City Pulse

12/31/2025

Michigan's 24% ma*****na wholesale tax kicks in at the New Year.
Here's how to prep, stock up and save money. And what this - and federal relaxation - means for the state's industry.

More below

12/31/2025

Here are some of the performances that brought our theater reviewers to tears in 2025 and the shows they can't stop thinking about.

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12/31/2025

Shout out to our newest followers! As we start the new year, let us know what stories you want to read but just can’t find anywhere else …

Zoe Chapman-King, Jon Hart, Jaime Hunter, Del Rio, Aubrey Amelia, Jayme Franklin, Jenny Ross Thurber, Becky Goodman, Audrey Morris, Maureen Rasmer Klein, KB Cree, Jean Ann

12/30/2025

“Believe it or not, Democrats still hold every lever of power in state government but one – the State House of Representatives.

It just didn’t feel that way in 2025.”

Why at least half of Michigan’s memorable political moments of 2025 start with Speaker Matt Hall, by MIRS Editor Kyle Melinn.

12/30/2025

Giddy yer butt up and grab yourself a physical copy of our year in review.

Find it for free all across the Greater Lansing plains.

12/27/2025

"... Whitmer’s media availability has disappeared since her spring 2024 book tour ... Her last known one-on-one interview was when she talked “gooning” (look it up) with Texas-based Caleb Hammer, a podcaster who humiliates people about their debt."

A short look at what Michigan's governor has avoided talking about in 2025, by Kyle Melinn of MIRS

The week before Thanksgiving, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer pardoned a pair of turkeys in front of the Capitol. Nearly the entire capitol press corps showed up. The TV people wanted scrumptious video of …

12/26/2025

New Year's Eve plans snuck up on you? We've got a big list of Lansing area ways to celebrate from a masquerade murder mystery dinner and an ‘80s throwback concert to dance parties and more intimate bar gatherings.

* New Year’s Eve at High Caliber

* Launch Trampoline Park New Year’s Eve celebration

* Time Warp to Y2K

* New Year’s Eve contra and square dance

* Summerlands Brewing Co. New Year’s Eve celebration

* Rock Bar New Year’s Eve party

* New Year’s Eve party with Starfarm

* TGIF New Year’s Eve Midnight Blue Dance Party

* The Tee Box New Year’s Eve Party

* A Night at the Soul Lounge New Year’s Eve party

* Midnight Masquerade

12/25/2025

Curated by The Poetry Room and MaU Department of Art, Art History and Design

12/24/2025

Mix hot cocoa with coffee for more working power, with booze for more playing power or with eggnog for more holiday power.

12/24/2025

Ice cream nachos ... that's the story

* also burgers and so on but tell me more about those ice cream nachos please

12/24/2025

“Financially, opening a bookstore is ridiculous,” said one of Lansing's bookstore owners, who hasn't made a profit in 20 years.
But that's not the whole story ...

Indie bookstores necessary but struggling, owners say

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12/24/2025

Annual City Pulse Poetry & Art edition featuring work selected by The Poetry Room and MSU Department of Art, Art History and Design.
A special eight page pull-out section of this week’s free City Pulse, the pages are filled with poetry and art curated by Masaki Takahashi, Laurén Gerig and Dennis Hinrichsen.
Organized with the themes of community, food and holidays as a guide, artists were invited to share work rooted in the season’s spirit.
What you’re reading and seeing is the result of many hands, much care and deep creativity.
We hope it brings you joy and that you’ll join us in the community soon.
Look for a live event in early January.