high school athlete of week award, with candidates including Emma Cadwell of Holt who won a regional bowling title, Adrianna Eklund of Pewamo-Westphalia who led her basketball team, and Phoebe Elder of Haslett United in gymnastics.

Girls basketball teams took part in non-league games on Feb.

23 as Pewamo-Westphalia won 55-53 over Grand Rapids Catholic Central with Alonna Thelen's free throws in the final seconds, Lansing Christian beat Morrice, and Coldwater edged Okemos 47-43.

The Greater Lansing MHSAA boys basketball district schedule has been released for games that began on Monday, Feb.

23 with upcoming contests on Wednesday and Friday in various divisions. Teams will face matchups at local venues including Waverly + Mason and Flint Powers.

After a comeback win against Ohio State on Feb.

22, Michigan State coach Tom Izzo held a meeting with the team in Lansing Sunday night to address recurring slow starts that forced comebacks. The discussion emphasized a stronger opening as the Spartans gear up for their final four games.

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.

Pi Day 5k Run

9-11 a.m. — Hawk Island Park — Registration required — Celebrate Pi Day with a fun 5k run in the scenic Hawk Island Park.

Michigan Buggy Builders Show

9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. — Lansing Center — Registration required — Explore a vibrant indoor swap meet for off-road buggy enthusiasts featuring vendors and custom builds.