Catch Up on Our Reporting
Read our reports from the schools, city hall and more!
It was another busy week in East Lansing, as the ELi team brought a story about potential staffing cuts at East Lansing Public Schools, what went on at City Council and more!
Start your weekend by catching up with ELi’s reporting from the week.
ELPS jobs at risk amid budget cuts, student shortages.
Parents and staff members spoke out at the most recent ELPS board of education meeting, as the district appears likely to lay off a third grade teacher and the district's director of health and safety. Contributing to the cuts are student shortages in Red Cedar Elementary and broader budget concerns. Read Reporter Dustin DuFort Petty’s reporting from the meeting and interview with Superintendent Dori Leyko.
Police Chief Jen Brown starts tenure with backing of city manager, concerns from oversight commission.
After graduating from Lansing Everett High School and Michigan State University, East Lansing Police Chief Jen Brown spent 15 years with MSU police. Brown didn’t plan to leave policing, but was lured into the private sector by a local legend - Earvin “Magic” Johnson - who hired her to work for one of his companies. After 10 years in private industry, Brown returned to policing in late 2023 as a deputy chief for ELPD, before rapidly ascending to the top of the department. Read Managing Editor Luke Day’s story introducing the new police chief here.
Forster Woods provides personalized care, programming for adults with disabilities and their families.
In 2023, Forster Woods opened an adult services day center in East Lansing. The center has programs catered to people who may require assistance with daily activities. Forster Woods offers programs centered around baking, music, animal therapy and much more. Read Arts and Culture Reporter Sarah Spohn’s story about Forster Woods and its importance to the community.
Council gives planned Indian-style pizza restaurant permission to sell alcohol.
Pizzawala’s, a planned Indian-style pizza restaurant, took a big step towards carrying out its vision of bringing a full service, sit down restaurant to downtown East Lansing. At the June 3 council meeting, the body granted Pizzawala’s permission to serve alcohol, which is an important part of the developer’s business plan. Read Luke’s coverage of this week’s council meeting and what to expect at Pizzawala’s here.
ELi to expand reporting, grow staff after receiving large grant.
Recently, ELi received word that we were chosen as the recipient of a large grant from The Online Journalism Project, which has already provided $250,000. With this funding, ELi is bringing on two full time reporters, increasing our FOIA budget and more.
“Gifts of this nature can truly transform an organization, and all of us at ELi are grateful for the opportunity to grow and do what we do best; bring East Lansing the news,” ELi Executive Director Beth Peck said. ”This grant marks the beginning of a new, robust chapter for ELi!”
Read about the details of the new funding and how we plan to use it in this announcement.
Seven city meetings are scheduled for next week.
City officials have a full slate next week, with seven meetings on the docket. Monday (June 9), the Human Rights Commission will meet. Tuesday (June 10), there is a Discussion-Only City Council meeting. Wednesday (June 11), the Planning Commission and Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission will each gather. Then on Thursday (June 12), the Charter Review Committee, Historic District Commission and Housing Commission will each convene. When agendas are posted, they can be found here.
Additionally, the East Lansing Board of Education has a pair of meetings scheduled for Monday. The first will be a special goal-setting meeting from 5:15-6:45 p.m., followed by the regular board meeting that starts at 7 p.m. Board of Education meetings are held downstairs in the high school. When meeting agendas are posted, they can be found here.
Greater Lansing Area Moms to host summer kickoff event.
The Greater Lansing Area Moms will host their fourth annual GLAM Jam Summer Kickoff event tomorrow, Sunday June 8, from noon to 4 p.m. The family-friendly event will include food, music, dance performances and children’s activities. The festivities will be held in the blocked off Albert El Fresco area downtown. Read more about the event in this press release from the city.
City to discuss senior survey results Monday, June 9.
Last year, the city surveyed seniors about their biggest challenges, resources that would be useful and more. Monday, June 9, the results of the survey will be discussed in a public meeting at the Hannah Community Center, with a focus on aging in place. The results of the survey can be read here.
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