Catch Up On Our Reporting From This Week

It'll be a busy weekend in East Lansing, as families and friends of graduating Michigan State University students flock to the city for a weekend of celebrating a milestone.

But before you put in a reservation at your favorite downtown restaurant, catch up with ELi's reporting from this week.

Voters to decide on $100 million school bond at election on Tuesday.

Ingham County voters will head to the polls on Tuesday to decide on a nearly $100 million school bond that would pay for upgrades to special education centers. If voters approve the bond, it would pay for the Beekman Center in Lansing to be torn down and rebuilt, and for renovations to the Heartwood School in Mason. Deputy Editor Anna Liz Nichols spoke with Ingham ISD Superintendent Jason Mellema about what the proposal means for East Lansing.

ICYMI: In February, Anna wrote about what the Beekman Center is, why it is need of upgrades, who attends the school and why the center was groundbreaking when it was built in the 1960s. If you missed that reporting, read it here.

Former East Lansing council member filed discrimination complaint against city manager.

Former East Lansing City Councilmember Dana Watson filed a discrimination complaint against City Manager Robert Belleman. The complaint was filed after Belleman called four of the five members of City Council to talk about incidents during Michigan State University's welcome weekend last August, which saw multiple accusations of excessive force by ELPD. The lone member not contacted by phone was Watson, the only Black member of City Council and often the only member of council who was publicly critical of ELPD actions. Reporter Dustin DuFort Petty reported on the complaint and Belleman's response.

East Lansing City Council presented with nearly balanced budget amid fears of financial crisis.

In the months before and after voters rejected a parks and recreation millage that would have raised the city's property tax cap, city leaders have been painting a grim picture of the city's financial outlook. At a meeting on Tuesday, however, City Manager Robert Belleman presented council with adjustments that would leave East Lansing with a nearly balanced budget in the next fiscal year. The adjustments include some changes to the budgetary process that don't actually impact day-to-day operations and other changes that will, like increasing fees for recreational activities. Get the rundown in Managing Editor Luke Day's reporting.

East Lansing High School targeted by bomb threat.

The East Lansing High School building was evacuated and students were dismissed early after the school received a bomb threat Friday morning. An update later sent by the county's emergency alert system stated that nothing of concern was found when East Lansing police searched the area. Luke reported on the threat.

From steering the ship to setting the course at the East Lansing Public Library.

Recently hired East Lansing Public Library Director Chrissie Evaskis-Garrett spoke with ELi Reporter Ayah Imran about her priorities for the library and what she learned during her eight months as interim director. Read about what made Evaskis-Garrett decide to apply for the director job and how she hopes to guide the library in Ayah's story.

Pumpstock Festival fundraising for June 6 concert.

The Pumpstock folk and American roots music festival will return to the Bailey Neighborhood this summer, with the event scheduled for June 6. The event will feature eight bands, a music workshop and much more. The unique summer concert is free to attend, with funding coming from the city and voluntary donations, which are now being accepted. Read about what to expect at the festival in Reporting Intern Kennedy DeMars' story.

East Lansing Insider Podcast: A conversation with Small Talk Children's Advocacy Center.

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and on this week’s episode of the East Lansing Insider podcast, Anna talks with Small Talk Children’s Advocacy Center Executive Director Alex Brace about the work the center does in prevention and healing for young people and their families that have experienced abuse.

The podcast can be listened to here or on streaming services like Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

There are seven city meetings next week.

City government will be active next week, as there are seven meetings on the docket. Monday (May 4), the Transportation Commission and Seniors Commission will each meet. Wednesday (May 6), the Zoning Board of Appeals and Police Oversight Commission will each gather. Then on Thursday (May 7), the Downtown Management Board will have a pair of meetings and the Housing Commission will convene. When meeting agendas are posted, they can be found here.

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East Lansing Info is a nonprofit news service that is able to operate thanks to the generosity of our readers. This spring, ELi has launched a fundraiser that aims to raise $20,000 to ensure our operations remain sustainable. Consider donating to our spring fundraiser here.