Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 18th of October.
Good morning, Lansing.
Mason welcomed hundreds of visitors today as the eighth annual Witches on the Town event brought shoppers downtown to support local businesses.
The festival featured food trucks, photo sessions, a cameo from a Twilight film actor, and costume contests to attract more customers.
Simmons Memorial Park honors Steven and Ruth Simmons by offering a 14-acre outdoor space near Webberville with a half-mile paved trail, benches, a pavilion, picnic tables, a basketball court, a playground and a large open field for activities.
The park is open from dawn to dusk—families, walkers and leashed dogs are welcome.
The Delta Township District Library has been awarded the State Librarian's Excellence Award for its unique services and partnerships—these include a health hub that gives free supplies and meal kits available every Tuesday at 5 p.m. The library will host its Paws for Reading event today for children to practice reading with a therapy dog.
On Oct. 16, a Hawker 800XP jet on a test flight crashed in a wooded area near the intersection of Clark — Peacock roads in Bath Township, killing two customer pilots and their maintenance representative as Duncan Aviation said the stall flight followed maintenance in Battle Creek and is working with federal investigators.
A $14 million Michigan Avenue improvement project is now in its second year and continues to challenge local businesses as some owners express concerns about the disruptions it brings.
Michigan State University President Kevin Guskiewicz hired his childhood friend Harold Balk in March 2024 for a new $300,000 advisory role to guide strategy and operations amid central budget cuts.
Some faculty say the move shows favoritism—MSU officials defend the appointment as part of broader efforts to boost efficiency in leadership.
The state budget cut eliminated all $19.4 million in funding for Great Start Collaborative programs, leaving counties without funds to support early childhood services.
School leaders and advocates say some programs may close soon as they scramble to find alternative support—local groups are looking to use other funds to keep services running.
Michigan Avenue's rehabilitation project is complete after years of planning and months of work with a $14 million investment to upgrade roads, sewers, and sidewalks.
The upgrades—such as fewer traffic lanes, added bike lanes, and new sewer systems—are expected to boost safety and support local business growth.
Local businesses will remain open at normal hours during the No Kings protest today on the Michigan State Capitol lawn, while police and state troopers increase patrols to ensure safety—Sara Pulver, owner of Dear Ollie and Co and A Novel Concept, said that last protest brought a positive energy and many expect similar support.
Black Sheep Egg Company pulled its Free Range Large Grade A Brown eggs over a potential salmonella risk.
Consumers should check cartons with Best By dates (8/22 to 10/31) and UPCs (860010568507, 860010568538) and then discard or return the eggs to avoid illness.
Michigan State will try to end its three-game losing streak today against No. 3 Indiana when the game kicks off at 3:36 p.m. ET in Bloomington; local viewers can watch live on Peacock or tune in to Lansing's WMMQ (94.9 FM) and WJIM (1240 AM).
The Okemos girls golf team is chasing a Division 4 state title after finishing second on Oct.
17 with a score of 332, while Lansing Catholic is two strokes behind the lead—Bath’s Addilyn Duflo holds a one-stroke advantage in the individual contest entering the final round—setting up a tight finish.
In Week 8 football games, Fowler beat Ithaca 48—28 after scoring 34 unanswered points in the second half with key plays from Isaac Thelen and Trevor Spicer; other area teams including Williamston, DeWitt, East Lansing and Sexton posted wins as standout performances helped improve their records. The matchups highlighted strong regional efforts ahead of upcoming contests.
The Michigan State women’s soccer team beat Indiana 2-0 by rotating players to manage load and create scoring chances as coach Jeff Hosler used careful tactics to protect the ball and open up play.
Junior midfielder Kayla Briggs and attacker Ella Janz scored the goals and the Spartans now prepare to face Illinois on Sunday — a match that will test their controlled attack.
Local reporters provided updates on Week 8 high school football games in Greater Lansing.
Friday's scores included Everett 28, Holt 21 and scheduled matches today feature a game at Detroit Country Day at 1 p.m. and Cheboygan versus Fowlerville at Central Michigan University at 2:30 p.m. — more updates will follow as the games progress.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Laboratory Practices Seminar: Water Quality Testing
8 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Eagle Eye Golf Club — $195 for members, $300 for non-members — Enhance your laboratory skills at this essential seminar for water quality professionals.
Friday Karaoke Night
9-11 p.m. — The Avenue — Free entry — Experience a vibrant atmosphere with karaoke fun and delicious food from Ruckus Ramen.
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