Good morning, Lansing.

Residents from the homeless encampment near Dietrich Park will move to the Causeway Bay Lansing Hotel on or before Dec.

22 for six weeks following an agreement by city officials and the property owner, with Judge Rosemarie Aquilina announcing the plan on Dec. 17 to provide relief from winter cold.

Michigan nonprofits faced a tough year with federal funding delays and rising costs, yet saw increased donations from events like Giving Tuesday + local shelters are shifting programs to meet growing community needs.

Tech giants plan to build new data centers in Michigan — a growing part of the Midwest boom driven by AI demand and available property.

Local communities already are discussing potential impacts on energy and water supply as projects by Amazon, Meta, Google and others progress.

East Lansing’s All Saints Coffeehouse will host its annual holiday show at All Saints Episcopal Church this Friday; local performers, including poets and musicians (seasoned and new), will share 15 minutes of fame with an expected larger crowd.

Based on votes in City Pulse’s Top of the Town contest, five local eateries have been celebrated as top brunch spots.

Good Truckin’ Diner, One North Kitchen & Bar, Soup Spoon Café, That New Place, and The People’s Kitchen offer varied menus + hours for residents to enjoy a hearty start to their day.

A new report finds Michigan students with disabilities face widening achievement gaps because special education is underfunded despite a $202 million boost in the state's budget this year.

Advocates say more funding is needed to support these students.

Potter Park Zoo in Lansing is accepting broken Christmas lights (at the Discovery Center) until January 2026 during winter hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The recovered materials will help fund next year’s Wonderland of Lights.

The Lansing City Council approved a 5-year parks master plan this week that sets a roadmap to upgrade 111 parks and extend the 25-mile river trail, though plans depend on available funds and community input.

Proposals for transitional housing in park areas raised debate — city officials have yet to finalize mod pod placements.

Waverly schools are under lockdown after a threat call was received this morning at the high school, prompting early dismissal of students and precautionary measures from local businesses in Eaton County.

State Senators introduced bills to expand virtual power plants in Michigan so that clean energy from places like Veridian at County Farm can reduce outages and lower energy costs.

The new proposal would let utilities use homeowners' solar panels + batteries to support the grid.

Doctors at McLaren Greater Lansing offer healthy tips to boost immune defenses during cold and flu season.

Dr. Kristin Clark recommends handwashing, proper sleep, hydration, exercise, vitamins, balanced diet, and stress management as ways for residents to stay healthy this winter.

Jet Boxing and Fitness in Okemos offers youth and adult boxing classes that build confidence, discipline, and family bonds.

Coach (JJ Johnson) and his staff create an inclusive space where community members of all ages develop skills and mental strength.

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.

Verdi, Miller, and Brahms Concert

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Wharton Center for Performing Arts — Ticket prices vary — Experience classic compositions by Verdi and Brahms alongside contemporary work by Miller.

Comedy and Music Night with Johnny Hamcheck

7-8:30 p.m. — Macs Bar — $10 — Experience a unique blend of stand-up comedy and music from the quirky social media sensation Johnny Hamcheck.