Good Day
Lansing
Friday, December 19th, 2025
Good morning, Lansing. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 19th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Holt Public Schools is accepting non-expired food and monetary donations at its administration building on 5780 W. Holt Road and at school offices to support 300 families with holiday meals. Contact the school at (517) 699-7075. Stacks 92.1
- ➤ The 2025 annual Festival of Trees fills the historic Turner-Dodge House in Old Town Lansing with holiday cheer. The event is open now through December 31 from noon to 5 p.m. on Tuesdays through Sundays, with proceeds benefiting the mansion's restoration & preservation. Stacks 92.1
- ➤ Potter Park Zoo has halted its planned $10 million upgrade for the nearly 95-year-old feline and primate building after losing state funding- zoo officials will now seek alternative financing to repair a failing roof, update HVAC, and meet ADA standards. The funding cut leaves the project in limbo. FOX 47
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Naing Myanmar Family Restaurant reopened its dine-in area on Monday, Dec. 15 after a month and a half of remodeling. The family-owned eatery quickly drew large crowds for its first dine-in service since the pandemic. WJIM AM
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Potter Park Zoo is hosting Zoo Nights with Lights, an adults-only event this week in Lansing where visitors 21 and older can stroll under festive lights and sip holiday drinks (ID required at entry). WJIM AM
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ U.S. News and World Report ranked four mid-Michigan elementary schools in the top 10 percent, including Okemos Montessori, Murphy Elementary in Haslett, David Scot School in DeWitt, and Whitehills in East Lansing. The report reviewed over 2,600 schools by measuring test scores and support for all students. Stacks 92.1
- ➤ Most Lansing schools begin winter break (Dec. 22 to Jan. 2) while a few follow different schedules with some students finishing on Dec. 18 due to teacher development days. Families should check individual school calendars for details. Lansing State Journal
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Residents of the Fallen Angels encampment in Lansing must vacate by Dec. 22 following a settlement with JAJ Properties. The city will offer six weeks of temporary shelter and transportation to aid their relocation. FOX 47
- ➤ Michigan will boost its maximum unemployment benefits from $446 to $530 starting January 1, raising claims by $84 per week for claims filed after that date; the law signed in December 2024 also increases dependent payments to $19.33 each & keeps benefits duration at 26 weeks. Stacks 92.1
- ➤ Judge Rosemarie Aquilina finalized an agreement between the City of Lansing and JAJ Property LLC so residents of the Dietrich Park encampment will move to the Causeway Bay Hotel for at least six weeks, with the city covering transportation and estimated costs of $25,000 to $40,000. Residents must vacate the camp by Tuesday, Dec. 23+ the court retains oversight for any issues. WKAR
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ With one week until Christmas, local pet experts urge neighbors to plan carefully before gifting a pet — advising that household agreement and financial readiness for food and vet visits are essential for a long-term commitment. FOX 47
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ MSU hockey coach Adam Nightingale’s team has risen to national prominence with standout goalie Trey Augustine and freshman Porter Martone helping carry a 12-4 record as the Spartans build holiday momentum. The team will resume Big Ten play on Dec. 28 at the Great Lakes Invitational. Lansing State Journal
- ➤ Michigan State basketball is off to its best start in eight years, having won 10 of 11 games. The ninth-ranked Spartans face Oakland on Dec. 20 at Little Caesars Arena and will take Christmas off before hosting Cornell on Dec. 29 — key games ahead. Lansing State Journal
-
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.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.
~ Louisa May Alcott
About Good Day Lansing
Welcome to the Good Day Lansing, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Lansing, Michigan community. If you like the Good Day Lansing, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Lansing.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Lansing and across Michigan. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Good Day Lansing
A free Lansing community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://gooddaylansing.com/sitemap