Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 21st of November.
Good morning, Lansing.
Today, over 40,000 people are expected to attend the 28th annual Silver Bells in the City celebration featuring the Electric Light Parade led by Herman Moore with 75 entries and the newly extended Silver Bells Village with (35 vendors) and (9 food trucks).
After the parade, the state Christmas tree—a 68-foot spruce from Sault Ste. Marie—will be lit with a drone show and fireworks, and guests are advised to park west of the Capitol.
Greater Lansing residents benefit from a vibrant performing arts scene as longtime theaters and music groups—like Wharton and the Lansing Symphony Orchestra—offer touring shows and local performances.
Community colleges and newer theater companies add fresh plays and classic works that continue to enrich the region’s arts culture.
University of Michigan economists report that Michigan will lose about 2,000 jobs in 2026 and see unemployment rise to 5.6% because the aging workforce leaves fewer workers to fill new roles.
The report warns that the state will fall behind national job growth even as federal policies support new opportunities.
The Capital Area Transportation Authority debuted its first full-size electric bus on Thursday at a ribbon cutting ceremony with local officials—marking a major step toward reaching its goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2035.
MDOT began closing several US-127 ramps in Lansing yesterday at 7 a.m.—including ramps at Forrest-to-Dunkel and Howard—to restore near-normal traffic as part of a $205 million rebuild, with some northbound ramps set to reopen next week, after Thanksgiving, and by mid-December.
A new construction phase will resume in March to continue the project.
The FDA reported 31 infant botulism cases tied to the ByHeart formula recall across 15 states, including 2 cases in Michigan, and all affected infants were hospitalized with no deaths reported.
The recall was first announced on Nov 8 and expanded on Nov 19—parents should stop using the product and seek care if their child shows symptoms like poor feeding or breathing trouble.
Michigan State basketball defeated Kentucky in the Champions Classic and sports writers discussed how the win boosts the Spartans' season.
They also explained that MSU football will face NCAA sanctions as they prepare for the Iowa game — details that may influence the team’s strategy.
Michigan State will face Detroit today at 6:30 p.m. at the Breslin Center in a men’s basketball game; the Spartans, coming off a win over Kentucky and ranked 17th, are expected to dominate the Titans—led by former MSU coach Mark Montgomery—with an 88–58 prediction.
Three Greater Lansing high school teams are advancing in the MHSAA playoffs tomorrow.
DeWitt will face Warren De La Salle in a semifinal at Grand Blanc at 1 p.m., Pewamo-Westphalia will play Menominee at Gaylord High School at 1 p.m., and Portland St. Patrick will play Felch North Dickinson at Superior Dome at 2 p.m. — all teams aiming for a shot at the state championship at Ford Field.
Michigan State hockey will face Wisconsin today at 8:30 p.m. at Munn Ice Arena—Spartans have won nine games in a row and will look to extend their streak against the Badgers, who are set to challenge the team with their strong roster.
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.
Friday Karaoke at The Avenue
9-11 p.m. — The Avenue — Free entry — Experience a lively karaoke night while enjoying delicious food and drinks in a vibrant atmosphere.
Breakfast with Santa 2025
9 a.m. — Dave & Buster's Lansing — $10+ — Experience a magical morning filled with breakfast, games, and a visit with Santa Claus.
60th Anniversary Reunion Celebration
2-5 p.m. — Lansing Center — $60.00 + fees — Celebrate six decades of memories with dinner, entertainment, and historical reflections.
The Wiz Musical Revival
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Wharton Center for Performing Arts — Tickets required — Experience the Tony Award-winning musical with a fresh twist on a classic tale.
World Ballet Company - The Nutcracker
7-9 p.m. — Wharton Center for Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magical ballet adaptation of The Nutcracker with enchanting performances and a classic holiday tale.
Friday Karaoke Night
9-11 p.m. — The Avenue Cafe — Free entry — Enjoy a lively night of karaoke with friends and great food from Ruckus Ramen.
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