Catch up on ELi's Reporting From this Week
It was a busy week for the ELi team.
It’s Saturday!
WIth another week wrapping up, it’s time to check back in on ELi’s reporting from this week.
AI overuse alarms ELHS teachers, prompts policy overhaul.
East Lansing High School students are using artificial intelligence so much on assignments, teachers worry their classes aren't having much of an impact on some students. Before next fall, ELHS is working towards having new policies surrounding AI, as school officials grapple with teaching students to responsibility use the tool without letting it do all the work for them. Read Reporting Intern Belle Potter’s story on AI use in the high school.
East Lansing BWL customers can now claim share of nearly $8 million settlement.
After the Michigan Supreme Court ruled East Lansing installed an illegal “disguised tax” by having BWL include a franchise fee in electric bills to collect money for the city, East Lansing was ordered to pay nearly $8 million back to BWL ratepayers. This week, some members of the class were notified by text that they have until Sept. 2 to submit a claim. Read Managing Editor Luke Day’s story about the lawsuit and how to submit a claim here.
Parents raise concerns about MacDonald Middle School math scores, communication gaps.
Some MacDonald Middle School parents are concerned about the school’s math curriculum, as more students receive non-proficient standardized test scores and fewer receive advanced scored. ELPS Deputy Superintendent Glenn Mitcham acknowledged some of the challenges MMS has faced, and said the district is updating the school’s math curriculum. Read Reporter Dustin DuFort Petty’s story on the math scores here.
The ministry of widowhood.
A unique group of more than two dozen meets as All Saints Episcopal Church. Sharing more than a faith, each member has lost a partner they hoped to grow old with. The group helps each other work through grief and the many challenges that come with such a loss. Read Dustin’s story about the group here.
ELPL board selects Chrissie Evaskis-Garrett to serve as interim director.
Collections Team Leader Chrissie Evaskis-Garrett will lead ELPL while it searches for a new director. Evaskis-Garrett could serve as the library’s top employee for a significant amount of time, the last interim library director was at the helm for six months. Read Reporting Intern Allison Treanor’s story on the the decision to name Evaskis-Garrett interim director here.
There are eight city meetings scheduled next week.
A busy week in city government is coming up, as eight meetings are on the docket. Monday (July 21), the Commission on the Environment meets. Tuesday (July 22), the Board of Review convenes. Wednesday (July 23), the Downtown Management Board, Library Board of Trustees and Planning Commission each gather. Then on Thursday (July 24), The Downtown Development Authority, Brownfield Redevelopment Authority and Building Board of Appeals each meet. When meeting agendas are posted, they can be found here.
Artists wanted: Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce holding logo contest as part of 125th anniversary celebration.
In January 2026, the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce will commemorate 125 years of operation. As part of the celebration, the chamber is accepting applications for a logo contest to honor the anniversary. The winning design will be featured throughout the chamber’s year-long celebration on digital platforms, promotional materials and more. The anniversary theme is “Our Legacy: 125 Years Strong,” and the logo contest is sponsored by East Lansing-based custom apparel and print company RetroDuck.com.
“This competition is an exciting opportunity for our members and community to shape how we visually celebrate our legacy,” said Bridget Drzal, LRCC Vice President of Member Engagement in a press release. “We are proud to partner with RetroDuck.com on this initiative and can’t wait to see the creative energy it inspires.”
More information about the chamber’s 125th anniversary and the logo contest can be found in this press release.
East Lansing name origins: Sanford
Originally known as the North Woodlot, the Sanford Natural Area is the 34 acres of forest of sugar maple and beech trees that borders the Red Cedar River east of Bogue Street on the Michigan State University campus. The floodplain forest provides beautiful walking terrain for both East Lansing residents and campus dwellers.
The area is named for Frank Hobart Sanford, a Jackson, Michigan native who earned two degrees from the State Agricultural College before becoming head of the forestry department at the renamed Michigan Agricultural College. Sanford was a founding member of Peoples Church in East Lansing and according to his obituary, did “considerable work on Mackinac Island.” He died in 1930.
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