Catch Up On Reporting From ELi
Good news! Our website is fixed and we've brought some important stories this week.
We’re back!
Issues with our website server this week took our site down for a few days and disrupted our publishing schedule. But the issue has been resolved and we returned with some important reporting this week.
Library resources to take a hit after federal funding is cut.
An executive order from President Donald Trump that dismantled the Institute for Museum and Library Services has libraries in Michigan bracing for major impacts. East Lansing Public Library Director Kevin King explained that the biggest impact could be the loss of the statewide library resource sharing system, which is funded by IMLS. Without the system, ELPL will be able to offer far fewer books, eBooks, subscription services, test prep materials and more. Read Managing Editor Luke Day’s story on the funding cuts here.
ELPL unveils strategic plan.
In another library story, Arts and Culture Reporter Sarah Spohn covered the unveiling event ELPL held to introduce the community to its strategic plan. The plan will guide the library for the next three years, assisting library leaders when decisions are made on partnerships, the budget and more. Read Sarah’s story on the event and new strategic plan here.
Enter the MLK Commission's Art Contest!
The Martin Luther King Jr Commission of Mid-Michigan is encouraging community members to participate in its seventh annual art contest. The contest aims to get artists to express themselves through social justice-themed art. Learn more about how to enter the contest, this year’s theme and hear from past winners in Sarah’s story.
Seven city meetings are scheduled for next week.
As March comes to a close and calendars flip to April, city government will stay busy. Monday (March 31), the Folk Festival Study Committee meets. Wednesday (April 2), City Council will have a discussion-only meeting, the East Lansing Independent Police Oversight Commission will gather and the Zoning Board of Appeals will convene. Then on Thursday (April 3), the Downtown Management Board, Housing Commission and Charter Review Committee will each meet. When meeting agendas are posted, they can be found here.
Note that Wednesday’s city council meeting will be held almost entirely in closed session so council can discuss a “trial or settlement strategy in connection with pending litigation.” Council will be discussing its next steps after the recent ruling against the city in a lawsuit over franchise fees put on LBWL bills that the Michigan Supreme Court found to be an illegal tax. Public comment is allowed during the meeting, which starts at 5 p.m. in the Hannah Community Center, but after that council will step away to speak with the city’s lawyers privately.
It's your last chance to view a special art gallery from ELPS students on display downtown!
This weekend will be your last chance to view the pop-up K-12 art exhibit downtown. The exhibit features more than 300 pieces from ELPS students. 26 different downtown businesses have helped by hosting the artwork. Read more about the pop-up art show, and where artwork can be viewed in this press release from the city.
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