Many towns have that one store that’s unlike anything else around, and I’m not just talking about locally, but unlike any store of its kind.

In Lansing, that honor falls to Preuss Pets. From a river winding through the store and a school bus full of critters to exotic animals and plenty of community events, Preuss has become a Lansing institution over the past four decades.

Today, The ’Gander’s Britteny Dee takes a closer look at what makes Preuss Pets such a unique part of Lansing, and why it should be on every Michigander’s bucket list.

Then, I want to hear about the other one-of-a-kind businesses you recommend across the state.

Several debates this week in Michigan (The Detroit News): Michigan’s “Debate Week” returns with four major political debates coming up for races including governor, US Senate, secretary of state, and the 7th Congressional District. The debates begin Tuesday with Jocelyn Benson and John James, along with Tom Barrett and Will Lawrence. That’s followed Thursday by Garlin Gilchrist II and Anthony Forlini as well as Mike Rogers and Abdul El-Sayed.

Most Michigan juniors not college-ready, according to test (Bridge Michigan): Only about a quarter of Michigan high school juniors met the state’s SAT-based college-readiness benchmark last school year, down from 35% a decade ago. However, school leaders caution that the SAT is only one measure of preparedness.

Lions fall to Panthers (AP News): The Detroit Lions lost to the Carolina Panthers 32-26 Sunday. Coach Dan Campbell called the defense “not good enough” as the Lions look to fix their problems before the postseason. Up next, the Lions face the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.

(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.

Preuss Pets hosts lots of events, including birthday parties for its animals. (Courtesy/Preuss Pets)

By Britteny Dee

Not every pet store throws a birthday party for a 40-year-old catfish. Even fewer hire a full band to play him smooth jazz on his special day.

Then again, Preuss Pets has never been just a pet store. Part retail store, part educational experience, and part local attraction, the family-owned business has given Lansing residents and visitors plenty of reasons to wander in and look around for decades.

Whether you’re looking for a unique animal to bring home, need supplies for your current pet, or simply love animals and want to immerse yourself in a world of them for an afternoon, Preuss Pets is worth a visit.

Now that you’ve heard about Preuss Pets, I bet you’ve got a store in mind, either from your hometown or somewhere you’ve visited, that captures that same one-of-a-kind uniqueness.

So, this week I want to know:

Reminder: When responding, include your first name and where you’re from to have your answer included.

Have a question you want me to ask our community? Send it my way. I might feature it in a future edition.

Missed the answers to last week’s question: “What fall activity is underrated?” Find them in our Friday newsletter here.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Karel Vega with a feature story from Britteny Dee. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.

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