Good morning, Lansing.

Free backpacks and supplies are offered before school starts in Lansing, with key events at Charlotte Assembly of God on Aug.

5 at 6 p.m. and TechSmith HQ in East Lansing on Aug. 12 from 1 to 3 p.m. — local groups also accept donations.

Spirit Halloween is embracing the spooky season with 14 Michigan locations, some already open and others set to open this fall — including the Lansing store at 5845 W.

Saginaw Hwy., which will open in August.

In Michigan, the average gas price is $4.36 a gallon, the highest since May with Lansing and Jackson hitting $4.43.

AAA Michigan reported a 13¢ rise from last week, 31¢ since last month, and $1.22 higher than last year.

MSU’s guide explains campus transportation for students using buses, cars, bikes, and walking.

It advises using Google Maps for CATA routes, buying a student bus fare, getting a parking pass at MSU DPPS, and securing bikes (with tips to avoid theft) for safe daily commutes.

MSU shared essential dorm packing tips today.

The guide recommends a medicine kit, tool kit, extra blankets, and cleaning supplies (to avoid unnecessary items like printers and ice machines) for incoming freshmen.

Local families can check school supply lists provided by teachers and districts to ensure students get the pencils, binders, and items they need as back-to-school preparations continue+ several groups are organizing giveaways and additional support for classrooms.

MSU’s survival guide helps first-year students balance academics and nightlife.

The guide recommends planning ahead (scheduling lecture reviews after social events) and practicing safe socializing while adjusting to campus life.

MSU offers students a guide to campus hidden gems - including People’s Park near Well’s Hall, Clarence E.

Lewis Landscape Arboretum and indoor spots like the Union and 1855 Place for study and events. The guide also highlights art exhibits at the Broad Art Museum and sports entertainment at Pentecost Plaza.

On Monday, Aug. 3, the Powerball jackpot reached at least $748 million as Michigan ticket sales ended at 9:45 p.m. The drawing took place at 10:59 p.m. in Florida (Michigan once set a record with a $842.4 million win in Grand Blanc in January 2024).

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported two deaths + over 11,234 confirmed cyclosporiasis cases with 193 hospitalizations as of Monday morning.

Officials advised buying whole heads of lettuce, discarding outer leaves and cooking greens when possible to lower infection risk.

MSU students can explore local escapes with outdoor spots like the 20-mile Lansing River Trail and Hawk Island Park offering picnic areas and boat rentals, plus indoor options such as the new Frandor Barnes-Noble café and Hooked bookstore.

Entertainment venues including UrbanBeat and Lansing Shuffle add social and sports events.

MSU hockey coach Adam Nightingale and eight Spartans took part in the World Junior Summer Showcase in Windsor last week & the event serves as the selection process for the 2027 World Junior Championship.

A MSU survival guide details how students can enjoy the sports experience, explaining that football, men's basketball and hockey require purchased tickets and early lines while other sports are free with a student ID.

The guide advises planning ahead for tailgates, campouts and campus changes on game days.

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