Good morning, Lansing.

Residents in Union City and Three Rivers began cleanup after tornadoes damaged homes and blocked roads over the weekend.

Gov. Whitmer declared a state of emergency and state resources were deployed to support recovery and help neighbors restore services.

Potter Park Zoo announced on Monday that Vikentii, a 16-year-old Amur tiger cherished by visitors and known for playing in the snow, was euthanized after a health decline from arthritis.

His passing marks the end of an inspiring chapter at the zoo.

Michigan’s expanded Early Childhood Educator Wage Initiative now gives $200 monthly for part-time and $300 for full-time child care providers in 10 regional coalitions.

The program will run through September and aims to boost financial stability for educators selected based on need.

Michigan recorded its highest four-year graduation rate in 2025, reaching 84% according to the state Department of Education, up from last year’s 82.8%.

The gains came as minority, military-connected, and economically disadvantaged students all improved, with local districts reporting steady progress.

Forecasts call for a mix of rain and snow returning to Lansing and surrounding areas by late Saturday night into Sunday.

Some parts along I-96 may see up to 7 inches (5-6 inches in Lansing), which could prompt increased plow activity this weekend.

Ingham County Emergency Manager Rob Dale said severe weather is returning after recent storms; he urged residents to sign up for local alert systems and identify safe shelter locations as forecasts indicate stronger storms might arrive after evening.

State and local officials encourage residents to join a statewide tornado drill scheduled for 1 p.m. on March 18 during Severe Weather Awareness Week from March 15 to 21.

Families are urged to prepare emergency kits + review safe shelter locations ahead of severe weather risks.

State officials and Gov. Whitmer are asking why the National Weather Service did not issue a tornado watch near Union City after deadly storms caused four deaths in southwest counties last week.

They call for a federal review (concerns include possible impacts from past budget cuts).

KJ Torbert was named Michigan Mr. Basketball (the first in the area since 2000) as he led East Lansing to a state championship run while joining three past winners in celebrating Greater Lansing's long basketball legacy.

DeWitt girls basketball beat Sturgis 39-38 on March 9, 2026 with a key play by Carly Dennis, and the Panthers will face Holt in the regional final on March 11.

High school girls basketball teams from Greater Lansing played Monday in the regional games with matchups (Division 1 at Holt, Division 2 at Alma and Tecumseh, Division 3 at New Lothrop and Division 4 at Fowler) and finals for all divisions will be held Wednesday.

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.

G1/G2 Bi-Sectional Conference 2026

10 a.m. – 8 p.m. — Bessey Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience a day of networking, learning, and brotherhood at the APO Region G Bi-Sectional Spring Conference.

The Simon and Garfunkel Story

11 AM – 1 PM — Wharton Center for Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience the musical journey of the legendary duo, Simon & Garfunkel.

Music of America: Richard Sherman and Eric Zuber

7:30-10:30 p.m. — College of Music — Ticket prices vary — Experience a captivating performance by Richard Sherman and Eric Zuber at Cook Recital Hall.

Sibelius, Puts & Beethoven Concert

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Wharton Center for Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience the LSO's performance featuring works by Sibelius, Puts, and Beethoven.

Dirty Dancing in Concert

8-11 p.m. — Wharton Center for Performing Arts — Tickets starting at $180 — Experience the nostalgia and excitement of Dirty Dancing in a live concert setting.

Chippewas vs. Spartans Baseball Game

3:35-6:30 p.m. — Kobs Field — Tickets from $10 — Witness an exciting college baseball showdown between the Central Michigan Chippewas and Michigan State Spartans.