Good morning, Lansing.

Footprints of Michigan will host Kickz for Kidz at St. Joe Park (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) this Saturday, offering over 1,000 free pairs of shoes along with backpacks, haircuts, and sports physicals to local children.

Two local music events are set for Saturday, Aug.

15. Cap City Breaking Jam brings a free hip-hop dance competition at the Lansing Shuffle patio (325 Riverfront Dr) with workshops and guest performers, while The Avenue hosts a tribute show honoring Nell Brando with live sets starting at 8 p.m.

Holt officials unveiled the new Sycamore Elementary ahead of the school year.

Funded by a $170 million bond approved by voters in 2021 and 2024, the school will feature updated facilities + an efficient H-VAC system.

Michigan State Police will offer a free defensive driving course for teen drivers at the state police track in Lansing on Aug.

30, with sessions from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. available for those aged 14 years, 9 months to 19 holding a Level 1 license.

Ingham County schools will enforce new classroom cell phone bans starting with the 2026-27 school year, as state law requires districts to limit use during instruction.

Districts may set their own penalties and post the rules online (exceptions include emergencies and teacher-approved academic use).

Michigan State University named Katie John Vice President for Government Relations effective immediately; she served as Associate Vice President of State Relations since 2022 and her appointment will be reviewed by the board in September.

MDOT announced that Lake Lansing Road ramps to southbound U.S. 127 will close for detours from 7 a.m. today until 7 p.m. Monday, Oct.

3; traffic will shift via Lake Lansing Road, southbound Coolidge Road, westbound M-43, and southbound Howard Avenue to improve safety + ease driving.

Michigan health officials reported 13,909 cases linked to cyclosporiasis on Aug.

13 — an increase of about 1,400 cases since the last update. Officials noted that emergency room visits are declining and advised that shoppers can safely purchase lettuce and salad greens.

Michigan State freshman Carlos Medlock Jr. honed his skills at Link Academy and played an alumni open gym at Wayne Memorial on Tuesday, Aug.

11. He will compete under coach Steve Brooks — learning from guard Jeremy Fears as he prepares for his season with the Spartans.

Michigan State football used pads in full-contact practice as new offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan — emphasizing physical play — prepared the offense for the Sept.

4 opener; Big Ten Network filmed the session, and fans may join the free Meet the Spartans event on Aug. 26 at Spartan Stadium.

UConn transfer Cam Edwards is boosting MSU’s running back room with a focus on teamwork and winning a National Championship while building trust with teammates like fellow transfer Ben Murawski (named to the Outland Trophy watch list) as the season unfolds.