Good morning, Lansing.

July was one of the driest in recent years, with local National Weather Service data showing mid-Michigan (including Lansing, Flint and Muskegon) recorded well below average rainfall while northern Michigan received near-normal totals.

Greater Lansing residents can drop off household hazardous waste (such as paints, batteries and chemicals) at the MSU Recycling Center from 2 to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays through Sept.

29; the service is free for Ingham County residents.

MDOT will close lanes on I-96 between Kent Street at Portland and Sunfield Road from 6 a.m. Monday, Aug.

3 to 9 a.m. Thursday, and will also close lanes on U.S. 27 in Lansing from 6 a.m. Monday, Aug. 3 to Friday, Aug. 14 — drivers should plan for delays.

With beef prices rising, families in Lansing are switching to chicken, pork, and cheaper beef cuts for summer cookouts.

National trends indicate that this shift will continue as shoppers look to save money.

Lansing State Journal recognized Ionia native Sue Ertl as one of the region's top female athletes, noting her college successes as a two-time Big Ten champion at Michigan State and her 11-season career on the LPGA Tour (she is inducted into multiple halls).

Integrated Neuromuscular & Myofascial Release

Aug 7-9 — College of Osteopathic Medicine — 20.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ — Enhance your skills in pain management and osteopathic medicine.