The Izzo Legacy Family Fund gives back to the community they call home 

Tom Izzo and his family have been a part of the Lansing community for over three decades and continue to have a large impact on the city. One of the main events that the fund hosts is the annual Izzo Legacy 5K race, which occurred this year on April 20. East Lansing resident Joseph Darda came in first with a time of 15:56.5. According to Izzo Legacy executive director Raquel Izzo McDonald, initial counts show that the event raised over $40,000. 

Local produce stores aim to bring affordability to food deserts

The way food travels from farm to table is complex. The food that shoppers normally see in massive grocery stores is grown on large farms, harvested in large quantities, stored until it can be transported to market and finally sold in grocery stores. When the food supply chain is local, the process can become even more nuanced. Two stores in Lansing that promote local food production are The Eastside Lansing Food Co-op and Campbell’s Market Basket. 

MCAH works “behind the scenes” to end homelessness

Chronic homelessness is defined as living on the streets for 12 months out of the last 36. A number of shelters and organizations are finding their own ways to address the needs of these citizens in Lansing. One of the organizations is the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness (MCAH). According to MCAH’s communications manager Amy Stephenson, MCAH works more “behind the scenes.”

GAAY Sports cultivates community through athletics

April 6 marked the final day for GAAY, which stands for GLBTQIA+, Athletes, Allies and You. The non-profit hosts many sports, including dodgeball, kickball and bowling across Lansing, Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor. For Lansing’s final dodgeball game of the season, it didn’t take long for the group of almost 60 players to mingle, make new friendsn and let the anxiety of gym class fade away.

From mold to safety concerns: Tenants, homeowners and contractors expose abuses in Garno Property Management practices

Mold, broken pipes, water leaks, safety threats and broken heating systems are some of the items in a long list of complaints of people who did business with Garno Property Management LLC, a Lansing-based company. The Spartan Newsroom had access to these complaints from testimonies verified by emails, photos and videos that show that the property management company does not properly maintain some units, causing troubles for tenants, homeowners and contractors.

The Capital Area Humane Society enters third year of fostering hope

The Capital Area Humane Society (CAHS) is a beacon of hope for animals in need. While the organization is renowned for its dedication to animal welfare through adoption and rehabilitation efforts, it’s their fostering program that truly shows their commitment to saving lives and nurturing compassion within the community. At CAHS, fostering isn’t just about providing temporary shelter for animals; it’s about offering them a chance to thrive in a loving environment while awaiting their forever homes. Whether it’s a litter of kittens needing round-the-clock care, a shy dog requiring socialization, or an injured animal in need of medical attention, CAHS fosters step up to provide the individualized care and attention these animals deserve. One of the program’s greatest strengths lies in its ability to connect animals in need with the right caregivers.

Lansing’s Snoopfest celebrates DIY music scene’s inclusive spirit

The one-day music festival called Snoopfest featured 10 “DIY” bands, who performed along with other local artists and featured local vendors. Drawing inspiration from house show culture of the ’70s through early 2000s, the DIY music scene has historically been a haven for the LGBTQIA+ community, with its ethos revolving around inclusion, safety and underground emo-punk music.