Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 14th of August.
Good morning, Lansing.
On Aug. 12, a house fire broke out on Continental Drive near Waverly and Holmes roads in southwest Lansing—firefighters arrived at 5:50 p.m., encountered heavy fire conditions, found one deceased victim and transported another to a local hospital.
Ashley Monroe pleaded no contest to second-degree murder and eight counts of driving while intoxicated causing serious injury on Aug.
13 after her vehicle struck a group of pedestrians on South Wacousta Road near Looking Glass Valley Park in Watertown Township, killing two and injuring several; her blood-alcohol level was 0.195.
Ten Pound Fiddle will launch its 51st season this fall with 70 folk music events—ranging from Celtic to blues—across several venues in Lansing and East Lansing, and booking manager Sally Potter said concerts, dances, and Fiddle Scout gatherings will run from Sept.
4 through next June.
A judge ordered two Lansing property owners to install around 5 to 10 portable toilets on their land where a longstanding homeless encampment was established north of Old Town due to sanitation and safety concerns—each owner will bear the costs and weekly cleaning.
The city filed a lawsuit and planned additional measures like social services access while property owners, including one suggesting installation at Dietrich Park, argued that the city should cover the expenses.
Lansing's primary election showed money played a big role as at-large City Council candidates spent at least $14,000 while top fundraisers like Jeremy Garza raised over $48,000, and grassroots candidate Kelsey Hector advanced to the Nov.
4 General Election despite spending under $1,000 — high voter turnout and key endorsements helped sway the results.
City Pulse reported that Lansing City Hall denied a request for a current red-tagged properties list made via FOIA, leaving the public without updated data for its Eyesore feature — the administration explained the list did not exist and raised public safety concerns while an appeal is in progress. This dispute began after the initial request was made in April and the city had postponed its response until early August.
Supporters of RxKids urged lawmakers on Aug.
12 to widen a cash aid program for pregnant moms, which has already helped over 3,000 families in eight communities including Flint. Lawmakers will decide if state funds will help grow the program — it gives $1,500 mid-pregnancy and $500 monthly until the baby is one.
DermaRite Industries recalled several soap, lotion, and cleanser products due to the dangerous bacteria Burkholderia cepacia complex that can cause severe infections, especially for vulnerable people.
Residents are urged to check their supplies—products including DermaKleen lotion soap, KleenFoam antibacterial foam, DermaSarra anti-itch lotion, and PeriGiene antiseptic cleanser—and discard any items on the recall list.
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.
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