Thursday, October 16th, 2025
Good morning, Lansing. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 16th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Formerly homeless but now a construction foreman, Mark Mitchell rides his bike to work and stops by bridges and parks to urge his old friends to seek housing before winter arrives. City officials and local shelters are working to add beds and roll out modular housing options—though resources remain tight for thousands still at risk. Lansing City Pulse
- ➤ Jessy Gregg, who has run Seams for over six years, held her first grand opening at the shop’s new standalone Old Town location—more than doubling its previous 300 square foot space—to offer additional sewing classes and events. The shop now hosts monthly free Sewcial Sew events and drop-in sessions for beginners. Lansing City Pulse
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Gov. Whitmer signed a law that adds a 24% wholesale tax on cannabis—this tax is part of a plan to fund road repairs and comes on top of existing taxes. Business owners warn that the extra cost will lead to higher prices for consumers and have filed a lawsuit arguing the tax violates a voter-approved law. Lansing City Pulse
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The 51st annual Apple Butter Festival will take place at Fenner Nature Center on October 18th and 19th—offering apple butter samples, artisan demonstrations, live music, food trucks and local vendor booths for family fun. WJIM AM
- ➤ Michigan communities are preparing to celebrate Diwali, a five-day festival that begins on Oct. 20 and features prayers, lamp-lighting, and shared meals to honor the victory of good over evil—near Lansing, an event at the Michigan State Capitol Heritage Hall on Oct. 21 includes a Diwali resolution in the Michigan Senate, a reception with lunch, and refreshments. Lansing State Journal
- ➤ Riverwalk Theatre presents 'Ravenscroft,' a darkly comic play set in a 1905 English manor where Inspector Ruffing investigates mysterious deaths amid conflicting accounts from five women. The production uses intimate staging in a black box theatre—highlighting standout performances as it offers a unique fall treat for local audiences. Lansing City Pulse
- ➤ On Saturday, Triola’s Estate Sale Service will hold the largest sale of art by presenting 65 silkscreen prints by Alma Goetsch and a few oil paintings by Kathrine Winckler at the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Goetsch-Winckler House in Okemos. Nate Meyer—owner of the historic home—said part of the proceeds will help expand the house’s collection and support future creative events. Lansing City Pulse
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The government shutdown has been in place since October 1 and now in its second week many Michiganders have not felt its impact yet, though there is worry for federal workers not getting paid and for key services if the stalemate continues—experts say issues like flight delays and uncertain food aid may soon affect more people. The impasse in Congress leaves questions about when federal services will return to normal. Lansing State Journal
- ➤ Lue Yang, a 47-year-old St. Johns factory worker with a past misdemeanor, was picked up by ICE on July 15 and is now held at a processing center in Pine Prairie, Louisiana—leaving his wife and six children in distress. His family is working with attorneys and local officials while raising funds in hopes of reversing his deportation order. Lansing City Pulse
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ State officials said a $270 million expansion of RxKids—an initiative that gives pregnant families $1,500 during pregnancy and monthly payments after birth—may soon serve Lansing and Jackson. The program targets areas with high newborn poverty and requires applicants to be at least 16 weeks pregnant. WKAR
- ➤ Michigan’s overdose deaths dropped 36% in 2024 as more naloxone and treatment became available—boosted by state and national funds from opioid settlements. Officials report that while urban areas saw strong gains, some rural communities still struggle with access. WJIM AM
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ A local review of Middle Eats in Frandor praised the restaurant’s quick drive-thru and online ordering along with generous portions of Mediterranean bowls, wraps, and salads. The review highlights menu items—like the chicken shawarma bowl and crispy fries—and notes that the eatery is a convenient option for busy families in the area. Lansing City Pulse
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Greater Lansing high school girls golf teams and individual players will compete in the state finals on Oct. 17-18. Teams from Okemos, DeWitt, Mason, Owosso, Bath and Lansing Catholic qualified along with standout players like Racheeni Her and Kinley Kiefer earning individual spots. Lansing State Journal
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Friday Karaoke
9-11 p.m. — The Avenue — Free entry — Enjoy a night of singing, socializing, and delicious ramen at a beloved local venue.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Friday Karaoke Night
9-11 p.m. — The Avenue — Free entry — A lively karaoke experience with music, socializing, and delicious offerings from Ruckus Ramen.
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Board Game Night at The Gaming Cantina
1-10 p.m. — The Gaming Cantina Game Room — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of free gaming and networking with fellow board game enthusiasts.
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Wuzee Concert
7-9 p.m. — Grewal Hall at 224 — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy popular tracks from Wuzee and discover new music while immersing in the hip-hop scene.
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Friday Karaoke Night
9-11 p.m. — The Avenue — Free entry — Enjoy a lively night of karaoke fun at a local favorite hangout while indulging in tasty ramen.
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Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Michigan State Spartans Basketball
2-8:30 p.m. — Breslin Center — Tickets available online — Experience the thrilling college basketball rivalry as the Razorbacks take on the Spartans.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The greatest teacher is your last mistake.
~ Ryan Holiday
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