October in Lansing is basically an open invitation to embrace everything fall has to offer. To see how seriously the city takes the season, look no further than the giant jack-o’-lanterns that adorn downtown.

From apple cider, crunchy leaves, pumpkin-spiced treats, and, most importantly, spooky fun, there is loads to do in our state capital. So much so that it can feel overwhelming to figure out what to get up to before the month is over.

Luckily for us, today The ’Gander’s Sophie Boudreau rounds up 11 fun things to do around Lansing this October.

Michigan AG accuses Blue Cross Blue Shield of running illegal monopoly (The Detroit News): Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has sued Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, alleging the insurer used agreements with other Blue Cross companies to limit competition and drive up insurance costs. The lawsuit seeks damages for the state and Michigan residents and could lead to hundreds of millions of dollars in reimbursements. Blue Cross says it disagrees with the allegations.

Michigan races to buy hundreds of acres before private buyers (MLive): The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is seeking $2.1 million to buy 485 acres along Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula. The land’s cedar and hemlock forests provide critical winter cover for white-tailed deer. The property includes about 6,000 feet of shoreline and would remain open to the public if added to the state forest system.

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park entrance sign stolen (WZZM): The iconic welcome sign at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park was stolen sometime between Oct. 3 and Oct. 4, and park officials are asking for the public’s help finding it. Officials say the decades-old sign has become a popular photo spot and a piece of the park’s history.

(The ‘Gander)

It’s National Voter Education Week, the perfect time to get caught up on what you need to know about voting here in Michigan.

Whether you just need a refresher or you’re a first-time voter looking for a guide on everything you need to know, The ’Gander is here for you.

With so many issues on the line this election, including the state’s future with data centers, keeping money out of politics, and the war in Iran, your voice is critical.

So, take a second and click the first link below for every election-related resource you might need, from checking your registration to seeing what’s on your ballot.

Then, head over to our free voter hub for our latest political coverage.

You’re election-ready. 🙌 Now help a friend get there, too—forward this email before Nov. 3.

Check in with all of your favorite four-legged buddies during Boo at the Zoo. (Photo by Daniel Dvorský/Unsplash)

By Sophie Boudreau

For fall fanatics, the arrival of October is comparable to Christmas morning. After a long year of snowy days, early springtime slush, and (ew!) sunny summer days, it’s finally time to embrace all things autumn: crunchy leaves, apple cider, orchards galore, cinnamon-dusted donuts, pumpkin spice everything, and—perhaps most thrilling—sweater weather. 

Fall is the perfect time to make memories with loved ones and experience the region’s natural and manmade wonders with all sorts of activities in Lansing. With school in full swing and the holidays around the bend, though, October can be daunting. To help you narrow down your calendar and plan for the weeks ahead, we’ve compiled a list of 11 fun things to do in Lansing this month. 

Earlier this week, we brought you the story of Preuss Pets, a one-of-a-kind pet store in Lansing that is a must-visit for any animal lover.

And it got me thinking that there must be tons of other unique stores like this across the state.

So, I asked readers:

What one-of-a-kind Michigan business do you think everybody should visit at least once?

Here’s what you had to say:

“We used to live in Marquette and now Traverse city. I miss Getz’s Department Store downtown so much that I go back every time we visit our Marquette friends. They carry top lines of clothing and shoes plus gift items and accessories. The basement is a sale area a huge Carhart section and inventory. When friends would visit us the request was always going to Getz’s!” — Viv, Traverse City

“The British Pantry Tea Garden Cafe in Tecumseh, MI is a unique store and cafe featuring British teas and eats. Their cafe is fun too.” — Jane, Tecumseh

“The Life Story Funeral Home in Kalamazoo. It is a special place. “ — Herb, Kalamazoo

And if you have a question you’d like me to ask our community, send it my way. I might feature it in a future newsletter.

*Responses may be edited for conciseness or clarity.

Want deeper coverage of Michigan politics? Our free Thursday newsletter, This Week in Michigan Politics, breaks down what’s happening in Lansing and Washington—clearly and without the jargon.

With the midterms approaching, we’ll keep you informed on what could affect your day-to-day life.

Interested?

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Karel Vega with a feature story from Sophie Boudreau. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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