Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 11th of June.
Good morning, Lansing.
Potter Park Zoo will retire four longtime pressed penny designs—lemur, mandrill, black rhino, and African Lion—in the next few weeks to clear space for new images; collectors are urged to visit the zoo near the gift shop entrance before these souvenirs are retired.
Gillespie Group, a Lansing-based real estate developer, launched a 'We Heart Kevin G' campaign this week by placing over 400 yard signs across campus and East Lansing to thank departing MSU president Kevin Guskiewicz, who is set to join Clemson pending official contract signing.
Michigan lawmakers approved three bills yesterday that would require prospective teachers to complete science-of-reading training starting Sept.
30, 2027, mandate literacy training for K-5 educators, & ensure at least one teacher per school receives dyslexia instruction; the full House will consider the proposals soon.
Recent data shows Michigan State accepted 87% of its waitlisted students in fall 2025, so those waiting to join the campus are advised to keep an eye on their email—backup plans are recommended.
This guidance offers hopeful news for prospective students in the community.
Educational leaders and the state Board of Education sent a resolution and letter to state officials calling for passage of the School Aid Budget by July 1 amid delays caused by Medicaid funding differences.
Representative DeBoer remains optimistic deal will be reached before the new fiscal year starts Oct. 1.
Sycamore Elementary School closed its doors on June 10, 2026 as its final class celebrated a community clap out before moving to a new, larger building opening this fall at the former Delhi Township Skate Park location.
The Michigan Department of Transportation is starting a $410,000 repaving project on M-100 between Potterville and Grand Ledge on Monday, June 15, running until June 29.
Drivers should plan ahead as they might face single-lane closures & flagging activity along the route.
Michigan State trustee Rema Vassar will sue the university if it does not respond by (5 p.m. June 17) to her claim of discrimination and rights violations.
She seeks undisclosed funds to cover legal fees and have her trustee benefits restored amid board disputes.
According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, overdose deaths in Michigan dropped 47% from 2021 to 2025 when the rate fell to 16.4 per 100,000 from 30.8 (3,096 total and 2,539 opioid deaths in 2021 compared to under 1,800 total in 2025).
Residents at Mason Manor have dealt with water odor, discoloration and boil water advisories since a new well began operating in December 2025, and EGLE is working with the operator to improve the system + address high iron levels and water pressure issues that cause service line breaks.
Today, University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Lansing earned its fourth consecutive platinum designation from the Michigan Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health for top-quality maternal care, based on rigorous protocols to reduce complications & improve outcomes.
Michigan State alum hockey players Asher Printzen and Jullia Gross-Turkey, who played club hockey due to the absence of an NCAA program at MSU, are in a 236-player pool for the PWHL draft and will attend Detroit's Fox Theatre draft at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17.
East Lansing basketball lost star Kingston Thomas to transfer to Indiana prep school La Lumiere yesterday, and coach Ray Mitchell said junior Tyree Anthony will step into a larger role in the upcoming season.
Mitchell said the move gives younger players a chance to build the program’s legacy.
Friday Karaoke Night
9:00 p.m. — The Avenue Cafe — Free entry — Unleash your inner rockstar at this lively karaoke night featuring social fun and delicious ramen.
Mosaic Style Love Birds Paint and Sip
6:00 – 8:30 PM — Hooked — Alcohol not included — Unleash your creativity with a fun mosaic painting session guided by talented local artists.
Lansing Fiesta & Carnival
All day — Adado Riverfront Park — $10 per day for adults, kids under 10 free — Experience four days of fun with carnival rides, live music, and delicious food options.
Lansing Fiesta & Carnival
June 18-21 — Adado Riverfront Park — $10 per day for adults, kids under 10 enter free — Celebrate community with carnival rides, live music, and delicious food trucks.
Lansing Fiesta & Carnival
4-7 p.m. — Adado Riverfront Park — $10 per day for adults, free for kids under 10 — Celebrate community with rides, music, food trucks, and contests at this vibrant carnival.
Breakthrough Basketball Skills Camp
Time varies — Court One Training Center — Camp full; waiting list available — Enhance your basketball skills with focused training in East Lansing.
Jhariah Concert
8-11 p.m. — The Green Door — Ticket information available on the official site — Enjoy an exciting live performance by Jhariah in Lansing.
Great Lakes Loons vs. Lansing Lugnuts Baseball
1:05 – 2:05 p.m. — Jackson Field — Free entry with game ticket — Catch exciting baseball action while enjoying the Conservation Carnival festivities.
Asbestos and Lead Awareness Workshop
Half-day — Lansing Community College — Free — Learn about the dangers of asbestos and lead exposure in your community.
Friday Karaoke Night
9-11 p.m. — The Avenue Cafe — Free entry — Enjoy a night of singing and camaraderie with locals at this vibrant karaoke event.
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