Catch Up on Recent Reporting From ELi
Catch up on what's been going on in East Lansing.
We’re a month into 2025 and the news keeps coming in East Lansing. Start your weekend by catching up on the latest reporting from ELi.
Federal funding freeze puts scare into local nonprofits, essential services.
Earlier this week, a surprise memo released from President Donald Trump’s budget office stated that there would be a freeze on federal grants and loans. The memo caused a local homeless shelter to fear it would lose funding, and many local early learning centers to close for a day. Read Managing Editor Luke Day’s recap of the saga here.
Library Board charts a path.
Reporter Ayah Imran brought a roundup of what the East Lansing Public Library board has been discussing at its last few meetings. Among other takeaways, the “One Book, One Community” program that has been absent the last few years will be making a return under a new name, and the library is nearing the end of a major planning process. Read Ayah’s story here.
DEI, MSU at standstill, while East Lansing vows to keep its programs in place.
Shortly after taking the oath of office and returning to lead the U.S. government, Trump signed executive orders targeting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs. The orders have left researchers at Michigan State University concerned about future funding for their work. East Lansing officials have vowed to stand by their DEI office. Read Reporter Dustin DuFort Petty’s story on the matter here.
One North Kitchen & Bar opens East Lansing location.
Taking over the space that used to be occupied by Reno’s East, One North Kitchen & Bar continues to offer a space to watch popular sports teams, but with a revamped menu and a remodeled interior. Read Dustin's story to find out more about popular dishes and what else to expect at the new restaurant.
There will be eight city meetings next week.
Following a quiet week in city government, there will be eight city meetings next week. Monday (Feb. 3), the Seniors’ Commission meets. Tuesday (Feb. 4), the Downtown Management Board, University Student Commission and City Council will each gather. Wednesday (Feb. 5), the Independent Police Oversight Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals each convene. Then on Thursday (Feb. 6), the Housing Commission and City Charter Review Committee will each have meetings.
When meeting agendas are posted, they can be found here.
Children’s Cultural Concert Series returns.
East Lansing’s Children’s Cultural Concert Series returns this month, as an Indigenous Drums concert will kick off the three-part series on Saturday, Feb. 15. The concert series will be held at the Hannah Community Center, and feature story hours starting at 10 a.m., with the concerts from 11 a.m. to noon. To find out more about the full slate of events, read the city’s press release here.
All-Of-Us Children’s Theatre presents: Little Shop of Horrors.
Last night was opening night for All-Of-Us Children’s Theatre’s winter show, Little Shop of Horrors. Missed opening night? No big deal. There will be opportunities to watch the show: Feb. 1-2, and Feb. 7-9. Weekend shows begin at 3 p.m. and the Friday show will start at 7 p.m. The production is held at the Albert A. White Theater in the Hannah Community Center.
More information about the show and ticket prices can be found here.
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