Good morning, Lansing.

Literary lovers in Lansing have organized the LIT Festival—an annual book crawl with over 10 stops offering crafts, readings and free tote bags for $1 purchases—and the event starts today at 11 a.m. and continues with workshops and a bookish brunch at REO Town Clubhouse through Sunday.

Michigan farmers saw key crop exports drop sharply in the first half of 2025—soybean meal exports fell 46%, wheat 89%, cherries 62% and apples 58%—due to trade disputes and summer drought, and they are now heading into fall harvest with worry about meeting expenses.

MSU student government, ASMSU, plans to connect more with students this year by hosting an open forum on September 30 in the MSU Union and attending welcome week tabling events.

The group has an internship program open until today—giving underclassmen a chance to learn how bills are made and get help with campus issues.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered U.S. and Michigan flags at the State Capitol to be lowered to half-staff today to honor former state Sen. Bruce Patterson, who died on Sept.

15—his celebration of life is scheduled for today. The flags will be raised to full-staff on Sept. 20.

Today, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive directive to ensure COVID-19 vaccines remain available for residents as communities prepare for the cold and flu season—state agencies will remove obstacles to access and update insurance policies to cover vaccines.

A judge ordered a homeless camp in Old Town Lansing to be cleared within 60 days due to safety and health concerns.

The judge also directed the city to set up basic facilities—like porta-potties and water stations—and to secure housing for the camp residents during the removal process.

The state House passed a bill yesterday that requires Bridge cards to have a recipient’s photo and signature to curb fraud—sponsor Jason Woolford said the rule targets misuse and trafficking.

UM Health Sparrow will host its annual Hair-a-thon in Lansing on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until noon at the Herbert-Herman Cancer Center—volunteer stylists will give free haircuts for hair donations that help provide wigs to children with medical hair loss.

Walk-ins are welcome with a limited number of appointments and drive-up options for pre-cut, secured ponytails and braids at Ramp B.

Michigan State faces a tough game against USC on Saturday with an 11 p.m. kickoff as injuries to key players like Nick Marsh, Makhi Frazier, and Luka Vincic threaten the team’s depth—Marsh’s and Frazier’s conditions will be decided by the end of the week while Vincic is out for the season. The Spartans must rely on their backups against a USC team also managing injuries in this high-stakes Big Ten opener.

Defensive coordinator Joe Rossi said Michigan State’s defense must play with more consistency as they prepare to face USC on Saturday at 11 p.m.—the Spartans plan to tighten rotations and improve execution to slow USC quarterback Jayden Maiava’s fast offense.

Rossi added that lessons from past games will help the team adjust for Big Ten play.

Kaleb Nielson, the senior quarterback for Williamston football, eased up on his perfection and led his team to a 28-0 win over Mason in Week 3.

He will enter the Week 4 game against Fowlerville as one of the top passers in Greater Lansing—his relaxed approach has helped his teammates share the workload.

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.

Avatar the Last Airbender in Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Wharton Center for Performing Arts — Ticketed event — Experience the music of Avatar in a captivating concert performance.