East Lansing Public Schools Superintendent Dori Leyko spoke with ELi about evolving philosophies on discipline and what tools are available in ELPS.
At least three Aquatic Center employees used their training to help save people in danger while off the clock this summer.
The scores indicate that many Red Cedar students overcome challenges like having English as a second language.
The pulpits of All Saints Episcopal Church and the Edgewood United Church of Christ were filled this year.
Interest and principal payments on the Evergreen Avenue properties have been a significant drain on the DDA’s budget since the land was purchased in 2009.
The protest will be held at the median near Grand River Avenue and Abbot Road, and will not block traffic.
Reporter Dustin DuFort Petty breaks down how East Lansing scored in each grade and in each subject.
Matt Apostle’s work as the city’s community and economic develpment specialist requires he work with almost every corner of the community.
Dubbed the Johnson-Stoddard Home after notable former owners, the nearly century old house carries plenty of history.
For 40 years, Pat Daniels has worked as a crossing guard, helping generations of East Lansing children get to school safely.
The vote came about a month after the teachers’ union rejected a previously proposed contract.
The Starbucks near the Grand River Avenue and Charles Street intersection will close Sunday, Aug. 31.
The city passed in ordinance in 2016 that was meant to bring affordable housing downtown. One local business owner says the ordinance has stifled development.
The barbershop is located at 301 M. A. C. Avenue.
If voters approve the millage, it would provide nearly $3 million of funding dedicated to the city’s Parks, Recreation and Arts Department.
Peoples Church is working with area nonprofit organizations to provide places for adults living with disabilities to live.
Due to funding constraints, families will now be asked to pay to participate in athletics and the free school lunch program is at risk.
The HRC discussed the possibility of East Lansing purchasing pods to temporarily house people, a move that would mirror recent action by the Lansing City Council.
At least two formal complaints filed to the city alleged former Police Chief Kim Johnson sexually harassed female ELPD employees.
Without an agreement in place and the school year nearing, district administrators and teachers are weighing their options.
November’s City Council election is more than three months away and we’ve already received questions about the eligibility of a couple candidates.
Alcoholic beverages were illegal in East Lansing into the late 1960s, with the city changing course largely to attract developers.
If Lansing voters approve a proposed change to the city’s charter, East Lansing will lose its non-voting member on the Lansing Board of Water & Light.
ELi Reporter Dustin DuFort Petty is fed up with all the shoes hanging from East Lansing power lines.
DeShambo spent 13 years working for the City of East Lansing before retiring last week
The group supports one another through the grief and anger that comes with losing a partner.
Parents worry about fewer sixth grade students qualifying for advanced math placement and more receiving non-proficient standardized test scores.
When Minh Nguyen and Mina Pham discovered that their son’s wagon had been stolen from their East Lansing apartment, it meant more than the loss of a plaything. For the small family trying to make ends meet on Nguyen’s post-doctoral student salary from Michigan State University, it was a lifeline. “We don’t have a car…
King has served as library director since March of 2024.
More than $1.5 million of federal funds to WKAR are at risk – about 16% of the station’s budget.
District leaders said ELPS has a healthy amount of reserve funds and top administrators received raises to keep their pay competitive with nearby districts.
This story explores the lives of Charlie Richardson and John Weslowski, a married East Lansing couple who have lived through the evolution of gay rights and pride.
“We’re gonna see hundreds of thousands of hours that are being lost from the most vulnerable communities around the country,” one local nonprofit leader told ELi.
This year’s Pride Celebration will feature a drag story hour at the East Lansing Public Library and drag performances downtown.
Some DEI initiatives in the district provide diverse literature in elementary school class libraries and allow teachers to self-select into trainings.
Last week, 24 MSUFCU IT employees were laid off.
Brent Crain, a horticultural educator with Michigan State University Extension who coordinates the master gardener program for six mid-Michigan counties, shared gardening tips with ELi.
Parents attended a recent school board meeting to defend a Red Cedar Elementary School teacher who appears likely to lose her job due to low enrollment in the school.
City Council will finalize the city budget for fiscal year 2026 at a meeting tonight.
Bill Krieger founded Veterans Archives, an East Lansing based nonprofit organization that shares the stories of military veterans.
A pair of incidents earlier this month are part of ongoing concerns voiced by MacDonald Middle School staff members.
Leaders of the St. Thomas Aquinas Parish are mourning the loss of Pope Francis, but optimistic about the trajectory his leadership led the church.
Watson hopes by announcing early that she will not run for reelection, more candidates enter the race.
Commissioners were split on a vote to recommend the proposal.
“There is no benefit to what they’re trying to do,” a FWS employee told ELi.
The board also approved the creation of a new video game design class.
David Dickson, Michigan State College’s first Black faculty member, resided in the city in a time marked by racist housing policies.
Dr. Omar Malas traveled to aid Palestinians in Northern Gaza, an area hit hardest during the war between Israel and Hamas.
On Valentine’s Day, ELi shares the love story of East Lansing couple Bob and Sylvia Stevens that has spanned nearly 70 years.
Currently, school start times in the district range from 7:45 a.m. in the high school to 8:45 a.m. in elementary schools.
A “First Amendment Auditor” films police officers and other government employees to audit their reaction to minor disturbances.
Executive Orders targeting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs have impacted work on the Michigan State University campus.
The recently opened restaurant hopes to not just be a sports bar with a kitchen, but to serve as a favorite location for foodies.
City Manager Robert Belleman talks about his first 15 months leading the city staff and his hopes for the future.
Meridian Township police are investigating the graffiti.
New ELPD Interim Chief Jen Brown has served as a deputy chief for the department since December 2023.
Nominate community members with the best light displays by Sunday, Dec. 15. After that, readers will get a chance to vote on their favorites.
Unchanged diapers and understaffed classrooms are among the accusations made against the preschool and childcare center.
Vietnam War Veteran and retired long-time East Lansing city employee Ron Springer has dedicated much of his life to honoring those who served in the U.S. military.
Incumbent Democrat Patrick Lindemann is being challenged by Republican Brian Bruce Beauchine to serve as Ingham County drain commissioner.
The Register of Deeds office records, indexes and retains “documents that convey or encumber real estate located within the county.”
One local business owner is trying to get a state law changed that doesn’t allow dogs on restaurant patios.
There were also public hearings for a proposed sauna park and fabrication shop.
Before Nate Silver was a nationally recognized statistician, he was a talented East Lansing High School student.
After being appointed as the county’s prosecuting attorney two years ago, John Dewane is running for a full term. He is challenged by Republican Norm Shinkle.
Over the next several weeks, ELi will bring you articles highlighting the choices for state- and county-wide election. We seek to interview each of the major candidates for these offices and share an objective look at their backgrounds and goals for office. Today, we focus on Ingham County Sheriff. With its administrative offices in the…
Hear from candidates on why they feel they are best suited to represent Michigan’s 75th District.
Hear from candidates on why they feel they are best suited to represent Michigan’s 73rd District.
The program will be recorded Oct. 4 and distributed widely soon after it is finished. To better gauge the questions residents have, we are also allowing readers to submit questions before the event.
Over the first eight months of 2024, Food Rescue: Lansing Communities has collected more than 78,000 pounds of food that may have otherwise spoiled.
Four recent high school graduates from East Lansing were among those selected.
Thasin Sardar was recognized with the Peacemaker of the Year award and Chris Root received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Lansing Area Peace Education Center’s June meeting.
Precios Armstrong comes to the position with more than 25 years of experience in education and a doctorate in educational leadership.
The fast pace that delivery drivers move in and out of illegal parking locations makes it difficult for the city to enforce parking rules.
The millages up for renewal at the August Primary Election provide funding for essential services to older residents and health care services for low income residents.
After experiencing issues with its previous custodial service provider, ELPS switched back to in-house services. Billy Hastings and his team have since cleaned up the district.
The performances will take place the first three Sundays of August.
Yesterday, President Joe Biden announced he would not seek reelection.
Trends around funeral services and memorials have been changing nationwide. These differences can be seen locally.
2022 ELHS graduate Marie Adele Grosso is still unsure if she’ll be allowed to return to Columbia University after protesting against Israeli military actions.
As East Lansing prepares a search for its new police chief, ELi has learned that there will be two internal candidates in Deputy Chief Jennifer Brown and Interim Chief Chad Pride.
While the state’s budget has not yet been finalized, ELPS Director of Finance Rich Pugh gave an update on proposed school funding.
After a hate crime that targeted LGBTQIA+ students was committed on MSU’s campus, ELPS students and staff rallied to support the district’s queer students.
On Memorial Day, we look back at 10 East Lansing service members who were killed in the Vietnam War.
The East Lansing Public Schools Board of Education discussed the possibility of later passing a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and Israel at its May board meeting.
The new Prime Time Seniors director will look to expand activities offered by the program even further.
A plan to replace a gas station and convenience store on the corner of Abbot Road and Saginaw Street will go back to City Council with the Planning Commission’s approval.
Planning, Building and Development Director Annette Irwin still carries the reputation of a “Worker Bee” even after 27 years of service to the city.
The summit will be open to ELPS students and other community members.
The Planning Commission recommended approval on a pair of items, while tabling proposed rezoning that would allow for a Grove Street B&B.
Documents show the process followed when ELPS hired an administrator’s son at an elevated pay rate.
The East Lansing Board of Education again heard from the union the district’s administrative assistants are part of at its March 11 meeting.
Members of the East Lansing Independent Police Oversight Commission shared concerns about proposed amendments to the ordinance that established the commission.
Several members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, which East Lansing School District administrators belong to, showed up at the Feb. 26 Board of Education meeting.
Three public hearings were held at the Feb. 28 Planning Commission meeting. One regarded tree removals, another addressed a solar energy ordinance and the third revisited a B&B that is proposed for Grove Street.
ELi has had a recent staff shake up.
Some East Lansing residents have been surprised to receive notices that they may owe the city income taxes.
If approved, the “safety, security, accessibility bond” will go toward improvements at ELHS and MMS as well as a new central office building.
Last school year, 41 ELPS students experienced homelessness. School staff works to ensure students experiencing homelessness have the tools necessary to meet their academic potential.
The last two city departments presented their priorities, while the strategic planning process was met with some resistance.
The proposals for a car wash, bed and breakfast, and new gas station are on Tuesday’s City Council meeting agenda.
“It’s a great way to bridge the gap between and learn what the commissioners see as important to their peers,” assistant to the city manager said.
He talked about new city hires, preparing for the first big winter storm and why Council meeting minutes have not yet been approved.
“I’m an expert in medicine, but I’m very passionate about caffeine,” says Dr. Ahmed Sufyan, owner of Moka & Co.
City of East Lansing and local service providers suspect the call is a hoax but are, nonetheless, working to be prepared.
ELi spoke with nine ministers and pastors about what they are experiencing in their churches.
The city manager responds to questions about Country Mills Farms, Council goal setting plans and an employee pay study.
The letter signed by nine civic and school leaders supports putting the commission establishment on the 2024 ballot.
The vice president of ACD has been working with downtown business owners and neighborhood groups to revamp the project.
As part of the anniversary celebration, a ribbon cutting and open house will be held Thursday at the shelter’s new administrative facilities.
The event was an expression of solidarity and hope in the wake of the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The shop on M.A.C. Avenue has been in business since 1956 and continues to have loyal clientele from around the country and world.
New Principal Planner Landon Bartley is eager to get to work back in the community that shaped him.
Councilmember George Brookover expressed discomfort with the actions taken by the outgoing interim city manager. Randy Talifarro, the new city manager and finance director respond.
The Oct. 23 meeting included a presentation by the ELHS principal, adoption of 24 board policy revisions and approval of a bond proposal for security enhancements.
With migrating birds, squirrels fattening up for winter and diverse city parks, this is a good time of year to get outside.
The city’s new top administrator talks about his life, his priorities and gives his perspective on the end of his job in Saginaw.
After 228 days on the job, Talifarro said he is glad to have had the opportunity to step into the crucial city role during a sometimes tumultuous time.
The communitywide debate has been ongoing since May. With the Tuesday decision, the surface parking lot will stay a parking lot.
Majority of the four-hour meeting was spent interviewing the six candidates for the trustee position vacated by Monica Fink.
The board is expected to also approve a separation agreement with suspended middle school physical education teacher, Dennis Petrowitz.
22 people spoke to Council about the affordable housing project during the Oct. 3 meeting, with majority speaking against the proposal. Council expects to make a decision at the Oct. 17 meeting.
Public comment is on the agenda for the 12:30 p.m. meeting. Comments about the suspension of the middle school teacher are anticipated.
The proposal was defeated 3-2. Hagan Reality owners are not sure what their next steps will be for the properties but vow not to give up.
Hagan Realty says the project will be good for the city, while residents of the 600 block of Grove Street continue to disagree.
ELi is providing introductions to the eight East Lansing City Council candidates. In the eighth installment in our series, Dustin DuFort Petty provides a profile of Joshua Ramirez-Roberts. Why is Ramirez-Roberts running?
ELi is providing introductions to the eight East Lansing City Council candidates. In the sixth installment in our series, Dustin DuFort Petty provides a profile of Kerry Ebersole Singh. Why is Ebersole Singh running?
ELi is providing introductions to the eight East Lansing City Council candidates. In the fifth in our series, Dustin DuFort Petty provides a profile of Dan Bollman. Why is Bollman running?
DPW interim director confirms city workers had responded to incidents associated with the digging in Glencairn
The loss of surface parking is the chief objection of critics. But the owners of the land say the lot is going to be redeveloped one way or another.
The variance was approved 4-3 after back and forth discussion at the board’s Aug. 2 meeting.
The botanical garden on the MSU campus is known as a place for research, education, tranquility and activities.
Only three candidates applied for the seat vacated by Amanda Cormier, and then one dropped out.
The meeting where Robert Belleman was fired from his job as Saginaw County’s controller included strong public statements for and against his termination, a recording obtained by ELi shows. Two commissioners who voted for termination spoke with ELi.
Two candidates say they would have voted for Tim Dempsey, one shows disbelief, others are pragmatic and two haven’t yet responded to ELi.
“She made our congregation seem whole. I know that sounds cheesy maybe, but it felt like a healing. She’s leaving the church stronger than it was,” said Edgewood United Church of Christ member Melissa Fore.
ELi has learned East Lansing Public Schools Board Trustee Amanda Cormier has tendered her resignation from the board. A special school board meeting is scheduled for 4 p.m. today (Aug. 4) to develop a process for her replacement. Cormier won her seat in November 2022, along with Trustees Terah Chambers, Kath Edsall and Tali Faris-Hylen,…
The East Lansing Human Rights Commission continues to discuss the possibility of vending machines that dispense emergency contraceptives, although the path to making it happen remains murky.
Parents also gave a presentation on the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) initiative during the fast-paced regular meeting.
A decision on University Lutheran’s request for a variance for the size of a solar array was tabled after questions arose about other approved projects.
The Congregation Shaarey Zedek community can’t help but feel fear and uncertainty as antisemitic sentiments increase nationwide.
The high school is dedicated to providing a supportive environment for all students.
The East Lansing City Council will look for an interim director for the East Lansing Public Library while library trustees will orchestrate a search for a full time candidate.
The resignations occur amid turmoil at the library and in the city’s workforce.
Eleven library staff members spoke about their jobs and responsibilities, stressing “libraries work because we do.” The union staff is currently in contract negotiations.
Six retiring educators and staff and the Michigan Lottery Educator of the Year recipient were all recognized during the June 12 meeting.
Ashley Schwarzbek takes the leadership reins at the high school after some challenging times during the school year.
Homeowners just to the south are objecting to the proposal, but the church to the north supports it.
The 2018 deal with DRW/Convexity and City Council is setting the stage for the current council to make a big decision.
ELPL Board of Trustees and Director Kristin Shelley have back-and-forth exchanges during two-hour meeting.
If City Council follows the committee’s recommendations, the pie will be split many ways between public services and infrastructure projects.
Board hears about the professional learning experiences teachers participated in during the school year.
Could Ingham County get an ID program similar to Washtenaw County’s? And what’s happening with those two civil rights complaints?
Recent tensions, anger are not seen at the April 24 meeting, as the school board recognizes theater students, talks Graduation Alliance program and much more.
Also on the full agenda was approval of board minutes, a new patron code of conduct and much more.
No Mow May, recycling, conversation starters and ways to take action are all part of the annual spring event.
Incident has led to a special investigation by the library board and complaint to the EL Human Rights Commission.
Residents have been granted one-year land leases as the developers, FP Investors, are seeking a final decision from Council for further development.
The city attorney said the investigation was stalled because he couldn’t reach a key person involved. ELi reached her by phone last night.
Despite efforts of an experienced facilitator, frustrations dominated the team-building session.
Reached for comment, Norm Shinkle, co-chair of the Ingham County Republican Party, told ELi what’s happening in Michigan is “unbelievable.”
March 15 meeting was less acrimonious than recent sessions with more time spent focusing on business as usual.
Superintendent Dori Leyko gave a detailed update on security measures that have been implemented in the district.
Talifarro will be available to all this Wednesday evening at a meet-and-greet being hosted by the library.
Public expresses mixed views about the road conversion, but transportation commission unanimously approved the project.
This week’s East Lansing Library Board of Trustees meeting was dominated by discussion of the Jan. 11 incident.
Plans for a LGBTQ+ event and coffee and conversations sessions also discussed.
Students, MSU librarian share their stories and their emotions with ELi.
Students and other members of the community gathered on Wednesday to mourn and to vow to take action.
The ever-growing group helps students build critical-thinking skills.
Some people remain very unhappy with the idea of paving over the center of the park for a pavilion, while others are excited by the designs. See the new renderings and find out what happened at the last Planning Commission meeting.
The ELPS district and ELEF devoted $35,000 for K5 classrooms to buy books this year.
Photos and videos of the individual have appeared across social media.
Oaths of office, election of officers, parents’ concerns about play spaces and fighting, and a hint of future district policies. ELi brings you the news.
The retiring school board president and vice president honored during Dec. 12 meeting.
Congregation Shaarey Zedek remains cautious during this time of increased hateful ideas.
OK2SAY, a state-wide reporting program, is one tool being used by the school district.
The Ingham County Bar Association honors Amy Iseler with its Liberty Bell Award for her work with the 54B drug court.
The center, affiliated with All Saints Episcopal Church, is a place for students to gather, de-stress and connect.
City Council may take up the issue at its Dec. 6 meeting after the resolution was unanimously approved by the Human Rights Commission.
As this election cycle draws to a close, ELi answers a reader’s question about political signs.
The city’s mayor is optimistic as he continues to prioritize supporting small business, fair budgeting and regional partnerships.
Board Vice President Chris Martin says the board does not yet have enough information to approve the project.
ELPS Board of Education has followed through on its promise to reopen the elementary school in the Red Cedar Neighborhood.
The East Lansing native emphasizes downtown development oversight and building a healthy relationship with Michigan State University.
Attendance at the Salaam Peace festival at the East Lansing Islamic Center exceeded organizers’ expectation.
Affordable and inclusive housing, and police reform remain at the top of Watson’s hopes for the city.
ELPS is looking to end the contract with Jani-King and to take a different approach.