The usual trio of Andrew Graham, Emily Joan Elliott and Alice Dreger break down the latest news from East Lansing and bring an interview from an ELi donor.
East Lansing Policing
ELPD Looking for 5 Suspects in Cell Phone Store Robbery
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The robbery took place at the 1000 block of Trowbridge Avenue just before 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020. Andrew Graham reports.
Spend Locally
Spend Locally – A New and Urgent Series from ELi
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It’s time to give up on the idea of the perfect gift and buy the gift that will save your local economy. Alice Dreger and Emily Joan Elliott explain why ELi is launching its new series “SPEND LOCALLY”!
General News
What’s on the Docket in East Lansing Next Week?
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Despite Thanksgiving being on Thursday, there’s a slew of meetings over the first half of the week. Andrew Graham breaks down what’s to come.
General News
More on the Cost of Living Rising in East Lansing
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How does ELi cover taxes and finances in East Lansing? Publisher Alice Dreger explains.
General News
Join the ELi Team on Sunday for “Fun with FOIA,” a Live Conversation and Workshop!
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Join the ELi staff Sunday at 7p.m. for “Fun with FOIA,” a live conversation about our work using documents provided through the Freedom on Information Act and a workshop on developing your own FOIA request.
COVID-19
Listen to ‘East Lansing Insider’ Featuring City Council Member Dana Watson
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Watson joins the podcast for an interview with Andrew Graham, where they discuss a number of pressing topics in East Lansing. Listen for more.
COVID-19
Local Moderna Vaccine Trial Participant Shares His Experience
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Retired MSUPD Police Chief Jim Dunlap spoke with ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott about his participation in the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine trial.
COVID-19
Ingham County Braces to Handle the Ongoing Covid-19 Surge
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Covid-19 cases are surging locally. What does this mean for hospital capacity, testing, and contact tracing? Who is most vulnerable? ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott reports.
East Lansing Policing
East Lansing Says It Is an “Open Government.” The Reality Is More Challenging.
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ELi has frequently encountered issues with Freedom of Information requests, finding that requests are often incomplete and are answered at the last possible moment. Andrew Graham explains.
Development
Big Infrastructure Project Will Change Park District Area – and Peoples Church Isn’t Pleased
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A long-planned project will improve sewer infrastructure and change the amount of parking in the area, leaving some displeased. Alice Dreger reports.
Development
TechSmith Tax Exemption Request Heard, While Parking System Is Bleeding Money
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During a discussion-only meeting, Council members seemed open to the idea of a tax exemption for TechSmith and briefly workshopped parking solutions, among other things. Andrew Graham reports.
COVID-19
New Statewide Orders Issued as Covid-19 Pandemic Worsens
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New restrictions go into effect on Wednesday to curb the spread of Covid-19. Andrew Graham and Emily Joan Elliott explain what this means for East Lansing.
General News
UPDATE: FOUND Missing Child in East Lansing
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Peyton Farner has returned home safely, according to ELPD.
finance and taxes
The Rising Cost of Living in East Lansing
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The cost of living in and running a business in East Lansing has indeed been going up. Alice Dreger reviews some of the changes.
Caring for Each Other
Interfaith Effort in East Lansing to Prevent Hunger
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Local religious groups worked together on Oct. 31 to provide produce and dairy products for the community. Adan Tomas Quan tells us how it got started.
East Lansing Policing
Listen to Episode 4 of the ‘East Lansing Insider’
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The trio of Alice Dreger, Emily Joan Elliott and Andrew Graham break down the latest happenings in East Lansing. Read on to listen.
East Lansing Policing
Police Oversight Study Committee Forms Subcommittees, Discusses Transparency Frustrations
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The discussion about transparency comes days after the Human Rights Commission had a similar discussion about police transparency. Heather Brothers reports.
East Lansing Policing
Human Rights Commissioners Frustrated About Police Transparency
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Members of the use of force subcommittee expressed their frustration with ELPD’s handling of a request for body camera footage and case reports. Andrew Graham unpacks the discussion.
General News
Why I Report for ELi
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Why should you support ELi? Managing Editor Emily Joan Elliott explains why she loves working here.
Development
Many Big Issues Coming Before East Lansing’s Elected and Appointed Officials
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A stacked City Council agenda, another meeting of the Police Oversight Study Committee, School Board, and more. Alice Dreger reports.
East Lansing Policing
News Recap and An Interview with Chuck Grigsby in New ‘East Lansing Insider’
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Andrew Graham, Emily Joan Elliott and Alice Dreger break down the latest news and happenings in East Lansing. Listen for more.
Ask ELi to Investigate
Ask ELi: How is the City Addressing Potential Lead in Service Lines?
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An ELi reader wanted to know what the City is doing about potential lead contamination in service lines. Andrew Graham brings answers.
General News
‘Race and Ethnicity’ Reports from ELPD Concern Study Committee
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After a presentation on Oct. 26, several members of the Study Committee on an Independent Police Oversight Commission expressed concern about the rate at which ELPD officers interacted with African Americans. Heather Brothers reports.
Your ELi
We Can Double Your Gift to ELi Now!
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Make a donation in support of ELi today and see your tax-deductible gift DOUBLED!
COVID-19
Tracking Alleged Violations of Public Health Orders With ELi
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Curious where ELPD is issuing citations for alleged violations of public health orders? ELi’s Nathan Andrus helps you visualize it.
General News
A Deep Dive on Center City District in Latest ‘East Lansing Insider’
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ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott, Alice Dreger and Andrew Graham break down what happened over the weekend and bring an in-depth feature on the Center City District bonds disputes.
General News
Commission on the Environment Pushing for Ban of Coal Tar Sealants
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The group is going to see a proposed resolution in November after getting a presentation on coal tar sealants from EGLE’s Christie Alwin.
COVID-19
Outdoor Gatherings Restricted to 10 People in Parts of East Lansing
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Ingham County further restricted the size of outdoor gatherings to 10 in student-heavy parts of East Lansing ahead of Halloween and the MSU-UM showdown. Emily Joan Elliott reports.
Arts & Cultures
Bailey Park Open to Public Again After Renovations
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The park reopened on Friday, Oct. 23, following roughly three years of improvements. Anaiis Rios-Kasoga reports for ELi.
East Lansing Policing
Police Oversight Study Committee Yet to Approve Work Plan After 2nd Meeting
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The meeting also featured a data presentation by Deputy Police Chief Steve Gonzalez and discussion of the police union’s role in the eventual oversight commission. Heather Brothers reports.
General News
What City Laws Do ELi Readers Want Changed?
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Earlier in October, ELi asked what laws in East Lansing you, the readers, would like to see changed. Andrew Graham brings you the responses.
General News
If You Are Doing Okay, Can You Please Give ELi a Few Minutes?
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Alice has made a short video directed at people who are doing pretty okay financially and who understand the value of ELi. Now is the time.
COVID-19
Mixed Bag for MSU Game Day as Several Students Face Fines, Restorative Justice Program
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What did game day look like in East Lansing look like on Saturday? And what will happen to students who violated public health orders? ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott and Heather Brothers report.
General News
A Brief News Update and Looking Ahead at Next Week
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ELi is following the happenings on game day and getting you prepped for the next week of meetings in ELPS and City of East Lansing government. Andrew Graham brings you up to speed.
Ask ELi to Investigate
This Week’s Ask ELi Grab Bag!
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Is the HUB adding more retail? Who gets the nicer side of a fence? When can I use the track at ELHS? Find the answers to all that and more in this week’s Ask ELi Grab Bag!
General News
Introducing a Podcast from ELi: ‘East Lansing Insider’
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The podcast will bring you news and analysis of the latest happenings in East Lansing by our staff each week.
General News
What Happened at City Council Last Night?
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Alice Dreger takes you through the news and notes from a (very) brief City Council meeting on Tuesday night.
General News
Greater Lansing Food Bank Mobile Distribution Coming to East Lansing Thursday
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The Greater Lansing Food Bank will be holding a drive-through mobile food distribution at the University Lutheran Church. Amalia Medina brings us the details.
Environment
“Cooped” Up Inside? These Friends Help You Get Out!
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Chickens aren’t the typical family pet, but they may have more to give your family than you think. ELi’s Heather Brothers gets the coop scoop from Dr. Marguerite Halversen.
Development
What’s on the Agenda In East Lansing Next Week?
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Several bodies, including City Council, the Downtown Development Authority, and the Commission on the Environment, meet next week. Andrew Graham takes you through the agendas.
General News
Police Oversight Study Committee Finally Meets, Begins Daunting Task
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After one meeting, it’s clear the task the group is charged with is a major one — and they have a six month period to get it done.
General News
TSB Capital Advisors’ relations with Harbor Bay Real Estate Advisors
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This page tracks materials related to the involvement of TSB Capital Advisors in East Lansing’s Center City District deal. TSB Capital Advisors took credit for having “consulted on construction financing” for this deal, indicating, “This transaction continued the firm’s successful relationship with Harbor Bay Real Estate Advisors.” The following letter from Timothy S. Bradley of TBS Capital Advisers was provided by Mark Bell of Harbor Bay as part of a packet presented for the Planning Commission meeting on March 22, 2017. (The packet included heavily redacted market studies.)
TSB-Capital-Advisors-Timothy-S.-Bradley-to-Mark-Bell-March-8-2017Download
Here is more from the Harbor Bay presentation on the project to Planning Commission at that time:
Developer-presentation-to-PC-March-22Download
Harbor Bay included TSB Capital in the list of groups it thanked in the May 2018 invitation to a celebration of the project. TSB has arranged funding for other Harbor Bay projects in Cleveland and Grand Forks (ND).
General News
For Crunchy’s and The Peanut Barrel, Fall Brings Apprehension, Optimism
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Game days are returning, even if later than usual. What does it mean for local bars and restaurants during the pandemic? Elke Schrenk reports.
Development
Documents Show Harbor Bay’s Persistent Efforts to Change Deal
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A Freedom of Information Act request from ELi yielded a cache of informative documents regarding the Center City District and Newman Lofts. Andrew Graham unpacks them.
General News
St. John Food Cupboard Serves Community During Pandemic
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The folks at St. John Food Cupboard, located in downtown East Lasing, want people to know they have supplies available for those facing hunger. Adan Tomas Quan brings us the details.
General News
Your ELi: Remembering an Extraordinary Council-Watcher
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“What local news does is unite and empower the people who believe that democracy is a moral act.” ELi’s Alice Dreger remembers John Kloswick, her Council-watching partner.
General News
An East Lansing Sunday Tailgate for Book-Lovers
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The Friends of the East Lansing Public Library is continuing its mission of supporting the East Lansing Public Library. Sarah Spohn explains how you can join in this Sunday.
General News
checklists for Covid-19
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ELi-Covid-19-checklist-for-everybody-in-East-LansingDownload
ELi-Covid-19-checklist-for-businesses-in-East-LansingDownload
ELi-covid-19-info-on-gathering-limits-1Download
ELi-COVID-19-checklist-for-restaurantsDownload
Elections
How Can I Vote Before Election Day?
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Interested in voting in the Nov. 3 election ahead of time? ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott brings you some helpful tips from poll inspectors.
COVID-19
Answers to Your Latest East Lansing-Area Coronavirus Questions
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Has the Michigan Supreme Court decision really changed COVID-19 requirements here? Are hospitalizations on the rise? Is testing down? ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott turned to Ingham County Health Officer Linda Vail for answers to our readers’ questions.
COVID-19
Where to Get Help for Stress, Depression, and Anxiety in the East Lansing Area
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ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott reminds you where you can find mental health support and resources in the area.
General News
Drive-Thru Flu Shots Available Saturday at No Cost to Community
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MSU College of Human Medicine to offer free flu vaccines and explains the importance of the flu shot during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Elections
UPDATED! Ask ELi: Answers to Your Voting-Related Questions
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For National Voter Registration Day, ELi got in touch with City Clerk Jennifer Shuster to help answer questions from our readers.
General News
ELi’s Summer Youth Journalism Program Wrote On this Summer
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ELi held its Sumer Youth Journalism Program in a virtual format this summer. What did the participants gain from the experience?
General News
With Half-Million-Dollar Contract Approved, Foster Swift Firm Becomes East Lansing’s City Attorney
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The main feature of the new contract is a $500,000 annual cost cap. But the City could end up paying more than that to Foster Swift in any given year — Andrew Graham reports on how that works.
COVID-19
Interactive Map Shows Info on Quarantined Houses
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See ELi’s map that includes the locations being quarantined, type of residence, and length of quarantine.
General News
Quarantined Houses Map
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Testing
<iframe src=”https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1qmFOHzg73J5PKZ848XQO8DstKpTqbre-” width=”640″ height=”480″></iframe>
General News
What Happened at School Board This Week?
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The Board heard more from the Superintendent about when kids will return to school and got an update on the free-meals program. ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott reports.
Your ELi
ELi Restarts Posting at Facebook
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A total of 256 people took our survey about ELi posting at Facebook. We bring you the results.
General News
How to make sure Facebook is showing you ELi’s latest work
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Facebook filters what you see based on Facebook’s interests. If your OWN interest is in making sure you see every news report from ELi shortly after it is published at our website, follow these instructions to make sure ELi pushes to your news feed. If you’re accessing Facebook through a computer, scan down this page to the section marked “Instructions for desktop view.” INSTRUCTIONS FOR MOBILE VIEW:
Step 1: Be logged onto Facebook and go ELi’s Facebook page. Step 2: Click on the three dots that look like this:
Step 3: click on “following” as shown below:
Step 4: Click on the option for “News Feed – Customize your News Feed”:
Step 5: Now click “Favorites,” which will let Facebook know to push our posts to your newsfeed.
General News
Remembering the “Godfather” of the Region: East Lansing’s James Butler III
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“He was the conscience of our board,” recalls Dr. Peter Graham “We get jaded. He never did. He never took ‘oh well’ as an answer.”
General News
Your ELi: Organizational Regrouping
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ELi undergoes a transition (which may temporarily impact our news production) and asks you to consider taking a couple of steps to help us stay connected to you.
General News
Why Did ELi Just Wish Courtney a Happy Birthday?
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Want to send a happy message about a person or institution at the top of our daily mailer? You now can!
COVID-19
And It’s Off: MSU Goes Remote for Fall Undergraduate Classes
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MSU announced late Tuesday afternoon that it is suspending in-person learning for undergraduate courses for the fall semester. The impact on East Lansing will be significant.
COVID-19
Frustration Brewing Over Maskless People on Both Sides of Grand River
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Mask enforcement in East Lansing is turning out to be tricky. Emily Joan Elliott brings the details.
General News
Your ELi: Why We Didn’t Cover The County Commissioner Races
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Readers have written in asking why ELi did not provide in-depth reporting about the August 4th election. Publisher Natalie Rose explains why we don’t cover every local election the same way.
COVID-19
UPDATE: Rental and Mortgage Assistance Now Available for Income-Eligible East Lansing Residents
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UPDATE: Rental and mortgage assistance is now available on a first-come, first-serve basis for East Lansing residents whose income is at or below the area median income. ELi’s Chris Root explains the programs.
Ask ELi to Investigate
New Data Show How the Harper’s Superspreader Event Played Out
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Now we know: Younger people infected older people. The outbreak reached 18 counties in Michigan. And many were infected before the cluster was identified.
Elections
UPDATE: Ingham County Voters Pass Elder Persons Millage in August 2020 Election
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What’s the Elder Persons Millage on the Aug. 4 Ingham County ballot about? ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott explains.
COVID-19
Former Harper’s Employees Appeal to City Council for Justice, as Owners Fight Back
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With Harper’s still closed after the COVID-19 outbreak, the owners are now defending themselves against recent accusations of unsafe conditions and failure to fully compensate workers.
Arts & Cultures
NPR’s Fresh Air Talks about ELi as a Local News Model
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ELi readers are excited to hear our work mentioned on Fresh Air this week. Want to know the backstory?
General News
Check Out ELi’s Chatty Newsletter!
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Did you know the Center City mural is finished and the Jolly Pumpkin sign is up? Want quick East Lansing Info news updates in your mailbox? ELi has launched a “chatty” newsletter. Read our latest and sign up!
COVID-19
Harper’s Owners Will Face Hearing Before the Liquor Control Commission: What to Expect
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The Michigan Liquor Control Commission has scheduled a hearing on Thursday to look into the COVID-19 outbreak linked to Harper’s. What could happen?
East Lansing Policing
Policing “Realignment” Announced, as Police Oversight Study Committee Named
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The plan will create a new branch within ELPD to respond to things like mental health crises, neighbor conflict resolution, and quality of life complaints.
General News
Materials related to the Center City District deal
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Brian-Lefler-to-Lori-Mullins-City-of-East-Lansing-BRA-on-Center-City-District-Deal-July-11-2017Download
East-Lansing-BRA-Center-City-Trust-Indenture-SIGNED-Center-City-DistrictDownload
Center-City-District-bond-Baird-closing-letter-12-13-2017Download
Center-City-District-final-master-development-agreement-October-2017Download
Mark-Meadows-communication-prior-to-July-9-2020-meeting-of-BRA-called-by-him-refinance-concerns-city-centerDownload
Exhibit-N-from-the-signed-Center-City-District-Master-Development-AgreementDownload
Brownfield_24__Resolution__NEW-redline-version-passed-on-June-20-2017Download
East-Lansing-City-Council-minutes-for-June-20-2017-approved-July-27-2017Download
Miller-Canfield-Oct-22-2020-Memo-re-2017-BRA-BondsDownload
Mark-Meadows-letter-to-Peter-Dewan-on-Center-City-District-bonds-late-Oct-2020Download
Arts & Cultures
The View of Our Downtown Barbers
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East Lansing’s downtown barbers are working to keep it all safe. “I lost some family due to COVID-19,” one local barbershop employee tells ELi’s Aaron Applebey. “It’s definitely been an eye-opener.”
General News
With Police Oversight Commission Still Far from Existence, What Role Will the Human Relations Commission Play in the Meantime?
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East Lansing’s civil rights commission is pushing to learn more about use of force incidents by ELPD officers. This and other policing issues were discussed at the group’s recent meeting.
General News
ELi Will Hold the Fourth Annual Summer Youth Journalism Program
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ELi will hold our Summer Youth Journalism Program online this July and August. Read on for details and the program application.
General News
Fallout from Harper’s Covid Cluster Continues
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East Lansing made national headlines thanks to the outbreak at Harper’s. Now businesses downtown are trying to manage the problem.
COVID-19
Looking at Harper’s Cluster Outbreak, MSU Teaching Assistants Question Reopening Campus
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As the Harper’s cluster count hits 85 (with no hospitalizations), graduate Teaching Assistants are questioning the wisdom of on-campus teaching this fall. Emily Joan Elliott reports for ELi.
General News
East Lansing Police Department (ELPD) Annual Reports
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This page archives the annual reports of the East Lansing Police Department. ELPD-Annual-Report-2019Download
ELPD-Annual-Report-2018Download
ELPD-Annual-Report-2017Download
ELPD-Annual-Report-2016Download
ELPD-Annual-Report-2014Download
Your ELi
ELi Is Taking a Break from Facebook
|
This decision has been a long time coming. It’s made in the service of our core mission: bringing accurate and timely news of East Lansing.
COVID-19
County Health Officials Now Identify 14 Coronavirus Cases Tied to Harper’s
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As Harper’s closes for cleaning, ELi hears from the owners about what they say the City has done wrong. What’s going to happen here come fall?
Ask ELi to Investigate
UPDATE: Gunfire in Chesterfield Hills Confirmed by Police
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“There was one arrest made,” ELPD Captain Chad Connelly tells ELi.
Development
East Lansing’s Downtown Development Authority Votes for Independent Counsel
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The DDA voted unanimously to seek expert independent legal counsel. The most immediate need is representation in any deal made over the Evergreen properties. Andrew Graham reports for ELi.
General News
Pinecrest Neighborhood to Hold Juneteenth Demonstration and Celebration
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Tomorrow, in recognition of Juneteenth and ongoing calls for racial justice, East Lansing’s Pinecrest Neighborhood Association is hosting a march. Sarah Spohn reports for ELi.
East Lansing Policing
Council Member Lisa Babcock Floats Five Proposals on Police Oversight and Equity in Prosecution
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Lisa Babcock has proposed East Lansing’s Council quickly pass five measures to deal with possible excessive use of force by police and possible bias in the City Attorney’s prosecution. ELi’s Andrew Graham spoke with her and Human Relations Commissioner Chuck Grigsby.
Arts & Cultures
Many East Lansing Businesses Are Back Open (and Need Customers to Survive)
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The weather is beautiful for strolling downtown, and lots of businesses are back open. ELi’s Amalia Medina reports.
Development
In Change of Plans, The CITADEL Project Makes the Parking the City’s Problem
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Is big new office space viable? What tax incentives will the developers want? And what does the new “stakeholders” team think of it all?
Arts & Cultures
Virtual Poet Event to Raise Funds for Local Refugee Shelter
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This Thursday night, “Where I’m From,” a virtual poetry event open to all, is raising funds to aid refugees in the local community. ELi’s Sarah Spohn provides the details.
East Lansing Policing
Siemon Asks Attorney General for Special Prosecutor in ELPD Stephenson Case
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Ingham County Prosecutor Carol Siemon has informed ELi that she is taking a major step in the ongoing investigation into the actions of ELPD Officer Andrew Stephenson, accused by two African American men of brutality.
General News
Downtown Development Authority Moves to Hire Independent Counsel
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Until now, East Lansing’s DDA has relied on City Attorney Tom Yeadon. Now it is moving to hire independent counsel.
East Lansing Policing
Residents Along Route Join Peaceful Protest March on Sunday
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Rane, the leader of yesterday’s event, told those assembled the conflict “is not Black versus White. Let us be clear about that. It is racism against America. It is inequality against America.”
Arts & Cultures
The Farmers Market Opens Sunday, Pandemic Style. Here’s What to Expect.
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Expect fresh eggs, bread, herbs, spring onions, rhubarb, honey, syrup, greens, cheeses and meat, mushrooms, jams, fermentations, and more.
General News
ELPD Seeks Information on Bananas Left on Sidewalks with Racist Messaging
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ELi has been made aware of at least three cases of this, and East Lansing Police detectives are now seeking more information from community members.
General News
ELPD Vehicle Smashed in Large and Angry Protest Over Police Brutality
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About a thousand people came to protest at East Lansing Police headquarters today as part of nationwide protests against racist police brutality. In a tense stand-off, a police vehicle’s windows were smashed.
Ask ELi to Investigate
Just How Easy Is It to Get Tested for Coronavirus in the East Lansing Area?
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What’s it like getting tested? Where can you get tested? And why does everyone we hear from in our area seem to come back negative?
Arts & Cultures
Foster Coffee Reopens on East Lansing’s Albert Ave.
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ELi’s Sarah Spohn talks with Foster Coffee co-owner Nicholas Pidek about how that company is managing reopening.
Ask ELi to Investigate
Don’t Go Hungry: Food Banks Are Here to Help
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Various local organizations are stepping up to help people who need no-cost food to live without hunger.
General News
ELi Is Awarded Two National Grants for COVID-19 Reporting
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The public health emergency has caused ELi’s reporting rate to surge 60 percent over the same period last year. Fortunately, we’ve secured extra funding to meet the increased costs.
Arts & Cultures
Little Local Joys: Modern Meets Medieval in Basement Build
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In our continuing series on small joys during the stay-at-home orders, we bring you the story of one teenager’s basement quest to build a pipe organ from scratch.
Environment
Area Composters Share the Dirt on Their Dirt
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Want to reduce your household carbon footprint? Here’s an easy way.
Environment
The Red Cedar River Is Flooding
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The Red Cedar River is up over its banks. ELi’s Gary Caldwell brings us photos.
General News
Citizen Petition Demands East Lansing Police Officer Stephenson Be Fired
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Following release of police body cam video, citizens and at least one Human Relations Commissioner are demanding more action by ELPD, the East Lansing City Manager, and City Council.
General News
Hey, 517! Playmakers Has a Run/Walk for Just for Us
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Marcy Gillespie Kinzer of the Playmakers team updates us on the store’s “fit at home” and virtual injury clinic help. And this Sunday, you can move to share the 517 love.
General News
ELi Readers Match Donated Local Funds, Raise $16K for Local News!
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Thank you, ELi readers, for your generous donations and wonderfully supportive words!
Ann About Town
Ann About Town: Campbell’s for Groceries
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“It is really the grocery store in East Lansing that many of us have wanted for years. The owners are local, the service is excellent.”
General News
ELi Obtains Support Through a New Spartan-Invented Donation System
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ELi Publisher Natalie Rose explains why we have been using Omella to fundraise for East Lansing Info during our Stimulate ELi’s Reporting campaign.
COVID-19
Where to Get Help for Stress, Depression, and Anxiety in the East Lansing Area
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Stressed out in the midst of all this? Lonely? Feeling down? Here is what you need to know about people who can help in our area.
General News
Kelli Ellsworth Etchison Recognized as Community Service Leader
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East Lansing resident Kelli Ellsworth Etchison centers her life on helping people feel that they belong. She has some advice for those who want to provide community service.
Arts & Cultures
How to Best Support Our Local Coffee Shops, Bakeries, and Restaurants
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Here’s how you can help keep your favorite East Lansing-area coffee shops, restaurants, and bakeries alive!
General News
Natalie Rose Named New Publisher and Executive Director of ELi
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Natalie Rose is taking over the role ELi founder Alice Dreger has played until now. The changes come with unanimous support of ELi’s Board.
COVID-19
Amid Pandemic Challenges, MSU Safe Place Is Still Addressing Relationship Abuse
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Advocacy coordinator Erica Schmittdiel tells ELi what’s happening amid the Stay-at-Home orders for relationship abuse and sexual assault survivors.
COVID-19
Plasma Treatment Project Continues to Grow: An Update from Dr. Paneth
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MSU’s Dr. Nigel Paneth gives an update on the project he’s leading to bring antibodies from recovered people to those who might be saved.
COVID-19
Long-Time Owner of Curious Book Shop Is Hoping the Community Will Help
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Ray Walsh has owned and operated Curious Book Shop for fifty years. He’s hoping the community will help his employees.
COVID-19
We Have Almost $5,000 in Match Dollars That Need You
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We have now lined up $6,300 in match commitments from local donors, and so far we’ve brought in $1,356 in additional donations.
Arts & Cultures
Bar and Restaurant Owners Group Helps School District Solve Lunch Debt
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When the Responsible Hospitality Council learned of the ELPS need, its members quickly took action.
COVID-19
Racist Slurs Thrown at East Lansing Public Library Board by Zoombombers
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The City of East Lansing is working on how to hold public meetings without allowing disruptions that are seen as inappropriate.
General News
We Need Your Financial Help for ELi’s Reporting
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Can you help us stimulate local reporting and local jobs with some of your stimulus check?
Arts & Cultures
Sundance Jewelers’ Attempt to Reach Customers Is Blocked at Worst Time
|
Bad time to have a communication to loyal customers go to spam! But Audrey Yonkus shares beautiful photos with ELi.
General News
Here Comes the Free Yard-Waste Pick-Up
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Yard waste pick-up counts as “essential.” It also stops the storm drains from getting clogged.
General News
One Pint is Worth Three Lives
|
Blood is needed to help people facing emergency surgeries and birthing mothers. Find out how you can help.
COVID-19
Latest Ingham County Coronavirus Stats Show Race Matters Here
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We bring the latest data from Ingham County, including about age, race, and geographic distribution.
COVID-19
Coronavirus Hits Burcham Hills Senior Center
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A resident and an employee have tested positive for COVID-19, but the cases are unrelated.
General News
East Lansing’s Public Health Is Threatened by Insurance Gaps
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East Lansing’s public health during COVID-19 is being shaped by our demographics and complex health insurance system.
East Lansing Public Library
ELi has six more years’ reporting on the East Lansing Public Library in our archives!
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Find out how to find more!
General News
Eleven Thousand Masks Later, the Requests Haven’t Stopped
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The need and the challenges are high, but this ever-growing community of sewists keeps making masks, headbands, gowns, and more.
COVID-19
When Will MSU Students Return? Who Knows.
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When will life in East Lansing return to normal? And what’s happening to faculty and international students?
COVID-19
City of East Lansing Looking to Help Prevent Homelessness
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In an effort to prevent homelessness, the Cities of East Lansing and Lansing are making extraordinary contributions to Haven House and other charities.
General News
ELi’s Summer Youth Journalism Program
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East Lansing Info (ELi) isn’t just about producing meaningful news for the people of the East Lansing area. It’s also about engaging our community in the process of public-service journalism so that we increase media literacy and appreciation for high-quality journalism. We believe it is our job to help the people of our community learn to distinguish between real news and fake, independent news versus “sponsored content” (which we never publish), and fact from opinion. Our Summer Youth Journalism Program, running annually since 2017, contributes to both sides of ELi – news production and promotion of media literacy. Our program Director, Cody Harrell, has been at the heart of the program’s success.
General News
ELi Has a New Website!
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ELi’s Publisher explains why the ELi team decided to create a whole new website for our readers.
General News
What Whitmer’s Education Order Means for ELPS Families: TBD
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Under a new executive order, school buildings will remain closed for the rest of this school year. But what about the education of East Lansing Public Schools’ kids? Emily Joan Elliott reports.
Environment
Question of Park-Naming Leads to Significant Debate
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What to do – if anything – about there being no parks in East Lansing named after women or people of color? The debate continues.
COVID-19
East Lansing High Students Taking Varied Paths During School Closure
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ELi reporter and ELHS student Alex Hosey reports on what East Lansing High students have been experiencing in the last few weeks. What have been our teens’ activities and concerns?
General News
Newly-Released Data Show Racial Bias in East Lansing Policing
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What African Americans have been saying for years has now been shown conclusively: stops made by East Lansing Police Department officers evidence a cumulative racial bias.
Little Joys
Little Local Joys: Uniting with Light
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For our continuing “Little Local Joys” series, ELi’s Ann Kammerer spoke with East Lansing resident Nancy Cuddeback about the movement to honor medical professionals with candles tonight.
Ask ELi to Investigate
Are Our Hospitals Ready? What If We Run Out of Ventilators? ELi Bringing Answers
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Today, ELi brings answers to readers’ medical questions about the coronavirus: Are our area hospitals ready? What if they are overwhelmed? Will donated blood be safe? And more.
Arts & Cultures
ELHS Black Student Union Promotes Fellowship
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ELi’s Anaiis Rios-Kasoga reports on what the Black Student Union at East Lansing High School has been doing to promote self-love, insight, and community.
COVID-19
Eviction and Foreclosure Relief Available; Experts Recommend Communicating Needs
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Various groups in this region, including the Capital Area Housing Partnership, are working to help people avoid eviction, foreclosure, and homelessness.
COVID-19
Team Effort Serving Vulnerable Populations in East Lansing
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A group called “EL Neighbors and Communities Help Each Other” has been working to serve the needs of vulnerable populations during the pandemic.
COVID-19
Nurses and Doctors: “We need your help – stay home!”
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A local nurse tells ELi she is afraid “that people are not taking this seriously and putting our lives at risk” as healthcare providers. ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott reports.
Arts & Cultures
Threat of Coronavirus Forces Peace Corps Volunteer to Leave Dominican Republic
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Caitlin Hegg is concerned about the community she left behind two weeks ago when Peace Corps officials told her she had to return to the U.S. Amalia Medina files this report for ELi.
COVID-19
Ingham County Health Department: “This virus has spread in the community.”
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Data are showing conclusively that coronavirus has been spreading in Ingham County. Local experts say the real numbers are definitely above the official counts.
COVID-19
How to Get Tested When the Hotlines are Ringing off the Hook
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Should you get tested if you have symptoms of the coronavirus? And if so, how do you go about it here? ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott explains.
Arts & Cultures
East Lansing Couple Share View of Pandemic from Taiwan
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Smitty Smith, known to folks in East Lansing from the Pump House Concert series, shares a view of the pandemic from Taiwan, where he currently resides with his wife.
General News
Like to Write and Need Money for College? Here’s a Chance to Earn $2,500
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Lansing Area Fedral Credit Union (LAFCU) will award two high school seniors $2,500 each for their essays on the impact that technology has on their lives. ELi’s Noa Kuszai provides the details.
Little Joys
Little Local Joys: My Aunt’s 100th Birthday
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A milestone in life amid emergency conditions: a time to celebrate, albeit a bit more quietly.
COVID-19
Pandemic Stalls Construction – But The Abbot Lands a Retail Tenant
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The crane is no longer moving at The Abbot. But there’s some good news from the project. ELi’s Alice Dreger reports.
General News
Local Citizens Unite to 3D Print Face Masks – And You Can Help
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A tech-savvy team is running a 3-D printing operation out of East Lansing High School to supply emergency face masks. Marie Adele Grosso reports for ELi on how you can help.
Development
The Slow Movement Toward Marijuana Sales in East Lansing
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What will the Skymint operation on Coolidge Road be like, and what is more generally the status of retail marijuana sales in East Lansing? ELi’s Chris Gray reports.
Ann About Town
Ann (Not) About Town: Charlie Kang’s, ‘A Truly Local Old Standby’
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When sheltering in place and staying safe, one must rely on the tried-and-true. For ELi’s Ann Nichols, that means a hearty helping of Korean and Chinese cuisine delivered from Charlie Kang’s.
General News
Playgrounds Close, but Recreation Opportunities Await at Area Parks
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There are plenty of outdoor paths and exercise opportunities to explore in East Lansing, Meridian Township and throughout the tri-county area — while still practicing social distancing. ELi’s Chris Gray brings us this tour.
Little Joys
Stories of Joy. Tales of Hope. We Want Yours.
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What’s keeping you positive during the pandemic? We want your little stories of joy, hope, and kindness.
Little Joys
Little Local Joys: My Milk Door
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A milk door in the Bailey neighborhood brings a resident joy — and now candles from Massage and Wellness, too!
General News
International Students Face Struggles, Including Possible Challenges from Homeland Security
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What’s it like being an international student at MSU during the rapid changes caused by the pandemic? ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott spoke with Ramya Swayamprakash and Liao Zhang to find out.
General News
How Are Two of Our Most Dogged Reporters Handling the Crush of East Lansing News?
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What’s it like reporting during a pandemic? ELi reporter Emily Joan Elliott and photographer Gary Caldwell share their experiences.
COVID-19
Updated Info on Emergency Meals for Kids and Senior Citizens
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The East Lansing schools-based system for emergency food distribution is changing starting now, and meals will be available for seniors on Wednesday.
COVID-19
MSU Epidemiologist Speaks Frankly about COVID-19 Dangers
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Why do death rates tell us more than test results can? What will save lives as the virus spreads? ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott brings you the latest important information from MSU epidemiologist Nigel Paneth.
COVID-19
The Mayor of East Lansing Is Angry
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East Lansing Mayor Ruth Beier is angry that the federal, state, and county governments did not act much sooner on COVID-19. ELi spoke with her just after the Governor’s stay-at-home order.
COVID-19
City of East Lansing Postpones Income Tax Deadline, and Faces Financial Uncertainty
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People who owe the City of East Lansing an income tax return for 2019 now have until July 31 to file. But what’s the outlook for the City’s finances now?
COVID-19
Governor Moves From Recommendation to Stay-at-Home Order
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Doubling of state’s coronavirus cases prompts Whitmer to take decisive action. ELi’s Chris Root provides an update.
COVID-19
East Lansing Public School Families – Including Governor’s – Facing Confusion, Frustration
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Gov. Gretchen Whitmer isn’t the only East Lansing Public Schools parent who wishes kids could keep learning for credit during the public health emergency. What’s going on?
General News
Volunteer Local Crafters Hard at Work Sewing Masks
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Organizer Jessy Gregg calls this community of sewing volunteer ‘crisis crafters.’ They are now making fabric masks to help with the worsening COVID-19 crisis. ELi’s Sarah Spohn reports.
Shifting to Distanced Life at MSU Has Not Been Simple
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The shift to online learning happened with little warning at MSU. ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott brings this inside look at the rapid and monumental change at East Lansing’s core institution.
Arts & Cultures
Break Out the Chalk, Take a Walk and Reconnect (at a Safe Distance, Of Course)
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A virtual group effort is creating a community healing event for the whole family. Amalia Medina files this report for ELi.
COVID-19
Owner of SBS Wants the City of East Lansing to Give Financial Aid to Small Businesses
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Greg Ballein, owner of East Lansing’s Student Book Store (SBS), has closed the store for COVID-19. He tells Eli’s Noa Kuszai why he thinks the City should be giving small businesses financial assistance.
COVID-19
East Lansing Emergency Services Continue, with Precautions
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East Lansing’s emergency services providers are now taking special measures to reduce the odds that they will be exposed to COVID-19. ELi spoke with the police and fire chiefs to learn more.
General News
East Lansing City Council Meets Under New Rules to Extend State of Emergency
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City Council met today to extend East Lansing’s State of Emergency. ELi’s Alice Dreger donned a mask to attend and report for you what happened.
COVID-19
Senior Citizens Facing Unique Set of Circumstances, Especially in Nursing Homes
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At Burcham Hills, elimination of communal activities is one of the protections in place during the coronavirus emergency. ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott spoke to residents about their concerns.
COVID-19
MSU Community Hit with Two More COVID-19 Cases
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MSU has confirmed two more cases of COVID-19 in the university community. ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott brings the latest numbers.
COVID-19
ELi’s Updates on the Situation in East Lansing
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Many businesses are offering by-appointment help but make sure to call ahead. There are college students willing to help, if you need it. ELi’s Alice Dreger helps by filing this rundown.
General News
City Council Holding Special Meeting on Friday Morning
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Friday morning 3/20/20 at 10 a.m., East Lansing’s City Council will meet partly electronically to vote whether to extend our local State of Emergency.
Ask ELi to Investigate
Ask ELi: Will the Coronavirus Change the Census Count in East Lansing? UPDATED
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The Census Bureau is saying students who normally attend school here should be counted as living here for the census. But will they be?
General News
Entertainment Venues and Local Hangouts Close Temporarily
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In observance of federal, state and local orders to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, many businesses have scaled back their hours and services. ELi’s Sarah Spohn provides the details.
COVID-19
MSU Epidemiologist Urges More Awareness: ‘This is an under-reaction.’
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An MSU epidemiologist and resident of East Lansing tells ELi he has never seen such a public health threat in his life. And he’s worked in public health for over 40 years. Read why Dr. Nigel Paneth is alarmed.
Arts & Cultures
East Lansing Neighbors Are Crowdsourcing Take-Out/Delivery Info to Help Restaurants
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There’s a new resource to help people in East Lansing figure out which restaurants are doing take-out and delivery. ELi’s Natalie Rose reports.
COVID-19
Mayor Beier Declares State of Emergency in East Lansing: UPDATED WITH NEW INFO
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Mayor Ruth Beier has declared a state of emergency in East Lansing. We tell you in practical terms what that means.
Ask ELi to Investigate
ELi Is Answering Your Local Coronavirus-Related Questions
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ELi is getting lots of “small” questions related to life in the East Lansing area under the public health emergency. Send us your questions and we will keep answering them at this page.
General News
Everything is up in the air’: ELHS Students React to School Closure
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ELHS students were caught off guard with all the uncertainties facing them as Michigan schools were closed. Amalia Medina brings ELi the story.
General News
MSU President Pushes Students to Stop Partying in Crowds and Go Home
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MSU is taking further action to try to get its undergraduate population in particular to stop hanging out in large groups that might spread the coronavirus. ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott reports.
COVID-19
City Leaders Trying to Disperse Bar Crowds for Public Health
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East Lansing City leaders are working steadily to try to figure out a way to reduce or eliminate bar crowds in East Lansing to try to slow the spread of the coronavirus. ELi’s Alice Dreger reports.
General News
ELPS Emergency Plan for Feeding Kids Announced
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The East Lansing Public Schools administration has announced plans for feeding children during the public health emergency now ongoing. Here are the details.
COVID-19
Michigan Flyer to Put the Brakes on Travel to DTW
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Michigan Flyer will suspend its service to DTW for a month starting Monday, March 16. The decision will alter the plans of MSU students who use airplane travel to get home. Emily Joan Elliott reports.
General News
Your ELi: Covering COVID-19 for East Lansing
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An update from ELi leadership on how we plan to cover all facets of East Lansing news during this unprecedented public health crisis.
Ask ELi to Investigate
How to Social-Distance in East Lansing
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“Social distancing even one day sooner will save lives,” says the dean of Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine. What does that look like for people in East Lansing?
COVID-19
ELPS Superintendent Says “Situation Is Fluid and Quickly Changing”
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East Lansing Public Schools’ superintendent told district families this afternoon, “We are in the process of making plans for if/when we are directed to close.” ELi’s Alice Dreger reports.
General News
Are You Really Prepared for an East Lansing Emergency?
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ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott spoke with East Lansing’s deputy police chief and an MSU epidemiologist to help you prepare, in case you’re stuck at home.
General News
East Lansing Info’s Annual Report for 2019
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East Lansing Info (ELi) provides nonpartisan, nonprofit, meaningful local news and information about East Lansing, Michigan. We take donations from the community and engage a team of paid and volunteer citizen reporters in the process of bringing high-quality, accurate, relevant reports of life in East Lansing. Today we bring you a report of our activities for 2019. Highlights this year included:
Jodi Spicer joining us as Office Manager and NewsMatch CoordinatorJiquanda Johnson and Ann Nichols joining our Board of DirectorsDana Watson becoming Chair of our Community Advisory BoardCody Harrell adding an advanced course to our Summer Youth Journalism ProgramELi obtaining $30,000 in NewsMatch fundsRaymond Holt joining as lead photographer/videographer and producing a video that explains our work in less than four minutes:
In 2019, ELi brought 578 original reports from 45 local citizen-reporters (some of whom are professional reporters). We covered East Lansing city government, East Lansing Public Schools’ Board of Trustees, the City Council election, the institution of the new income tax, big development, zoning changes, parking issues, arts and entertainment, downtown businesses, police activity, the local environment, and a whole lot more.
General News
Growing Their Businesses in the Town Where They Grew Up
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Small business owners Hunter Seyfarth and Ken Campbell didn’t know each other when they attended East Lansing Public Schools. Seyfarth was four years older than Campbell — an eternity for a student. The two also lived in different neighborhoods, making the chance of an occasional encounter even more remote. But now as adults, the two “townies” find themselves in daily contact, fewer than 20 feet apart on East Lansing’s main drag. Seyfarth owns Evergreen Cycle and Repairs, a veteran retail mainstay on the city’s cycling scene.
General News
East Lansing Info’s Annual Report for 2018
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East Lansing Info (ELi) serves as this community’s dedicated independent local news organization. We are a public service news organization, operating in 2018 entirely on funds donated by readers, using local citizens as reporters. Our work is nonpartisan, noneditorial, and nonprofit. Today we bring you this report on our activities in 2018, including details on our income and expenses. We do this in part to remind you that no one owns ELi.