Good morning, Lansing.

Mason Community Services now offers a free holiday store where families shop for Christmas gifts, meal kits, and essentials on pre-scheduled times — supported by local businesses and volunteers who have grown the program over the years.

Local independent bookstores face financial strain as declining sales force closures while chains open new sites.

Deadtime Stories in REO Town is cutting extra locations and its Charlotte branch will close by month’s end, while a Barnes & Noble recently opened at Frandor to offer regional author signings.

RJ’s Burgers & Ice Cream Co. opened on Dec.

9 in East Lansing inside the former Brookfield Plaza Rite Aid. The eatery serves 32 rotating Michigan ice cream flavors and burgers as it aims to offer a unique experience that already draws steady weekday traffic.

Federal regulators are set to reclassify cannabis to Schedule III, allowing Lansing-area operators to deduct expenses and access traditional funding — a tax break expected to keep millions in local businesses.

The change will help operators like Pure Options and Redemption Cannabis invest in future growth.

Retailers in Lansing operated on modified hours on Christmas Eve (Dec.

24) and remained closed for Christmas Day; shoppers are advised to confirm specific store schedules using online locators.

The Robin Theatre in Lansing is hosting a puppetry adaptation of Charles Dickens' timeless A Christmas Carol, offering audiences a unique twist on the classic story.

Lansing will ring in New Year’s Eve with local celebrations including a contra and square dance at Central United Methodist Church (6:30 p.m. to 12:15 a.m.), a party at Royal Scot Golf and Bowl, and a mystery dinner at DoubleTree by Hilton, with ticket prices from $5 to $125.

A Great Horned Owl named Winter was rescued after being found with a zip-tied foot near 76th Street and is now receiving hand-fed care at Wildside Rehabilitation and Education Center in Eaton Rapids + neighbors may help by volunteering or donating wild meat if she improves.

Michigan law limits train delays to five minutes unless a train moves at 10 mph for up to seven minutes or faces mechanical or safety issues + repeated hold-ups may result in fines of up to $1,000 per violation.

Coach Tom Izzo is adjusting the rotation as he tests new lineups in preparation for the final nonconference game against Cornell on Monday at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.

The team plans to narrow the group after Christmas for Big Ten play starting Jan. 2.

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.

USC Trojans vs. Michigan State Spartans Women's Basketball

8-11 p.m. — Breslin Center — Tickets start at fair pricing — Catch a thrilling women's basketball matchup in East Lansing.

Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Michigan State Spartans Men's Hockey

6-9 p.m. — Munn Ice Arena — Tickets starting at $77 — Watch a thrilling college hockey matchup between two fierce rivals.