The State - A Podcast from The State News + Impact 89FM

Michigan ranked in the lowest category of the State Equality Index: The Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC) and the Equality Federation Institute released their annual State Equality Index (SEI) on Jan. 25, which measures how the laws in each state affect the LGBTQ+ community. The 155-page index includes a scoreboard that ranks each state's LGBTQ+ equality based on the laws enforced. There are four categories:  "high priority to achieve basic equality" (the lowest category), "solidifying equality," "building equality" and "working toward innovative equality" (highest category).

ASMSU hosts 2 year live-on requirement presentation: The Associated Students of Michigan State University (ASMSU) had their first General Assembly meeting of the new semester Thursday, Jan. 21. The evening began with a presentation from Senior Vice President for Residential and Hospitality Services and Auxiliary Enterprises Vennie Gore and Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education and Dean of Undergraduate Studies Mark Largent to discuss the two-year legal requirements.

USDA sharpshooters remove 65 deer from East Lansing parks: The United States Department of Agriculture sharpshooters shot 65 deer in two days to manage the deer population in East Lansing, the meat was donated to a food bank. This removal, approved by City Council in February 2020, was to make sure deer population did not exceed the "social carrying capacity," said Cathy DeShambo, the environmental services administrator for the Department of Public Works.

Script Writer: Kelly Winters

The State is produced by The State News and Impact 89FM.

Man charged in Whitmer kidnapping conspiracy case: One of the men involved in the Gov. Whitmer kidnapping plot has plead guilty but also agrees to fully cooperate. Ty Garbin on Jan. 27 was the first to be convicted, in his hearing with U.S. District Judge Robert Jonker. He will not be sentenced until July 8, but according to a Detroit News Report he may be sentenced to life in prison.

East Lansing Art Festival postponed until summer: The 2021 East Lansing Art Festival has been postponed to Aug. 7-8. This decision has been made by the organizers due to them believing that artists will do better with an in person show rather than a virtual one. Art festival and Arts Initiative Coordinator Heather Majano said, "We remain committed to our artists and to the local businesses that benefit from the increased foot traffic that an in-person festival brings to the downtown." Artists who are no longer interested or cannot participate anymore can request a refund through Majano through Feb. 15. If artists are still interested in joining the art festival, they can apply on the East Lansing Art Festival website, elartfest.com. The deadline for submissions are also extended to Feb. 15. Artists will be notified if the event goes virtual instead of in person and they can expect a reimbursement for both fees.

Script Writer: Chandra Fleming

The State is produced by The State News and Impact 89FM.

The State is produced by The State News and Impact 89FM.

New COVID Strain: A new strain of the coronavirus has hit the midwest, on Jan.16, the B.1.1.7 strain was identified in Washtenaw County through a woman. Days later on Jan. 21 three other cases had been identified. This strain of the virus is more contagious, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They also suggest that communities and citizens continue to enforce mask laws and social distancing.
https://statenews.com/article/2021/01/ingham-county-michigan-state-new-strain-b117?ct=content_open&cv=cbox_latest

In Person Classes: In East Lansing Public Schools some parents will now have the option for in person learning. The  East Lansing school board voted on the extension of the new learning plan on Jan. 25 to bring back students inside the classroom. Their goal is to have students back by the beginning of March while parents also have the option to remain remote. The new plan by East Lansing Superintendent Dori Leyko wants preschool and elementary students back by Feb. 22 and middle and high school students back in by March 1.

https://statenews.com/article/2021/01/east-lansing-public-school-board-votes-to-bring-back-in-person-classes?ct=content_open&cv=cbox_featured

Wharton Center: Good news Wharton fans! Hamilton is coming back to the Wharton Center for the 2021 through 2022 season. Currently there are no tickets available and or dates announced for the Fall 2021 schedule, but the first show will be a musical production of "Pretty Woman". Which is set to be released Sept.14-19. Wharton Center Executive Director Mike Brand in a short video addressed the public saying new precautions and regulations have to be made, one being that producers are raising money from ground zero to start productions again. 

https://statenews.com/article/2021/01/hamilton-to-return-to-the-wharton-center-for-2021-2022-season?ct=content_open&cv=cbox_latest

Script Writer: Chandra Fleming

The State is produced by The State News and Impact 89FM.

Restaurants Open
https://statenews.com/article/2021/01/whitmer-covid-update-jan-22

Larry King Death
https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/23/us/larry-king-dies-trnd/index.html

East Lansing Mask Mandate
https://statenews.com/article/2021/01/east-lansing-city-council-extends-downtown-mask-mandate-through-end-of-february

Hank Aaron Death
https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/30759123/long-home-run-king-hank-aaron-dies-86