Elections & Politics
Vote sign points at two people walking away from polling place, a larg building.

Why does your vote matter? Join the discussion 

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East Lansing voters talk about why voting matters to them. Join our discussion and share why it matters to you. Here’s what some of the voters said. 

Mona Owusu, voting at the Hannah Community Center poll said, “As African Americans, we have fought a very long battle to do what we’re doing now… For my ancestors and the people that came before me to do that,” she said, not voting “would be a letdown.” Owusu is proud that her voice can be heard. “Now it’s been heard, and I’m going to let it ring.”

Arts & Entertainment

Playing Nov. 3-10: East Lansing Film Festival’s silver anniversary

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Each November, the East Lansing Film Festival showcases independent films. These films range from comedies to dramas to long and short films. The nonprofit was created in 1997 and remains the longest running film festival in Michigan.

This year marks 25 years of the East Lansing Film Festival and a celebration of its silver anniversary. The festival will run Nov. 3-10.  Tickets can be bought online or at Studio C in Okemos. By scrolling down on the website, you will be able to select the show and showtime.

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News

Improvements proposed for East Lansing’s Valley Court Park

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In June 2022, the City of East Lansing submitted a grant proposal to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation for its Valley Court Park infrastructure project. The project would construct a permanent pavilion with public restrooms, storage and an accessible playground. 

Construction is planned for the spring of 2024. Valley Court Park is home to the East Lansing farmers market, as well as other community events such as the annual Autumn Fest. 

Phil Throop, owner of Wildflower Eco Farm,  has been a vendor at the East Lansing farmers market for several years. He is excited for the future of the farmers market. Throop said, “If it is a physical shelter that would potentially make it so I don’t have to have a tent.” Many vendors at the farmers market are being notified of the plan and meeting times to discuss details. 

This project seeks  the community’s input through engagement opportunities and resources.

News

MSUVote boosting student participation in election

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A nonpartisan committee called MSUVote wants to increase the number of student voters on Michigan State University’s campus. It  goes by the slogan “registration, education, participation.” 

With the election approaching, the clock is ticking for students to get registered. MSUVote is dedicated to registering Spartans, educating students on issues, and ensuring participation in the community. 

East Lansing

East Lansing limits big bags, young kids at football games

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Megan Samp

The East Lansing School Board has changed two policies to make football games safer. The first change includes a limited bag policy. Football spectators are no longer allowed to bring bags larger than 6.5 x 4.5 inches. Large purses, tote bags, diaper bags and backpacks are prohibited. However, clear storage bags will be allowed for medical or child supplies. 

The second change is that spectators in the eighth grade and below must be accompanied or supervised by a parent or guardian.

East Lansing

Cameras on trucks aim to improve East Lansing recycling

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East Lansing has joined the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy to improve its recycling. 

This month starts a 6-month improvement project. The city is partnering with the Recycling Project, which strives to improve recycling in Michigan. 

The project emphasizes “Feet on the Street,” a tactic to improve recycling by providing users with information, education and feedback. Residents are notified when items cannot be accepted by recycling services. These can range from food to electronics, to plastic bags or wrappers. This process is done by tagging residents’ bins.