Good morning, Lansing.

The Lansing Chili Cook-Off will return on Oct 4 at Jackson Field with 14 restaurants and vendors showcasing their chili from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.—organizers Lansing Foodies, Lansing Lugnuts, and MARK Advocacy Group plan to support a nonprofit.

American Cruise Lines will launch three new Great Lakes cruises in 2026.

The 9-Day and 14-Day trips will visit Michigan ports such as Escanaba and Detroit with departures starting in May 2026—offering guests a fresh way to explore the lakes.

A Lansing church is strengthening its security after a mass shooting in Grand Blanc left four dead and eight injured—installing 13 cameras and hiring security experts—while holding a prayer service for the victims.

MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz delivered the State of the University address Tuesday and said the school saw record enrollment plus it launched the Joseph R. and Sarah L.

Williams Scholarship that covers eight semesters; he also explained that MSU is reallocating funds with a $5 million annual investment for research and planning a new Transfer Student Success Center to help meet its goal of $1 billion in annual research spending by 2030.

Parents and teachers met at the Capitol on Tuesday to ask lawmakers to put more money into schools amid budget talks—some worry that free lunch programs might be cut if funds are not raised.

Lawmakers are weighing two ideas, one that sets fixed amounts for schools and one that lets districts choose how to use extra funds.

Michigan lawmakers approved a week-long stopgap budget extension early this morning—keeping state government services open until October 8 as they finalize spending details.

Governor Whitmer signed the measure into law so state employees continue to get paid despite the expired budget.

Lansing City Council President Ryan Kost filed a complaint with Attorney General Dana Nessel after a charter commission flyer used persuasive language to support proposed changes and featured the city emblem without disclosing its sponsor—Kost said this could be a campaign finance violation and lacked balanced information for voters.

State Representative John Roth said he is working to honor Company K, a Native American group of Civil War sharpshooters, by seeking to name a part of M-22 as a memorial highway.

Bills have been introduced in the House and Senate to recognize the veterans who fought for the Union before they were seen as full citizens — a move Roth called long overdue.

Michigan Secretary of State offices are rolling out a new translation device called Pocketalk—capable of instantly translating over 80 languages—to help non-English speakers complete state transactions, and state officials said it will be in every branch by the end of October.

Michigan residents are checking their freezers after frozen meals sold at Walmart and Trader Joe’s are recalled due to a listeria outbreak that caused 20 illnesses, 19 hospitalizations, and 4 deaths.

The CDC advises anyone with these items to dispose of them or return them for a full refund—contact a doctor if any flu-like symptoms develop.

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.

Talib Kweli Concert

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Grewal Hall — Tickets available — Experience the thought-provoking hip hop of Talib Kweli live in Lansing.

Friday Karaoke

9-11 p.m. — The Avenue — Free entry — Enjoy a night of singing, socializing, and delicious ramen at a beloved local venue.

Apple Butter Festival

11 AM – 5 PM — Fenner Nature Center — Fundraiser for Fenner Conservancy — Celebrate fall with apple butter, local food, music, and hands-on activities.

Okemos Learning Center Sensory-Friendly Trunk-or-Treat

3-6 p.m. — Okemos Professional Building — Free entry — Celebrate Halloween with crafts, games, and candy in a sensory-friendly environment.

Fourth Saturday Game Day

2-11 p.m. — Evolution Games — Free gaming — Connect with fellow gamers and enjoy free gaming at the local family game store.

Lansing Career Fair

9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — The Avenue — Free entry — Connect with top employers in various fields at this comprehensive career fair.

Friday Karaoke Night

9-11 p.m. — The Avenue — Free entry — A lively karaoke experience with music, socializing, and delicious offerings from Ruckus Ramen.