Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 13th of August.
Good morning, Lansing.
🏘️ Community
Today, Lansing City Council approved a $9 million grant to turn the old Pleasant Grove School into a community center and apartments on Pleasant Grove Road.
Construction will start in winter 2025 and finish in 2027—local leaders say the project will bring affordable housing and needed community resources to Southwest Lansing.
💼 Business
Zaxbys, a chain known for its chicken tenders with nearly 1,000 locations in 18 states, is eyeing expansion in Lansing as part of its plan to open over 50 new restaurants in 2025—company officials said the firm is seeking local franchise partners in areas such as East Lansing and Delta Township.
🎓 Education
Mid-Michigan school districts face uncertainty over free school meals as the state program expires September 30 and lawmakers disagree on funding—Okemos schools will end free meals for the upcoming year while Lansing Public Schools will continue to provide them for eligible students. Ongoing budget talks will determine if other districts follow suit.
🏛️ Government
Mason residents who only have one daily bus ride to Lansing may soon get more options as Ingham County Commissioner Karla Ruest works with CATA to expand the service.
The agency will test ideas such as on-demand rides and weekend routes — changes that aim to improve local transportation.
Michigan's DNR changed deer hunting rules on August 1 that set new dates and equipment guidelines for firearms, archery and muzzleloading hunts and extend late antlerless hunting until Jan.
11—hunters must report deer harvests. Youth hunts will begin Sept. 13 to 14 and other dates have been set for fall hunting.
Following last week's vote, Lansing parks will use nearly $3 million a year for five years to upgrade trails, basketball courts, and playgrounds — plans guided by community input.
Local families are excited as the city works with the Parks Board to bring new amenities to public spaces.
City Council approved a $645,000 purchase of 50 pods to serve as transitional housing for unhoused residents.
City officials said the units cost less than usual after Kalamazoo dropped its plan, and they plan to select a site soon and break ground in March 2026—these pods offer a bed, bathroom and security with support services.
Bus service in Lansing may face up to 10% cuts next year as CATA faces a $12 million budget shortfall from falling state and federal grants—CEO Brad Funkhouser said the agency will hold a public hearing on Aug.
20 at the Lansing Center to discuss the Fiscal Year 2026 budget.
🎉 Lansing Events
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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.
Western Michigan Broncos vs. Michigan State Spartans Football
7-8:30 p.m. — Spartan Stadium — Tickets from $52 — Experience college football action as the Broncos take on the Spartans in East Lansing.
2025 Michigan Chicken Wing Festival
2 PM – 9 PM — Adado Riverfront Park — Admission details not specified — Indulge in various chicken wing flavors and enjoy live music and family activities.
5th Annual Meridian Motorfest
8 AM – 5 PM — High Caliber Karting and Entertainment — Free entry — Enjoy a fun-filled day of sensory-friendly go-kart racing and arcade excitement for all ages.
Friday Karaoke Night
9-11 p.m. — The Avenue — Free entry — Enjoy a lively karaoke night with friends at a local favorite spot in Lansing.
Play Board Games at The Gaming Cantina
1-10 p.m. — The Gaming Cantina — Free gaming — Engage with fellow gamers in a welcoming environment with food and drinks nearby.
2025 MSU Family Weekend
10 AM – 8 PM — Michigan State University — Registration required — Explore campus and connect with your student during a weekend of activities.
🏠 Lansing Real Estate
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💼 Lansing Job Board
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📣 Lansing Announcements
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