Good morning, Lansing.

In September, Lansing saw several retail changes as Constellation Cat Cafe opened its new Old Town location offering coffee and adoptable cats, East Lansing welcomed The Cheese Lady with over 100 cheeses, and Bob's Big Boy began serving drive-through guests while a new Starbucks replaced a former location near MSU—Papa John's Pizza closed after 40 years and the Peruvian restaurant Tantay permanently shuttered.

The City of East Lansing, SCENE Metrospace and the East Lansing Public Library are hosting Read for Your Rights EL today from 6-8 p.m.—a creative event featuring live read-outs of banned books, hands-on activities such as button making and projection mapping at Division Street Garage.

October in Michigan has many events including Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Oct 13, a supermoon on Oct 6 and Halloween on Oct 31 — with fall festivals, religious observances and cultural celebrations spaced throughout the month.

The calendar also marks unique special days that offer a variety of public activities.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and State Superintendent Michael Rice sent a letter on Oct 1 asking school leaders to keep serving free meals to all students as lawmakers work on a full state budget.

They said the new budget will soon secure funds to support the universal meal program—some districts have already adjusted their meal services due to the temporary spending plan.

Michigan lawmakers passed an $81B state budget today after a months-long stalemate, boosting funds for roads and free school meals while cutting vacant government jobs—ending a major corporate incentive program.

The plan includes nearly $2B for road repairs and community enhancements and now awaits Gov. Whitmer's signature as it rebalances spending on infrastructure and education.

The Michigan House and Senate will vote today on the Fiscal Year 2026 state budget—after passing a one-week extension of the 2025 budget earlier this week.

Local officials warn that revenue sharing cuts and a new 24% tax on marijuana products may affect future revenue.

Michigan Gov. Whitmer hinted in Toronto that she may not run for president in 2028—she said she is focused on her work as governor amid a one-week continuing budget, a church attack, and economic pressure from Canadian tariffs.

She added that although many see her as a potential candidate, her priority remains handling Michigan’s current challenges.

McLaren Greater Lansing will open a new $40 million campus near Grand Ledge on October 6 with a clinic staffed by primary care providers and a rotating team of specialists — an emergency department and diagnostic imaging services will open on October 20.

The campus, built on 4 acres along Saginaw Highway, will add cancer services by Karmanos Cancer Network later.

Michigan sportsmen have donated over 1 million pounds of venison to local food banks and shelters since 1991 and hope to add 100,000 more during bow hunting season this year.

Dean Hall from the Michigan Bow Hunters Association said funding is a challenge—DNR stopped collecting donation fees from hunting licenses last year.

Michigan State’s men’s and women’s basketball teams will tip off their seasons tonight at Breslin Center in East Lansing during MSU Madness where free admission, parking and team autographs are offered, and the official program starts at 9 p.m.—doors open at 8 p.m.

Malik Spencer, a college football player from Georgia, chose to stay at MSU because he knows what tomorrow looks like and wants to build his legacy with his team—he said this choice avoids the uncertainties of transferring.

His decision underscores his commitment to MSU and a desire to lead a defense that relies on experience.

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.