Good morning, Lansing.

The City of Lansing extended Code Blue through Dec.

12 to help residents stay warm amid hazardous weather. City Rescue Mission reported increased use of its warming centers, with one outreach site welcoming about 50 visitors a night while shelters handled up to 126 guests.

Retailers are selling Powerball tickets until 9:58 p.m. today for a drawing with a jackpot of $875 million — the seventh largest ever, and the cash option is $403.6 million.

Michigan’s Workforce Opportunity Wage Act raises the minimum wage from $12.48 to $13.73 per hour on January 1, 2026 — tipped workers must earn at least $8.24 in tips to trigger a higher rate, while minors’ wages jump from $10.60 to $11.67.

Social Security beneficiaries born between the 1st and 10th will receive checks on Wednesday, Dec.

10 + later payments follow scheduled dates, including a COLA that will increase checks by about $56 per month starting in January. If checks are delayed, recipients should contact local offices after waiting three mailing days.

The East Lansing Police Department will hold an 11-week Citizens’ Police Academy starting Wednesday, Jan.

28 at 6-8 p.m. in the ELPD Emergency Operations Center (409 Park Lane) to offer classroom and hands-on training. Eligible community members must apply by Jan. 14 as class sizes are limited.

Local health providers advise residents to get a free or low-cost flu shot and use neighborhood wellness centers for COVID testing as flu, cold and COVID-19 affect communities this winter.

The CDC recommends these measures to help curb illness during peak flu season.

Readers can vote until 5 p.m. Dec.

10 to choose Greater Lansing’s top girls basketball team for 2025-26; strong state tournament teams like Fowler, DeWitt, Pewamo-Westphalia, Haslett, and Portland are in the running.

Michigan State women’s tennis signed three new recruits last Monday (Ariane Lesterhuis, Fredrika Runström, and Nora Syrtveit) who will join the team in fall 2026 and compete in the 2026–27 season.

MSU announced this week that it will not renew Jonathan Smith as head coach after his two-year, 4-20 tenure — a change aimed at resetting the program amid recruitment challenges in East Lansing.

MSU women’s tennis gained national recognition after three players received ITA rankings following the NCAA Individual Championships.

Amara Brahmbhatt earned a No. 102 singles ranking while the doubles team of Ellie Blackford and Matilde Morais is ranked No. 82.

MSU football signed 18 high school recruits for its 2026 class two days after new coach Pat Fitzgerald took over, retaining 16 of 20 players amid a coaching change.

The Spartans now plan to use the transfer portal to shape next season’s roster (East Lansing).

Monday, Dec. 8, local high school football players earned all-state honors from the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association.

DeWitt had five honorees and Portland St. Patrick had three, with players from Portland, Ovid-Elsie, and Pewamo-Westphalia also recognized.

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.

Board Game Social at Summit Comics & Games

2-9 p.m. — Summit Comics & Games — Free entry — Enjoy casual gaming sessions and meet fellow gamers in a friendly environment.

Board Game Day at Evolution Games

2-11 p.m. — Evolution Games — Free gaming — Enjoy a day of board gaming and connect with fellow gamers in a welcoming environment.

Threads and Bread Dinner

8 p.m. — 900 West Apartments and Townhomes — Free meal — Providing food and personal bags to support underprivileged community members.

November BOTM: One Dark Window

7-9 p.m. — Foster Community Center — Light snacks and beverages provided — Engage in a mystical discussion about Elspeth's journey in the eerie kingdom of Blunder.