Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 31st of July.
Good morning, Lansing.
MSU Dairy Store in East Lansing was named Grand Champion at the American Dairy Science Association Ice Cream Competition — its flavors Spartan Swirl and Beaumont Brownie Bliss beat top national contenders.
Visitors can try the award-winning ice cream this summer.
Lansing police are investigating a hate crime after a suspect spray painted Nazi symbols and hateful slurs on Odd Nodd Art Supply and nearby property in Old Town overnight—neighbors said they heard loud banging around 3 a.m. and surveillance video showed a figure in a skull mask breaking windows and damaging a car with a crowbar.
This August, Lansing is set to host seven festivals that offer food, music and art.
JazzFest Michigan started on July 30 and runs until August 2 in Old Town, while the St. Johns Mint Festival will take place from August 8 to 10, the Dewitt Ox Roast will run from August 15 to 17, ArtFeast is scheduled for August 16, the Mason Sun Dried Music Fest will occur from August 22 to 24, the Festival of Oddities will be held from August 30 to 31, and the Michigan Chicken Wing Festival is planned for August 31 at Adado Riverfront Park.
Michigan lawmakers must agree on road funding by the end of the year to save 10,000 skilled construction jobs – a shortfall that threatens local employers like Hoffman Bros, which supports 235 families.
Some construction companies have already begun layoffs – highlighting urgent uncertainty in the industry if funding is not renewed.
Travel Michigan’s study shows that one in every 17 jobs in the state is tied to tourism and spending went up to $30.7 billion in 2024 from $29.3 billion in 2023 — the state also had an average daily spending of $84.2 million and saw visitors grow from 128.3 million to 131.2 million.
Michiganders will visit National Park Service sites free on Aug.
4 for Great American Outdoors Day—this fee waiver marks the fifth anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act while some activities may still require fees.
Voters in Meridian Township, Lansing and Lansing Township will vote on proposals on Aug.
5 to fund a new community and senior center, renew a parks millage and extend a franchise agreement with the Lansing Board of Water & Light. If the measures pass, some homeowners may see tax increases — while local services gain funding for new projects.
City Pulse’s 2024 Top of the Town contest named five local non-chain Mexican restaurants based on reader votes (El Azteco West, Pablo’s Mexican Restaurant Old Town and Eastside, El Oasis, and Pancho’s Taqueria).
The winners offer quality options ranging from scratch-cooked dishes on W. Saginaw St. to food truck fare now served in brick-and-mortar locations.
Friday Karaoke
9-11 p.m. — The Avenue — Free entry for 21+ — Enjoy a lively evening of karaoke and culinary delights at the local favorite venue.
Friday Karaoke Night
9-11 p.m. — The Avenue — Free entry — Sing your heart out at this lively local favorite with friends and great food from Ruckus Ramen.
Board Game Meetup at Summit Comics & Games
2-9 p.m. — Summit Comics & Games — Free entry — Enjoy free gaming and connect with fellow board game enthusiasts in Lansing's local game store.
Capital Region Owner2Owner Networking Event
4-6 p.m. — Pickleball Barn — Free entry — Connect with local small business owners while enjoying pickleball and community updates.
Friday Karaoke
9-11 p.m. — The Avenue — Free entry — Enjoy a fun night of karaoke with friends at this lively local favorite.
Fourth Saturday Game Day
2-11 p.m. — Evolution Games — Free gaming — Enjoy an evening of board games in a friendly environment with fellow gamers.
Western Michigan Broncos vs. Michigan State Spartans Football
7-8:30 p.m. — Spartan Stadium — Tickets from $52 — Experience college football action as the Broncos take on the Spartans in East Lansing.
2025 Michigan Chicken Wing Festival
2 PM – 9 PM — Adado Riverfront Park — Admission details not specified — Indulge in various chicken wing flavors and enjoy live music and family activities.
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