The State News - September 13, 2022

@THESNEWSTUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2022 STATENEWS.COM ‘Apple Store aesthetic for marijuana’: Stigma has faded at EL’s dispensaries CULTURE Filled with champion belts, newspaper features and vintage boxing posters, the gym became his home. PAGES CAMPUS6 Ali Easley’s road from Crown Boxing Club head coach to MSU professor PAGE 7 Like any capitol building, state or otherwise, the lawn and steps of Michigan’s has been the scene of countless demonstrations in the past 143 years. CITY A recent timeline of activism at the state Capitol Building PAGE 4 Michigan State’s Independent Voice LIVING LOCALThe Ins & Outs of Greater Lansing “I think that the more that we see the laws change, the more that the stigma will start to subside,” Lansing cannabis worker said, Leslie Pinder. Bad Annie’s Sweary Goods owner Summer Schrinerer, 44, poses for a photo in her storefront in Old Town in Lansing on Sept. 8. Schrinerer has been in this location for about three years and encourages others to visit Old Town. “Old Town is an amazing community … There’s something for everyone,” Schrinerer said. Photo by Annie Barker - SEE MORE ON PAGE 5

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2022THE STATE NEWS2 amazon.com/joinstudent Start your 6-month trial. andmoviesof6-monthsmusic,delivery as fast as today.

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3 Vol. 113 | No. 3TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2022 STATENEWS.COMTUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2022FEEDBACK@STATENEWS.COM

MSU fans cheer for the first game of the season at Spartan Stadium on Sept. 2. The Spartans beat the Broncos with a score of 35-13.

Photo by Audrey Richardson

By Maggie mgeorge@statenews.comGeorge

JUNE 11, 2022

All of these phrases were the words spoken by George Floyd as a confrontation with police escalated resulting in his murder by a white police officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Caught on video, this confrontation circled the world and

At the end of June, the SCOTUS released its decision to overrule Roe v. Wade, initiating an emotionally charged political atmosphere.

Signs read “Michigan needs to open up, not lock down” and “The Constitution has NOT beenThissuspended”.protest, while advertised as a demonstration to express a lack of support for stay-at-home orders, attracted a varying range of political movements. Protesters carried signs and wore apparel in support of former U.S. President Donald Trump, as well as anti-abortion rhetoric and imagery.

In response to the brutal police violence that

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2022THE STATE NEWSCITY4 1. Open your MSUFCU account. 2. Make 10 debit card purchases. 3. Receive $100. msufcu.org | 517-333-2424 | Visit a branch Offer of $100 valid 5/1/22 to 10/31/22 for those who qualify under the MSU student SEG. MSUFCU account must be activated by 10/31/22 and 10 debit card purchases must post within 30 days of card activation to qualify. The $100 will be deposited into member’s checking account within 6 weeks of the 10th purchase. Not valid for existing members with an MSUFCU checking account. May not be combined with any other deposit offers. If new member is referred to the Credit Union, member referral offer will not apply. CLAIM YOUR $100 We CU SHOWING YOUR SPARTAN SPIRIT.

JUNE 29, 2020

OCTOBER 12, 2021

APRIL 21, 2022

Lansing was adopted at Michigan’s state capitol in 1847 – following in the footsteps of the state’s original legislative heart, Detroit. The Michigan Capitol Building, located at 100 N Capitol Ave. in Lansing, was opened in 1879.

Like any capitol building, state or otherwise, the lawn and steps of Michigan’s has been the scene of countless demonstrations in the past 143 years.

The previous school year brought several heartbreaking cases of gun violence in schools.

READ THE REST AT STATENEWS.COM A RECENT TIMELINE

A small crowd of protestors gathered at the building a little more than a week later – many armed with firearms. However, no large-scale violence occurred.

A Stand with Ukraine rally was held at the Michigan State Capitol on March 20 to show support for Ukrainians suffering through an Criesinvasion.of“Slava Ukraini,” or “Glory to Ukraine” in English, were heard throughout the streets leading up to the Capitol lawn. Protestors carried Ukrainian flags to further the point of

Some notable figures in attendance of this event include current Michigan Attorney General candidate Matthew DePerno and Michigan State Rep. candidate Melissa Carone.

killed several Black individuals, namely Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, protesters demonstrated against police violence by participating in a march. It started at the Michigan Capitol, traveled down Michigan Avenue and returned to the steps of the Capitol Building.

inspired the group Black Lives Matter to mobilize and gain new supporters and traction.

As the topic of police brutality sparked a very emotional response in so many people, protests about the topic continued. In the same month, Black Lives Matter began to demonstrate for the defunding of police on the Capitol lawn.

Following controversy surrounding 2020 Presidential election, supporters of Trump organized at the Michigan Capitol to further their cause. They believed that ordering a “full, forensic audit” of the election would reveal that the former president had earned majority electoral votes and therefore lead to reinstating him as president.

Protesters took to the steps of the Capitol wielding signs that said “Protect safe, legal abortion.” provided by Planned Parenthood, “Abortion is Healthcare” and images of hangers with “Never Again” written on them.

MARCH 20, 2022

Protestors gather on the steps of the Capitol at the Operation Gridlock protest April 15, 2020 in Lansing. STATE NEWS FILE

Amidst the chaos and economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals in support of ending the stay-at-home order gathered in front of the Capitol Building to demonstrate their beliefs.

Chants heard during the protest included “I can’t breathe,” “Loosen my handcuffs please” and “Stop killing me.”

Closer to home in Grand Rapids a Black man named Patrick Lyoya was killed at the hands of the Grand Rapids Police Department after a traffic stop.Lyoya was a refugee of the Democratic Republic of Congo, causing a language barrier during the confrontation.TheCapitol protest that followed stood on the platform of radical police reform or the defunding of the police. Over two years after the murder of Ahmaud Arbery in 2020, protestors expressed their exhaustion with continuing to watch Black people be targeted by the police.

As the school year closed for MSU, constitutional upheaval struck the nation. A draft majority opinion of the Supreme Court showed that five out of nine justices were in favor of upholding a Mississippi law for restrictive abortion access, thus overruling landmark cases Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey that had protected abortion rights across the country for decades.

In late February, Russia invaded the Ukrainian border. This world event struck a chord with members of the MSU community and the country as a whole.

their support.

MAY 3, 2022

Bans Off Our Body organized an event at the Capitol and featured Gov. Gretchen Whitmer among other politicians such as Rep. Lori Pohutsky, Sen. Curtis Hertel and Chief Medical Officer Sarah Wallet.“We rallied at the Capitol and collected many signatures for the reproductive freedom for all ballot initiative,” President of Planned Parenthood Generation Action at MSU Kattiah Richardson said. OF ACTIVISM AT THE STATE CAPITOL BUILDING

In recent years, those demonstrations have become increasingly frequent. The State News has compiled some demonstration highlights from the last few years:

In Michigan, residents felt the pain caused by the shooting at Oxford High School in Oxford. Because of this and other events, March for Our Lives encouraged a worldwide protest against gun violence. This worldwide event found its way onto the Capitol Studentslawn.have watched their schools undergo a transformation to become more secure, as well as their parents, teachers and other community members, gathered to express their frustration with this ongoing problem.

As the crowd attempted to enter the building, they were restricted due to social distancing guidelines.

JANUARY 17, 2022

“The impactful protests I’ve seen pertain to Black Lives Matters and anti-police violence,” Cobbina-Dungy said. “Black Lives Matter, the Movement for Black Lives, One Love Global and a number of grassroots organizations have shown up a number of times to protest police violence, especially on Black and Brown people.”

In response, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer activated the Michigan Army National Guard, and the Michigan State Police increased their presence around the state Capitol Building.

At this particular protest held at the Capitol, organizations such as Black The Vote and Firecracker Foundation also joined. Criminal justice professor Jennifer Cobbina-Dungy said she saw these protests as some of the most impactful in recent years.

The 2020 presidential election between President Joe Biden and Trump spiraled out of control when politicians, activists and government officials began speculating that the election was cheated in support of Biden. As a result, rioters incited a violent insurrection of the U.S. Capitol building on Jan. 6, 2021.

JUNE 3, 2020

APRIL 30, 2020

People march at the protest in Lansing against police brutality May 31, 2020. Photo by Annie Barker

This news struck a chord with the abortion rights activists of the state. In Michigan specifically, a law from 1931 that entirely criminalizes abortion came under fire from abortion activists.

JUNE 24, 2022

The East Lansing area has several options for people looking to add sustainable or organic food to their shopping routine.

Community members sit by the Grand River and Brenke Fish Ladder in Old Town in Lansing on Sept. 8. A mural in Old Town on Sept. 8.

By Lily lguiney@statenews.comGuiney

East Lansing Farmer’s Market manager Karla Forrest-Hewitt said deciding to go to the farmer’s market over supermarkets like Meijer or Target can bring people closer to their“Onecommunity.oftheimportant things about markets in general is that it’s a place for you to connect with your community,” Forrest-Hewitt said. ”Especially for students who just moved to East Lansing for the first time.”

“It’s healthier overall, because it’s straight from a farm,” Debono said. “There’s a lot fewer of those preservatives and stuff that you sometimes find in, like, the grocery store produce.”

The East Lansing Farmer’s Market runs on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. until Oct. 30. The Allen Farmer’s Market is open Wednesdays yearround from 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., with a change in October to 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Both markets accept SNAP/EBT payments.

CONSIDER QUALITY

“Make sure you bring cash, because a lot of them don’t take cards,” Debono said.

week and look up the recipes and go to the farmer’s market with an actual list of what it is that they want, then I think that’s the best way to eat on a budget.”

Even if you aren’t on ‘cottagecore’ TikTok or someone with an NPR tote bag, making the switch to shopping at a local farmer’s market can be a fun, healthy change – and it doesn’t have to break the bank.

“Where we’re located is not too far,” Forrest-Hewitt said. “So you don’t have to travel too far to get your produce.”

East Lansing-area farmer’s markets: Finding community on a budget

TOWNOLDOFPEEKA

While sticker prices for produce might be higher at some farmer’s markets, it’s important to keep in mind you’re paying for a fresher product. Wagemann said that the longevity you’ll get from farmer’s market produce makes it worth the extra cents you might

One of the easiest ways to make any shopping trip more cost-effective is to make a list of what you need before leaving the house. Treat the farmer’s market like any other grocery store and make a physical list before you go to preventWagemannoverspending.saidmaking a plan like this will keep you from buying things you don’t need or that are out of your budget.

Becoming a farmer’s market regular can be a good way to keep everything within your budget. The more you go, the more familiar you’ll be with the market’s vendors and their prices. Wagemann recommends Hillcrest Farms produce and Stone Circle Bakehouse as go-to’s. Forrest-Hewitt suggests Wildflower Eco Farms for organic, non-GMOKnowingproducts.thevendors at your farmer’s market isn’t just practical. It’s a way to build relationships and, if you have anxiety about social situations, a good way to remove the stress from your shopping trip.

LANSING

CITY5STATENEWS.COMTUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2022

Before you write off the farmer’s market as too far away from your dorm or off-campus apartment, take time to learn about alternative transportation.

PLAN AHEAD

“The sense of community is huge,” Wagemann said. “And I think it’s something that especially the past few years, people are really craving again, and a farmers market is such a safe space for you to go to.”

By Annie abarker@statenews.comBarker

Farmer’s markets are having a moment.Fromfood vloggers posting their hauls to your grandma and her friends having a weekend outing, they’ve got something for everyone.

If the Allen Market is calling your name but gas prices aren’t, the market offers pedicab transportation for shop-til-you-drop market goers to a satellite parking lot closer to campus on Michigan Avenue.

“The best way for anybody to shop on a budget is by planning,” Wagemann said. “So if they could plan for their

KNOW YOUR VENDORS

Think that this sounds like a good option for you? Here’s a few tools for making the most of your next farmer’s market trip while staying budget-friendly.

Wagemann, she said she feels like she’s getting a better product for the price at farmer’s markets.

If you don’t have a car, the East Lansing Farmer’s Market is a great option to walk or bike to from campus – it’s located in Valley Court Park, just behind Crunchy’s.

Erik Olson, 24, plays guitar in Old Town in Lansing on Sept. 8. Olson said he comes out often on sunny afternoons. Musicians strumming or singing in the streets are a common occurrence in the area.

Loyalty Barbershop owner Alex Dominguez, 28, right, cuts the hair of patron Aaron Valdez, 41, left, in Old Town in Lansing on Sept. 8. This is Valdez’s first time trying this barbershop as he got a recommendation from his brother. Dominguez says Old Town is the heart of the Art District. “If you give Lansing a shot you can find some cool spots,” Dominguez said. The barbershop also offers beer to patrons 21 and older. “Bring your ID,” Dominguez said.

Debono and her roommate try to buy as much of their produce as they can at the East Lansing market. Like

Both Forrest-Hewitt and Jenny

TRANSPORTATION ALTERNATIVES

Social relations and policy junior Mallory Debono, a weekly farmer’s market shopper, said that it’s also important to come prepared with multiple types of payment, just in case a vendor only accepts a certain form.

Wagemann, director of the Allen Farmer’s Market, said the idea that farmer’s markets are inherently pricier than shopping at a big box store is a common“Peoplemisconception.thinkthatthe farmer’s market is so much more expensive, but it’s not,” Wagemann said. “I think that’s just a facade of some sort that people just imagine. But the quality is better, you’re supporting local, it tastes better.”

“Thepay.food stays better longer because it’s fresher,” Debono said. “It’s picked when it’s actually ripe, so it tastes better. I just feel like my food goes a lot further than it used to when I went to just the grocery store.”

In fact, the East Lansing Farmer’s Market is closer to campus than the nearest Meijer or Walmart locations.

ALI EASLEY’S ROAD FROM HEAD COACH TO PROFESSOR

Psychology junior Angela Mothersell, who also graduated from Okemos High School, felt strongly about coming to MSU. She said she never wanted to go anywhere else.

Tasty Twist, a local ice cream shop located on Grand River Avenue, is one of Mothersell’s favorite East Lansing locations.

“I obviously grew up a Michigan State fan and going to games,” Mothersell said. “But I feel way more part of the community now that I actually go here.”

Before beginning class each semester, Easley reminds the students of the worldclass facility they will work in. Although some courses are catered towards beginner students, the quality and rigor of class time aren’t downplayed compared to competitive athletes’ daily sessions.

“I know MSU like the back of my hand,” Walia said. “It’s a really familiar spot.”

Mathematics sophomore Michael Cherry, who grew up in Charlotte and attended Lansing schools, said he feels more involved in campus culture and activities since becoming a student.

“You’re not watching from the outside,” Cherry said. “Like being in the student section and going to classes instead of just events around campus.”

even when he’s not in school, he is in East Lansing almost every day.

Mathematics sophomore Michael Cherry, who grew up in Charlotte and attended Lansing schools, said he feels more involved in campus culture and activities since becoming a student.

“I just love it, it’s home,” Mothersell said. “I grew up here, I love the environment. I’ve always wanted to be a Spartan, my whole family went here. It’s just a great community.”

When going to college in your hometown, many student traditions may be things you have already experienced. However, for local students like Mothersell, becoming a student changes how a lot of these experiences feel.

CAMPUS TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2022THE STATE NEWS6

MSU students talk transition from locals to students

“From that day forward I said, ‘Okay I get it. I think this is the real sport,’” Easley said.

Aftersaid.taking Easley’s MSU course, public policy junior Andrew Schulman, kinesiology

“I remember we were walking up the steps, and the boxing gym was on the second floor of an old warehouse,” Easley said. “I’m hearing this ‘duh duh duh duh,’ and I couldn’t figure out what the sound was. I get to the top of the steps, he opened the door and just the whole place came to life.”

In the front yard practicing moves in a karate uniform, Easley’s cousin stopped him and said, “You think you really know what you’re doing? You should come to the boxing gym withJustme.”then, Easley was convinced to go to his first boxing gym in downtown Pittsburgh.

“Multiple times a week I have dinner with my dad, and I’ll visit my mom and spend time with my little brother and I’ll see my pets,” Chamberlain said. “It’s really nice to have home so close to campus.”

MSU faculty member and head boxing coach Ali Easley at Crown Boxing Club on Sept. 8. Photo by Sheldon Krause

“Multiple times a week I have dinner with my dad, and I’ll visit my mom and spend time with my little brother and I’ll see my pets,” Chamberlain said. “It’s really nice to have home so close to campus.”

“Coach” to professor

With so many years spent in East Lansing and the surrounding cities, local students know a lot of hidden gems on and near campus. Walia said one of his favorite places to go since childhood is the NCG Cinema, located in the Eastwood Towne Center in BurzychLansing.saidher favorite on-campus coffee spots are Blue Owl Coffee and Foster Coffee, both located on Albert Avenue. She also said she loves to eat at Sansu, a sushi restaurant located on Hagadorn Road in Hannah Plaza.

Burzych said she felt a similar change when she became a student. Instead of seeing MSU’s campus as a fun place to visit or a place to watch sports games, she now views campus as her school.

In 1998, he took over the reins at Lansing’s local boxing gym, Crown Boxing, for competitive training, student boxing courses and beginner adult and youth classes. Filled with champion belts, newspaper features and vintage boxing posters, the gym became his home.

Education junior Kelly Burzych stands in between her siblings Mary Kay and Jay for a photo at the Spartan Statue on a visit in 2006. Burzych has been a local to the Greater Lansing area her entire life, and now goes to Michigan State University. Courtesy Photo from Kelly Burzych

John’s Cider Mill in the fall. The cider mill is located in St. Johns and features fresh donuts and cider along with daily activities.While MSU’s campus is filled with things to do and places to go, Mothersell said she wishes more students would venture outside of East Lansing to see what the Greater Lansing area has to offer.

Discovering his life’s work Easley moved to mid-Michigan to teach at Lansing Community College and Michigan State University, and never stopped his passion for boxing.

Tasty Twist, a local ice cream shop located on Grand River Avenue, is one of Mothersell’s favorite East Lansing locations.

As faculty advisor for Phi Sigma Pi National Honors Fraternity, Easley brought Teach for America and HAWK together to tutor children, have MSU culinary students cook and prepare food for the youth, and offer laundry facilities and showers – all within the walls of Crown Boxing Club.

“Instead you have to raise up a little bit to the standards that we have,” Easley said. “Anybody can do it. It’s just once they make their mind up they’re either going to put the effort in or they’re going to say, ‘Ah, I don’t want that,’ and they’re going to quit.”At the end of each semester, he requires every student to write a one-page opinion paper. Throughout their essays, most students write about how great it felt to be involved in a sports environment or the discipline, energy and effort they received from the

“I know MSU like the back of my hand,” Walia said. “It’s a really familiar spot.”

Another advantage for local students is having a better knowledge of campus than other students. Grand Ledge native and microbiology junior Addy Walia said

“I obviously grew up a Michigan State fan and going to games,” Mothersell said. “But I feel way more part of the community now that I actually go here.”

Easley’s 11-year-old eyes darted across the gym and saw big, shirtless athletes furiously hitting speed bags. He quickly was matched to spar with a young boy around his size.

“I feel like if more people went into Lansing, they would realize that it’s actually pretty nice,” Mothersell said. “It’d be fun if students went to Lugnuts games because they are a lot of fun and it gets you into the city.” experiencing anything completely new, but it can also be an advantage, Burzych said.

“I know MSU like the back of my hand,” Walia said. “It’s a really familiar spot.”

FROM KINDERGARTEN TO COLLEGE:

By Vivian vbarrett@statenews.comBarrett

Professional and public writing senior Kyla Chamberlain lived in East Lansing for the majority of her childhood and grew up attending Haslett schools. As a local, Chamberlain said she has a special connection to MSU.

“Thoseclass.that stick it out, like I said, they learn more about themselves in this class and they make more friends in this class than they will in any other class,” Easley

Being only 15 minutes away from home can make it feel like you’re not experiencing anything completely new, but it can also be an advantage, Burzych said.Not only does it make moving easier, but a hug or a home-cooked meal is just down the road. Staying near home and being close to family was one of the reasons Chamberlain returned to East Lansing after spending her freshman year at the University of Alabama.

“You’re not watching from the outside,” Cherry said. “Like being in the student section and going to classes instead of just events around campus.”

“It’s fun and it’s so easy to go to,” Mothersell said. “And then you can sit in the little outside area and just talk. And it’s cheap, which is nice.”

For some locals, attending Michigan State is the obvious choice. When education junior Kelly Burzych graduated from Okemos High School, she knew she wanted to go to MSU for its top education program — and to follow in her family’s footsteps.“MSU’s also in my blood,” Burzych said. “Everyone in my family went there.”

Chamberlain said she frequents several local farmer’s markets held in Lansing every week. She also said her friends and family take a yearly trip to Uncle

Another advantage for local students is having a better knowledge of campus than other students. Grand Ledge native and microbiology junior Addy Walia said even when he’s not in school, he is in East Lansing almost every day.

Easley said, to them, it didn’t seem like a sport or lifelong passion, but just two young boys play fighting.

Burzych said she felt a similar change when she became a student. Instead of seeing MSU’s campus as a fun place to visit or a place to watch sports games, she now views campus as her school.

Easley also began Help a Willing Kid Foundation, or HAWK, a non-profit organization that combined elements of boxing and a safe place to help underprivileged and impoverished youth in the community.

When going to college in your hometown, many student traditions may be things you have already experienced. However, for local students like Mothersell, becoming a student changes how a lot of these experiences feel.

MSU faculty member, father and “Coach” Ali Easley began his boxing passion with his childhood neighbor, kickboxing and doing martial arts together.

With so many years spent in East Lansing and the surrounding cities, local students know a lot of hidden gems on and near campus. Walia said one of his favorite places to go since childhood is the NCG Cinema, located in the Eastwood Towne Center in BurzychLansing.saidher favorite on-campus coffee spots are Blue Owl Coffee and Foster Coffee, both located on Albert Avenue. She also said she loves to eat at Sansu, a sushi restaurant located on Hagadorn Road in Hannah Plaza.

Not only does it make moving easier, but a hug or a home-cooked meal is just down the road. Staying near home and being close to family was one of the reasons Chamberlain returned to East Lansing after spending her freshman year at the University of Alabama.