Good morning, Lansing.

Starbucks announced on Sept.

17 that it will bring back its apple crisp drinks in Michigan this fall — customers can try the Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, Apple Crisp Cold Foam, and a new Apple Crisp Protein Cold Foam from Oct. 14 for a limited time. The drink return is part of the chain’s updated fall menu.

Michigan’s unemployment rate dropped to 5.2% in August as 7,000 jobs were lost and 6,000 fewer people were unemployed (it remains 0.9% above the national average).

Michigan lawmakers are considering House Bills 4556 and 4557 that would remove SAT scores from high school transcripts and abolish the SAT essay requirement to give students a fairer chance in college admissions.

The state Department of Education supports removing the scores but says the essay is key for developing writing skills—legislators note that many colleges already allow students to choose whether to submit test scores.

Michigan sky watchers will see four meteor showers in October as the Draconids peak on Oct 8 and the Orionids on Oct 22–23 while the Taurids bring displays into November — viewers should visit a dark sky park for clear views.

Michigan inland fish farmers are building a local, sustainable seafood supply by raising trout and catfish at farms like Spring Valley Trout Farm in Dexter—now led by the Kaercher family using raceway systems and recirculating water to reduce waste.

They face high regulatory costs, low public awareness, and strong import competition but hope that boosting aquaculture will create more jobs and ease pressure on native fish.

Dry weather has left about 4 million people in Michigan's Lower Peninsula in drought today, the National Weather Service said as less rain since August 16 has lowered river levels and affected crops — the U.S. Drought Monitor noted that areas near Saginaw Bay and Grand Rapids are hit hardest. The forecast shows a few rain showers soon but not enough to end the drought in the next week or two.

Scientists from the Sault Ste.

Marie Tribe, Loyola University and the University of Connecticut found that muskrats help remove invasive cattails and European frogbit in Great Lakes wetlands—letting native plants grow back. Their study in Munuscong Marsh may guide future efforts to protect and manage these wetlands.

Grayling ended its water fluoridation program in May after council members voted unanimously to stop adding fluoride—city manager Erich Podjaske said the change was made to honor personal choice, and the town returned six unused barrels of treatment to the supplier.

The Spartans women’s soccer team tied with No. 4 UCLA 1-1 as Kennedy Bell scored and goalkeeper Noelle Henning made a late save—MSU played a disciplined match that held UCLA’s offense.

Head Coach Jeff Hosler said the team showed strong defense and will take these positives into a home match against USC on Sunday.

Michigan State football faces a challenge at USC tonight at 11:05 p.m. ET at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum — coaches depend on the health of sophomore receiver Nick Marsh and recovering players Makhi Frazier and Luka Vincic.

Analysts predict a 37—27 loss for MSU if Marsh does not play and emphasize his participation is crucial for success.

MSU women's soccer faced No. 4 UCLA on Sept.

18 in their Big Ten home opener and ended the game with a 1–1 draw. The Spartans scored when transfers Kayla Briggs and Kennedy Bell connected in the 19th minute and UCLA equalized with a rebound in the 58th minute — coach Jeff Hosler said the team played its most complete game as they prepared for their next match.

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.

Extremity Adjusting Workshop

8 a.m. – 8 p.m. — Comfort Inn Lansing West — $0 for members, $289 for non-members — Enhance your skills in extremity adjustments for effective patient care.