Arts & Cultures

New Business ‘The Local Epicurean’ Brings Specialty Food Market, Italian Cooking Classes

New Business ‘The Local Epicurean’ Brings Specialty Food Market, Italian Cooking Classes

Cooking classes will be offered to aspiring chefs at various skill levels.

New Nigerian Restaurant to Host African Farmers Market

New Nigerian Restaurant to Host African Farmers Market

Handie opened this fall in downtown East Lansing. Sunday, Nov. 24 the fast-casual Nigerian restaurant will host an African Farmers Market from noon to 4 p.m.

Longtime City Employee Ron Springer Preserves Memory of Service Members

Longtime City Employee Ron Springer Preserves Memory of Service Members

Vietnam War Veteran and retired long-time East Lansing city employee Ron Springer has dedicated much of his life to honoring those who served in the U.S. military.

Planning Moves Forward for Great Lakes Folk Festival Revival

Planning Moves Forward for Great Lakes Folk Festival Revival

The festival was last held in 2017, but recently a committee was put together to explore bringing it back.

“Tunnel of Terror” to be Open Halloween Night

“Tunnel of Terror” to be Open Halloween Night

East Lansing’s spookiest attraction will once again be available to view Halloween night on Oakland Drive.

A Century Well Spent: EL Resident Reflects on Life After Celebrating 100th Birthday

A Century Well Spent: EL Resident Reflects on Life After Celebrating 100th Birthday

From fighting tuberculosis to working with the Red Cross and community groups, Irv Nichols has spent a century helping others.

Aging population Finds an Ally in East Lansing Prime Time Seniors LGBTQ+ Programming

Aging population Finds an Ally in East Lansing Prime Time Seniors LGBTQ+ Programming

The Prime Time Seniors Program is helping older members of the LGBTQ+ community face the unique challenges they face.

University Lutheran Church to Host Community Concerts

University Lutheran Church to Host Community Concerts

The performances will take place the first three Sundays of August.

Grammy-Winning Artists and ‘The Late Night Show’ Talent to Take Stage at Summer Solstice Jazz Festival

Grammy-Winning Artists and ‘The Late Night Show’ Talent to Take Stage at Summer Solstice Jazz Festival

The two-day festival will be held Friday, June 21 and Saturday, June 22 and is expected to bring about 7,000 people to downtown East Lansing.

61st Annual East Lansing Art Festival Returning Downtown

61st Annual East Lansing Art Festival Returning Downtown

Crafters, photographers, sculptors and more will be displaying their work downtown for the East Lansing Art Festival this weekend.

Possible Folk Fest Revival Discussed by Arts Commission

Possible Folk Fest Revival Discussed by Arts Commission

A Folk Festival hasn’t been held in East Lansing since 2017. But action is being taken to explore bringing the event back, or something similar, in the future.

Documentary Highlights East Lansing Music Camp ‘RicStar’

Documentary Highlights East Lansing Music Camp ‘RicStar’

The camp, which welcomes people of all ages who have special needs, will be recognized in a documentary that is showing at the Capital City Film Festival.

The Agency and Venues Behind EL’s Evolving Live Music Scene

The Agency and Venues Behind EL’s Evolving Live Music Scene

New concert venues downtown are providing opportunities for local musicians.

Lake Michigan Film Festival Kicks Off Tonight

Lake Michigan Film Festival Kicks Off Tonight

The Lake Michigan Film Festival will bring nearly 40 projects from independent filmmakers.

Documentary Screening to Celebrate Women in Church Leadership

Documentary Screening to Celebrate Women in Church Leadership

All Saints Episcopal Church will celebrate women in church leadership by holding a screening of “The Philadelphia Eleven.”

Love Brunch? Join Brunch & Bubbly Event Hosted by Lansing 5:01

Love Brunch? Join Brunch & Bubbly Event Hosted by Lansing 5:01

Early bird tickets can be purchased through Friday. Attendance numbers are capped, so organizers recommend purchasing ahead.

All-of-us Express Children’s Theatre presents The Addams Family School Edition
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All-of-us Express Children’s Theatre presents The Addams Family School Edition

All-of-us Express Children’s Theatre will be bringing “The Addams Family” school edition musical to the Hannah Community Center, starting Friday, Feb. 2.

Winter Fest: A Wonderland of Fun

Winter Fest: A Wonderland of Fun

This is the second year the festival will be held outside and inside the Hannah Community Center.

Campbell’s Smoke Shop is an East Lansing Classic

Campbell’s Smoke Shop is an East Lansing Classic

The shop on M.A.C. Avenue has been in business since 1956 and continues to have loyal clientele from around the country and world.

Women in the Arts Festival Returns for 38th Year

Women in the Arts Festival Returns for 38th Year

The festival at Edgewood United Church begins Friday evening and continues Saturday and features art work, foods, a movie showing and live music.

MSU’s Broad Celebrates Grand Opening of The CORE

MSU’s Broad Celebrates Grand Opening of The CORE

The newly-renovated 4,500-square-foot space employs a modular design, allowing the art museum to rotate through a vast range of works from the Broad’s permanent collection.

ELi has the Answers to What’s Up With the Beer Die Trend

ELi has the Answers to What’s Up With the Beer Die Trend

A personally decorated plywood table, four red Solo cups, two dice and rules agreed upon by players are the basics of the game. Sort of.

Join ELi for a Movie Night at the Robin Theatre

Join ELi for a Movie Night at the Robin Theatre

“Vengeance” tells the story of an investigative journalist in a fun and engaging way. Come hang out with ELi and help support your independent, non-profit news source.

Broad Exhibit Shows How Sports, Arts and Civil Rights are a Winning Team

Broad Exhibit Shows How Sports, Arts and Civil Rights are a Winning Team

The exhibit, on display until Feb. 18, 2024, shines a light on the ways many artists and athletes share common values.

Documentary Looks at Heroism of a US Muslim on 9/11

Documentary Looks at Heroism of a US Muslim on 9/11

The film, which tells the story of Salman Hamdani, will be screened at the WKAR Studios on Thursday. Two of the documentary’s creators are East Lansing natives.

Beal Garden – a Local Treasure for 150 Years

Beal Garden – a Local Treasure for 150 Years

The botanical garden on the MSU campus is known as a place for research, education, tranquility and activities.

Two Small Businesses are Thriving and Surviving

Two Small Businesses are Thriving and Surviving

Despite the challenges of East Lansing during the pandemic and post-pandemic. Risky Studios and Campbell’s Market Basket are growing endeavors.

Pastor Liz Leaves a Lasting Impact on EL and Edgewood Church

Pastor Liz Leaves a Lasting Impact on EL and Edgewood Church

“She made our congregation seem whole. I know that sounds cheesy maybe, but it felt like a healing. She’s leaving the church stronger than it was,” said Edgewood United Church of Christ member Melissa Fore.

Blue Owl Pops Back to its Roots as it Gears Up for Move

Blue Owl Pops Back to its Roots as it Gears Up for Move

The downtown EL coffee shop will move to a new Trowbridge Road location after its lease expires in November.

The Summer Beat Goes On for Community Band

The Summer Beat Goes On for Community Band

The East Lansing Kiwanis Community Band kicks off its 2023 season with a concert Thursday, July 20.

Local Churches Make Commitment to Faith-Based Reparations
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Local Churches Make Commitment to Faith-Based Reparations

All Saints Episcopal Church and Edgewood United Church will donate $100,000 to the Justice League of Lansing.

All-Community March in Downtown East Lansing Celebrates Juneteenth
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All-Community March in Downtown East Lansing Celebrates Juneteenth

A small but spirited crowd gathered to recognize the day in 1863 the last enslaved African Americans learned they were free.

East Lansing to Celebrate Juneteenth This Sunday (June 18)
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East Lansing to Celebrate Juneteenth This Sunday (June 18)

Council is encouraging organizations to post copies of General Order No. 3 and encouraging individuals to join the June 18 celebration.

Pumpstock Returns June 3; Donations Being Accepted

Pumpstock Returns June 3; Donations Being Accepted

The festival in Bailey Park will showcase five bands on the main stage and four more acts performing on a local stage.

It’s ‘Business as Usual’ For Annual East Lansing Art Festival

It’s ‘Business as Usual’ For Annual East Lansing Art Festival

In its 60th year, the festival will again fill Albert Avenue with a wide variety of art, music, food and activities.

Beggars Banquet: 50 Years as an East Lansing Staple

Beggars Banquet: 50 Years as an East Lansing Staple

Established in 1973, the restaurant is known as a place to build memories and enjoy good food and a unique atmosphere.

Time For Some Fresh Air Albert EL Fresco Style

Time For Some Fresh Air Albert EL Fresco Style

For the fourth year, a portion of Albert Avenue will be set up as an outdoor social space for young and old.

Jolly Pumpkin’s Offerings Could Be Expanded Downtown with Addition of Mash Bar
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Jolly Pumpkin’s Offerings Could Be Expanded Downtown with Addition of Mash Bar

“There are some amazing college bars here,” the applicant representing Mash told the DDA, “and that’s not really our niche.”

Photographers Bring Enthusiasm and Passion to Studio 34

Photographers Bring Enthusiasm and Passion to Studio 34

New downtown EL business will allow creative duo to share their artistic skills.

ELPL’s Maker Studio and STEAM Programming Let Community Tinker With, Try Out Technologies

ELPL’s Maker Studio and STEAM Programming Let Community Tinker With, Try Out Technologies

Not everyone has a 3D printer, a laser cutter, vinyl cutter or even a sewing machine in their home. But the East Lansing Public Library (ELPL) has made all of these devices available to the community. As part of the library’s Maker Studio, community members are welcome to tinker with technologies and gadgets they might otherwise not have the…

Only a Few Tickets Remain for ELi’s Special Screening of “Storm Lake”

Only a Few Tickets Remain for ELi’s Special Screening of “Storm Lake”

Only 12 of the 60 tickets remain, so act fast if you’d like to join us for a screening of “Storm Lake.” Before the film, you can grab dinner and a Storm Lake cocktail and check out an original indoor mural that will be on special display. Plus, meet members of the reporting team!

The GOAT on Grand River Will Be a Culinary Experience

The GOAT on Grand River Will Be a Culinary Experience

Owners hope the speakeasy-themed restaurant becomes a dining destination.

‘Conscious Conversations’ Series Invites Open Minds to Discuss Big Life Topics

‘Conscious Conversations’ Series Invites Open Minds to Discuss Big Life Topics

Young adults (including college students) are invited to join this monthly event at East Lansing’s Public Library.

“Song of Welcome” Event to Feature Stories from Refugees

“Song of Welcome” Event to Feature Stories from Refugees

On Tuesday, Jan. 24 at 7 p.m., residents are invited to hear and see firsthand accounts, poems, songs and artwork from refugees who now call the Greater Lansing-area home. The free program at Haslett Community Church is for all-ages and open to the public.

Shop Local: Last-Minute Gift Ideas in East Lansing
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Shop Local: Last-Minute Gift Ideas in East Lansing

So many options!

Grammy-Winning Duo Bring Holiday Show to Pump House Concerts
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Grammy-Winning Duo Bring Holiday Show to Pump House Concerts

Nashville, Tennessee’s The DonJuans will perform a holiday-themed show in the intimate East Lansing venue.

Winter Fest Will Be Wonderland of Family Fun
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Winter Fest Will Be Wonderland of Family Fun

The annual event formerly known as Winter Glow will be held outdoors and indoors at the Hannah Community Center.

Canterbury MSU Finds New Home on M.A.C. Avenue
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Canterbury MSU Finds New Home on M.A.C. Avenue

The center, affiliated with All Saints Episcopal Church, is a place for students to gather, de-stress and connect.

Alternative Holiday Sale to Feature More Than 30 Vendors
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Alternative Holiday Sale to Feature More Than 30 Vendors

The annual event helps raise funds for Peace Education Center programming and organizing.

Artist Brings Vibrant Background to EL Public Library Mural
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Artist Brings Vibrant Background to EL Public Library Mural

Bright, bold colors of the mural on the west-facing wall of the library honors the colorful history and ongoing work for civil rights.

EL Women in the Arts Festival Returns for 37th Year
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EL Women in the Arts Festival Returns for 37th Year

The annual festival at Edgewood United Church will be back in full force Nov. 11-12 after two years being scaled back because of pandemic precautions.

East Lansing Film Festival Celebrates 25 Years
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East Lansing Film Festival Celebrates 25 Years

Organizers are excited for the high quality films to be shown during the Nov. 3-10, 2022, festival.

Will ‘The Poet’ Langford Brings One-Night-Only-Performance of Original Poems to EL
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Will ‘The Poet’ Langford Brings One-Night-Only-Performance of Original Poems to EL

MSU doctoral student and Detroit native hopes his poetry inspires others to create something beautiful.

Final Peace Quest Event Celebrates Muslim Culture
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Final Peace Quest Event Celebrates Muslim Culture

Attendance at the Salaam Peace festival at the East Lansing Islamic Center exceeded organizers’ expectation.

Peanut Barrel Gets New Owner, but He’s a Familiar Face to EL Restaurant Scene
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Peanut Barrel Gets New Owner, but He’s a Familiar Face to EL Restaurant Scene

Mike Krueger was nervous going into ownership of the Peanut Barrel while also owning Crunchy’s, but is excited to lead the diverse businesses.

More Than Vintage Hosts First Vintage Festival
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More Than Vintage Hosts First Vintage Festival

Vintage vendors, live music, food trucks and more will be featured at this Saturday’s downtown East Lansing mini street festival.

Public Funds Will Now Go to Pop-Up Festivals Beyond Mayor Pro Tem’s
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Public Funds Will Now Go to Pop-Up Festivals Beyond Mayor Pro Tem’s

Only this week did the source of tension over a street-closure policy become apparent. The measure passed, 3-2, after much discussion.

Be Patient, Grab Some Candy: Homecoming Parade Brings Road Closures
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Be Patient, Grab Some Candy: Homecoming Parade Brings Road Closures

Annual event is expected to last about an hour.

East Lansing Art Festival Poster Showcases Symbolic Beaver as Unsung Ecosystem Hero
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East Lansing Art Festival Poster Showcases Symbolic Beaver as Unsung Ecosystem Hero

The upcoming East Lansing Art Festival features local artwork and artists. Sarah Spohn spoke with artist Sara Pulver to learn more about her work for the festival.

East Lansing Reveals Mental Health Murals Years in the Making
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East Lansing Reveals Mental Health Murals Years in the Making

New artwork in downtown East Lansing aims to prioritize mental health awareness. Sarah Spohn reports.

Mark Wood of Trans-Siberian Orchestra to Perform with ELPS Students
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Mark Wood of Trans-Siberian Orchestra to Perform with ELPS Students

Mark Wood, an original member of the group Trans-Siberian Orchestra, will perform with ELHS and MMS students this Friday. Al Hargrave Jackson reports on the concert and partnership.

Blue Owl Mic Drop Features Big Talent, Including Hamilton Cast Member

Blue Owl Mic Drop Features Big Talent, Including Hamilton Cast Member

Meecah, a singer, dancer, and actress who is currently part of the Hamilton cast, will perform at Blue Owl on Monday, April 4. Sarah Spohn reports on that and Blue Owl’s Mic Drop series.

Graduate Rock Bar Serves Cocktails and the Community
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Graduate Rock Bar Serves Cocktails and the Community

The Graduate Rock Bar opened up last July, and to some, the rooftop bar is a hidden gem. Sarah Spohn reports on the location and an exciting upcoming event.

New Weekly Comedy Open Mic Night Launches at Beggar’s Banquet

New Weekly Comedy Open Mic Night Launches at Beggar’s Banquet

Looking for something to do this evening or any Thursday? Check out the new comedy series “Beggars Can’t Be Choosers” at Beggar’s Banquet from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Broad Art Lab Closes Its Doors

Broad Art Lab Closes Its Doors

The MSU Broad Art Lab’s collaborative space that once welcomed makers, innovators, and lifelong learners, has shut its doors. Sarah Spohn reports. 

Slew of New Exhibits Coming to MSU This Spring
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Slew of New Exhibits Coming to MSU This Spring

A whole host of upcoming local exhibits are coming to East Lansing this spring. Sarah Spohn gives you the info on what’s out there!

What Artspace’s Feasibility Report Tells Us About Downtown East Lansing
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What Artspace’s Feasibility Report Tells Us About Downtown East Lansing

One of the proposed locations for a development of affordable housing geared toward creatives is Valley Court Park. Emily Joan Elliott digs in to what else is in the feasibility report and what we can learn.

Multimedia Production Studio Hopes to Be a Starting Point for Community Creativity
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Multimedia Production Studio Hopes to Be a Starting Point for Community Creativity

Alicia and Joshua Southern, owners of Risky Studios, share what motivated them to open a creative, co-working, multimedia production studio, featuring 775-square-feet of equipment rentals for all types of dreamers, doers, and thinkers.

Kid’s Cultural Concert Series Comes to Hannah Center in March and April

Kid’s Cultural Concert Series Comes to Hannah Center in March and April

Looking for a live, fun, family event this spring? The East Lansing Children’s Cultural Concert Series is just the ticket with performances on Mar. 5 and 19 and April 9.

‘The Magical Toyshop’ comes to Hannah Community Center

‘The Magical Toyshop’ comes to Hannah Community Center

The Magical Toyshop has a performance on Friday, March 4 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, March 5 at 2 p.m. at Hannah Community Center. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online or at the door 30 minutes prior to showtime. ELi’s Sarah Spohn spoke with the director to learn more.

DDA Approves Around $150K For EL Fresco, Nixes Lease With Tenants In Bat-Infested Property
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DDA Approves Around $150K For EL Fresco, Nixes Lease With Tenants In Bat-Infested Property

The DDA approved a budget amendment to support the Albert EL Fresco, but some DDA members had questions about the large figure. Andrew Graham reports on that and the bat infestation at a DDA-owned property.

First-of-its-kind Autism Museum Opens in Okemos
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First-of-its-kind Autism Museum Opens in Okemos

The Xavier DeGroat Autism Foundation unveiled the Meridian Mall Autism Museum this month, making it the first museum of its kind. Sarah Spohn reports.

Local East Lansing Band Releases Full-Length Album
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Local East Lansing Band Releases Full-Length Album

A local alternative rock band made up of ELHS students recently released a full-length album. Sarah Spohn reports.

Local Girl Scouts at ELHS Working to Improve Community
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Local Girl Scouts at ELHS Working to Improve Community

Each troop has its own personality and interests, but all give back to their communities in meaningful ways. Al Hargrave reports.

Lansing Art Gallery Reopens with Strong Commitment to Art Accessibility
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Lansing Art Gallery Reopens with Strong Commitment to Art Accessibility

The Lansing Art Gallery is poised to be even more accessible with the Lansing Art Gallery & Education Center space at Knapp’s Centre at 300 S. Washington Sq. in downtown Lansing. Sarah Spohn reports on its East Lansing connection.

Albert El Fresco is Coming Back to Downtown East Lansing, Despite Brookover’s Concerns
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Albert El Fresco is Coming Back to Downtown East Lansing, Despite Brookover’s Concerns

The official dates for EL Fresco have not be set, but Council voted to approve the closure of two lanes on Albert Street from Apr. 27 to Sept. 11, despite Council member Brookover voicing concerns about the project benefiting some local businesses and not others, among other things.

This Week’s “East Lansing News We Don’t Know Where to Put”
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This Week’s “East Lansing News We Don’t Know Where to Put”

Food trucks and a continued suspension of meetings for the City of East Lansing’s boards and commissions: we bring you a quick rundown of some things we’re keeping an eye on.

‘Kahlo without Borders’ Exhibit Provides Intimate Look Into Frida Kahlo’s Life, Health Issues
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‘Kahlo without Borders’ Exhibit Provides Intimate Look Into Frida Kahlo’s Life, Health Issues

Including never-before-seen artifacts, a new Frida Kahlo exhibit at the Broad Museum in East Lansing provides an extraordinary compilation of items connected to artist Frida Kahlo. Sarah Spohn reports for ELi.

Here’s Your Chance to Try Curling, East Lansing
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Here’s Your Chance to Try Curling, East Lansing

Ever wanted to slide relatively massive granite stones across a sheet of ice to try to get closest to a center target? Now’s your chance to give curling a whirl.

UKirk at MSU Students Taking on Issue of Book Deserts
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UKirk at MSU Students Taking on Issue of Book Deserts

Students from UKirk at MSU are setting out to end book deserts in the Greater Lansing area, and the East Lansing community is able to help them in this effort. Adan Tomas Quan reports.

The 10 Stories That Meant the Most to ELi Reporters in 2021
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The 10 Stories That Meant the Most to ELi Reporters in 2021

We asked our reporters which stories that they wrote meant the most to them in 2021. They answered, passing along a varied collection of stories for this year in review.

Two MSU Professors to Open Bookstore, Wine Bar, Coffee Shop Combo

Two MSU Professors to Open Bookstore, Wine Bar, Coffee Shop Combo

Do you need to purchase a last minute holiday gift? Make sure to check out the online offerings from Hooked, a new bookstore and cafe coming to our area. Sarah Spohn reports on the new addition.

Pulitzer Prize-Winning ELHS Alum Speaks to ELi About Her New Book
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Pulitzer Prize-Winning ELHS Alum Speaks to ELi About Her New Book

Before Farah Stockman became a world-traveling, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and book author, she grew up in East Lansing and graduated from East Lansing High School in 1992. How has her life in East Lansing influenced her work?

Join Us at ELi’s Fun Spelling Bee and Gift Auction!
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Join Us at ELi’s Fun Spelling Bee and Gift Auction!

Mark your calendars and get your tickets! ELi will be holding its first ever Spelling Bee and Gift Auction this Thursday, Dec. 9, starting at 7 p.m. at FieldHouse!

Green Friday and Winter Glow Coming to Downtown EL This Weekend

Green Friday and Winter Glow Coming to Downtown EL This Weekend

Kick off the arrival of the holiday season and wintry weather with Green Friday and Winter Glow. Sarah Spohn brings the details on the two events this weekend.

Your Neighbors Are Counting on You to Support Small Businesses This Holiday Season

Your Neighbors Are Counting on You to Support Small Businesses This Holiday Season

Do you want to make sure your gifts arrive on time? Do you like having a vibrant downtown? Do you want to support your neighbors? ELi’s Sarah Spohn has some advice this Black Friday: Spend locally!

Boy Scout Troop 2 from Peoples Church Celebrates 100th Anniversary

Boy Scout Troop 2 from Peoples Church Celebrates 100th Anniversary

Boy Scout Troop 2 celebrated the 100th anniversary of its chartership. The troop’s boys unit is believed to be the longest, continuously chartered Boy Scouts of America (BSA) troop in Michigan and one of the oldest in the country. How did they mark the occasion?

DDA Approves More Surveillance Downtown, While Chair Cautions Against ‘Big Brother Culture’
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DDA Approves More Surveillance Downtown, While Chair Cautions Against ‘Big Brother Culture’

The DDA voted in favor of funding more cameras to be used by ELPD, but not before a lively discussion about privacy and how to welcome people downtown.

D.P. Dough Returns to EL, Bringing Calzones and Other Fare

D.P. Dough Returns to EL, Bringing Calzones and Other Fare

The newest addition to Grand River Avenue is D.P. Dough, a restaurant chain that primarily sells calzones ranging from classic choices to food with a flavor of East Lansing, like the Sparty Zone calzone. Amalia Medina reports.

Ten Pound Fiddle Brings Music and Fair-Trade Goods Together

Ten Pound Fiddle Brings Music and Fair-Trade Goods Together

Singer-songwriter, educator Reggie Harris will perform this Friday at Edgewood United Church in conjunction with the Peace Education Center’s Alternative Holiday Sale. Christopher A. Wardell provides the details.

Women in the Arts Festival Celebrates Local Artists and Makers

Women in the Arts Festival Celebrates Local Artists and Makers

Saturday, Nov. 13, marks the 36th annual Women in the Arts Festival, held at Edgewood United Church. Stop in to hear some great music and purchase unique paintings, jewelry, pottery, books, and more!

The You’ve Got This Project Helps Community Members Who Have Cancer

The You’ve Got This Project Helps Community Members Who Have Cancer

Mary Jo Wegenke is five years cancer-free, and she continues to help those undergoing chemotherapy. Jack Timothy Harrison reports on Wegenke’s You’ve Got This Project.