Article

Transgender Day of Remembrance rally in Lansing

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Wednesday was Transgender Day of Remembrance and a few organizations teamed up to hold a rally downtown. Free Mom Hugs and Stand with Trans hosted the event to honor transgender lives that are no longer with us. A few speakers talked before a crowd about their own experiences and offered solutions to problems as well as a few words of encouragement.

Article

Silver Bells lights up downtown Lansing

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Lansing’s Silver Bells in the City event kicked off the holidays in a big way with a light parade, a 60 foot Christmas tree and fireworks. But there was still some preparation needed to make the event perfect. Lansing firefighter Tiffany Dickerson spent the morning before the festivities with her crew decorating their fire truck with thousands of lights. “It’s always a lot of fun to decorate,” said Dickerson. “This’ll
be my first year driving the truck, so I’m excited about that.”

Additionally, Lansing Board of Water and Light launched
their annual Toys for Tots drive in the city just before the start of the
event.

Article

Frandor Sears announces closing

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Another Lansing staple is set to close early next year. The Frandor Sears location announced a few weeks ago their closing. The department store has been leasing that location since 1954. “Sears has ten years left on their lease,” said real estate developer Pat Gillespie of the Gillespie group. “They have rights to be in the building for ten more years.

Arts & Entertainment

Watch Focal Point: multiple wildfires in California, Joe Bachie suspended by Big Ten and more.

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On this episode of Focal Point News, we take a look at a group of sustainable students that received funding from the state to make CATA Bus stops safer. California’s ongoing wildfires continue to ravage the state with strong Santa Ana winds spreading the flames. Some spartan ghost hunters take us on an exclusive search for spooky activity. Joe Bachie is suspended indefinitely after testing positive for a drug banned by the Big Ten conference. East Lansing residents will be voting for city council members Tuesday, with six candidates running for three spots.

News

Local pet shop hosts annual dog costume contest

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Last Friday, hundreds of dogs had a tail-wagging good time at Preuss Pet’s annual Howloween event in Old Town. Dogs, both big and small, dressed to the nines in their best costumes, whether it was store-bought or homemade. There was trick-or-treating at businesses up and down Cesar E. Chavez Avenue and a costume contest with over eighty participants. “It’s a lot of fun to bring your dog out, show them around and get some cookies,” said Ann Williams, who brings her dog, Splash, every year. The winner of the costume contest took home a one-hundred-dollar gift card to Preuss Pets, dog food and a basket full of dog toys.

Business & Economy

Crown Boxing Club teaches students more than how to throw the perfect jab

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Crown Boxing Club has been a staple in the Lansing area for almost 30 years. Providing the Lansing community with a great sweat through their various boxing classes. But for students, three days a week, they are able to to hit the bag or hop in the ring for free. “The program that we have is a free program for all the youth in the Lansing area,” said head coach Ali Easley. Making the classes available to everyone was one of Easley’s top priorities.

Lansing

Paving the way: Popular 20th century African- American style symbolized political meaning

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Many fashion trends developed as Interstate 496 underwent construction in 1963. Within the history of African-Americans in the 20th century lies political and cultural movements that used the power of fashion to assist in communicating ideas supplemental to the goal of obtaining equal rights. Style choices also derived from popular culture as well as advocates for Black pride. Key fashion motifs were confidence and class which can be seen through the successes of Bill Lett, the owner of a prestigious women’s fashion shop and later a bridal shop both in Lansing, Michigan during the 20th century. Luxurious fur coats and expensive bridal dresses were iconic pieces in these shops.