Good morning, Lansing.

Michigan law does not set a minimum age for leaving children alone so parents must decide if their child is mature enough and has a safety plan in place—experts say children 10 and under may not be ready.

The Michigan Department of Transportation will begin work next week on four pedestrian refuge islands along Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. from Victor Ave. to Cavanaugh Rd. after a fatal crash and multiple injuries occurred on a stretch known for speeding, and city officials say the islands will slow drivers—protecting pedestrians.

The Michigan Department of Transportation and city officials will begin a $250,000 project on June 9 to install four pedestrian islands on South Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard between Victor Avenue and Cavanaugh Road — the islands will shorten crossing distances and improve pedestrian safety in an area where several tragedies have occurred.

Health officials say tick season is driving an increase in tick-borne illnesses, as Lyme disease cases have surged by 168% over five years in Michigan — they advise residents to use insect repellent in grassy or wooded areas and check for ticks after outdoor activities.

Granger Group plans to build a five-story residential building with 76 market rate apartments and commercial space at 122 S.

Grand Ave, replacing the historic Walter Neller building and foreseeing a taller adjacent structure later; the project is expected to finish within two years. Yesterday, Gary Granger swung a 10-pound sledgehammer to symbolically begin demolition — although permits were delayed and discussions remain underway.

Michigan State University has named J Batt as its next athletic director — he led athletics at Georgia Tech and served as an executive deputy at Alabama.

The Board of Trustees will vote on his hire on June 13 and he will start on June 16 after a reception and press conference on Wednesday.

Voting is open until noon Wednesday for the LSJ high school athlete of the week poll covering May 26-31 with candidates from Fowler, Laingsburg, Lansing Catholic, Mason, Okemos and Olivet including Fowler's Ella Hufnagel who set a school record in the long jump and Lansing Catholic's Hayden Riley who won a playoff in boys golf - each athlete earning recognition for key plays in their sport.

Michigan State University has selected J Batt as its next vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics, citing his record of success at Georgia Tech.

A welcome reception is scheduled for June 4 and the Board of Trustees will vote on his contract on June 13 before he begins the week of June 16 — his hiring is expected to boost Spartan athletics.

Michigan State University hired athletic director Jason 'J' Batt on June 2 — he will be introduced at a news conference on June 4 in East Lansing.

Batt will begin work the week of June 16 and is set to lead Spartan athletics during a pivotal change in college sports.

MATS Annual Clinical Symposium

7 AM – 5 PM — Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center — Registrations start at $22.50 — A full day of professional development for athletic trainers and sports professionals.

Play Board Games at The Gaming Cantina

1-10 p.m. — The Gaming Cantina — Free gaming — Enjoy a night of board games and meet fellow gamers in East Lansing.

Splash Pad Play Date at Jaycee Park

10-11 a.m. — Jaycee Park — Free — A delightful meetup for families to cool off and enjoy playtime at the splash pad.

Latin Nights Salsa Concert Fundraiser

6:30-11 p.m. — East Lansing Hannah Community Center — Donation-based entry — Celebrate Latin Caribbean culture with live salsa music and dance while supporting local artists.

Lansing Fiesta & Carnival 2025

4 PM – 8 PM — Adado Riverfront Park — Free entry — Celebrate community spirit with vibrant music, diverse food, and cultural discovery.

Splash Pad Play Date

10-11 a.m. — St. Johns Community Spray Park — Free entry — Meet local families and cool off while the kids enjoy the splash pad fun.

2025 Max's Race for The Davies Project

8-9 a.m. — MSU International Center — Registration fee required — Participate in the 20th annual 5k run/walk featuring a scavenger hunt of Max's favorite things.

On-Site Tour at Red Cedar Lodge

9 AM – 7 PM — Red Cedar Lodge — Free entry — Explore the exceptional assisted living options and amenities offered in a welcoming community.

Breakthrough Basketball Skills Camp

Various times — Court One Training Center — $97 for observing coaches — Enhance your basketball skills with focused drills in East Lansing's youth camp.

Downtown Lansing Volunteer Open House

5-7 p.m. — Lansing Shuffle — Free entry — Engage with the community and discover volunteer opportunities that impact Downtown Lansing's future.