Good morning, Lansing.

Michigan Independent Media Group finalized its purchase of Lansing’s free alternative weekly City Pulse, known for arts, culture, and political reporting since 2001 — the deal supports continued local journalism.

Buried Lede Media’s CEO Lonnie Scott will lead operations while publisher Berl Schwartz remains for three months before moving to an advisory role — the change is set to boost digital and operational infrastructure.

Gun violence prevention expert DeVone Boggan visited Lansing after a weekend that saw four shootings and one death to share his nonprofit Advanced Peace's strategies for reducing gun violence in a city that has experienced 26 non-fatal and 5 fatal shootings this year—numbers that are lower than last year.

Jennifer Taggart Wilson, 53, retired from a State Police toxicology lab to focus full time on fiber art at Studio Jenny Wren—she now uses punch needle techniques to create portraits and fantastical yarn landscapes inspired by figures like David Lynch and Andy Warhol.

Her art, which has been featured on local billboards and transit, marks a creative shift from a career once driven by practical needs to one fuelled by lifelong passion.

Eleven students graduated on Wednesday from Ingham Academy's court-operated program in Lansing, where families cheered as the school—focused on counseling, employment training, and recreational therapy—celebrated a key milestone that adds to over 90 success stories.

This structured day treatment program helps students who struggle in traditional settings develop new skills for the future.

MSU researchers and retired K-9 Maple used a bee suit to test a new method for detecting American foulbrood at the Pollinator Performance Center on campus.

The project—supported by a partnership among several departments—aimed to shorten inspection times and help protect honeybee colonies.

Ten candidates are vying for two at-large Lansing City Council seats as they debate downtown apartment projects, support for small businesses, and the handling of city vacancies—each candidate outlining different paths to boost tax revenue and foster growth.

The top four in the Aug. 5 primary will advance to the November general election while current members Peter Spadafore and Jeffrey Brown seek different roles.

The Lansing government budgets a vacancy factor to cover unfilled positions and has set savings of $1.5 million for fiscal year 2026, the same as last year.

Mayoral challenger Brett Brockschmidt accused the administration of leaving jobs unfilled to hide deficit spending—officials said that planning for vacancies is a standard, transparent budgeting practice.

The Michigan Department of Transportation hosted its virtual Career Fest on July 23rd (4–7 p.m.) where over 100 transportation career paths were explored and available positions were reviewed.

Board Game Day at Evolution Games

2-11 p.m. — Evolution Games — Free gaming — Enjoy a day of board games, networking, and fun with fellow gamers.

Ingham County Fair

4 PM – 10 PM — Ingham County Fairgrounds — Admission fees vary — Celebrate community spirit with rides, games, and a large animal auction.

Breakthrough Basketball Elite Skills & Playmaking Basketball Camp

Jul 29-31 — Court One Training Center — Registration required — Elevate your basketball skills while learning elite techniques and character development.

2025 JazzFest Michigan

Various — Michigan Institute for Contemporary Art — Cost varies — Experience the rich sounds of jazz at this vibrant annual festival across multiple venues.

Friday Karaoke

9-11 p.m. — The Avenue — Free entry for 21+ — Enjoy a lively evening of karaoke and culinary delights at the local favorite venue.

Friday Karaoke Night

9-11 p.m. — The Avenue — Free entry — Sing your heart out at this lively local favorite with friends and great food from Ruckus Ramen.

Board Game Meetup at Summit Comics & Games

2-9 p.m. — Summit Comics & Games — Free entry — Enjoy free gaming and connect with fellow board game enthusiasts in Lansing's local game store.

Capital Region Owner2Owner Networking Event

4-6 p.m. — Pickleball Barn — Free entry — Connect with local small business owners while enjoying pickleball and community updates.

Friday Karaoke

9-11 p.m. — The Avenue — Free entry — Enjoy a fun night of karaoke with friends at this lively local favorite.

Fourth Saturday Game Day

2-11 p.m. — Evolution Games — Free gaming — Enjoy an evening of board games in a friendly environment with fellow gamers.