Michael Brand, director of MSU’s Wharton Center since 2004, announced his plans to retire this week. He plans to exit before the fall, although he is willing to stay on a bit longer, if asked. more

The world of writers was agog when federal legislation was introduced to hire unemployed authors to produce a written chronicle of the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on American society.  more

I picked out my complete collection of the Duke University Press “Latin American Readers,” which are all primary source documents for different countries in Latin America. I have 17 of them.  more

After Adam Jonathan Jones, 45, passed away this year, his friend (and From Big Sur bandmate) Kevin Ream began searching for the songs he left behind. The result is a new self-titled Adam Jones compilation showcasing the late songwriter’s dynamic output of music. From lush rock ’n roll and funky jams, to experimental loner-folk ballads, this disc is a heartfelt sendoff for a brilliant local talent. more

From the tiniest of baby rabbits to the fiercest of bald eagles, any wild animal out there, no matter its position on the food chain, can become prone to a life-threatening injury. more

On this edition of City Pulse On the Air, arts editor Skyler Ashley speaks with concert promoter Sally Potter about the upcoming Ten Pound Fiddle season, reporter Cole Tunningley talks to true crime … more

Around 8:30 p.m. last Friday, the setting sun beamed straight into singer Freddie Cunningham’s eyes. more

A lone trombone casts a shard of song onto the waves, a bottle with a note inside: Is anybody out there? more

Detroit media personality Harvey Ovshinsky’s memoir “Scratching the Surface: Adventures in Storytelling” is a cathartic journey.  more

Punks With Lunch Lansing has more to offer than just a free meal. At a typical food distribution event you can find harm reduction supplies, hula-hooping lessons, free clothing and even live music. The vibe is lively and welcoming. The organization tries to help out the community in every way it can. more

Nurturing a houseplant is a soothing hobby. You get to watch your plant thrive and positively respond to the love that you give it. Many people took to gardening during the pandemic as a way to distract themselves from the chaos of the outside world. more

Local organizations Downtown Lansing Inc. and Capital Point Investments have organized a fun day of unique activities spread out all across Downtown Lansing this Saturday. Those who venture downtown … more

On this revamped edition of City Pulse On the Air, arts editor Skyler Ashley interviews frequent City Pulse collaborator Nevin Speerbrecker. more

Deadtime Stories, a REO Town book shop dedicated to true crime, paranormal and other horror-tinged fare, is expanding to include a gift shop, even more media including films and, eventually, an ice cream parlor. more

A new festival is coming to Lansing that aims to prove just how fun the paranormal can be. more

Each June, Mackinac Island’s thousands of lilac bushes go in bloom and transform the island into a majestic profusion of purples, whites and pinks. more

Blair, who served as Michigan’s governor during the Civil War, is depicted in bronze standing with his left hand resting on a Civil War battle flag. But walk around the back of the monument dedicated in 1898, read one of three quotes from Blair, and you’ll see something that makes the monument almost one of a kind. more

Now on its second LP, the Conspicuous Bystanders continue to perfect its brand of dramatic rock ’n roll that is powerfully gritty yet dynamically soulful. more

In 2021, few bystanders will bat an eye at an LGBTQ pride parade, and cantankerous right-wing protesters often find themselves drowned out by a rainbow sea of bodies. While there’s work required toward LGBTQ acceptance forevermore, events like pride rallies, marches and parades become more normalized as each year passes. But this acceptance didn’t come from nowhere — it took decades of hard work and statewide networking and organizing efforts.  more

For all their diversity, this year’s recipients share two rare attributes. They excel at bringing people together and they are passionate and tireless builders of safe spaces for the LGBTQIA+ community. more