A group of restaurant and hospitality associations filed a lawsuit Tuesday to remove restrictions imposed by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Nov. 15 emergency order banning indoor dining for the next three weeks. The plaintiffs are seeking a preliminary injunction in order to resume indoor dining.

The Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association, Heirloom Hospitality Group, and Suburban Inns filed the suit against MDHHS Director Robert Gordon. The suit states that restaurants and bars have been able to provide services while still following guidelines issued by the CDC, and should be allowed to continue to do so.

The ‘Three-Week Pause’ restrictions were announced by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer due to skyrocketing increases in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.

The suit claims that the restrictions are unfair as they allow other non-essential businesses to retain indoor business operations.

A bipartisan group of governors – including Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer – have joined together to urge residents to stay safe ahead of the holiday season.

As coronavirus cases are reaching record-high numbers, the group of seven Midwest governors — made of five Democrats and two Republicans — released a video on social media asking residents to follow precautions and mask up to stop the spread of the virus.

In the video, the governors addressed the skyrocketing cases across the Midwest and acknowledged that as the winter months near, cases will expectedly continue to rise.

East Lansing City Council held a discussion only special meeting Tuesday recommending that a resolution declaring racism as a public health crisis to be placed on next week’s agenda for approval.

Diversity Equity and Inclusion Administrator Elaine Hardy presented to council on the resolution.

The council decided to include the resolution in an upcoming agenda, with heavy support. Mayor Aaron Stephens also discussed his goal to have the HRC have more involved with City Council in the future.