City Pulse News Rewind: Skating rink coming downtown

Skating rink coming downtown

A synthetic ice-skating rink will be installed in early February on the City Hall Plaza, Capitol and Michigan avenues. The 3,300-square-foot rink will be decorated with colorful lighting, benches and heaters funded through a partnership between the city and the Capital Region Community Foundation. Officials said the portable rink will return every winter and can be moved to other locations throughout the city for “maximum use and accessibility.” Current state restrictions limit gatherings at ice rinks to four people per 1,000 square feet.

MSU to add Detroit campus

Michigan State University plans to add a new campus and research facility in Detroit that focuses on medical research, cancer care, training and diversifying Michigan’s healthcare workforce through a new 30-year partnership with Henry Ford Health System. The agreement will offer new clinician training programs and expanded research opportunities with a focus on racial inequities that persist in Michigan’s health care system.

MSU students quietly return to class 

About 4,000 undergraduate students returned to live on campus at Michigan State University last week, an increase from the 1,500 that remained there during the fall amid the pandemic. The Lansing State Journal reports that about 400 in-person classes started on Jan. 19 but thousands of students remained away from campus. Thousands of classes normally taught in person will continue to be taught remotely.

Lawmakers push for gun ban 

A legislative package, cosponsored by state Rep. Julie Brixie, D-Meridian Township, would prohibit the possession of firearms in the Capitol, on the grounds and in the Anderson House and Binsfield Senate office buildings, except by law enforcement. It would expand the new ban on openly carrying firearms in the Capitol.

Northern Michigan official criticized

Republican Grand Traverse County Commissioner Ron Clous continued to make national headlines after nearly 300 people petitioned for his resignation. The Up North official flashed a rifle during a public meeting last week after a local resident voiced concerns about Traverse City becoming a “sanctuary city” for Second Amendment rights.

Governor praises end of transgender ban

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer lauded President Joe Biden for repealing a Trump-era ban of transgender people openly serving in the military. She said it had only fostered bigotry and “went against everything America represents.”

State of City talk goes virtual

Lansing Mayor Andy Schor will only allow a small, socially distanced crowd to watch his annual State of the City address at the city’s South Washington Street office complex. The rest will have to tune in to the livestream at 7 p.m. Feb. 3. The speech will air live on City TV Comcast Channel 12 and online at lansingmi.gov/SOTC2021.

East Lansing launches TikTok challenge 

The East Lansing Downtown Development Authority launched a TikTok challenge this week to help promote businesses. Participants can wear a mask and then post a video of themselves performing a choreographed dance in front of an East Lansing business or landmark using the hashtags #downtownELTikTokChallenge and #placeproject. Videos must be posted to TikTok by Feb. 13 for a chance to win a $200 eGift Card, offered courtesy of the DDA.

Former court employee files suit

Karen Taylor, a Black woman who worked for Ingham County Circuit Court, filed a federal civil rights lawsuit alleging racial discrimination after a white male counterpart was promoted in 2019 to a position they both sought, reports the Lansing State Journal. The suit, filed in October, alleges that Ingham County used only white staffers to interview applicants and selected a white man over Taylor even though he had less experience.

East Lansing deer removal ends

Residents can stop calling to complain about deer removal operations in several East Lansing parks: The deer hunt has finished. City officials closed several local parks intermittently on week nights, killing 65 deer amid efforts to address an overpopulated herd that was reportedly causing an increase in traffic crashes. The hunt yielded about 2,000 pounds of venison, which was donated to the Greater Lansing Food Bank.

Whitmer names Hertel MDHHS director 

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer appointed Elizabeth Hertel to lead the state Department of Health and Human Services after the abrupt resignation of Dr. Robert Gordon. Hertel was the senior chief deputy director for the administration. Her husband is state Sen. Curtis Hertel Jr., D-East Lansing. Little is known about what triggered Gordon’s departure, which came the same day he signed orders lifting indoor dining restrictions.

$641 million Flint water deal

A federal judge granted preliminary approval last week of a $641.25 million civil settlement tied to the Flint water crisis. The move formally established a 60-day process in which Flint residents can file settlement claims that will be processed and paid by a claims administrator.

MSUFCU opens student art exhibit 

High school students are showcasing their artwork through Feb. 24 at the Michigan State University Federal Credit Union headquarters, in East Lansing. Participating high schools will showcase up to 15 pieces, including paintings, sketches and photography. Award winners will be announced March 14.

Soccer team hires assistant coach

The new Lansing Common FC soccer team hired John Greer as an assistant coach as it prepares to play this May in the Midwest Premier League. Greer is also the head coach of Alma College’s men’s soccer. A game schedule has not been released.

Whitmer lowers flags for senator

Flags across Michigan flew at half-staff Tuesday to honor former state Sen. Shirley Johnson, an Oakland County Republican. Johnson served in the Senate from 1999 to 2004 and in the House 1993 to 1998, where she was the first woman to chair an appropriations committee. She died at 83 years old.