Good morning, Lansing.

The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce honored local organizations in its Celebration of Regional Growth Awards for their role in investing over $5 billion to strengthen healthcare, education, and youth sports—boosting community and downtown development.

Downtown Lansing is starting the holiday season today with Big Red Ball Week — festive red decorations at Washington Square offer shoppers digital rewards while encouraging local engagement.

The celebrations will continue with holiday specials from businesses and conclude with a Big Red Ball Gala at Knapp’s Center on December 6.

City Pulse + WKAR Top of the Town Contest is in its Top Five round as Greater Lansing residents vote in more than 250 categories until Tuesday, Nov.

18; winners will be revealed in the December issue.

Deep Green and the Lansing Board of Water & Light have proposed a 24‐megawatt data center in downtown Lansing that will reuse waste heat to save about $1.1 million in energy costs — construction may begin in March 2026 at a cost of $120 million and create over 35 jobs.

This project aims to use a smaller footprint than typical centers while boosting energy efficiency with an expected power usage effectiveness between 1.03 and 1.17.

The East Lansing Film Festival runs today until Nov.

13 at Studio C in Meridian Mall — it will show a mix of new international films like 'Souleyman’s Story' on opening night and re-screen fan favorites such as 'Searching for Sugarman' and 'My Octopus Teacher' at the close. The festival features feature-length films and shorts with each screening shown twice for a comfortable movie experience.

Jazz Alliance of Mid-Michigan will name lifetime honorees Gregg Hill and Lois Mummaw on Sunday—Nov.

9—to honor their long support for local jazz events and scholarship programs; their contributions helped launch over 20 students' musical careers and strengthen the local jazz scene.

Mayor Andy Schor announced that $10,000 from Lansing’s emergency fund will help provide meals to 200 families in need.

The first food distribution took place Wednesday at Tabernacle of David Church — another event is planned for November 15 at 9:00 a.m. at South Church of the Nazarene.

Lansing is considering a plan to rezone nearly three acres for a data center that will capture waste heat to warm water at the Board of Water & Light—saving over $1 million a year and reducing natural gas use.

The Planning Commission met at 6:30 p.m. at the Neighborhood Empowerment Center to review the proposal.

The FDA has recalled Moonlight peaches and some Kroger yellow peaches sold in Michigan after Listeria was found at the plant.

The recall applies to products distributed between September 16 and October 29 — consumers should dispose of or return any affected fruit while items marked 'Washington' or 'organic' are not included.

Voters in City Pulse’s 2024 Top of the Town contest named five top barbecue spots in Lansing, including Capital City BBQ, Meat BBQ, Saddleback BBQ REO Town, The King of the Grill Express, and The Smoke N’ Pig BBQ.

Each restaurant offers distinct menus and hours—serving everything from traditional American dishes to unique twists.

At a recent Friday night event in Old Town, a reviewer visited Pablo’s Mexican Restaurant and got seated without a wait—she enjoyed a chimichanga dinner with shredded chicken, rice, sour cream, beans and guacamole, naming it a new favorite spot.

Residents Melissa White and James Denning received over $1.3 million in assistance to turn an old South Lansing strip mall into a business center.

The project, funded by multiple state and city programs, will open (early 2027) with a new facade, local business spaces and an event area.

Michigan State athletic director J Batt and president Kevin Guskiewicz are rethinking head coach Jonathan Smith's future after a seven-game Big Ten losing streak and a 3—12 conference record.

They are considering moves such as a potential $34 million buyout and new donor strategies to improve the team.

MSU women’s basketball opened its season with a dominating win over Mercyhurst as the team set a program record by scoring 125 points and forcing 36 turnovers—using a full-court trap to disrupt Mercyhurst’s play.

The Spartans will face Eastern Michigan Sunday at 2:00 p.m., with standout efforts expected from freshman Amy Terrain and seniors Theryn Hallock and Grace VanSlooten.

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.

Healthy Drinks & Mixology Class

12:30-1:30 p.m. — Bradly's HG — Cost varies — Craft healthy mocktails and explore spirit pairings in a fun, hands-on environment.

Friday Karaoke Night

9-11 p.m. — The Avenue — Free entry — Belting out your favorite tunes with friends at this local karaoke hotspot.

Fourth Saturday Game Day

2-11 p.m. — Evolution Games — Free gaming — Engage with fellow gamers at this community-focused game day filled with fun!

5th Annual Downtown DeWitt Turkey Trot

8 AM - 2 PM — 3 legged dog yoga + strength studio — Registration required — Kick off Thanksgiving with a family-friendly 5k fun run through Downtown DeWitt.

Friday Karaoke

9-11 p.m. — The Avenue — Free entry — Engage in a vibrant evening of music and fun at a beloved local karaoke night with great food and drinks.

TUNE IN: December Music Showcase

7:30 PM - 1:30 AM — The Robin Theatre — Donations encouraged — An inclusive showcase for local performers and songwriters of all styles.