Good morning, Lansing.

St. Johns neighbors gathered yesterday to plant nearly 150 plants at the new Fantasy Forest 2.0 playground.

The project—costing nearly $2 million and funded by regional and business partners and donations—will open with a ribbon-cutting on October 1.

Sheetz, a Pennsylvania-based fast-food and gas station chain, will open its East Lansing location at 111 E.

Saginaw St.—it is expected to create 30–35 full-time jobs with benefits and serve as a community hub for families before Michigan State games.

Potter Park Zoo has dressed its entrance to look like the Big Penny bridge—an iconic local structure built in 1928 known for trapping tall trucks—as part of its Boo at the Zoo Halloween event.

WKAR will air the final season of its children’s program Curious Crew on Sept.

27 at 10:30 a.m.—the show will offer 96 episodes of hands-on science led by educator Rob Stephenson and come as PBS faces budget cuts. Most episodes will still be available online so families can keep exploring at home.

School administrators warn that if state budget talks stall, districts may have to borrow money in October to cover staff payroll—25 county superintendents visited the Capitol to advocate for a quick budget resolution that would prevent a government shutdown and protect special education services.

The East Lansing Fire Department will hold an open house on Saturday, Sept.

20 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Fire Station No. 1 on Abbot Road—this event will showcase a new training facility built with ARPA funds and local donations with live demonstrations, tours, and light refreshments available.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer warned Michigan Tuesday that tariffs have hurt the economy and urged lawmakers to pass a state budget by Oct 1 to stop a government shutdown.

Her talk pointed to high unemployment, slow wage growth and falling exports as major problems for the state — a sign of serious fiscal strain.

A Michigan judge will consider pausing $2.5 million in ballpark grants for stadiums in Lansing and Utica after the Mackinac Center argued the earmark process violates the state Constitution—he will rule by year end.

Mark Kerrins of ABC Supply reached an agreement with Lansing officials on Tuesday, Sept.

16 to remove homeless tents from his property behind Piazzano’s Restaurant on Grand River—he will bulldoze trees and convert the lot into a fenced parking area to help clear Lansing’s largest homeless encampment.

Gooder Foods recalled two mac & cheese flavors labeled vegan after tests found milk in the white cheddar flavor and cashews in the truffle flavor—customers who bought them from Michigan stores like Walmart, Target or Whole Foods should check UPC and lot codes and return the products to avoid allergic reactions.

Okemos grad Caleb Bonemer was named MVP of the Carolina League after a strong season with the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers and a late promotion to Winston-Salem—he batted .281 with 30 doubles, 12 home runs and 64 RBI while leading the league in on-base percentage, slugging and doubles. The 19-year-old shortstop was selected by the Chicago White Sox in the 2024 MLB draft.

A Beautiful Noise Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Wharton Center for Performing Arts — Tickets available — Experience a night of live music with A Beautiful Noise.

Board Games Gathering at Summit Comics & Games

2-9 p.m. — Summit Comics & Games — Free entry — Enjoy an afternoon of free gaming and connect with fellow board game enthusiasts.

Conservation Pool Party

1-3 p.m. — Fenner Nature Center — Free entry — Connect with local conservationists over refreshments and explore vernal pool ecology.

Sensory Friendly Hours at Impression5

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Impression 5 Science Center — $12 for adults & children — Explore the Science Center with altered exhibits for a sensory-friendly experience.

Stroller Walk at Frances Park

10-11 a.m. — Frances Park — Free — Enjoy a lively stroller walk with bikes and scooters welcome in a family-friendly atmosphere.

Dam Jam Music Festival

5:01-11 p.m. — Brenke Fish Ladder — Free entry — Celebrate local music with a vibrant lineup and food options along Lansing's riverfront.

Sportscards & Memorabilia Show

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Lansing Mall — Free admission — Explore sports memorabilia and cards with free parking.

Run 2 Recovery

2-5 p.m. — Lansing Center — Registration fee applies — A family-friendly 5K walk/run supporting addiction recovery and homelessness relief.

Rio Da Yung OG Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Grewal Hall at 224 — Tickets from $67 — Experience an evening of live music with Rio Da Yung OG in Lansing.

Board Game Night at The Gaming Cantina

1-10 p.m. — The Gaming Cantina — Free gaming — Enjoy an evening of in-person board gaming and networking with fellow gamers.