Good morning, Lansing.

The Lansing State Journal invites locals to vote for their favorite quirky landmark, including the 14-foot giraffe at a Meijer gas station + Big Penny that trims truck tops.

The poll closes today with results to be shared on Aug. 28.

Many Lansing schools started the 2026-27 academic year early on Aug.

17, with a few set to begin in September. New facilities include Sycamore Elementary, Willow School and a $103 million Chippewa Middle School while several districts welcomed new superintendents to lead the schools.

WKAR-TV's Impact: Michigan will air tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. with host Sheri Jones exploring how classroom technology, from Chromebooks to AI, reshaped learning after the pandemic and how teachers and parents set guidelines to keep learning personal.

On Wednesday, Aug. 26, Lansing Eastern High School began the new school year as students lined up for security checks and had cellphones bagged + staff helped guide them inside.

The school followed strict protocols for a smooth, organized start.

The 13th annual Bee Palooza pollinator celebration will take place at MSU Horticulture Gardens (1066 Bogue Street) on Sunday, Aug.

30 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.; the free event features interactive exhibits and educational activities that support Michigan’s native pollinators through its Bee Kind theme.

A solar flare may bring bright northern lights to Michigan tonight during a partial lunar eclipse beginning at 9:23 p.m. NOAA has issued alerts for potentially stronger auroras tomorrow over northern areas.

Consumers Energy will remove 25 trees near Fenner Nature Center and Evergreen Cemetery to replace an 8-inch gas line this summer.

City officials confirmed only these trees will be cut and that council approval is required for future changes, with work expected to finish by early next year.

East Lansing Fire Department is asking residents for support to raise awareness and funds for muscular dystrophy + the drive aims to engage the community and gather donations now.

On Aug. 26, MDARD confirmed chronic wasting disease in farmed whitetail deer in Calhoun, Kent, and Mackinac counties (the deer were 2.5, 4, and 3 years old) and officials said they will test additional herds to trace exposure.

Health officials said Lake Ovid at Sleepy Hollow State Park tested positive for microcystin, so visitors are advised to avoid the water.

Residents can call EGLE (800-662-9278) for more details.

The Mid-Michigan District Health Department confirmed a harmful algal bloom with microcystin at Lake Ovid during routine monitoring at Sleepy Hollow State Park in Laingsburg and advised residents to keep people and pets away from affected areas until it fades.