Good morning, Lansing.

Forever 21 filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and will close all U.S. stores, including nine in Michigan—going-out-of-business sales will begin soon.

Teacher Travis Ward said he chose teaching to be a role model for young boys in rural areas—where recruiting qualified teachers is hard.

Lawmakers are expected to pass new legislation this week to help fill over 10% of open teaching roles as experts study these challenges.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer proposed raising Michigan’s landfill fee from 36 cents to $5 per ton to stop out-of-state trash from using Michigan landfills.

The fee hike, part of her fiscal year 2026 budget proposal, is expected to bring in about $80 million for cleaning contaminated sites — funds that will support local cleanup and extend landfill life — as Michigan works to manage rising waste levels.

The Michigan Department of Transportation will host an open house at the Alfreda Schmidt Community Center at 5825 Wide Road in south Lansing on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. to share details about the M-99 project that will begin in April and finish in November as part of a $15 million effort to improve pavement, drainage— and pedestrian access.

After FDA tests showed some Michigan acne creams contain unsafe benzene levels, several manufacturers have issued a voluntary recall.

Retailers are pulling these products from shelves and urging consumers to check their medicine cabinets (with expiration dates from March to September).

Michigan State will face Bryant in Friday's South Region first-round NCAA tournament game at approximately 10 p.m. at Rocket Arena— the Spartans, led by coach Tom Izzo and boasting a strong Big Ten record, start their tournament run against the Bulldogs making their first NCAA appearance.

Mary Poppins Jr. Performance

This event features a performance of Mary Poppins Jr. presented by Lansing Catholic Junior Cougars at Lansing Catholic High School.

2025 Big Ten Men's Ice Hockey Tournament Championship

7:59-11:59 p.m. | Munn Ice Arena | Ticket prices from $28 to $1,110 | Witness top college hockey teams compete for the championship title in East Lansing.

2025 Brand Protection Strategy Summit

8 AM - 12 PM | Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center | $125-$975 | Engage with industry experts on brand protection strategies and the impact of technology.

Avery Anna Concert

7-11 p.m. | Grewal Hall at 224 | Ticket sales available online | Enjoy an evening with Avery Anna's captivating music in Lansing.

Michigan State Spartans vs. Illinois Fighting Illini Baseball Game

3:35 p.m. — Kobs Field — Tickets available — Catch the action as the Spartans take on the Fighting Illini at home.

Friday Karaoke Night at The Avenue

9-11 p.m. — The Avenue — Free entry — Enjoy a lively night of singing, socializing, and delicious food from Ruckus Ramen.

Brookdale Delta On-Site Tour

9 a.m. - 7 p.m. | Brookdale Delta | Free entry | Explore a cozy assisted living community with vibrant amenities and compassionate caregivers.

Viridis and Campus Choir Concert

7:30-9:45 p.m. — Fairchild Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a captivating musical performance while supporting your favorite cause.

Tyrus - Comedian

7:30 p.m. — Albert A. White Performing Arts Theater — $91+ — Experience the energy of Tyrus live in East Lansing for a night of comedy.

Board Games at The Gaming Cantina

1-10 p.m. — The Gaming Cantina — Free entry — Enjoy a night of free gaming and connect with fellow enthusiasts in a vibrant atmosphere.

11th Annual Evening to Change a Child's Story

All are welcome to CASA for Kids Inc.'s 11th Annual Evening to Change a Child's Story gala! Enjoy live and silent auctions, delicious food, great people, and help to change the stories of local children experiencing the foster care system.