Andrew Graham is joined by Heather Brothers to discuss use of force reports and the Police Oversight Commission. Give a listen!
A caveat in the original development deal seemingly left Council with two options that it saw as less than ideal. The bottom line remains that affordable housing development in Valley Court is now on ice. Andrew Graham reports.
The City’s specific legal strategy is under wraps due to attorney-client privilege, but ELi’s Andrew Graham explains the franchise fee, the lawsuit, and the recent ruling.
Andrew is joined by Emily Joan Elliott to talk about the discussion at City Council about potentially putting a hold on issuing new SUPs and site plans for Greek houses. Give it a listen!
Andrew Graham sits down with Emily Joan Elliott to talk about the imminent return of the Albert EL Fresco. Give a listen!
Andrew is joined by ELi’s Founder, Alice Dreger, for a discussion about various projects going on downtown and around town, plus what can be done to boost a downtown. Check it out!
In the final season for the 20-year head coach — plus a highly-decorated senior class — the Trojans were chasing the ultimate prize of a state championship. Andrew Graham reports on their run at a title.
After a more than six-month-long process, the City of East Lansing finally has new City Attorneys. Some of the ELi team recaps the process in this episode of the pod and discusses the changes in how the City will be represented.
The Albert EL Fresco is set to reopen later this spring, but the City is still looking for someone to provide outdoor seating, shade, and lighting infrastructure for the space. Andrew Graham reports.
Council member Brookover’s arguments against approving a Special Use Permit to establish a fraternity at 532 Ann St. resulted in a 2-2 split vote, meaning the SUP was not approved, as many non-student residents expressed concern about the impact of student housing, especially, fraternities and sororities, on their communities.
In this episode of The Insider, Andrew and Emily go in-depth on the recent discussions at City Council and Planning Commission regarding the Northern Tier. It’s a discussion ranging from land use to town-gown relations, so give it a listen!
As MSU prepares for requiring sophomores to live on campus this upcoming academic year, University officials consider how they might exercise greater control over the behavior of registered student organizations and associated individual students. What might this process, including collaboration with City authorities, look like?
Andrew is joined by Dan Bollman to discuss the state of housing in East Lansing and delve into some of the various ways the City could alter zoning or other laws to, potentially, make housing more affordable and accessible in East Lansing. Listen in!
In the latest discussions about what to do with the Northern Tier regarding planning and housing, East Lansing’s Planning Commission discussed forming a specific committee to study the area and consider what could be done. What might the next steps entail?
Council re-upped a policy that streamlines the process for restaurants to apply for expanded outdoor seating, but the big news about the City’s settlement in a FOIA lawsuit was buried in the consent agenda. Andrew Graham reports.
Andrew is joined by ELi’s Alice Dreger to talk about where things stand regarding MSU’s sophomores-on-campus housing rule and other related issues. Listen in!
The DDA approved a budget amendment to support the Albert EL Fresco, but some DDA members had questions about the large figure. Andrew Graham reports on that and the bat infestation at a DDA-owned property.
Andrew is joined by Emily Joan Elliott to talk about the current stages of the pandemic, how different things are now from early 2020, and where things might be headed next. Listen in!
At its first meeting of 2022, the Commission dealt with three frats, an application for a Special Use Permit for a dispensary to sell recreational marijuana, and discussed plans for a City lot on the Northern Tier and the near-term housing action plan.
Council approved a contract for the Giamarco, Mullins and Horton law firm to serve as municipal legal counsel but deferred approving a contract for the prosecutorial position due to confusion over the proposed hourly rates.
The City of East Lansing resumed public meetings this week after pausing meetings outside of City Council during the omicron surge. On this episode of the Insider, the ELi team digs into what some of the boards and commissions have been up to as the City gets back to action.
Council discussed plans for marketing and development of a City-owned property in the northern tier. What might we expect to see there?
How do a group of downtown East Lansing liquor license holders work to promote safe, responsible fun? Andrew talks to two EL bar and restaurant owners about the RHC and what it does. Listen in!
Robert L. Green and Glencairn Elementary schools are without power and heat, and parents have been asked to call and release their children from school early. Andrew Graham reports on the outage.
Kathleen “Kathy” Corkin Boyle, an attorney and clear-eyed public servant, died on Feb. 3 and will be remembered at a service on Saturday at All Saints Episcopal Church.
Council delegated the negotiating duties to City Manager George Lahanas, who will come back to Council for final approval on the respective contracts after negotiations. Andrew Graham reports.
After the record snowfall last week, some East Lansing residents are still waiting for their streets to be plowed. Take ELi’s survey on the progress of the snow removal and learn more!
MSU has seriously changed the game for housing sophomores at fraternities and sororities in East Lansing. ELi’s Andrew Graham connects the dots to bring this special report.
Andrew is joined by Dr. Warwick, from MSU’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Dr. Warwick has worked with the City on the deer culls — specifically working with the community and learning their tolerances for deer. Listen about that and more!
A co-op program with a roster featuring players from a number of local schools, the Eastside Stars are unlike most other high school teams. Andrew Graham reports.
ELPS will remain closed on Thursday. ELPL will not open until 12 p.m. tomorrow.
“I’d say start talking about rates. Rates is the third rail here,” Mayor Ron Bacon said to City Manager George Lahanas about the next steps in the process of hiring a new City Attorney.
Andrew and Al Hargrave talk through what has happened in the search for a new City Attorney, to date, and get into what the Council might be looking for in their new counsel. Take a listen!
The Lansing Curling Club held an open house and ELi’s Andrew Graham tagged along with his camera — plus some sure footing — to capture the fun.
When one thinks local business, 7-Eleven doesn’t readily come to mind. This week, ELi’s Andrew Graham hopes to change that thinking with an interview with Ali Haider, who has owned and operated the downtown 7-Eleven for more than five years. Listen in!
After conducting the final interview for the open City Attorney position, City Council decided to postpone a discussion on selecting top candidates until its Jan. 25 meeting. The decision was made in part due to Mayor Pro Tem Jessy Gregg’s absence after she contracted Covid-19 last week.
No other members of City Council appear to have contracted Covid-19 after Jessy Gregg attended Thursday’s meeting – one day after being exposed to Covid but testing negative on an at-home test. The four other members of Council will discuss the City Attorney candidates among other things this evening.
As the debate heated up, Jessy Gregg called George Brookover and Lisa Babcock “a bummer,” suggesting they don’t believe in East Lansing’s economic recovery. Andrew Graham reports for ELi.
ELi’s Andrew Graham interviews a teacher and two students from East Lansing High School about their in-the-halls experiences with Covid-19. Listen in.
Ever wanted to slide relatively massive granite stones across a sheet of ice to try to get closest to a center target? Now’s your chance to give curling a whirl.
East Lansing’s City Council approved the use of $500,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds to reimburse property owners for the cost of installing check valves. More information on how to obtain the reimbursement has now been issued by the City.
What’s been the result of marijuana retail sale regulation in the City of East Lansing? ELi’s Andrew Graham reviews the scene and tells you what’s coming.
On this episode, Andrew and Chuck are joined by Emily Joan Elliott to delve into the current state of the pandemic. Give a listen!
Council will interview the candidates for City Attorney on Jan. 13, but the entire process may run through the end of the month. The City might also hire 2 attorneys: one to act as prosecutor for the District 54B Court and one to act as legal counsel for the City.
Why is Council being told the City’s pension system is 56% funded when the State believes it’s at 51%? We go beyond the graphs presented by the City’s auditors to explain this and a whole lot more.
Andrew and Chuck are joined by Emily Joan Elliott and Alice Dreger to talk about the stories that the ELi reporting team expects to follow in 2022. Give it a listen!
The plan calls for remote (online) education for the first three weeks of the semester. Learn more from ELi.
Some East Lansing residents want to see deer removed to stop property destruction and injury risk, while others detest the thought of having their government kill these animals. What do we know, politically and logistically, about this year’s planned cull?
As an intense local news year comes to a close, Andrew, Chuck, and Emily come together on this week’s ELi podcast to talk about some of the big East Lansing stories of 2021. Have a listen!
Yet again, the publicly-owned Evergreen Properties and their possible redevelopment formed the main topic of discussion at the latest meeting of East Lansing’s Downtown Development Authority. What happened? Only ELi brings this news.
Andrew and Chuck recap last Saturday’s accident involving a Canadian National train running through some downed power lines and resulting in power outages. Andrew interviews a witness to the event and a Comcast representative.
While ELi and its Publisher and Executive Director Alice Dreger move to ask the court to recoup costs incurred by the now-dismissed defamation lawsuit against them, real estate developer Scott Chappelle — who filed the suit — has filed a claim of appeal. Dreger and attorney Brian Wassom, who represents Dreger and ELi, explain what this means for ELi.
City Council member George Brookover, a finalist for the City Attorney position in the last go-around, shared his opinions of how to manage the selection differently this time as the City Council looks to replace Foster Swift.
East Lansing’s staff has decided to require special approval for new or newly-occupied frat and sorority houses, but “will not be applying the requirement retroactively.”
A train caught in wires took down a series of electrical poles along Hagadorn Road, leading to “a mess” according to the Ingham County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management. The sign at Hannah Plaza was destroyed as a result. See contributed photos and learn more in this update.
With a number of stories worth catching up on, Andrew and Chuck are joined by Al Hargrave to discuss some of the recent news. Give it a listen!
East Lansing’s Public Works Department is going into high gear on the Chesterfield Hills sewer odor problem, and a long-time contractor for the City will review the August 12 Northlawn Avenue flooding disaster. Andrew Graham reports from Council’s meeting.
As part of International Ninja Day on Sunday, daughter and mother Tristin and Nichole Martin are hoping to introduce more kids to the sport of “ninja” while also fundraising for a meaningful cause to them. Andrew Graham reports.
Andrew and Chuck are joined by ELi’s Executive Director and Publisher Alice Dreger to delve into the overall issues of transparency in the City of East Lansing. Listen in!
City Council approved a new letter agreement with the would-be developers of 2040 Merritt Rd., the former DPW headquarters property that the City quietly sold via eBay in 2019. What will be built there now?
ELi faces a persistent lack of transparency and thus an unnecessary uphill climb in our efforts to report on what your local government is doing — including with your money. ELi City Desk reporter Andrew Graham brings the story.
The federal Grand Jury returned a 21-page indictment in June 2020, including eight criminal counts, with some involving East Lansing businesses and real estate here and elsewhere. ELi explains.
After multiple presentations to the public from the City about water infrastructure, Chuck Grigsby and Andrew Graham talk about the ongoing sanitary and storm sewer debate in the City of East Lansing. Give a listen!
The DDA voted in favor of funding more cameras to be used by ELPD, but not before a lively discussion about privacy and how to welcome people downtown.
“For the amount of money we pay in taxes each year, in comparison to similar houses in other cities, this situation is unacceptable,” wrote one couple to the City of East Lansing, echoing the feelings of their Chesterfield Hills neighbors.
Grigsby recently ran for City Council and helped form the Police Oversight Commission. He joins the Insider as a regular voice this week, along with Andrew Graham. Listen in!
The new City Council tackled a very hot problem at Tuesday night’s meeting: what to do about the City’s sewer problems. ELi’s Andrew Graham reports.
Looking for an in-depth course about East Lansing government? Now’s your chance to enroll in the City’s Emerging Leaders Program.
Why does City Desk Reporter Andrew Graham report for ELi? It’s the people at the root of it all – our readers, our supporters, our community.
ELi reporters Andrew Graham, Heather Brothers, and Jack Timothy Harrison dive in to some recent ELi reporting on couch burnings and policing. Give it a listen!
ELi’s Andrew Graham spoke with ELHS players, parents, and the district’s athletic director about what happened, what they felt, and where it all goes from here.
Jessy Gregg, who had been serving as Mayor since Aaron Stephens’ resignation, has again been elected Mayor Pro Tem. Dana Watson and George Bookover were also sworn in.
Residents are still expressing concern over the aftermath of severe flooding in August and are skeptical that massive flooding will not happen again, based on conversations at a flooding town hall. The City will hold a webinar on Nov. 18 to address some concerns.
Alerts sent out by MSU tonight indicated a man with a gun in the area of Woodmere and Grand River Avenues downtown. ELi brings you the latest and reviews the recent spate of violence in East Lansing.
ELi’s Andrew Graham is joined by attorney Brian Wassom, who successfully defended ELi in a recent defamation case. The duo discuss why the claims against ELi fell short of being capable of defamation and touch on how an anti-SLAPP law could’ve protected ELi from such a suit.
Officers found two people dead from apparent gunshot wounds after responding to a call on Saturday evening, according to ELPD Deputy Chief Steve Gonzalez. Later that evening, a shooting near the downtown CVS left someone hospitalized.
With all 17 precincts in the City of East Lansing fully reporting, Dana Watson, George Brookover and Ron Bacon have been elected to City Council, according to unofficial Ingham County results.
Young people mostly in Spartan garb set fires in EL neighborhoods after MSU beat UM in football. Police and fire officers were well outnumbered. ELi brings you video.
Just ahead of the Nov. 2 general election, ELi’s Andrew Graham and Alice Dreger take to the pod and look back at the 2021 City Council race to date. Give it a listen!
Ingham County Judge Joyce Draganchuk agreed with ELi’s attorney Brian Wassom that real estate developer Scott Chappelle had no case for defamation against ELi or its publisher Alice Dreger.
The City of East Lansing is planning to apply for a pair of 2022 Natural Resources Trust Fund grants aimed at funding projects to extend and improve existing portions of the Northern Tier Trail. What exactly will the projects entail?
In the weeks and months following torrential rains that flooded portions of East Lansing and numerous basements, ELi has had several readers inquire about the ongoing Montgomery Drain Project and its potential future impact in mitigating local flooding. What do we know?
Despite falling to Grand Ledge on Tuesday night, the East Lansing program can surely still call the evening a success. Andrew Graham reports.
With the City Council election just a few weeks away, ELi brings you the results of a poll conducted by Practical Political Consulting for East Lansing Info.
Judge Joyce Draganchuk told real estate developer Scott Chappelle’s attorneys that their actions “smack of judge shopping.” She’s keeping the case in her court.
The City Manager recommended some Covid relief money be used to help some owners pay for backflow prevention measures. City Council also heard a presentation about the heavy rains on Aug. 12 and subsequent flooding. What did they find out?
Differences showed up around the City’s rental overlay districts, legislation aimed at limiting when landlords can sign leases, managing the Albert EL Fresco social space, battling racism, and more.
Delgado’s impressive win, along with a 1-2 finish by Zeleke and Page and team win for the ELHS boys cross country team marked a successful afternoon for the Trojans at their home invitational. Andrew Graham reports.
Council member Ron Bacon said he wants an analysis from “someone who isn’t so closely tied to the project.” ELi’s Andrew Graham reports on the tense exchange at last night’s City Council meeting.
The Transportation Commissions of East Lansing and Meridian Township met together to discuss the proposed reconstruction of the intersection of Lake Lansing Road and Towar Avenue. What might the new intersection look like? How much will it cost? What concerns were voiced?
On the eastern edge of East Lansing, five homeowners have spent weeks trying to figure out why the Aug. 12 rains flooded their basements with sewage. Weeks later, like most residents, they still haven’t gotten satisfying answers. Andrew Graham reports.
With the election a little more than a month away, ELi is bringing you information designed to help you see the differences between candidates.
“This is going to proceed and come to a conclusion,” the presiding judge told the court yesterday. ELi’s Andrew Graham reports on the latest in the Department of Justice’s case against a local real estate developer.
Under the current City Council and City Attorney, it’s gotten even harder for citizens to see the City Attorneys’ opinions. ELi’s Andrew Graham explains the struggle for transparency.
Planning staff for the City of East Lansing is looking for input on a “Near Term Housing Action Plan” as well as a longer-term vision. How can you listen and weigh in?
Have a listen as ELi’s Andrew Graham and Madi Zink talk high school aquatics, and get a quick ELi news round-up from Andrew, too!
A lawsuit settlement, hair discrimination, food trucks in neighborhoods, controversially-confidential legal opinions, and more at this week’s East Lansing City Council. Catch up with ELi!
ELi brings you the news of what happened Tuesday, from talk of food truck regulation, to a $50K sale of public land to a neighbor, to a decision to forgive one hotel developer and approve another’s site plan for an extended-stay project.
Why does the City of East Lansing have to take on the cost of this year’s Council election, and why might your vote carry more weight than in other elections? ELi’s Andrew Graham explains.
ELi’s Andrew Graham investigates what happened on Aug. 12 along Northlawn Avenue, and brings information about what you can do to help protect your home and belongings.
The placemaking event brought droves of students to downtown East Lansing and included a mobile vaccine clinic from the Ingham County Health Department. Andrew Graham brings more.
Chappelle will be back in court on Sept. 22, when Judge Hala Y. Jarbou will set a trial date. Andrew Graham reports from federal court in Lansing.
From football to girls golf, to boys and girls cross country, get to know all the teams as the fall season gets going.
Over a half-million dollars in local taxes will be directed towards hiring economic development specialists to focus on East Lansing, if all goes as planned. Andrew Graham reports from the latest meeting of the East Lansing DDA.
At a media briefing on Tuesday, Vail praised ELPS and MSU for Covid mitigation efforts and provided a general update on Covid in Ingham County, including increased hospitalizations.
The power supply to the lights at the pickleball court was cut. Why? And why won’t there be repairs anytime soon?
Negotiations on a new contract hit a snag, according to Mayor Jessy Gregg. The search for the next City Attorney(s) will add even more shaking-up to East Lansing’s already-well-shaken City Hall. Andrew Graham reports.
Another shuffle happened tonight at East Lansing’s City Council, with Council-appointee Dana Watson becoming the first Black Mayor Pro Tem of East Lansing, and Shanna Draheim returning to a seat she left voluntarily in 2019. ELi’s Andrew Graham reports.
The Albert EL Fresco was dismantled on Sunday, and some readers wrote in to express their sadness to see it go. Why has it been paused? When might we see it again?
A City ordinance that would have significantly altered the annual housing rental timeline here has been “deemed rescinded.” Andrew Graham reports on why and what it means.
In court on Thursday, the City of East Lansing’s attorney argued that the BWL franchise fee is not a tax and customers could opt out of using BWL’s service. Judge Wanda Stokes had questions about that.
What happened at East Lansing’s City Council on Tuesday night? ELi’s Andrew Graham catches you up.
Superintendent Dori Leyko has provided details about what the East Lansing Public Schools district is doing to try to offer online learning and to minimize the impact of Covid-19 as school restarts.
Before the unanimous vote in favor at Monday’s School Board meeting, Green’s oldest son spoke warmly of his parents and of his own experience in the East Lansing Public Schools.
Two student-rental houses faced similar citations — for noise, litter, and public health violations — but the outcomes turned out differently. Why? Andrew Graham reports from East Lansing’s Housing Commission.
As Jessy Gregg prepares to become East Lansing’s Mayor on August 11, she sits down with ELi’s Andrew Graham to talk local politics and the upcoming City Council election. Give a listen!
The East Lansing Transportation Commission met in person on Monday — marking the start of the return to regular in-person City meetings this month. How did they decide to handle abandoned bikes? What other transportation issues did they tackle?
Following a shooting in the early hours of Saturday morning in downtown East Lansing near Pinball Pete’s, ELi followed up with ELPD to ask about that incident and another shooting that occurred in May.
The Trojans faced a tumultuous year, marked by fits and starts due to the pandemic, but it was not without major successes. ELi’s Andrew Graham takes a look back.
