Many restaurants and bars downtown will now refuse service to anyone not wearing a mask. What else is happening to prepare for fall?
Ask ELi to Investigate
How Will MSU Students’ Return Affect East Lansing?
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Readers are asking what we can expect when MSU starts in-person classes back up in the fall. ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott reports what we know so far.
Development
East Lansing Development Updates (Spoiler Alert: The Abbot Opens Late August)
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News on The Abbot, The Graduate, affordable housing, Coleman Road, the new elementary schools, MSUFCU’s downtown project, and marijuana sales locations. We also tell you where in East Lansing the state’s wetland protection agency plans a new office building that would disturb a wetland.
Government
Big Issues at East Lansing Meetings This Week
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Here come requests to sell recreational marijuana, the superintendent’s (closed door) review, teacher and police retirements, and so much more. ELi keeps you informed before the decisions are made.
East Lansing Policing
Calls for Demilitarizing Local Police Grow, as Protest Planned for Next Wednesday
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This week, a majority of Council okayed new vests in spite of concerns they might appear too militaristic. What was the reasoning, and why are ELPD officers firing guns when they do?
Highlight Right
School Security, Racial Equity, Pregnant Teens – All on the School Board Docket
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The Policy Committee of the Board discussed several major changes under consideration. ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott attended the meeting and reports back.
Schools
Survey Says: ELPS Parents Want Improvement if Fall Involves Remote Learning
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ELi brings you the results of the school district’s survey of elementary, middle, and high school parents. What did they report back about the stay-at-home learning experience?
Schools
ELPS Leaders Cut Police Presence from Schools, Make Stronger Commitment to Equity
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The district’s seventeen employed administrators, almost all of them white, are committing to changes. How did School Board members react?
Highlight Left
Does East Lansing’s School Board Get a Passing Grade on Transparency?
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ELi’s staff has been spending a lot of energy trying to find out when and where the East Lansing School Board and its committees are meeting.
Schools
Stats Show Lack of Diversity in ELPS Faculty Ranks
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About 56% of ELPS students are white, while about 96% of the teachers are white. Students, parents, and School Board members talked to ELi about why this matters.
Government
Ask ELi: What’s the Jurisdiction of MSU Police?
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A reader asked: What’s the jurisdiction of ELPD versus MSUPD?
COVID-19
ELPS Superintendent Suggests It’s Too Soon for Fall Plans, While Some Are Anxious To Get Going
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Three members of East Lansing’s School Board pushed for movement on a fall plan at a meeting with the Superintendent last week. What’s happening now?
Sports
Leading by Supporting, Kelsey Mongoven Is ELi’s Trojan of the Week
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“We tried to create an environment that worked for everyone,” Kelsey Mongoven explains. A junior at MSU, Mongoven has taken on the responsibility of head coach for the Trojans’ varsity gymnastics team.
Highlight Right
MacDonald Middle School Hero Mr. Watson Retires After 47 Years of Service
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Vincent Watson has been a true hero through his 47 years of service in East Lansing Public Schools, positively influencing the lives of thousands of children and young adults.
COVID-19
Mayor Ruth Beier Sees Big Benefits and Big Risks to MSU’s Decision
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“It’s going to be scarier for the city than I think it is for campus,” Beier said about MSU’s decision to reopen in the fall.
Schools
MSU Will Bring Students Back in September
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The reopening of MSU has major implications for East Lansing in terms of the economy, public health, business survival, housing, neighborhood cultures, policing, and more.
Sports
Ed Outslay, Trojan of the Week, Remains in the Hearts of Those Who Knew Him
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This week, ELi’s Mark Meyer brings a remembrance of baseball coach Ed Outslay, who passed away a year ago doing what he loved.
Schools
East Lansing School Board Trustee Wants Planning for Fall to Start Now
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Chris Martin wants open conversations about what to do with regard to the start of the next school year. The entire School Board will talk about the superintendent’s evaluation on Tuesday.
COVID-19
MSU Considers Furloughs and Big Pay Cuts in Response to Falling Revenue
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The impact of the pandemic on MSU is shaping the individual and collective lives of the greater East Lansing community.
Schools
ELPS Considers New Policy Handbook with $7,000 Price Tag, Talks Recess and Pregnant Students
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The Policy Committee of the East Lansing School Board met on Friday to consider recommendations to the full Board about the districts’ policies.
Highlight Right
Trojan of the Week Andrel Anthony Jr. Has Risen to the Head of His Class
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Plenty of big-time college football coaches are eager to add Trojan of the Week Andrel Anthony Jr. to their lineups.
COVID-19
ELPS Faces Uncertain Fall with Funding Cuts and Questions of Remote Learning
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A lot of worrisome news from Monday’s East Lansing School Board meeting.
Schools
ELPS School Board Steps into National Political Debate on Firearms
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The ELPS School Board unanimously passed a resolution not on the agenda, encouraging the banning of weapons at the Michigan State Capitol.
Schools
Construction Resumes on ELPS Schools, with Demolition of Marble School Imminent
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We bring news on construction at all six elementary schools, including what we know so far about the finances.
Schools
Epitome of a Team Player, Zoe Morse is Our Trojan of the Week
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Former Trojan Zoe Morse has elevated her soccer-playing career to the professional level. Mark Meyer speaks with her as she prepares to join the Chicago Red Stars.
Government
Three Important East Lansing Meetings Next Week
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We tell you what we know so far about what will be discussed at City Council, School Board, and the DDA.
Schools
School Board President Questions ELPS No-Grade Pandemic Policy
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Erin Graham thinks ELPS students may be left at a serious disadvantage under the district’s policy. The administration believes equity is at stake.
Development
What’s Happening with That Thing in East Lansing?
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What’s happening with Newman Lofts, police oversight, big downtown construction, and more? ELi brings you up to speed.
Sports
Life in the Fast Lane: Trojan of the Week Andrew Lane Knows No Other Way
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Andrew Lane trains as hard as he competes (if that’s possible). He also leaves a large footprint as one of the top distance runners in ELHS history.
Schools
East Lansing Public Schools Now Facing Millions in Cuts
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It’s a good thing the East Lansing Public Schools district has saved millions of dollars to prepare for economic declines.
Government
Four East Lansing Meetings You Might Want to Know About
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ELi brings you information about agendas and tells you how you can attend.
Schools
Short Meeting at East Lansing School Board, But Lots of Action
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Schools of choice numbers, graduation cancelled, ELHS ranking, elementary school construction delays, and much more in our School Board report.
Government
East Lansing School Board and City Council Will Both Meet This Week
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ELi is working to help you figure out when important local government meetings are happening.
Sports
ELi’s Trojan of the Week, Nikki Norris, Has Devoted Her Career to Athletics
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Nikki Norris believes lessons learned on the field can bring a lifetime of value. She’s lived that ideal in her career.
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.
Arts & Cultures
East Lansing Library Teen Programming Continues in Online Format
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East Lansing Library Teen Services Specialist Beth Scanlon is not letting the pandemic get in the way of her work supporting area youth.
COVID-19
Emails Show Some School Board Members Asked About Earlier Actions
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Internal emails give a glimpse into what led up to the Continuity of Learning plan that begins Week 1 today for East Lansing Public Schools.
COVID-19
Will the New Whitehills and Pinecrest Schools Be Ready By Fall?
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With work halted under the governor’s orders, it’s unclear what East Lansing’s elementary schools’ populations will be facing next year.
COVID-19
ELPS Expects to Share Curricular Plan Soon, as Free Meals Start Again
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Superintendent Dori Leyko gave more details last night on the district’s plan to restart teaching, and announced free meal distribution would start again.
COVID-19
East Lansing Income Tax Revenue Getting Squashed by MSU’s Campus Closure
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Every month MSU employees work from home means significant lost revenue for the City of East Lansing’s new income tax.
COVID-19
With ELPS Still Not Providing Organized Education, School Board Will Meet
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Haslett Public Schools have geared back up. But East Lansing’s still haven’t. The School Board meets tonight.
Highlight Right
ELi’s Trojan of the Week: Senior Standout Aaliyah Nye
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In the first of a new series celebrating Trojan athletes, ELi’s Mark Meyer features the skills and record of senior Aaliyah Nye.
COVID-19
Kids Won’t Get Food from East Lansing Schools This Week, as District Wrangles Challenges
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Health concerns for those working on meal distribution are significant, and the number of people being fed through the system suddenly doubled.
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
Trojan Coaching Staff Laments Shutdown of Seasons, Expresses Concern for Student Athletes
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When word of the season cancellations became known, athletic director Nikki Norris was thankful to be able to immediately connect with her staff. ELi’s Mark Meyer files this report.
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.
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?
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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?
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.
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.
Sports
One Week Later: Trojan Sports Family Regroups, Waits Patiently for Games to Return
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When will the high school athletic seasons — winter and spring — resume, and in what format? ELi’s Mark Meyer files this report.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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
MHSAA Announces Suspension of Postseason Events
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UPDATE (4:30 p.m. Thursday 3/24/20): Tonight’s MHSAA girls basketball regional championship game between East Lansing and Holt has been postponed indefinitely, as has Friday’s boys district championship game between East Lansing and Grand Ledge. The boys state swimming and diving finals, as well as the girls gymnastics finals, and state hockey finals, have also been suspended.
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.
Ask ELi to Investigate
Ask ELi: Why Is Construction at Donley and Glencairn Still Not Finished?
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Superintendent Dori Leyko explains the latest delay in the completion of building projects at both Donley and Glencairn elementary schools.