Together, We Are East Lansing
Your Stories. Your News. Your ELi.
Together, We Are East Lansing
Your Stories. Your News. Your ELi.
News
It’s Election Day!
The polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Abbot and Burcham Intersection Closed Due to Gas Leak, Hannah Community Center Remains Open
The Hannah Community Center is currently housing an Early Voting Center that is open until 5 p.m.
East Lansing Native Nate Silver Talks Early Years, Risk
Before Nate Silver was a nationally recognized statistician, he was a talented East Lansing High School student.
Reminder: Senior Surveys Due by End of October
Feedback to the survey will help guide programming and services offered to older residents.
Leaders of Groups For and Against Proposal 1 Explain Their Stances
The League of Women Voters of the Lansing Area and ELi hosted a program to hear from those on each side of Proposal 1, which would impact the city’s housing and rental regulations.
Fall Updates from ELi
ELi has new employees, earned a couple of grants and our team looks forward to continue bringing important stories.
As Book Bans Increase Nationally, ELPL Celebrates Intellectual Freedom
ELPL’s Freedom to Read Week kicked off Sept. 22 with a performance of “Inherit the Wind” from the MSU Department of Theatre.
ELi and the Lansing Area League of Women Voters to Hold Program on Proposed Charter Amendment
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.
Drastic Stormwater Management Measures? BWL to Explain Rate Increases? Folk Fest Returning? Questions Emerge from Council Meeting
At its Sept. 17 meeting, City Council voted to accept a property donation on Cresenwood Road to be used as a park or green space.
New Nonprofit Chapter, Local Businesses Team Up to Donate Tons of Food
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.
Local Organization Celebrates Raising $1 Million in Charitable Donations
After starting with 41 members in 2010, Greater Lansing 100+ Women Who Care has grown to around 200 members strong.
Library Roundup: Updates from the Latest Board Meeting and Director Kevin King
ELPL is moving forward with its Strategic Planning Process that engaged more than 1,000 residents.
City Gathering Feedback to Gauge the Needs, Experiences of Seniors
The survey will ask a wide range of questions about seniors’ opinions on city entities and services. Seniors were last surveyed in 2006.
Charter Amendment Committee Members Picked; Proposed Rental Ordinance Changes Revealed at Council Meeting
Diane Goddeeris, Jonathan Forman, Jeffrey Hank, Veronica Wilkerson-Johnson, Ruben Martinez, Jill Rhode and Pam Weil have been selected to serve on the charter review committee.
City Officials Taking Feedback About Flooding at Aug. 15 Event
A June storm brought 3-4 inches of rain and a July storm brought upwards of 7 inches. Both storms brought widespread flooding in East Lansing.
Two EL Activists Honored
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.
Delivery Drivers and Downtown Parking Continue to be at Odds
The fast pace that delivery drivers move in and out of illegal parking locations makes it difficult for the city to enforce parking rules.
Two County Millages on August Ballot
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.
East Lansing Devastated by Flooding Again
Two storms have caused widespread flooding in East Lansing in less than a month.
Rethinking Farewells: How Funerals and Final Resting Places are Changing
Trends around funeral services and memorials have been changing nationwide. These differences can be seen locally.
City Continues Work on Non-Motorized Transportation Plan
On Wednesday the city held an open house to continue to gather input for its non-motorized transportation plan.
Cyber Crime Cost City $50,000
The city was able to provide an update on the financial impact of the cyber crime, but few other details.
Women’s Center Fundraiser sees Participants Rappel Down Boji Tower
The event saw participants rappel 297 feet down the Boji Tower.
Our 10
On Memorial Day, we look back at 10 East Lansing service members who were killed in the Vietnam War.
New Prime Time Seniors Director Alesha Williams: Supporting EL Seniors is “My Joy”
The new Prime Time Seniors director will look to expand activities offered by the program even further.
Planning Commission Recommends Gas Station, Not B&B Rezoning
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.
All Saints Episcopal Church Rev. Kit Carlson Retiring
Rev. Kit Carlson has served as rector at All Saints Episcopal Church since 2007.
Library Board Discusses Strategic Planning, Staff Conferences
The East Lansing Public Library met yesterday for its April meeting.
Albert El Fresco Tweaks, Illegal Parking Discussed by DDA
Albert El Fresco will return to downtown East Lansing later this month.
From Pokémon to Public Policy: Aaron Stephens’ Political Journey
The former mayor has earned a masters degree in public policy from Harvard and returned to East Lansing.
Library Board Talks Strategic Planning, School Partnerships
The meeting was the first since Kevin King took over as library director on March 4.
ELHS Grad Recalls Ventures in Baseball and Music
Dale Corbin was a star pitcher for the Eastern Michigan University baseball team in the 1970s and later found success in music.
Meet New East Lansing Public Library Director Kevin King
New East Lansing Public Library Director Kevin King believes building solid relationships with library staff and East Lansing residents is key to success in his role.
Spin Scooters Banished, Tree Maintenance Approved by City Council
City Council permanently revoked Spin scooter company’s license to operate in East Lansing at last night’s meeting.
Day named ELi Interim Managing Editor, Martinez Joins ELi Staff as Investigative Reporter
ELi has had a recent staff shake up.
Library Board Preps for New Fiscal Year at Feb. 21 Meeting
ELPL Interim Director Angelo Moreno spent much of his last meeting at the helm discussing finances with the library board.
Murals, Cultural Arts Plan Discussed at Feb. 15 Arts Commission Meeting
The East Lansing Arts Commission discussed the possibility of installing five heat-applied vinyl murals at its Feb. 15 meeting.
Secontine’s Investigation to be Released
The East Lansing City Council voted to release investigator Randall Secontine’s report at its Feb. 20 meeting.
2023 Annual Report
ELi published 393 original reports last year.
Book Vending Machine Project Meant to Boost Reading Literacy
Kiwanis Club of East Lansing and WKAR met to discuss and plan strategies to increase young people’s love of reading.
Spread the Word: ELi Has a New Facebook Page
Please share our new page with your friends and communities.
Events, Resources Available as Community Remembers Shooting
MSU and East Lansing are joining together to provide support as everyone continues to process the Feb. 13, 2023, tragedy. Luminary kits are available today for one event planned for Tuesday.
Council Tackles Variety of Issues in Tuesday Meeting
Glencairn rental restriction overlay public hearing set, rejected projects discussed and minutes of Nov. 2 special meeting finally approved during 90-minute session.
Pair of Major Road Projects Approved by City Council
City Council voted to approve projects that will have major impacts on two of East Lansing’s busiest roads at the Jan. 23 meeting.
Restorative Justice Presentation Given to School Board, Essay Award Winners Recognized at Jan. 22 Meeting
MacDonald Middle School Principal Amy Martin and Associate Principal John Atkinson gave a presentation on restorative justice techniques used by the school at the Monday, Jan. 22 East Lansing Board of Education meeting.
All-of-us Express Children’s Theatre presents The Addams Family School Edition
All-of-us Express Children’s Theatre will be bringing “The Addams Family” school edition musical to the Hannah Community Center, starting Friday, Feb. 2.
ELi Facebook Page is Down
The staff is working diligently to fix the problem ASAP.
Brookover Negotiates EV Charger at Car Wash; Gas Station and B&B Proposals Rejected
City Council heard another statement condemning the election of Singh as mayor pro tem over Watson.
Council Attempts to Outline Ambitions for 2024-2025 Term
The last two city departments presented their priorities, while the strategic planning process was met with some resistance.
Library Board Shifts Focus After Director Hire
Strategic planning, budgets and reviewing the one-year report on the Jan. 11, 2023, incident were all part of the recent meeting.
Overlay Information Session Draws Big Crowd
The proposed Glencairn rental restriction overlay district goes back before Planning Commission Wednesday.
Council Holds Three Public Hearings, Defers Decisions
The proposals for a car wash, bed and breakfast, and new gas station are on Tuesday’s City Council meeting agenda.
Council Will Consider Hagadorn ‘Road Diet’ Project
The Transportation Commission unanimously approved recommending the plan be implemented for the stretch of road from Burcham Drive to Grand River Avenue.
Video of Nov. 2 Special Council Meeting Released On City YouTube Channel
The video was uploaded to the city’s YouTube channel, but not added to the meeting calendar like other recordings. City manager tells ELi it was an “oversight.”
Police, Public Works and Other City Departments Lay Out 2024 Priorities
City strategic planning will continue at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Hannah Center.
A Reminder of ELi’s Facebook Policy
Our moderation policy is centered on a dedication to readers trusting us to be responsible.
Lansing NAACP Speaks Against Perceived Bias from Council
Following statements by the NAACP’s James McCurtis and Councilmember Dana Watson, Council heard presentations from city department heads about 2024 priorities.
Master Plan Update, Overlay Districts Discussed by Planning Commission
The three-hour meeting included numerous residents speaking about the proposed rental restriction overlay in the Glencairn neighborhood.
New Commission Gives Voice to Youth
“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.
Library Board Chooses a New Director
The board unanimously moves to offer the job to Kevin King, who will come to EL from the Kalamazoo Public Library.
First Major Storm on Its Way
Here are reminders on how to handle the expected heavy snow along with announcements of city closings.
Council Rejects Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Resolution
Despite emotional testimony from many personally impacted by the conflict, the resolution drafted by the Human Rights Commission was rejected 4-1.
Overlay Information Meeting to Be Held
The city hopes to answer questions and clear up concerns about overlay districts during the Jan. 17 informational session.
School Board Organizes for 2024 at First Meeting of Year
Chris Martin is elected school board president during the Jan. 8 meeting.
Council Kicks off 2024 with Stacked Meeting Agenda
Tuesday’s meeting includes 10 items on the business agenda, 3 public hearings and a mysterious closed session.
ELPL ‘Library of Things’ Has a Bit of Everything
Tools, light therapy, zoo passes and more are among the unconventional offerings that can be checked out at the library.
Brothers Bring Yemeni Coffee to East Lansing
“I’m an expert in medicine, but I’m very passionate about caffeine,” says Dr. Ahmed Sufyan, owner of Moka & Co.
ELi Needs Your Input
Take a couple minutes and respond to our reader survey. Help guide us into 2024.
DDA Approves Setting Aside Funds for a Director
The decision to allot $250,000 to hire a director in 2025 followed two strategic planning sessions. Details for the position still need to be ironed out.
ELi Truly Appreciates Our Donors
The contributions of 610 individuals will help sustain ELi’s mission of bringing you the news of East Lansing.
Donate Now and Help ELi Keep the Lights On
Make a difference in your community: Help us get as close to our $200,000 goal as possible. Matching funds are available through Sunday, as is a NewsMatch bonus.
What Does ELi See Ahead in 2024?
Here are the stories on the reporting and editorial team’s radar in the new year.
Anonymous Call About Migrant Buses Coming to EL Lacks ‘Veracity’
City of East Lansing and local service providers suspect the call is a hoax but are, nonetheless, working to be prepared.
A Year in Review: What ELi Covered in 2023
With the year coming to an end, we look back at top stories and issues in the City of East Lansing.
Last Chance at a 2023 Tax-Deductible Donation That Helps ELi Survive!
We need you more than ever! Donate by Dec. 31 and help us get closer to our annual campaign goal.
Special ELi Investigation: Church Attendance is Down Nationwide; What About in East Lansing?
ELi spoke with nine ministers and pastors about what they are experiencing in their churches.
Safe Routes to School Grant Proposal Impacts Parks
Parks & Rec Commission heard a report from SRTS, conclusions of a Farmers Market survey and bid farewell to Chuck Overbey.
Council Takes a Long Look at Finances
During public comment, speakers requested the city support a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Glencairn Overlay Proposal Dominates Housing Meeting
The Housing Commission approved two rental requests, but the three in the proposed overlay district are on hold.
Help ELi Reach Its $200,000 Goal by Dec. 31
Donate now to your independent local news source and your dollars will be matched!
HRC Responds to Gaza With Ceasefire Resolution
The commission unanimously approved the resolution, which will now be presented to City Council.
City Leaders Urge Council to Move Forward with Charter Review Commission
The letter signed by nine civic and school leaders supports putting the commission establishment on the 2024 ballot.
Farewell from ELi Founder Alice Dreger
A long look back at ELi – and bright hopes for the future – from founder Alice Dreger.
Overlay in Glencairn to be Considered After Widespread Confusion, Protest
The interim planning director and a Council member work to explain the overlay ordinances. But the debate is expected to continue.
New 530 Albert Ave Proposal Event is Not Today
The event will be rescheduled in the future.
New Life for 530 Albert Ave Project?
The vice president of ACD has been working with downtown business owners and neighborhood groups to revamp the project.
MSU Students Pitch Proposals for Evergreen Property
DDA members and city officials listened to development presentations by urban planning students for the downtown site.
First Phase of New Trail Connecting MSU to Lake Lansing Opens
Completing the trail along the Red Cedar River was tricky, but worth it, Meridian Township official said.
Downtown Safety, Homeless are Focus of Presentations to DMB
The Downtown Management Board heard crime statistics from ELPD Deputy Chief Chad Pride and about the Advent House Ministries homelessness outreach program.
Road Diet Proposal Draws Crowd to Transportation Commission Meeting
The proposal calls for altering Hagadorn Road between Grand River and Burcham Drive from four lanes to three.
Annual Giving Campaign Update: Help Us Keep the Lights On at ELi!
We are almost 50% of the way toward our $200,000 goal. Donate now and take advantage of matching funds.
CDBG Applications Due Dec. 15
Grant program is for the needs of low-to-moderate income people and neighborhoods.
