The East Lansing City Council is poised to begin a 45-day period in which residents could force a referendum on the city’s proposal to issue tens of millions of dollars in bonds for sewer infrastructure and improvements to city facilities. The city is considering borrowing nearly $30 million to pay for improvements to the sewer…
The Justice League will provide two grants worth more than $11,000 to local Black-owned businesses.
The city could install a new utility to pay for infrastructure improvements that reduce flooding.
The commission said it can investigate the complaint because it was filed before the City Council stripped powers delegated in the ordinance that governs it.
Businesses in the Trowbridge Plaza will hold a Thrift and Thrive event on Wednesday, Sept. 23.
East Lansing seniors will teach grade school children how to sew, carve, paint and much more in October.
The council voted to loosen the city’s diverse housing requirement.
The building is being demolished so The Howard, a 12-story apartment complex, can be built.
The new machines are located in a storefront in downtown East Lansing.
If the Eastside Lansing Food Co-op doesn’t raise more money, the store could close.
An East Lansing Info reporter joined Parking and Code Enforcement officers for a ride along earlier this summer.
There has been an increase in hateful posts made targeting the East Lansing Islamic Center since Abdul El-Sayed secured the Democratic senate nomination at the August primary election.
An advocate for one of the charter amendments accused the City Council of adding language to the ballot to dissuade voters from supporting the amendment.
Residents can petition for traffic calming measures like speed humps and raised crosswalks.
ELi’s editors discuss the city and community’s response to a video circulating on social media.
East Lansing voters saw their preferred candidates win major elections.
Four county tax proposals, three city charter amendments and primary elections will be decided.
Prime Time Seniors has a full slate of events scheduled in August and into the fall.
If approved by voters, the charter amendment would require the City Council to appoint members of a city committee that analyzes local barriers to healthcare.
Grand River Avenue is expected to reopen next week.
If the clerk’s office verifies signatures, it will likely be placed on the November ballot.
The city spent more than $1.5 million on legal service last fiscal year.
Some women have exercised in a gym for the first time since the space opened.
Clerk Emily Gordon wrote that claims in the DOJ’s letter are inaccurate and asked for clarification on different points.
The road work has blocked the main entrances of several businesses along East Lansing’s busiest street.
The Department of Justice plans to send election monitors to East Lansing’s Aug. 4 primary election.
Programming in the city could be expanded if the third floor of the Hannah Community Center is renovated.
Usually fireworks are prohibited in East Lansing, with the exception being around Independence Day and certain other holidays.
Find out what’s on the ballot, the different ways to vote and more!
The decrease in behavioral problems coincides with new strategies library staff implemented to address issues.
High temperatures impact everyone, but people taking certain medications for mental health, high cholesterol, weight loss and more can be especially at risk.
The city will finish the fiscal year with a $500,000 surplus in its general fund.
The sign was put up by Brent VanNamen, who previously lived with the well-known “Wells Hall Preacher.”
The millage helps seniors stay independent by providing door-to-door transportation, Ingham County Deputy Controller Jared Cypher said.
The ballot proposal seeks to raise a county tax on hotel and motel rooms from 5% to 8% to fund event venues and county fairgrounds.
More than 100 projects have been funded by the millage over the last 12 years.
Belleman’s departure comes from the city comes less than three years after he was hired in September of 2023.
A millage that provides the majority of Potter Park Zoo’s operating funds will be up for renewal at the Aug. 4 election.
The charter amendments would delay important proceedings after City Council elections until after elections are certified and create new regulations around the city manager position.
East Lansing, Okemos and many more cities will host farmers markets this summer.
The proposed ordinance amendments could be adopted by the City Council at its June 16 meeting.
Residents can submit questions until noon on June 23.
An essay Alex Hosey wrote at 15 led the East Lansing City Council to pass a resolution apologizing for the city’s history of racist practices.
David Balas won election to the East Lansing City Council in 1983. It had been only five years since Harvey Milk, the pioneering San Francisco politician and gay rights activist, had been assassinated in city hall. Just two years earlier, The New York Times first reported on a “rare cancer” affecting gay men. Another two…
The East Lansing City Council is considering ordinance amendments that limit the city’s Human Rights Commission.
City Manager Robert Belleman has been on paid leave since May 27.
The climbing gym opened to members Thursday and will be open to the rest of the public next week.
Thirty-seven service members from East Lansing were killed during World War II. These are their stories.
An investigation into East Lansing City Manager Robert Belleman did not find evidence to support a city employee’s claims of sexual harassment and bullying, though multiple individuals interviewed said Belleman communicates with female employees in a more demeaning and dismissive manner. These findings come from a report released by the city Friday from an independent…
The report details an investigation into a complaint about sexual harassment and bullying.
The group will ride from MSU’s campus to the Michigan State Capitol building starting at 6:30 p.m.
The accusation was made during public comment of Tuesday’s City Council meeting.
The fire destroyed essential items like documents and medication.
Justin Drwencke has took on budget constraints and evolving community priorities during his first months as East Lansing’s parks director.
The HRC sent a letter asking to meet with city leaders to mediate the dispute.
After the April 15 incident, ELPD said it would a video timeline “in the coming weeks.” More than three weeks later, the department is “reevaluating” the release of footage.
The seniors program is seeking donations for the sale and volunteers to help organize the event.
Girls Math and Science Day was held March 14 and saw more than 150 participants.
Recently hired East Lansing Public Library Director Chrissie Evaskis-Garrett spoke with ELi about her priorities for the library and what she learned during her eight months as interim director.
The complaint was filed after City Manager Robert Belleman called every member of council about incidents during MSU’s welcome week, besides Dana Watson, who was the only Black council member.
Evaskis-Garrett has been serving as the library’s interim director since July.
ELPL Board President Ameenah Asante provided ELi with bios for the three director finalists, as the board is set to make a decision at its meeting at 4 p.m. today.
When East Lansing considered a ban on public camping, it exposed a lack of resources for unhoused people locally.
The All Faith Alliance for Refugees will host a fundraiser Sunday, April 19, at Edgewood United Church of Christ, raising money for Catholic Charities of Ingham and Eaton Counties and its rental assistance program for Lansing-area refugees. The fundraiser aims to close the gap left by a 2025 freeze by the Trump administration in federal…
Budget season is officially underway in East Lansing, as the City Council heard an overview of spending and revenue at its meeting on Tuesday. The presentation showed that the city is expected to operate with a surplus during the current fiscal year, and is budgeted to run with a deficit next year. Additionally, several city…
Scholars, activists and community members will come together for a forum on imperialism in Africa at Michigan State University on Saturday, April 18. The MSU African Studies Center, with support from organizations including the Peace Organization Center in East Lansing, will host the event. “The goal is to help the public understand how imperialism, both…
Hardy’s sudden removal from the city’s Human Rights and Police Oversight Commissions came with no explanation from City Manager Robert Belleman.
For 40 years, University Place Associates Condominium Association has paid just $10 per year to lease land downtown.
The small pocket park will be located in the Chesterfield Hills neighborhood.
Lori Mullins was hired as the Downtown Development Authority’s executive director in February, after previously working in the city’s planning department from 1999 to 2017.
East Lansing’s rental restriction overlay districts isolate family neighborhoods from the commotion that often accompanies student rentals, but some homeowners feel their home’s inclusion does not make sense.
On the final day of Women’s History Month, we remember Carolyn Stell, who lived in East Lansing for more than 50 years and served as Ingham County’s first female circuit court judge.
The Bruegger’s Bagels at 505 E. Grand River Ave. has closed its doors, and will be replaced by an Einstein Bros. Bagels after the storefront is remodeled.
Jim Hagan, an East Lansing High School graduate and the founder of Hagan Realty, passed away earlier this month.
Some area residents have been surprised by high energy bills.
Along with an expansive menu, the restaurant features a bright and colorful interior.
Bill Root departed this world after three acts, serving his country and its people in each.
The library board plans to pick a new director next month.
Some BORGs are made with an entire fifth-gallon of liquor.
The proposals have drawn sharp criticism from advocates for unhoused people over the last few months.
A blocked off space on Albert Avenue downtown that includes games and seating has been a staple since the COVID-19 pandemic, but will likely not be back this summer.
City Council scaled back a camping ban to focus on people who block event spaces, but advocates say language still leaves room to target unhoused people.
The commission will likely need Mayor Erik Altmann to waive a nearly $900 fee to obtain records it says are vital to an investigation of alleged police brutality.
Council voted to have six charter amendments recommended by a city committee be voted on in elections this year.
While balancing fasting, prayer and reflection with day-to-day responsibilities can be challenging, Muslim students who spoke with ELi said they find Ramadan rewarding.
MacDonald Middle School held classes Monday with an increased police presence on campus after a threat to “shoot up” the school was alleged to have been made over the weekend. The threat, reported to police Saturday, is believed to have been made by a student who attends a different school district but authorities are still…
The legacy of a 1930s housing program still shapes the Lansing area.
A viewing party will be held at Lansing Brewing Company for the airing of the March 4 Shark Tank episode.
The Prime Time Seniors program, which serves area residents 55 and older, will add to its already expansive programming in the fall.
Along with providing affordable housing, LINCS helps residents in its community to find appropriate work opportunities and build social connections.
Events include an organ remembrance, volunteer opportunities and a moment of silence at Beaumont Tower.
There has been reporting that nationally people on the political left are purchasing more guns. What about locally?
Residents are billed for repairs to sidewalks adjacent to their homes, which can cost homeowners thousands.
The city is asking for $900 to provide body camera footage and police reports.
We are excited to announce our team has added decades of unique community experience.
Lansing-area residents traveled to Minnesota to assist immigrant communities and draw attention to ICE actions. They took lessons from their visits home.
This week, the Lansing Sports Commission will host a speakers event and sports clinic to promote women and girls in sports.
Locals who have appeared on Jeopardy! said they took different approaches to prepare to be on the show.
The ACLU of Michigan, Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness and National Homelessness Law Center questioned the legality and ethics of an ordinance proposed in East Lansing.
As protests turn deadly across Iran, Iranian East Lansing residents struggle to stay connected to loved ones and to amplify voices silenced at home.
Council discussed adding stop signs at one intersection in the Glencairn neighborhood, while broader discussions about neighborhood traffic safety are ongoing.
Much of the committee’s first meeting was spent learning background information on the city’s finances and budgeting process.
The billboard features a statement Brown made in a news interview last year that has been broadly characterized as racist.
A couple members of council wondered if the blocked off space presents public safety concerns or has outlived its usefulness.
One Sheetz location is making its way through the approval process in East Lansing. It could be the first of many.
One council member expressed concern about how broadly the ordinance could be enforced as it is currently written.
If City Council amends an ordinance tonight, ELPD will begin pulling over cars with modified exhaust to educate drivers about noise laws.
2025 was a busy news year. We’re guessing 2026 will be too.
Think you might’ve missed something this year? We’ve got you covered.
ELPD is seeking assistance to find the person who spray painted Nazi symbols and threw rocks at a local Jewish center.
East Lansing may soon ban public camping and loitering in parking garages. Lansing is set to clear a large homeless encampment in the coming days.
With a snow storm last night large enough to cancel school for East Lansing Public School students, remember to shovel the sidewalks near your home.
Data from August-October, months covering the start of the Michigan State University school year, shows police have used force more often to start this school year.
Czarnekci served 12 years on the East Lansing City Council, including four years as mayor.
Learn about the newest places to get a bite in East Lansing!
The search is expected to take 17 weeks.
It’s too soon to say if sanctuary city designations will offer more protection for Michigan’s immigrant communities than the potential harm of drawing attention from federal agencies, one expert said.
Grebner has become known for his often fiery statements about local officials and innovative political consulting company.
Some class members have already received payments, but those with questions should reach out to class attorneys.
Abrea Hensley struggled with severe anxiety after living through a traumatic incident in 2010. A miniature service horse now helps her overcome mental health challenges.
A city attorney worries the East Lansing Human Rights Commission investigating a pair of complaints could impact the city’s litigating position.
The fake invoice was sent to a resident who has an application being considered by the city’s Historic District Commission.
The City of East Lansing, ELPD Chief Jen Brown and an ELPD officer are all named in the lawsuits.
While SNAP benefits remain in limbo, food assistance is available at local farmers markets.
Two of the five seats on the City Council will be decided at today’s election.
Liam Richichi and Steve Whelan hold a clear fundraising advantage over the other four City Council candidates.
Alexander “Zander” Bowles is a regular at East Lansing City Council meetings and has given advice on how to make city facilities more accessible.
Meet the ELi team Thursday, Nov. 6 from 6-9 p.m. at (SCENE) Metrospace in downtown East Lansing.
Local food assistance groups expect to see an increase in demand when SNAP benefits are halted at the start of November.
Parents of three children who were a part of the East Lansing community spoke with ELi about living in the wake of tragedy.
Bicycle Friendly East Lansing hosts regular bike rides. The group also advocates for cyclist and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure in the city.
ELPD took the unusual step of naming two men accused of committing misdemeanors. Footage later released undermines the police narrative.
Documents recently obtained by ELi through a Freedom of Information Act request show Brookover asked U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to remove East Lansing from the federal government’s list of sanctuary cities.
There have been many spouses of council members appointed to city boards, including Councilmember Erik Altmann’s wife who was appointed to the city’s police oversight commission last year.
The final approval of the settlement brings a five-year legal battle to a close.
Residents of the Hillcrest Village apartments told ELi a new property manager increased rents dramatically after purchasing their complex. Then their neighbors started moving out.
Candidates have distributed lawn signs and are sending out mailers, as they look to get a pitch to voters who will cast their ballot early.
The forum was recorded and is available to view.
Interim Library Director Chrissie Evaskis-Garrett said the search will cost a “minimum” of $55,000 to $60,000.
The protest will be held at the median near Grand River Avenue and Abbot Road, and will not block traffic.
Matt Apostle’s work as the city’s community and economic develpment specialist requires he work with almost every corner of the community.
A couple readers wrote in to ELi asking if there have been more water main breaks this year.
The Starbucks near the Grand River Avenue and Charles Street intersection will close Sunday, Aug. 31.
The barbershop is located at 301 M. A. C. Avenue.
Library officials believe that kids not having any place to go after school is a factor driving persistent behavioral problems at the library.
Our reporting staff will soon add award winning journalist Anna Liz Nichols and former ELi intern Ayah Imran in full-time roles. Plus, we’re starting a weekly podcast and radio show!
Peoples Church is working with area nonprofit organizations to provide places for adults living with disabilities to live.
Longtime residents of neighborhoods near MSU doubt university leaders will take their concerns about a planned development seriously.
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.
Adam DeLay, Kath Edsall, Chuck Grigsby, Joshua Ramirez-Roberts and Liam Richichi will appear on the ballot this November.
ELi Reporter Dustin DuFort Petty is fed up with all the shoes hanging from East Lansing power lines.
As November’s elections approach, there’s a university-sized elephant in the room.
The group supports one another through the grief and anger that comes with losing a partner.
Residents can visit eastlansingelectricsettlement.com to submit a claim.
ELPL Experience Team Leader Elizabeth Kish and Collections Team Leader Chrissie Evaskis-Garrett were interviewed for the position.
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…
We’re looking for someone to help lead ELi during an exciting period of growth.
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.
The settlement is over a “disguised tax” the city issued by having BWL install a franchise fee in electric bills. Money collected through the fee was then rerouted to the city.
Housing was a top concern raised in a survey of East Lansing residents age 55 and older.
Last week, 24 MSUFCU IT employees were laid off.
A grant from The Online Journalism Project will allow ELi to hire more reporters and expand our reach almost immediately.
Bill Krieger founded Veterans Archives, an East Lansing based nonprofit organization that shares the stories of military veterans.
Leaders of the St. Thomas Aquinas Parish are mourning the loss of Pope Francis, but optimistic about the trajectory his leadership led the church.
Council approved a tentative agreement on a settlement amount without disclosing just how much the city will need to spend reimbursing LBWL customers.
Despite revenue from the property tax growing at a lower rate than past years, ELPL is projected to carry a healthy budget in FY26.
The biggest impact from the cuts could be losing the system libraries use to share resources.
City officials appear poised to ask voters to renew the income tax before it sunsets in 2031.
The strategic plan was developed during a nine-month process and included feedback from nearly 1,200 community members.
Dr. Omar Malas traveled to aid Palestinians in Northern Gaza, an area hit hardest during the war between Israel and Hamas.
Photojournalist Brian Wells captured scenes on campus on the two-year anniversary of the mass shooting at Michigan State University.
The two-year anniversary of the mass shooting on MSU’s campus is Thursday.
The most popular classes are geared towards finances, budgeting, credit, investing, and the psychology of spending and saving.
Reporter Ayah Imran brings a summary of what was discussed at library board meetings the last few months.
City Manager Robert Belleman talks about his first 15 months leading the city staff and his hopes for the future.
We’re expecting a busy year!
On New Year’s Eve, we look back on our coverage in 2024.
Your Stories. Your News. Your ELi.
The polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The Hannah Community Center is currently housing an Early Voting Center that is open until 5 p.m.
Before Nate Silver was a nationally recognized statistician, he was a talented East Lansing High School student.
Feedback to the survey will help guide programming and services offered to older residents.
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.
ELi has new employees, earned a couple of grants and our team looks forward to continue bringing important stories.
ELPL’s Freedom to Read Week kicked off Sept. 22 with a performance of “Inherit the Wind” from the MSU Department of Theatre.
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.
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.
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.
After starting with 41 members in 2010, Greater Lansing 100+ Women Who Care has grown to around 200 members strong.
ELPL is moving forward with its Strategic Planning Process that engaged more than 1,000 residents.
The survey will ask a wide range of questions about seniors’ opinions on city entities and services. Seniors were last surveyed in 2006.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Two storms have caused widespread flooding in East Lansing in less than a month.
Trends around funeral services and memorials have been changing nationwide. These differences can be seen locally.
On Wednesday the city held an open house to continue to gather input for its non-motorized transportation plan.
The city was able to provide an update on the financial impact of the cyber crime, but few other details.
The event saw participants rappel 297 feet down the Boji Tower.
On Memorial Day, we look back at 10 East Lansing service members who were killed in the Vietnam War.
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.
Rev. Kit Carlson has served as rector at All Saints Episcopal Church since 2007.
The East Lansing Public Library met yesterday for its April meeting.
Albert El Fresco will return to downtown East Lansing later this month.
The former mayor has earned a masters degree in public policy from Harvard and returned to East Lansing.
The meeting was the first since Kevin King took over as library director on March 4.
Dale Corbin was a star pitcher for the Eastern Michigan University baseball team in the 1970s and later found success in music.
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.
City Council permanently revoked Spin scooter company’s license to operate in East Lansing at last night’s meeting.
ELi has had a recent staff shake up.
ELPL Interim Director Angelo Moreno spent much of his last meeting at the helm discussing finances with the library board.
The East Lansing Arts Commission discussed the possibility of installing five heat-applied vinyl murals at its Feb. 15 meeting.
The East Lansing City Council voted to release investigator Randall Secontine’s report at its Feb. 20 meeting.
ELi published 393 original reports last year.
Kiwanis Club of East Lansing and WKAR met to discuss and plan strategies to increase young people’s love of reading.
Please share our new page with your friends and communities.
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.
Glencairn rental restriction overlay public hearing set, rejected projects discussed and minutes of Nov. 2 special meeting finally approved during 90-minute session.
City Council voted to approve projects that will have major impacts on two of East Lansing’s busiest roads at the Jan. 23 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 will be bringing “The Addams Family” school edition musical to the Hannah Community Center, starting Friday, Feb. 2.
The staff is working diligently to fix the problem ASAP.
City Council heard another statement condemning the election of Singh as mayor pro tem over Watson.
The last two city departments presented their priorities, while the strategic planning process was met with some resistance.
Strategic planning, budgets and reviewing the one-year report on the Jan. 11, 2023, incident were all part of the recent meeting.
The proposed Glencairn rental restriction overlay district goes back before Planning Commission Wednesday.
The proposals for a car wash, bed and breakfast, and new gas station are on Tuesday’s City Council meeting agenda.
The Transportation Commission unanimously approved recommending the plan be implemented for the stretch of road from Burcham Drive to Grand River Avenue.
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.”
City strategic planning will continue at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Hannah Center.
Our moderation policy is centered on a dedication to readers trusting us to be responsible.
Following statements by the NAACP’s James McCurtis and Councilmember Dana Watson, Council heard presentations from city department heads about 2024 priorities.
The three-hour meeting included numerous residents speaking about the proposed rental restriction overlay in the Glencairn neighborhood.
“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.
The board unanimously moves to offer the job to Kevin King, who will come to EL from the Kalamazoo Public Library.
Here are reminders on how to handle the expected heavy snow along with announcements of city closings.
Despite emotional testimony from many personally impacted by the conflict, the resolution drafted by the Human Rights Commission was rejected 4-1.
The city hopes to answer questions and clear up concerns about overlay districts during the Jan. 17 informational session.
Chris Martin is elected school board president during the Jan. 8 meeting.
Tuesday’s meeting includes 10 items on the business agenda, 3 public hearings and a mysterious closed session.
Tools, light therapy, zoo passes and more are among the unconventional offerings that can be checked out at the library.
“I’m an expert in medicine, but I’m very passionate about caffeine,” says Dr. Ahmed Sufyan, owner of Moka & Co.
Take a couple minutes and respond to our reader survey. Help guide us into 2024.
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.
The contributions of 610 individuals will help sustain ELi’s mission of bringing you the news of East Lansing.
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.
Here are the stories on the reporting and editorial team’s radar in the new year.
City of East Lansing and local service providers suspect the call is a hoax but are, nonetheless, working to be prepared.
With the year coming to an end, we look back at top stories and issues in the City of East Lansing.
We need you more than ever! Donate by Dec. 31 and help us get closer to our annual campaign goal.
ELi spoke with nine ministers and pastors about what they are experiencing in their churches.
Parks & Rec Commission heard a report from SRTS, conclusions of a Farmers Market survey and bid farewell to Chuck Overbey.
During public comment, speakers requested the city support a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The Housing Commission approved two rental requests, but the three in the proposed overlay district are on hold.
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The commission unanimously approved the resolution, which will now be presented to City Council.
The letter signed by nine civic and school leaders supports putting the commission establishment on the 2024 ballot.
A long look back at ELi – and bright hopes for the future – from founder Alice Dreger.
The interim planning director and a Council member work to explain the overlay ordinances. But the debate is expected to continue.
The event will be rescheduled in the future.
The vice president of ACD has been working with downtown business owners and neighborhood groups to revamp the project.
DDA members and city officials listened to development presentations by urban planning students for the downtown site.
Completing the trail along the Red Cedar River was tricky, but worth it, Meridian Township official said.
The Downtown Management Board heard crime statistics from ELPD Deputy Chief Chad Pride and about the Advent House Ministries homelessness outreach program.
The proposal calls for altering Hagadorn Road between Grand River and Burcham Drive from four lanes to three.
We are almost 50% of the way toward our $200,000 goal. Donate now and take advantage of matching funds.
Grant program is for the needs of low-to-moderate income people and neighborhoods.
City Council heard from 20 members of the community during the public comment portion of Tuesday’s meeting.
As part of the anniversary celebration, a ribbon cutting and open house will be held Thursday at the shelter’s new administrative facilities.
Facilitators will revise the use of force report and recommendations based on ELIPOC and community feedback.
The event was an expression of solidarity and hope in the wake of the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
As our annual campaign continues, we need your help. Donate by Dec. 31 and your funds will be matched!
Officer Katey Harrison identified parking garages as hotspots for nighttime activity as well as the Fieldhouse and Harper’s.
The deadline for applications was Nov. 17. The Library Commission subcommittee hopes to present its findings and recommendations at the Dec. 13 meeting.
Current top story: Karen Jennings is leaving the Arts Commission after six years.
Two Michigan State University students partnered to open the business that features Michigan-made hot dogs and other Michigan products.
Local faith leaders have come together to show their “support and love for local Jewish and Muslim communities.”
Current top stories: Peace Education Center’s Alternative Holiday sale is Friday and Saturday. Read a report on Monday’s Human Rights Commission meeting.
In unofficial results from Tuesday’s election, Dan Bollman narrowly missed out on the third slot. Noel Garcia finished fifth, Joshua Ramirez-Roberts was sixth, Rebecca Kasen seventh and Chris Wardell eighth.
ELi Now is a column from the East Lansing Info reporting and editorial staff, created as a space to provide live updates of East Lansing news. Current top stories: Local artist is opening an exhibit at People’s Church; Zoning Board of Appeals approves second solar array variance.
The agenda for the Thursday meeting was added to the city calendar on Wednesday.
Your contributions will help us continue to cover the City of East Lansing in 2024. Right now, we have $35K in matching funds (of which $13K is from NewsMatch). Click the lightbulb to learn how you can give today!
ELi analyzes and breaks down financial records from the Ingham County Clerk.
ELi Now is a column from the East Lansing Info reporting and editorial staff, created as a space to provide live updates of East Lansing news. Current top story: Interim Director of Planning, Building and Development Tim Dempsey is leaving for a job in Saginaw.
The young organizer of Saturday’s Dollars 4 Dyslexia Fundraising Open House has set her sights on raising $6,000.
A vendor’s email was compromised by an outside entity. The city is working with the MSP and FBI to recover the funds.
Here are links to the articles included in the timeline presented in ELi’s November 2023 paper edition: Jan. 11: After Library Director Calls Police on Wrongly-Accused Black Teen, Outrage Expressed to Library Board. Jan. 17: Lahanas is Out as City Manager, Noel Garcia Jr. Named to Council. Jan. 23: East Lansing High School Teachers and…
ELi Now is a column from the East Lansing Info reporting and editorial staff, created as a space to provide live updates of East Lansing news. Current top story: The annual Great Pumpkin Walk is Sunday in downtown East Lansing.
MDOT’s road reconfiguration plans are meant to “improve safety,” but those who live in the neighborhoods worry they could make travel more dangerous.
ELi Now is a column from the East Lansing Info reporting and editorial staff, created as a space to provide live updates of East Lansing news. Current top story: City is looking to pull the license for Spin scooters.
DTN must return tenant’s security deposit and the city attorney will negotiate a deal with the rental company to determine any additional consequences.
ELi Now is a column from the East Lansing Info reporting and editorial staff, created as a space to provide live updates of East Lansing news. Current top story: Fiber to Fashion Festival is Saturday downtown.
ELi Now is a column from the East Lansing Info reporting and editorial staff, created as a space to provide live updates of East Lansing news. Current top story: 54B District Court closed Monday for Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Public comment is on the agenda for the 12:30 p.m. meeting. Comments about the suspension of the middle school teacher are anticipated.
ELi Now is a column from the East Lansing Info reporting and editorial staff, created as a space to provide live updates of East Lansing news. Current top story: “Precincts, Pollbooks & Proposals” will be held next week.
ELi Now is a column from the East Lansing Info reporting and editorial staff, created as a space to provide live updates of East Lansing news. Current top story: The ELPD is partnering with the faith community for a coat drive.
City Council will vote on the contract at their Tuesday meeting.
ELi Now is a column from the East Lansing Info reporting and editorial staff, created as a space to provide live updates of East Lansing news.
Current top story: Spartan Appreciation Day at the ELFM is Sunday.
The seed donor for ELi’s new Investigative News Fund has let us know we can release his name. The fund has reached almost $5,000 in two weeks.
ELi Now is a column from the East Lansing Info reporting and editorial staff, created as a space to provide live updates of East Lansing news.
Current top story: ELIPOC to hold community workshop.
ELi Now is a column from the East Lansing Info reporting and editorial staff, created as a space to provide live updates of East Lansing news. A fresh column will land on our front page each Monday and be updated throughout the week.
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.
Commissioners also discussed during the Aug. 2 meeting reported incidents of ELPD officers looking in parked cars and seeing guns.
Your local team of reporters and editors have been in overdrive recently working to keep the community informed with deep and time-consuming investigative work.
ELi Now is a new column from the East Lansing Info reporting and editorial staff, created as a space to provide live updates of East Lansing news. A fresh column will land on our front page each Monday and be updated throughout the week.
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.
Gregg doesn’t have the power to formally call for revisiting the vote. Only Mayor Ron Bacon and Councilmembers Dana Watson and Noel Garcia can do that.
The controversial amendment proposing changing City Council elections from odd- to even-numbered years was ruled to conflict with the Home Rule City Act.
Four other charter amendments have made it to the ballot, including one that’s confusing even to Council.
Two candidates say they would have voted for Tim Dempsey, one shows disbelief, others are pragmatic and two haven’t yet responded to ELi.
There was wide support for internal candidate Tim Dempsey in written communications and public comments. “This is a farce. This is an absolute farce,” one member of the community said after the vote.
DTN’s attorney told the EL city attorney this was never about discrimination – it was always just about the money.
Take a few moments to complete our readership survey and help guide ELi on how to deliver the news you need.
All candidates responded to 21 questions from council members before going into interviews before city staff and then attending an evening reception at the Hannah Center.
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,…
View the packages using the links provided in the story; the interview process begins Monday (Aug. 7) at the Hannah Community Center.
Some departments have been hit harder than others after numerous key employees leave for other jobs or retire.
The five semi-finalists were chosen from a pool of 14 applicants; only six of the applicants live in Michigan.
After an unanimous vote of support, Adult Services Librarian Angelo Moreno has been offered the position of interim director of the East Lansing Public Library.
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.
There’s no topic quite so contentious as parking downtown, as became evident at Thursday’s DDA meeting.
The deadline for filing for candidacy in the East Lansing City Council race passed today at 4 p.m. and it looks like there are either seven or eight candidates running for the three open seats on the November ballot. Interim City Clerk Marie Wicks told ELi at 4:54 p.m. today, “I can confirm that Mark…
Long-anticipated opening of the Abbot Road branch was celebrated during a July 21 event featuring music, local foods, and speakers from the credit union, university, city and more.
Five candidates accepted and two alternates approved to take part in a full day and evening of interviews scheduled for Aug. 7.
It appeared as though voters would be deciding in November whether or not to expand the East Lansing City Council from five to seven members – briefly. Mayor Ron Bacon had started reading the final item on the business agenda at the Tuesday (July 11) City Council meeting when City Attorney Anthony Chubb interjected. “I…
The nonprofit organization teaches the game of football, but also promotes “sportsmanship, teamwork, honesty, responsibility, and self-discipline.”
The Congregation Shaarey Zedek community can’t help but feel fear and uncertainty as antisemitic sentiments increase nationwide.
Retired teacher helps launch GoFundMe for her former student. Girl’s family encourages advocacy and awareness for those with disabilities.
Council discussed new strategies for the future when making deals with large developers.
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.
Rideshare company to provide Lansing-area residents transportation to Michigan Flyer.
New moderation policy is centered on our dedication to readers trusting us to be responsible.
The list of candidates continues to grow, but no word yet if Bacon and Gregg are running for reelection.
Eleven library staff members spoke about their jobs and responsibilities, stressing “libraries work because we do.” The union staff is currently in contract negotiations.
Commission Chair Erick Williams calls the April 2022 police shooting at Meijer a “learning opportunity” and offers recommendations for the future.
All Saints Episcopal Church and Edgewood United Church will donate $100,000 to the Justice League of Lansing.
Six retiring educators and staff and the Michigan Lottery Educator of the Year recipient were all recognized during the June 12 meeting.
A small but spirited crowd gathered to recognize the day in 1863 the last enslaved African Americans learned they were free.
Two new commissioners and ELPD Lt. Adam Park made their first appearances at the police oversight commission meeting.
After a closed session, the commission voted unanimously to ask Council to use its subpoena powers to investigate DTN in a civil rights complaint.
A local resident pushed the school district to open the facility for regular public use.
The official grand opening of the renovated Patriarche Park pickleball facility is Thursday but, once the nets went up last week, there was no stopping the enthusiasts from playing.
The annual meeting is a chance to celebrate the center’s work and honor community members and students.
Weeks after being advised by Lansing’s deputy mayor that giving cash away to a local charity violates state law, East Lansing’s mayor supported another $5,000 donation by his city. And why did former city manager George Lahanas start two “nongovernmental” charities from City Hall?
We published fresh news today…but not here.
“When I was a young man, I didn’t really appreciate what Memorial Day meant,” Interim City Manager Randy Talifarro told those gathered.
River Caddis Development’s exclusive deal is facing expiration on July 17; the DDA will ponder the new “collaborative approach” for the next 30 days.
A resolution was passed recognizing and honoring the lifesaving actions of first responders and those impacted by the mass shooting on the MSU campus.
ELPL Board of Trustees and Director Kristin Shelley have back-and-forth exchanges during two-hour meeting.
Peck graduated from Michigan State University in 2004 with a degree in journalism and a specialization in public relations, and her career has spanned marketing, fundraising, and nonprofit management.
We’re not (just) working from an anonymous complaint, and this is not the first time we’ve looked very closely at local officials’ actions.
Show the ELi reporting and editorial staff how much you appreciate their public service journalism!
Also on the full agenda was approval of board minutes, a new patron code of conduct and much more.
The annual drive, Movers for Moms, is dedicated to collecting necessities for mothers in need.
The staff at Blue Owl Coffee contacted ELPD after numerous high-stress encounters with the man.
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.
The Brookfield neighborhood’s covenant still includes discriminatory language.
Company hopes to make travel between cities easier for college students.
Find out what’s happening at ELi (and hurry if you want to join us tomorrow night).
The city attorney said the investigation was stalled because he couldn’t reach a key person involved. ELi reached her by phone last night.
Thanks for all your support of this local news service team, East Lansing!
Superintendent Dori Leyko gave a detailed update on security measures that have been implemented in the district.
This article tells you about the job and why ELi’s Board of Directors is making this move.
ELi’s Board thanks Ray Vlasin for his exceptional service during a difficult time and looks forward to working as a new leadership team.
Public expresses mixed views about the road conversion, but transportation commission unanimously approved the project.
When should law enforcement decide not to respond to a 911 call?
City officials say they cannot block installation of the towers because of a state law.
Interim director of human resources also gives notice joining a wave of people leaving city jobs.
Council members and city officials make emotional statements in the aftermath of the MSU mass shooting.
One week later, community continues to find ways to heal and speak out.
Students and other members of the community gathered on Wednesday to mourn and to vow to take action.
MSU sophomores waded through scary misinformation while barricaded in their dorm room.
ELi brings you this rundown of what is happening today, to keep you informed about delays and closures along with opportunities for public grieving and private support.
Greater Lansing is coming together to help students, staff and residents navigate the unfathomable.
New board members are well-versed in ELi operations and goals.
We’re asking your patience while we work out the bugs at our website.
Learn about ELi’s operations, income and expenses for 2022 in this annual transparency report.
Photos and videos of the individual have appeared across social media.
An inside look at what’s happening at ELi.
We’d love to see you at our event on Wednesday, Jan. 25!
This is a breaking story and may be updated.
East Lansing’s Human Rights Commission is asking if others think they were discriminated against by DTN. In this report, ELi looks at how the big student housing market impacts housing options for other demographics in East Lansing.
ELi brings you a report on what you might have missed at Council last week and what’s coming up this week, including discussion of the small cell towers being constructed in neighborhoods and the traffic caused by the Starbucks drive-thru on Grand River Ave.
The special session of East Lansing’s City Council was held on a holiday weekend and was not broadcast or recorded for the public. Find out from ELi what the candidates said.
Local law students, attorneys and notaries are teaming up to help people move past old, nonviolent convictions. Learn more from ELi’s Al Hargrave-Jackson.
“From the beginning, your honors, in the circuit court and before this court, this case has been a farce,” ELi’sattorney Brian Wassom said. “This is an exercise of Mr. Chapelle’s vanity and vendetta parading as a defamation claim.”
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 request to conserve water ended about 3 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 12. Earlier in the day, City of East Lansing has released more information on the water distribution problem.
The mayor said he wants to “send out the clarifying call that we are that shining city on the hill.” But Councilmember Brookover said he thinks this will do little additional good, and could harm.
Both votes passed on a 3-1 split, with a third motion failing. What happens now? Find out from ELi.
ELi obtained the information via the leak of an internal communication. Tom Fehrenbach’s departure adds to the turmoil in the city’s leadership.
Council will convene for a special session on Saturday morning. The five candidates will be interviewed, and then a winner will be chosen.
East Lansing and Meridian water authority customers are asked to refrain from high uses of water while main transmission line is repaired.
ELi filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to obtain the applications, so members of the public can see them in advance of Council’s vetting and decision. What did the people who want to be seated on East Lansing’s Council give as their qualifications and reasons? Find out.
“Is that the sun, or is it just me?”
A reader has asked ELi to investigate. So, we just checked the National Weather Service’s website and also looked outside, and we can confirm: the sun is out in East Lansing – for the first time since last year.
Want to learn a lot about East Lansing city government? The deadline to apply to participate in the 2023 Emerging Leaders Program has now been extended to Jan. 13.
City of East Lansing staff say more than 50 new “small cell” towers may be coming around town.
The retiring school board president and vice president honored during Dec. 12 meeting.
More units of housing, but fewer residents. And a more diverse populace. What else changed about East Lansing from 2010 to 2020?
Thanks to you, we did it! ELi’s Annual Campaign raised over 78% of what we anticipate will be ELi’s total budget for 2023 ($175,000). This means we can focus our efforts on doing what we came to do: reporting the news for you.
ELi’s supporters have raised over $134,000 to keep the news coming in 2003. Remaining matching funds run out at midnight on Dec. 31. Find out how a commitment of $10/month gets us $240 closer to our goal!
We let you in on what’s coming at ELi in January and February.
ELi brings you the names of who will be considered. Soon, we’ll also be bringing you their applications.
What are we expecting to cover in 2023 for East Lansing? Here’s a rundown.
We took your questions about traffic patrols, downtown robberies and assaults, crime-solving and more to East Lansing Police Captain Chad Pride. Today, we bring you the answers.
Congregation Shaarey Zedek remains cautious during this time of increased hateful ideas.
So many options!
What’s going on with the City of East Lansing’s pension funds? How much money is marijuana bringing in taxes? What’s going on with the city’s income tax? ELi follows the money and brings you this special report.
Following an acrimonious debate between City Manager George Lahanas and Councilmember Dana Watson, East Lansing’s deer cull has been put on hold and will be discussed at Council’s next scheduled meeting, Jan. 10, 2023.
It’s easy to wonder how many lives would be different had Ball lost his bid against an incumbent in 1992. He won by 69 votes, and the rest is local history.
OK2SAY, a state-wide reporting program, is one tool being used by the school district.
What the DDA decides this Thursday could determine not just whether River Caddis Development obtains a special deal that will exclude other developers, but also what gets built next downtown and how much longer the DDA will prolong its bond debt. ELi catches you up.
The 146-page report prepared by CNA was presented to City Council at the Dec. 6 meeting.
East Lansing residents who are registered voters are invited to apply for the seat being vacated by Lisa Babcock.
The four-hour meeting included honors for retiring Judge Richard Ball, discussion on EL becoming a sanctuary city and much more.
Nashville, Tennessee’s The DonJuans will perform a holiday-themed show in the intimate East Lansing venue.
On Tuesday, Dec. 6, East Lansing’s City Council is poised to make decisions on whether East Lansing should be declared a Sanctuary City and whether the DDA’s loan on the Evergreen Properties should be refinanced again. ELi explains how you can weigh in.
The annual event formerly known as Winter Glow will be held outdoors and indoors at the Hannah Community Center.
The Ingham County Bar Association honors Amy Iseler with its Liberty Bell Award for her work with the 54B drug court.
This article provides supporting material, including answers to readers’ questions, about our special report on the East Lansing Downtown Development Authority’s finances published Nov. 27, 2022, at East Lansing Insider and Nov. 28, 2022, at eastlansinginfo.news. We have organized the questions according to the flow of that report. Don’t see your question answered? Contact us…
Here are the simple truths about ELi.
A reader asked ELi to look into what’s going on with plans for a Trader Joe’s store in East Lansing. We investigated the public record and asked around, and now we bring you the results.
Another failed proposal for the Evergreen Properties, land the DDA purchased almost 15 years ago using public bonds. Those bonds will be refinanced again.
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.
ELi brings you what we know about the review by the five elected East Lansing City Council members and we show you the material released.
Election Day ran smoothly throughout the city, despite long lines of students registering at the last minute to vote.
How will Lisa Babcock be replaced? Which development proposal does the city staff recommend for 300 new units of housing? And what else happened at East Lansing’s City Council this week?
The annual event helps raise funds for Peace Education Center programming and organizing.
Bright, bold colors of the mural on the west-facing wall of the library honors the colorful history and ongoing work for civil rights.
Should the park be used for a farmers’ market pavilion? Have space for a dog park? A performance venue? Find out from ELi what Planning Commissioners and Historic District Commissioners had to say this week.
![New Merritt Road Marijuana Shop Gets Built, Hotel and Other Retail in Limbo [Updated]](https://eastlansinginfo.news/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/High-Society-Merritt-Road1-768x558.jpg)
Update: The Planning Commission has voted unanimously to recommend approval of the developers’ request to sell recreational marijuana alongside medical marijuana at the new High Society shop.
The annual festival at Edgewood United Church will be back in full force Nov. 11-12 after two years being scaled back because of pandemic precautions.
A lively scene downtown, especially at City Clerk sites, indicates high voter turnout in the 2022 Midterm Elections.
![QD at Michigan/Harrison Will Become a Party/Convenience Store [UPDATED]](https://eastlansinginfo.news/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/QD-Closing-768x569.jpg)
The new store expects to open in the next couple months, after liquor license requirements are complete.
Members of the public attend Nov. 2 meeting to provide input to commissioners and city representatives.
Organizers are excited for the high quality films to be shown during the Nov. 3-10, 2022, festival.
MSU doctoral student and Detroit native hopes his poetry inspires others to create something beautiful.
Excitement for the $2 million improvements at Valley Court Park is tempered by concerns about some aspects of the proposal.
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.
East Lansing environmental program updates include artificial intelligence being used to cut down on recycling contamination, urban forestry, grant opportunities and more.
The East Lansing native emphasizes downtown development oversight and building a healthy relationship with Michigan State University.
Councilmembers take on topics of key interest during Oct. 18 meeting before going into closed session to discuss City Manager George Lahanas’s job performance.
Attendance at the Salaam Peace festival at the East Lansing Islamic Center exceeded organizers’ expectation.
The East Lansing Educational Association is backing incumbents Tera Chambers and Kath Edsall, plus newcomers Tali Faris-Hylen and Jim McEvoy.
Affordable and inclusive housing, and police reform remain at the top of Watson’s hopes for the city.
Haven’t voted yet? Let ELi help get you up to speed.
Valley Court farmers market pavilion and downtown lighting may be partially funded with HUD CDBG monies.
The sentencing follows a guilty plea of tax evasion arising from what the DOJ describes as Chappelle’s near decade-long effort to prevent the IRS from collecting taxes he and his business owed.
Repairs on the railroad crossing on Harrison Road that are set to begin Oct. 17 will mean detours for drivers.
At Tuesday’s meeting, Council also went into closed session to evaluate the City Manager and approved a commercial rezoning on the north side.
While East Lansing Public Schools has only one unfilled teacher position, custodians and support staff are still a problem.
The “Virtual Listening Session” revealed tensions around ELPD, the Independent Police Oversight Commission and issues of race and resources.
Mike Krueger was nervous going into ownership of the Peanut Barrel while also owning Crunchy’s, but is excited to lead the diverse businesses.
Readers asked ELi to get candidate views on what measures are needed to create a safer environment for students, teachers and staff at ELPS.
Five of the 10 candidates on the ballot for four ELPS Board seats respond to a key concern of parents and residents.
Plus: ELi brings you a video taken just after the Sept. 11 downtown shooting showing some fleeing the scene while police rush in.
Vintage vendors, live music, food trucks and more will be featured at this Saturday’s downtown East Lansing mini street festival.
ELi’s first question to candidates delves into their reasons for running for board and where they are on the political spectrum.
Only this week did the source of tension over a street-closure policy become apparent. The measure passed, 3-2, after much discussion.
Councilmembers take on a wide-range of topics and issues during Sept. 20 meeting.
Recommendations put forth by the city’s Independent Police Oversight Committee are approved 3-1.
Annual event is expected to last about an hour.
ELPS is looking to end the contract with Jani-King and to take a different approach.
![Abbot Park Renamed Azaadiwag Park, Honoring Cottonwoods and Indigenous Peoples [Updated]](https://eastlansinginfo.news/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Elaine-Hardy-and-Nichole-Biber-1-768x771.jpg)
A multi-ethnic team of women drafted a resolution to explain and effect the change.
Find out from ELi what’s happening today and tomorrow that you might not want to miss.
“We are going to do whatever we can to try to curb this issue,” said East Lansing Police Captain Chad Pride.
Shannon Mayfield brings a diverse background to his new job as principal of East Lansing High School.
The mayor hopes to “really aggravate Indianapolis,” and Council is seeking a legal opinion on conflicts of interest. What else happened this Tuesday night?
As climate change makes severe weather events more common, East Lansing’s sewer system has been stretched to capacity.
Chris Martin tells ELi he does not currently plan to try a write-in campaign.
The motion, which passed unanimously, now goes to city council for consideration.
New documents released by the court show dueling visions of a longtime area real estate developer.
A total of 31 bullet casings from three different caliber guns recovered at the scene.
The city manager and mayor debated use of public funds, as Council member Brookover was absent again.
ELi has expanded its editorial staff with the hiring of Lucas Day as City Desk Editor. Day comes to ELi with a bachelor’s degree in journalism from MSU and experience reporting for The State News as well as other outlets.
The farmers market will likely get a new pavilion. What about other big changes potentially coming to that part of town?
Numerous community members came to denounce Nessel’s decisions regarding the April shooting of a young Black man by ELPD officers at the Lake Lansing Meijer store.
Renewal of the East Lansing Public Library Millage will appear on the November 8 ballot.
We need your help articulating questions that will help registered voters decide who to back.
ELi brings you up to speed on that big brick wall, the construction site dispute, and what we can expect in terms of taxes and activities once the project opens.
We’re back. And there’s a lot to catch up on. Get connected now.
Exciting step for ELi as relaunch of publication nears
ELi is looking to restart reporting on East Lansing in early September. Read about the plan and how YOU can help make it happen.
This page embeds the PDF of the ELi Task Force Report from Aug. 2022.
We bring you an update from the ELi Task Force, which is drafting recommendations for how to restart publication at ELi.
Concerns raised by an ELi reader led to deliberation by ELi’s Rapid Response Team and a decision to vote on remedial action by the ELi Board.
East Lansing Info’s recently formed Task Force makes its first recommendation: to begin an immediate search for a new Managing Editor.
An update from ELi’s Board.
On Saturday, June 25, East Lansing Info (ELi) formally convened a special Task Force to research and make recommendations to help the Board of Directors chart a path forward for ELi’s future. After almost eight years of successful news production, due to loss of key staff and other challenges, the board has put a pause…
The Board of Directors of East Lansing Info (ELi) is pleased to announce that Cody Harrell, Chuck Grigsby and Anne Hill have been unanimously approved and installed to serve on the Board. We believe that each of these individuals brings experience, skills, and insights that will enhance the future development of ELi. Cody Harrell is…
For nearly eight years, ELi has brought the community the news. Now, it would like to examine how it can best serve the community in the future.
In this edition of Ask ELi, we bring you answers on tax assessments, the sewer system, ELPD social workers, and unpaid parking tickets.
With EL Fresco set to return on May 12, ELi’s Clay Oppenhuizen speaks to the project’s organizer, Adam Cummins, about what to expect the second time around.
The upcoming East Lansing Art Festival features local artwork and artists. Sarah Spohn spoke with artist Sara Pulver to learn more about her work for the festival.
New artwork in downtown East Lansing aims to prioritize mental health awareness. Sarah Spohn reports.
The seniors program, which started as a joint venture between the City and East Lansing Public Schools, offers a bevy of services and programs for local seniors. Emily Joan Elliott reports as the program turns 50.
ELi is seeking an individual who will serve as the CEO of our nonprofit corporation and oversee content production. Are you interested in applying for this position? Here’s what you need to know.
As East Lansing Info considers how to best serve the community, we are asking for your help. Do you mind sharing your thoughts with us?
Andrew Graham sits down with Emily Joan Elliott to talk about the imminent return of the Albert EL Fresco. Give a listen!
ELi’s Founder Alice Dreger explains what this two-week pause will entail, including conversations with ELi staff and the community.
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!
The Graduate Rock Bar opened up last July, and to some, the rooftop bar is a hidden gem. Sarah Spohn reports on the location and an exciting upcoming event.
In the latest Ask ELi to Investigate, Emily Joan Elliott explores how the marshy environment of East Lansing can affect local homes.
Construction was originally set to begin in 2020, but was delayed due to the pandemic. Clay Oppenhuizen reports for ELi that construction is now set to get going this year.
Sam Hosey, the President of ELi’s Board of Directors, announces an upcoming transition at ELi.
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.
![Ask ELi: A Fence on Campus, Basketball Hoops Unlocked, and Construction On Burcham Drive [UPDATED]](https://eastlansinginfo.news/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Schools-on-Burcham-768x429.png)
ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott brings a few pieces of news and a noteworthy PSA about construction on Burcham Drive.
Find out how you can be more involved in the City of East Lansing by applying to a board or commission. Clay Oppenhuizen reports.
A series of Freedom of Information Act requests from ELi show how some changes in the City’s workforce mean women are more represented as the highest earners. Emily Joan Elliott reports.
Nonprofit Spark in the Dark is a network that connects people in need to neighbors that can help. Sarah Spohn spoke to Executive Director and Founder Abagail McKiernan to learn more.
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!
The contract approval comes after a months-long search for new legal representation for the City of East Lansing. Emily Joan Elliott reports.
The Commission decided to delve into complaints and use of force reports beginning in April. Heather Brothers reports for ELi.
Several ELHS students recently attended the Mid-American Model UN Conference in Kalamazoo. How did they do?
The City announced yesterday that beginning on Mar. 14, masks would be optional inside City-owned buildings with some exceptions, including public meetings.
The election applies to the small number of East Lansing residents who live within the boundaries of the Lansing School District. Emily Joan Elliott reports on that and the bond proposal they’ll be voting on.
A whole host of upcoming local exhibits are coming to East Lansing this spring. Sarah Spohn gives you the info on what’s out there!
One of the proposed locations for a development of affordable housing geared toward creatives is Valley Court Park. Emily Joan Elliott digs in to what else is in the feasibility report and what we can learn.
Rob Nichols was known to many ELi readers as “Captain Carnivore” through his wife’s “Ann About Town” columns. But he was a lot more than an eater of “impossibly hot dishes.”
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!
Alicia and Joshua Southern, owners of Risky Studios, share what motivated them to open a creative, co-working, multimedia production studio, featuring 775-square-feet of equipment rentals for all types of dreamers, doers, and thinkers.
Returns are due on or before May 2, 2022. If you worked in the City of East Lansing in 2021, you’ll likely be required to file. Find out how and more from reporter Clay Oppenhuizen.
![Located: East Lansing Teen Missing [UPDATED]](https://eastlansinginfo.news/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Smith_Erica-Lane.jpeg)
Seventeen-year-old Aireona Alexis Smith has been located.
The evaluation is supposed to occur prior to May 31, 2022, according to the contract. Al Hargrave reports on the first steps in City Manager George Lahanas’ coming evaluation.
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!
A letter sent to East Lansing High School families, staff, and students from the administration notified families that local law enforcement would be present at the school this morning, Feb. 25, following a concerning social media post made last evening.
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.
A local business that many East Lansing residents see cruising across town recently celebrated its fifteenth anniversary in November 2021. Clay Oppenhuizen reports on the regional growth of the Michigan Flyer.
The Xavier DeGroat Autism Foundation unveiled the Meridian Mall Autism Museum this month, making it the first museum of its kind. Sarah Spohn reports.
As it was the first meeting of 2022 for the Commission, they elected a new chair and vice chair. Al Hargrave reports.
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.
A local alternative rock band made up of ELHS students recently released a full-length album. Sarah Spohn reports.
Following the winter storm on Feb. 2, 2022, ELi created a survey to gauge how well streets had been cleared after several reader questions. What did we find out?
![What Does the Attorney General’s Opinion On the Open Meetings Act Mean for East Lansing’s Public Bodies? [UPDATED]](https://eastlansinginfo.news/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Lahanas-and-Leyko-OMA-opinion-768x431.png)
The ELPS School Board weighed the benefits and setbacks of increasing options for public comment at its Feb. 14 meeting.
The commission unanimously approved a motion that directs City Staff and the police to ensure information that the Oversight Commission will be working with is available to the public. Heather Brothers reports.
Why is there so much variation in how daycares are implementing Covid-19 protocols and handling exposures? Clay Oppenhuizen reports for ELi.
Wells started working in the district as a lunchroom monitor and paraprofessional, serving in a multitude of roles before eventually being named the principal at ELHS. Al Hargrave reports.
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.
Each troop has its own personality and interests, but all give back to their communities in meaningful ways. Al Hargrave reports.
During the ongoing national blood shortage, ELi revisits a story about giving blood during the pandemic. Here’s why it’s still important.
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!
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!
ELPS will remain closed on Thursday. ELPL will not open until 12 p.m. tomorrow.
Get the inside scoop on ELi’s revenue, expenses, and accomplishments for the calendar year 2021 in our latest annual report to readers.
Despite City Council approving “retention bonuses” for employees, some unions are pushing for employees who endured more Covid risks to get bonuses for that work. Al Hargrave reports.
The City of East Lansing’s deer cull has come to an end, resulting in the removal of 79 deer over the course of four evenings in January, according to a press release from the City.
The Lansing Art Gallery is poised to be even more accessible with the Lansing Art Gallery & Education Center space at Knapp’s Centre at 300 S. Washington Sq. in downtown Lansing. Sarah Spohn reports on its East Lansing connection.
After nearly a year of preparation, the ELi team is shifting some top roles – and expressing excitement about the changes. Karessa Wheeler reports for ELi.
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!
A 911 call was placed yesterday concerning the behavior of a school bus driver. Here is what ELi found out from ELPS, ELPD, and Dean Transportation.
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.
Catch up with ELi on the latest in downtown East Lansing redevelopment, including potentially in Valley Court Park.
While other local municipalities continue with business as normal, East Lansing’s own government is nearly halted, supposedly over Covid concerns. But who made that decision? ELi’s Alice Dreger reports that we don’t know, still.
While other local municipalities continue with business as normal, East Lansing’s own government is nearly halted, supposedly over Covid concerns. But who made that decision? ELi’s Alice Dreger reports that we don’t know, still.
What safety precautions are being taken for using rifles? What metrics are being used to determine if the cull was successful? We bring you answers to those questions and more.
The team of up to 25 medical staff will arrive on Feb. 7, making Sparrow the sixth Michigan hospital to receive such assistance. The news comes as Ingham County reports some if its highest daily case counts, over 200 people hospitalized, and 18 deaths last week.
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!
Santo has been missing since last October. A recent petition had called for damming the river to look for his body. Police have notified the family and expressed their own grief at the outcome.
UPDATED: ELPD identified the individual who died on West Road early Tuesday morning. The incident is still under investigation.
Food trucks and a continued suspension of meetings for the City of East Lansing’s boards and commissions: we bring you a quick rundown of some things we’re keeping an eye on.
Including never-before-seen artifacts, a new Frida Kahlo exhibit at the Broad Museum in East Lansing provides an extraordinary compilation of items connected to artist Frida Kahlo. Sarah Spohn 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.
Why are public health analysts and officials here and elsewhere starting to talk about Covid-19 as akin to the long-familiar seasonal flu among the vaccinated?
The ELPS School Board unanimously voted to make Kate Powers president in 2022, as the district faces high numbers of absenteeism at ELHS and challenges from the more transmissible Omicron variant.
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.
The article that had appeared at this url, about a sale of Girl Scout cookies, has been unpublished This year, one Girl Scout in East Lansing is working to keep alive a tradition started last year by a Girl Scout Troop from Whitehills Elementary School: collecting enough donations to give a free box of Girl…
We want to give a big thank you for all the moral and financial support we received so we can keep bringing the news in 2022!
On this episode, Andrew and Chuck are joined by Emily Joan Elliott to delve into the current state of the pandemic. Give a listen!
With the arrival of Omicron, how will the district balance protecting students from both Omicron and the detrimental effects of social isolation, just as students were adjusting to in-person learning?
Students from UKirk at MSU are setting out to end book deserts in the Greater Lansing area, and the East Lansing community is able to help them in this effort. Adan Tomas Quan reports.
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!
ELi’s mission is to bring East Lansing the news. Here’s a look at what we think we’ll be helping you to know about and understand in context in 2022.
We asked our reporters which stories that they wrote meant the most to them in 2021. They answered, passing along a varied collection of stories for this year in review.
Your donations and monthly commitments will allow us to rely on local people to bring meaningful news to our community. There is still time to donate to our Sustainability Campaign!
The DDA recently approved spending up to $40,000 of public money to install security cameras downtown. But even before installation, these cameras offer a look into the current state of East Lansing politics and policy on a number of issues. Alice Dreger reports.
ELi’s Publisher gives you a look inside our “newsroom.”
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.
Wrote a reader who contributed via his IRA, “The folks at ELi provide something of real value that almost NO other places have – honest investigative reporting for the people. I’m grateful and want to keep them going.” Learn how to help!
We are SUPER excited to bring you this fundraising update and to thank the 24 new donors who stepped up this week to unlock a $1,000 bonus for ELi!
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.
MSU announced today that it will require students, faculty, and staff to get a Covid booster for the upcoming semester. On Wednesday, the Parks and Rec Commission drafted a letter to the City Manager and Council, asking for the City, which has no plans for a vaccine mandate of its own, to change course on the issue.
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.
A local donor has stepped up to maintain a fundraising bonus ELi received in years past. Now, ELi Managing Editor Emily Joan Elliott shares her gratitude to those who have given already and explains ELi’s newest mini-goal: a total of 100 new donors for this campaign! Reach it, and we unlock a $1,000 bonus!
When thousands of East Lansing residents were going on three days without Comcast service, ELi’s Alice Dreger pushed for answers. Why does ELi believe this is in keeping with our public service mission?
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!
We bring you an update and tell you about our Weekend Warrior campaign to keep ELi going throughout 2022!
Mark your calendars and get your tickets! ELi will be holding its first ever Spelling Bee and Gift Auction this Thursday, Dec. 9, starting at 7 p.m. at FieldHouse!
Adan joined ELi after completing our 2020 Summer Youth Journalism Program. Why did Adan continue to report for us? What has he learned along the way?
Thank you to everyone who has made Giving Tuesday and our entire campaign a success! Consider coming to our spelling bee and gift auction on Dec. 9!
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!
Mark your calendars! ELi will be holding its first ever spelling bee and gift auction on Thursday, Dec. 9, starting at 7 p.m. at FieldHouse, located at 213 Ann St. in downtown East Lansing. Buy a ticket or sponsor a word!
The search continues for the missing 18-year-old Grand Valley State student, contrary to circulating rumors today of a body being found. Police divers are searching the Red Cedar River near Sparty.
Today is Giving Tuesday, and ELi can double any gift you give us! Did you know that ELi is a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit public service organization, which means your financial contribution to support our work is tax deductible?
Why would we be happy that ELi has become history? Find out!
Christopher A. Wardell is drawn to East Lansing’s music scene and delivers articles on upcoming concerts and events. Why else does he report for ELi?
You may know turkey as that bird on your Thanksgiving table, but ELi’s Aron Sousa tells you more about our famous feathered neighbor, including where to take your visiting relatives to see rafters around East Lansing.
The local healthcare infrastructure is showing signs of extraordinary stress, as Covid numbers here are surging upward, the flu is spreading, and Sparrow Hospital healthcare professionals –exhausted by the pandemic experience – are seeking better working conditions. Emily Joan Elliott reports.
Publisher Alice Dreger explains ELi’s new policy regarding stock donations and how it will help ELi during our 2022 Sustainability Campaign. We also bring you a campaign update!
Managing Editor Emily Joan Elliott reflects on how ELi has grown as a community institution, including a four-fold growth of “Ask ELi to Investigate” in just one year.
ELPD and ELFD responded to a call to a house this morning where four people were unconscious. One died at the scene, and the three others were taken to Sparrow Hospital.
East Lansing’s City Council is set tonight to discuss the possible use of federal Covid relief dollars to help homeowners prevent basement flooding, but an ELi survey shows that community members have various ideas for how to use these funds.
ELi is your local 501(c)3 nonprofit “news brigade.” Like an old-fashioned bucket brigade, we put out fires by making sure our community remains informed and connected. Can you help us make that possible?
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!
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.
Alcohol cases at Sparrow’s ER surged, as officers faced a “more destructive” than usual crowd. Newly installed Mayor Ron Bacon is backing Jessy Gregg’s call, saying what’s needed is “a united front against destructive, malicious and dangerous actions.”
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.
The City of East Lansing has already received half of its $12.2 million in Covid relief funds through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, but how will it spend that money? Fill out our survey to provide your input.
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.
One reader calls ELi “a minor miracle and greatly appreciated.” So, what is the state of this local public news service? Our publisher brings you an update.
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.
Amalia Medina discovered her love of journalism while working at ELi as a high school student. Why does she find reporting for ELi so important?
The MSU Broad Art Lab is a collaborative space that welcomes and features makers, innovators, and lifelong learners. Don’t miss out on their upcycling events or seeing the work of Detroit-based artist Megan Heeres.
Impact 89FM | WDBM-FM has won the 2021 College Media Association Four-Year College Radio Station of the Year Pinnacle Award. Impact produces ELi’s podcast among other quality work.
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.
While ELPD and MSU officials promise repercussions for burning couches and vandalism, MSU students tell ELi’s Jack Timothy Harrison how they view Saturday’s postgame events. The gap is clear.
Police have searched by helicopter, foot, drone, boat, and using advanced tracking technology and specialized canines. They are also asking the public to help.
What’s happening with that public land sold on eBay? Where might we see commercial redevelopment replace houses on Lake Lansing Road? And what’s happening downtown and north on Abbot Road?
ELPD is looking to identify, arrest, and prosecute those who set fires and destroyed property over the weekend. The scene became “a very serious safety issue for our emergency responders,” according to ELPD Chief Kim Johnson.
We have $50,000 in matching funds available right now so you can double your donation today. Read on to have your questions about our fundraiser answered.
We are just $1,540 away from our weekend goal for our 2022 Sustainability Campaign! If you can commit a donation of $250 or more to our match fund, help us out now?
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!
Local officials fear that big parties related to football and Halloween will add additional stress to an already strained hospital system. Alice Dreger reports.
“In March 2020, we turned in over 4,000 confiscated IDs to the ELPD that we collected from the school year, just September to March,” said Pat Riley, the owner of Harper’s Restaurant and Brew Pub and the Responsible Hospitality Council’s president.
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.
ELHS temporarily sheltered in place this morning due to a medical emergency. The shelter in place order has ended.
ELi looked through 118 pages of financial reports from candidates for the East Lansing City Council so you don’t have to. What do they reveal?
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?
Ashana Lamise Smith was last seen on Oct. 17 on the 100 block of North Harrison Road. She was wearing a red jacket, blue jeans, and blue Tommy Hilfiger sandals.
The person who was injured “had either fallen or purposely jumped from the first floor” of the parking garage in East Lansing’s downtown, according to Deputy Police Chief Steve Gonzalez.
With very little money left in the bank, ELi needs to raise $200,000 to function next year. Can you help us meet that goal by becoming a core donor?
Singer-Songwriter May Erlewine will perform a solo show as part of the Ten Pound Fiddle Concert and Dance Series. Christopher A. Wardell spoke to Erlewine about the pandemic and her future plans.
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.
Carson told ELi she’s looking forward to being Chief of the “outstanding group of paramedics and firefighters who provide excellent emergency medical services and fire protection to the community.”
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.
On Friday, Sept. 24, the City of East Lansing and East Lansing Public Schools honored Dr. Robert L. Green, a nationally-recognized civil rights leader and one of the first Black homeowners in East Lansing.
Another violent crime hit the Ann Street Plaza-area of East Lansing’s downtown this weekend after a fight broke out early Sunday morning. Here is what ELi has learned about the incident.
Local faith leaders, artists, and charitable organizations are offering many ways area residents can help refugees from Afghanistan.
Ingham County Sheriff Scott Wriggelsworth has been canvassing municipalities in an attempt to get local leaders to sign onto his statement opposing County Prosecutor Carol Siemon’s reforms. Heather Brothers reports on his failure to convince East Lansing City Council to sign.
Judge Molly Hennessey Greenwalt expressed her excitement about serving her community, particularly in her capacity overseeing District 54B’s sobriety and drug courts.
ELi’s Executive Director and Publisher brings you an update on the alleged-defamation lawsuit launched against ELi and her by real estate developer Scott Chappelle.
This page includes attached PDFs.
A significant portion of ELi’s readership uses Facebook to access the news we bring the community, but there is something we want to tell you about that.
On this episode, Alice Dreger and Andrew Graham discuss the aftermath of the heavy rains on Aug. 11-12, and resulting floods. How are the residents who were hardest hit doing? What else did the duo discuss?
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.
ELi’s Publisher Alice Dreger and Managing Editor Emily Joan Elliott explain why we don’t post letters to the editor, even though we do carefully read what you send us!
According to ELPD’s press release, “officers do not believe this was a random incident and there is no ongoing threat to the public.”
The applications are in, and applicants are varied in background, area of expertise, and reasons for applying. What do we know about the applicant pool?
New figures show that, despite the income tax, East Lansing’s unfunded pension liability is continuing to get bigger every year. But City Manager George Lahanas called the latest report “a very positive move in the right direction.” Why? Alice Dreger reports.
On Tuesday, Aug. 17, several readers wrote to ELi to ask why three mature honey locust trees in front of ELPL were about to be cut down. What were the readers’ concerns? Why did ELPL move forward with the removal?
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?
Following the record-setting rain on the night of August 11-12, ELi surveyed readers to try to get a sense of where problems might have been grouped. What did we learn? Alice Dreger and Nathan Andrus report.
PeaceQuest Greater Lansing, the Lansing-area’s annual celebration of peace and justice, will take place this September. What will the month-long celebration entail?
You may be hearing about local news operations closing all over America. How come we are still here, 7 years in? Find out in our report on ELi’s income and expenses.
2020 U.S. Census data shows that the City’s population fell by about 1.7 percent since the 2010 census, dropping from 48,579 down to 47,741. What does that mean for East Lansing?
This is the “Neighborhood Associations Map” of East Lansing as provided by the City of East Lansing as of Aug. 6, 2021.
The ELPS Board of Education held a public hearing about changing the name of Pinecrest Elementary to honor Dr. Robert L. Green, a local civil rights leader. Others called in to voice concerns over possible Covid-19 protocols. We bring you the meeting roundup.
More places to relax outdoors, convenient pink parking spots, MSU disciplining problematic off-campus behavior, more people participating in government. Maybe the pandemic hasn’t been all bad?
An ELi reader wrote in to say he finally figured out who was planting flowers at Lake Lansing Road and Towar Avenue, brightening the spot. We share his take in our “Little Local Joys” series.
Tags The Managing Editor is currently working to tag all stories that have been published on our new domain (eastlansinginfo.news), which came into being in April 2020. Make sure to search terms on our website to find all relevant work we’ve published, including older articles from our old domain, eastlansinginfo.org, September 2014-April 2020. Some stories…
The Honorable Wanda M. Stokes sided with the City Attorney’s argument that the request was too broad but encouraged ELi to file a new request with more specific language. What else did Stokes have to say about the case?
Julie Bishop, a local activist for peace, social justice, and the environment and longtime member of Edgewood United Church, will be remembered at a memorial service on Saturday.
Looking for outdoor concerts and movies? Want to know what else is going on at the newly renovated Patriarche Park? Sarah Spohn describes all that and more.
Big policing issues, parking for the Graduate Hotel, lawsuits involving the City of East Lansing, a new outdoor design for Harper’s – all this and MUCH more coming to Council this week. ELi tells you what’s on the agenda…and what’s missing.
Our Publisher Alice Dreger explains in detail what we’re doing to manage a conflict-of-interest problem in the City Council elections.
With your help, we did it! Two days before the deadline, we reached the fundraising goal for our 2021-22 Youth Journalism Programming. Thank you!
Read on to find out why! You can join them by donating today!
As news organizations all around us keep closing, here’s the reality of where ELi stands.
ELi’s Publisher and Executive Director Alice Dreger and Managing Editor Emily Joan Elliott discuss complaints made to East Lansing’s City Council about noise created by cars and motorcycles. Elliott also interviews ELPD’s Neighborhood Resource Specialist Tonya Williams.
Joe and Jennifer Bell of The Peanut Barrel, East Lansing High School Principal Andy Wells, education-energizer Diana Tarpoff, and extraordinary friend of the East Lansing Public Library Maureen McCabe-Power have all been honored this year.
Constellation Cat Cafe is celebrating its 700th adoption! We share the news and a look back at Sarah Spohn’s 2020 piece on the cafe.
Chappelle’s civil case against ELi will continue now in Ingham County courts, while in Chappelle’s criminal fraud case, a federal judge has ordered that a doctor determine whether Chappelle is competent to stand trial. Andrew Graham reports for ELi.
To put it bluntly, ELi could not deliver the quality news you rely on without the work of our youngest reporters. Help us reach our youth journalism fundraising goal today!
The ELHS Boys Lacrosse team went to a regional final for the first time in more than a decade. The team, which hadn’t played together since 2019 due to the pandemic, had a benchmark-setting season. Andrew Graham takes a look back.
If you give now to support ELi’s Youth Journalism Programs, we will see your gift DOUBLE thanks to matching funds! It’s easy to help our area young people engage with factual local journalism!
ELi is now accepting applications for its 5th annual Summer Youth Journalism Program to be held in August 2021. Read on to find out more about the two courses offered and how to apply.
In this installment, Carrie Sampson takes a look at the home of Diana Farmer and Charlie Richardson, located in the Glencairn neighborhood.
East Lansing Insider is available online and airs at 9 a.m. on Sundays on 88.9 FM. This week, Alice Dreger and Jack Timothy Harrison discuss the 2021 East Lansing City Council elections.
Will Pinecrest get a new name? Will school be in-person or virtual in the fall? When will food distribution happen? Is the track open to the public? Find the answers to these questions – and more – in the School Board round up.
Hosey was among the area’s first Black pharmacists and one of East Lansing’s first Black homeowners. His family remembers his perseverance and dedication.
After holding its first Juneteenth celebration in 2020, the Pinecrest Neighborhood Association will do the same this year on Saturday at 2 p.m. What will the event include? What is its significance to the community?
East Lansing Insider is available online and airs at 9 a.m. on Sundays on 88.9 FM.
Since December 2020, ELPD has had a Community Engagement Team that consists of three neighborhood resource specialists and two social workers. Ann Kammerer speaks to Tonya Williams, the lead Neighborhood Resource Specialist for ELPD, to find out more about the work the specialists are doing in East Lansing.
East Lansing Council member Lisa Babcock says she obtained the same set of emails via FOIA and “found them deeply disturbing.” What do they show? ELi’s Andrew Graham reports.
Talifarro served as ELFD Fire Chief since 2001 and McCaffrey as Parks and Rec Director since 1999. ELi provides a look back at the tenure of the two directors.
Starting today, you can catch ELi’s weekly East Lansing Insider podcast on The Impact, 88.9 FM!
A contractor was laying cable for Zayo when a gas line was ruptured. The leak was significant, with the scent added to the gas easily detectable a block away. ELi’s Alice Dreger reports.
According to ELi’s attorney Brian Wassom, “Plaintiff Chappelle is one more in a long line of disgruntled criminal defendants using state defamation and tort law as a weapon to retaliate against journalists doing their duty to keep the public informed on matters of public concern.” Andrew Graham reports.
The festival will run June 25-27. Sarah Spohn reports on this year’s format and the lineup, and we provide a link telling you where you can gather with friends!
Expungement allows those convicted of crimes to remove the offense from their records. Free financial help seminars are also being made available to those who have criminal records. Learn more from ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott.
City Council expressed interest in the ELPD budget, but then passed what had been presented. What can we discern in that budget about ELPD policing for East Lansing? Nick Sly reports for ELi.
The accident occurred at the intersection of Saginaw St. and Harrison Rd. Metronet service is down in the area, and other services are also likely affected. ELPD asks people to avoid the area.
MSU switched the insurance it provides for its retirees, causing some to face serious billing issues. International students are left to navigate a healthcare system very different from the ones that they are familiar with. What can those in our area do if they are facing large medical bills?
ELPD Deputy Chief Steve Gonzalez provided ELi with a brief update on how the investigation is going after readers asked ELi for the latest information.
A recent study of East Lansing residents’ attitudes on policing said it included 51 African American and/or Black respondents, but Dr. Cedrick Heraux discovered discrepancies after looking at the raw data. What did he find in his deep dive into the numbers?
When the City Clerk’s office declined to provide a list of people who pulled applications to run for City Council, ELi filed a FOIA request. What did we find out in addition to who might be running for Council?
Ann and the Captain share some of their favorite dishes from The Cosmos. Whether getting Takeout, dining in, or dining outside, what do they recommend?
Thasin Sardar, an Islamic Center Trustee, and Kelli Ellsworth-Etchison, a member of the Study Committee on an Independent Police Oversight Commission, responded to ELi’s report, while ELPD Deputy Chief Steve Gonzalez promised some reform.
ELPD announced that Shirley Baughan has been located and thanks volunteers for their help with the search.
After prosecutors dropped all the charges, Babcock questioned the “truthfulness” of one police officer’s report, the press release, and whether racial, ethnic, religious, or other biases played a role in this case. ELPD investigation found her complaint to be “sustained.” ELi’s Andrew Graham reports.
Resources for mental health are available in our community: Community Mental Health Crisis Services: (800) 372-84600 The Listening Ear Crisis Hotline (2pm to 2am): (517) 337-1717 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (800) 273-TALK (8255) Trojan Mental Health Matters provides a list of local resources, particularly for children and youth.
For those who have experienced sexual assault or relationship violence, the following resources are available in our community: MSU Center for Survivors 24-Hour Sexual Assault Crisis Hotline: (517) 372-6666 End Violent Encounters (EVE) 24-Hour Crisis Hotline: (517) 372-5572 MSU Safe Place offers shelter and other services: (517) 355-1100 or noabuse@msu.edu. National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline:…
According to a press release from ELPD, “This act of violence does not appear to be random in nature, and there is no ongoing threat in the area.”
The program has paired MSU students and local senior citizens for both one-on-one meetings and larger group classes online. What have students and seniors enjoyed? How might the program evolve in fall 2021?
Vaccination of this age group helps protect people who come into contact with them, including those at much higher risk of illness and death, such as pregnant women. No appointment is necessary at some sites. Find out more from ELi.
The clinic is open to everyone in the community, age 18 and older, at no cost to recipients. Stop by with your photo ID, consent form, and insurance card (if applicable.)
Kevin Ream, who is also a member of the local band From Big Sur, just dropped a new solo album “Hemlock.” What inspired him? What was it like recording during a pandemic?
A former patient shares his experience of being hospitalized for Covid, and a Sparrow physician shares what it’s like to work with Covid patients. Both want to see more people get vaccinated.
Ali Haider, the owner of East Lansing’s downtown 7-Eleven store, explains what his business has gone through with all of the street closures. Plus, two residents of Newman Lofts weigh in.
The Islamic Center of East Lansing and University Lutheran Church partnered to install solar panels. What motivated them to do so? How did they mark the occasion?
The assignment asked students to imagine themselves as enslaved persons. How did ELPS teachers come to this assignment? What is the district doing to address the issue?
In 1964, Dr. Robert L. Green was an East Lansing resident and MSU faculty member who made a complaint to the federal government in a case related to a house he wanted to buy in the Glencairn neighborhood. Green was also a national leader in civil rights. Now, a local group is seeking to honor his legacy of local and national leadership.
Anyone over age 16 in Michigan can now make an appointment directly with the Ingham County Health Department for a vaccine. Sparrow has walk-in hours for vaccines, and we provide you with information on other local vaccine providers.
Council members were mainly opposed to ELPD honoring Officer Andrew Stephenson, the central figure in two alleged incidents of excessive use of force. Andrew Graham reports.
Oak wilt, spruce decline, and insect pests are challenging our arboreal environment. ELi’s Patty Bonito consulted local arborist Alex Ellis and MSU Extension to bring this report, which includes information about what you can do to help your trees.
ELPD is requesting that any witnesses of the accident, or anyone with information about the SUV or its driver, contact the police. The ELPD main desk phone number is 517-319-6897.
Our area is a national Covid-19 hotspot. How are schools and local government responding? How is the vaccine rollout going?
Following comments from readers, Ann explains how to be both a great human to your furry friend and a good neighbor. To summarize, please make sure your dog is on a leash, pick up poop, and dispose of it in your own trash can. For fun unleashed play, consider visiting the Northern Tail Dog Park.
We will be taking a much needed publishing break that coincides with a week of ELPS Spring Break and fewer governmental meetings.
Despite paying nearly $20,000 for the survey conducted by a private firm, the City did not receive the raw data collected. Council expressed concern over the way survey results were analyzed and presented. What were the issues? How might the results be used moving forward?
Her colleagues shared with ELi their appreciation for her work. What will happen after Larkin’s retirement?
What’s new at Wild Birds Unlimited?
Anti-Asian violence has been on the rise in some of the nation’s largest cities, but Asian and Asian-American students at MSU reported an uptick in anti-Asian sentiment in February 2020, associated with the spread of Covid-19. A town hall and vigil on Thursday will provide space for discussion and support.
The event was held online, but that did not stop a group of ELHS students from doing their best. How did the event go? What awards did they take home?
The incident occurred on Abbot Road between Lake Lansing Road and Saginaw Street. Andrew Graham reports.
Covid-19 has been present in East Lansing for over a year. How has it changed our community? Where does our community stand now in terms of the virus?
“We have enough things in place where we’re prepared to compete any style of game,” Coach Rob Smith tells ELi. Read all about the Trojans’ latest win.
News delivered on paper? How retro! Why would ELi consider such a move? Our founder/publisher explains.
You can make appointments through the MySparrow portal now. Read on for more information about that and the arrival of the U.K. variant on campus.
After announcing that second-year students will be required to live on-campus, MSU is upgrading its infrastructure and making other changes. What will this entail?
MDHHS announced on Friday that all Michiganders 16 and older with underlying conditions will be eligible for vaccine beginning Mar. 22. All Michiganders will be eligible on April 5.
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We have a date: Mar. 10 at 7 p.m. on Zoom! Take our survey and get ready to join us in a public discussion of what we should value as we work for you at ELi.
It’s Emily’s birthday, and Alice is away, so you’ll see a little less from us for a few days. We hope it makes you appreciate the work of ELi’s team even more!
ELi’s reporting team looked into the City’s Employee Homeownership Program to understand how one relatively unusual benefit has been disbursed.
Did the deer cull result in meat being delivered to local food banks? What’s up with parking at Bailey Park? What will happen with the Biggby lot on Grand River Ave? We bring some updates.
The plan for bringing students back changed in January. Some look forward to the return, particularly as students feel the effects of isolation. But some families feel frustrated with communication and fear increased community spread. Emily Joan Elliott takes a look at what various stakeholders have to say.
Looking to enjoy what downtown East Lansing has to offer? Check out the Weekend Warriors project, which is funding through the Place Project. ELi’s Sarah Spohn reports.
Some ELPS students will return to in-person learning on Mar. 1. The Board provides some details on safety protocols, and Curriculum Director Glenn Mitcham reviewed the district’s professional development focused on social and racial justice.
Aislinn Callahan-Brandt tells ELi the problem is twofold: drivers aren’t used to seeing kids, and kids aren’t used to walking or biking to school. ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott reports.
Elementary school children were set to return on Feb. 22 and middle and high school students on Mar. 1. Vaccine distribution delays due to snow have reset the start date to Mar. 1 for all students returning to school.
The Ingham County Health Department canceled vaccination appointments today due to the snowstorm overnight. Those with appointments on Feb. 16 will be contacted by either phone or email to reschedule over the next three days.
Checking for appointments and waiting for emails has begun to feel like a full-time job, filled with anxiety and confusion. Emily Joan Elliott reports on what seniors have to say what has caused some of the confusion.
In the last four years, ELPD has used force against more Black people than white people, while whites in the population well outnumber Blacks. The City Manager’s call for expert analysis was met with harsh criticism Monday night.
The City believed May was too soon for an in-person event. The August festival will most likely be held in person, and the festival is still accepting artist applications until Feb. 15.
East Lansing Info is making publicly available the register of all payments made by the City of East Lansing in fiscal years 2019 ad 2020. Tell us what you would like us to examine further.
A Girl Scout troop from Whitehills Elementary is asking the community for help to give ELPS teachers and staff cookies.
The changes come as part of improvements to White Park and the Northern Tier Trail and have pedestrian safety in mind. Andrew Graham provides the details.
Our latest East Lansing Insider podcast, recorded today, focuses on the science of Covid-19, including the vaccines and variants. ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott interviews Dr. Aron Sousa of MSU’s College of Human Medicine.
Starting at midnight, on-campus MSU students will be required to stay in their dorm rooms with few exceptions for at least two weeks. What’s the context for the new decision?
Managing Editor Emily Joan Elliott sits down with Ingham County Health Officer Linda Vail, discussing the pandemic and more. Listen on.
Those eligible may soon receive links to register for appointments in February, but vaccine supply is still low. ELi provides details on the process.
The City and school district held several important meetings this week. The ELi team brings you the updates.
The City announced that the cull has been completed, resulting in the removal of 65 deer over the course of two evenings.
Our Executive Director and Publisher brings you ELi’s 2020 Annual Report so you can see what we brought in, what we spent, and what we achieved for East Lansing.
We bring information on how you can register and what the vaccination process through Sparrow will look like.
The Interfaith Clergy Association of Greater Lansing will be releasing a video on Inauguration Day. Adan Tomas Quan reports.
The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Mid-Michigan will host an event on television this evening. This morning, ELi reflects on covering news related to racial equity and justice.
Grab your mats! Yoga State is offering a class through Zoom tonight, but you can also support the local business through it’s GoFundMe.
City Council members discussed the issue at their Tuesday meeting. They didn’t take any action on the cull, but asked City Manager George Lahanas to push out information to address questions and concerns.
Ingham County Health Department is vaccinating 2,000 people a week and could increase this number if it were to receive more vaccines. Emily Joan Elliott reports on the initial rollout of vaccinating Phase 1B and what to expect next.
George Cook Landon, Ph.D., was Professor of American Thought and Language at MSU from 1964 – 1998. He died peacefully in East Lansing, where had had lived since 1964.
What’s been going on with police activity on Loree Drive? ELPD has provided some information and more is expected soon.
Here is how you can sign up to receive the vaccine through the Ingham County Health Department.
The two locally-owned bookstores will be collaborating to offer MSU students course materials this semester. Collegeville’s Tom Muth explains why.
Javier was an MSU student from Connecticut and died in East Lansing last month at the age of 21, leaving his family in deep sorrow.
ELi is here to provide reporting and editing help as well as online space (at no charge) for East Lansing obituaries and death notices. Our publisher explains more.
From January 11 to March 1, people should lookout for barricades and notices at park entrances giving altered hours as contracted sharpshooters do their work. ELi’s Andrew Graham has the story from City Council.
We bring you preliminary numbers on our 2021 Sustainability Campaign and tell you what some donors said as they helped last night!
Here’s an update as of 8:30 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.
Our staff compiles the top stories we expect to cover in 2021. But we can never know all that will happen — like, a pandemic — and that’s why we need your financial support.
Hear Peter Sagal of “Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me!” explain why YOU should donate to keep ELi running! And, if you donate $50 to this special campaign, you’ll get an autographed copy of Peter’s memoir about running!
Pinball Pete’s has felt the impact of the pandemic and is looking for support through a GoFundMe page. Sarah Spohn reports.
Here’s the much-anticipated schedule for ELi’s first ever telethon! Check out the amazing line-up of guests!
We just need a little more money to top off three special-match buckets, all of them captained by people who love East Lansing neighborhoods!
What were the biggest stories in East Lansing for 2020? ELi’s Publisher and Managing Editor bring you the top 10 list.
This story has an update indicating the missing teen has been located.
ELi is doing a telethon! Join us on Wednesday to hear from local newsmakers and nationally renown journalists and media commentators, including Dan Savage of “It Gets Better,” John Schwartz of The New York Times, Emily Yoffe of The Atlantic, Emily Nussbaum of The New Yorker, and NPR’s Peter Sagal! No kidding!
ELi is only halfway to its fundraising goal, and we are struggling to get the word out on Facebook. Alice Dreger explains this and answers fundraising-related questions.
From ELHS closing due to Covid-19, to volunteers sewing masks to donate, to the Harbor Bay dealings, our reporters highlight stories they enjoyed bringing you in 2020. At this page, you can click on “play” buttons to hear individual recordings of the articles read by their own reporters!
The unexpected joy obtained through ELi is providing a place for us to witness and amplify the good of this exceptional community.
ELi is nearly halfway to meeting its fundraising goal for its 2021 Sustainability Campaign. Alice Dreger updates you on that and the feedback we are receiving from our readers.
Sarah Spohn brings an update about a virtual concert available for streaming, beginning today.
Adan Tomas Quan provides the details on additional refuse collection days this holiday season.
Get an inside look at ELi’s expenses to see where donated dollars go and to understand why, this year, our Sustainability Campaign goal is higher than last.
Quick hits on the various stories Alice Dreger has been keeping tabs on, from the Center City District bonds to a mysterious public hearing. Read on.
East Lansing is averaging three deaths a week from Covid-19 as the number of individuals needing ventilators seems to be rising. Emily Joan Elliott reports on this and the arrival of vaccines in the area.
Andrew Graham and Emily Joan Elliott are joined by ELi reporter Heather Brothers to discuss the work of the Study Committee on an Independent Police Oversight Commission.
Committee members were concerned about the ultimate powers the Oversight Commission might hold and if the community would view it as independent. Heather Brothers reports.
ELPD sent the media release on Monday, after the suspect was arraigned on several charges. Andrew Graham reports.
The School Board voted 5-2 to approve a plan that will permit elementary school kids to return in February and middle and high school students in March. But space may be limited. Emily Joan Elliott explains.
The Downtown Management Board just made spending locally a bit easier with their eGift Card Program. Sarah Spohn provides the details, including which stores are participating.
Planning Commission is currently reviewing the latest draft of a plan that would create a new zoning district, with a form-based code, called the Avenue Form District. Andrew Graham explains.
Your carbon monoxide detector goes off. What do you do? ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott walks you through how you can prepare in advance after her own recent experience.
The thought of having our city, East Lansing, be in the dark or be misled when it comes to facts is just too awful a thought. But we are far short of our fundraising need.
Along with School Board and City Council, there are meetings of Planning Commission, Arts Commission, Downtown Development Authority and Police Study Committee. Andrew Graham unpacks it.
The Commission also denied two separate applications seeking replace exterior wood with vinyl. Andrew Graham reports.
Maysa Sitar, Secretary of ELi’s Board of Directors, won a Mitchell Scholarship to study at Queen’s University Belfast. We explain why Maysa is so deserving of this honor.
Yum Yum Bento is run by husband and wife duo, Shan Shan Xu and Eddy Liang. Sarah Spohn reports on the Japanese, Korean, and Thai food the couple serves.
Ingham County now has more than 10,000 recorded cases of Covid-19. How is the pandemic playing out in East Lansing? What might we expect in the upcoming weeks?
The team at ELi brings you the regular weekly pod and a special edition from Alice Dreger and Emily Joan Elliott on the refinancing of the Center City District bonds. Listen on.
Presentations from Deputy Police Chief Steve Gonzalez and Human Rights Commissioner Liz Miller helped the Study Committee get a better grasp on the challenges ahead. Heather Brothers reports.
Elaine will be remembered for her egoless kindness, her infectious laugh, her visible devotion to those she loved, her love of music, her great cooking, and her solid elegance.
Want to support local families and local businesses at the same time? ELPS is putting out a call for donations of food and gift cards to local businesses to help some district families over winter break.
We ran through how to deal with a mass shooting, a series of gas explosions, and a tornado. Our Executive Director and Publisher explains why.
Art supplies, delights for writers, stocking-stuffers, and Spartan-branded everything. That’s why SBS makes a surprisingly great option for gift shopping.
Free delivery on all local grocery orders makes Campbell’s a great choice for staying safe and spending locally.
Gloves, hats, flannel shirts, long underwear, wool socks, backpacks, and way cool gear for social distancing . . . or camping. Find it all at Moosejaw in East Lansing.
Following questions from readers about when the deer cull begins, if it hasn’t already, Andrew Graham got back in touch with the City to find out the precise dates.
An ELi reader shared a legal notice indicating that a cell tower is proposed to be built on the south end of the Bailey Neighborhood. So what would be going where, exactly? Andrew Graham finds out.
MSU Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education and Dean of Undergraduate Studies Mark Largent tells ELi that the move will help students “persist” in college and not drop out. Andrew Graham brings an update.
Andrew Graham, Alice Dreger and Emily Joan Elliott talk shop and decompress while discussing a whirlwind few days in East Lansing.
Social distancing has been a key component of keeping safe during the pandemic, but ELPD and ELFD personnel often work in groups and interact with the public. What precautions have they been taking?
Council member Dana Watson successfully removed sexist language from part of the proposed ordinance. Andrew Graham reports on that and the rest from Council.
Foster Coffee Company prides itself on using local products. Sarah Spohn explains what the shop offers patrons and the community.
Several factors contribute to the difference in costs, but one main factor is the differing ages of infrastructure. Andrew Graham explains further.
Keep investigative and informative local news coming in 2021 for East Lansing! Give today and we will get a full MATCH for your donation!
Who is the investor for the refinancing bonds? Mark Bell’s father. Again. And any chance of saving that $6 million in taxes appears to be evaporating.
Need a caffeine fix? ELi’s Sarah Spohn tells you what Blue Owl has to offer.
Need to frame that favorite picture? Want unique art work from around the world? Find that and more at Saper Galleries and Custom Framing.
Have a music lover in your life? Christopher A. Wardell tells us what you can for them find at Flat, Black & Circular.
In October, Residential and Hospitality Services at MSU furloughed student employees, who then looked across Grand River Ave. for employment. Jack Timothy Harrison reports for ELi.
Looking for something fun to do? Come play trivia, hosted by the ELi staff. First-place winner gets a Crunchy’s gift card courtesy of our Publisher Alice Dreger!
Why should you support ELi during our 2021 Sustainability Campaign? ELi’s City Desk Editor Andrew Graham explains why ELi is important to him and the community.
Know someone who is tired of staring at a computer screen? Pick up some supplies from Wild Birds Unlimited to so they can observe some feathered fauna as they take a screen break.
“I’m from the working class, and when you grow up with working class people, they never think of retiring,” said Richard Liscombe, owner of Footgear. But then came the pandemic.
The usual trio of Andrew Graham, Emily Joan Elliott and Alice Dreger break down the latest news from East Lansing and bring an interview from an ELi donor.
Black Friday is this week and local small business owners are reconsidering what the day might look like in 2020.
After hearing about the resolution from Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Administrator Elaine Hardy, Council voted to approve the resolution. Emily Joan Elliott reports.
The Study Committee was given a presentation by Deputy Police Chief Steve Gonzalez on use of force with ELPD, and dealt with several other matters. Andrew Graham reports.
The robbery took place at the 1000 block of Trowbridge Avenue just before 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020. Andrew Graham reports.
It’s time to give up on the idea of the perfect gift and buy the gift that will save your local economy. Alice Dreger and Emily Joan Elliott explain why ELi is launching its new series “SPEND LOCALLY”!
Despite Thanksgiving being on Thursday, there’s a slew of meetings over the first half of the week. Andrew Graham breaks down what’s to come.
How does ELi cover taxes and finances in East Lansing? Publisher Alice Dreger explains.
Join the ELi staff Sunday at 7p.m. for “Fun with FOIA,” a live conversation about our work using documents provided through the Freedom on Information Act and a workshop on developing your own FOIA request.
Watson joins the podcast for an interview with Andrew Graham, where they discuss a number of pressing topics in East Lansing. Listen for more.
Retired MSUPD Police Chief Jim Dunlap spoke with ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott about his participation in the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine trial.
Covid-19 cases are surging locally. What does this mean for hospital capacity, testing, and contact tracing? Who is most vulnerable? ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott reports.
ELi has frequently encountered issues with Freedom of Information requests, finding that requests are often incomplete and are answered at the last possible moment. Andrew Graham explains.
A long-planned project will improve sewer infrastructure and change the amount of parking in the area, leaving some displeased. Alice Dreger reports.
During a discussion-only meeting, Council members seemed open to the idea of a tax exemption for TechSmith and briefly workshopped parking solutions, among other things. Andrew Graham reports.
New restrictions go into effect on Wednesday to curb the spread of Covid-19. Andrew Graham and Emily Joan Elliott explain what this means for East Lansing.
Peyton Farner has returned home safely, according to ELPD.
The cost of living in and running a business in East Lansing has indeed been going up. Alice Dreger reviews some of the changes.
Local religious groups worked together on Oct. 31 to provide produce and dairy products for the community. Adan Tomas Quan tells us how it got started.
The trio of Alice Dreger, Emily Joan Elliott and Andrew Graham break down the latest happenings in East Lansing. Read on to listen.
The discussion about transparency comes days after the Human Rights Commission had a similar discussion about police transparency. Heather Brothers reports.
Members of the use of force subcommittee expressed their frustration with ELPD’s handling of a request for body camera footage and case reports. Andrew Graham unpacks the discussion.
Why should you support ELi? Managing Editor Emily Joan Elliott explains why she loves working here.
A stacked City Council agenda, another meeting of the Police Oversight Study Committee, School Board, and more. Alice Dreger reports.
Andrew Graham, Emily Joan Elliott and Alice Dreger break down the latest news and happenings in East Lansing. Listen for more.
An ELi reader wanted to know what the City is doing about potential lead contamination in service lines. Andrew Graham brings answers.
After a presentation on Oct. 26, several members of the Study Committee on an Independent Police Oversight Commission expressed concern about the rate at which ELPD officers interacted with African Americans. Heather Brothers reports.
Make a donation in support of ELi today and see your tax-deductible gift DOUBLED!
Curious where ELPD is issuing citations for alleged violations of public health orders? ELi’s Nathan Andrus helps you visualize it.
ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott, Alice Dreger and Andrew Graham break down what happened over the weekend and bring an in-depth feature on the Center City District bonds disputes.
The group is going to see a proposed resolution in November after getting a presentation on coal tar sealants from EGLE’s Christie Alwin.
Ingham County further restricted the size of outdoor gatherings to 10 in student-heavy parts of East Lansing ahead of Halloween and the MSU-UM showdown. Emily Joan Elliott reports.
The park reopened on Friday, Oct. 23, following roughly three years of improvements. Anaiis Rios-Kasoga reports for ELi.
The meeting also featured a data presentation by Deputy Police Chief Steve Gonzalez and discussion of the police union’s role in the eventual oversight commission. Heather Brothers reports.
Earlier in October, ELi asked what laws in East Lansing you, the readers, would like to see changed. Andrew Graham brings you the responses.
Alice has made a short video directed at people who are doing pretty okay financially and who understand the value of ELi. Now is the time.
What did game day look like in East Lansing look like on Saturday? And what will happen to students who violated public health orders? ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott and Heather Brothers report.
ELi is following the happenings on game day and getting you prepped for the next week of meetings in ELPS and City of East Lansing government. Andrew Graham brings you up to speed.
Is the HUB adding more retail? Who gets the nicer side of a fence? When can I use the track at ELHS? Find the answers to all that and more in this week’s Ask ELi Grab Bag!
The podcast will bring you news and analysis of the latest happenings in East Lansing by our staff each week.
Alice Dreger takes you through the news and notes from a (very) brief City Council meeting on Tuesday night.
The Greater Lansing Food Bank will be holding a drive-through mobile food distribution at the University Lutheran Church. Amalia Medina brings us the details.
Chickens aren’t the typical family pet, but they may have more to give your family than you think. ELi’s Heather Brothers gets the coop scoop from Dr. Marguerite Halversen.
Several bodies, including City Council, the Downtown Development Authority, and the Commission on the Environment, meet next week. Andrew Graham takes you through the agendas.
After one meeting, it’s clear the task the group is charged with is a major one — and they have a six month period to get it done.
This page tracks materials related to the involvement of TSB Capital Advisors in East Lansing’s Center City District deal. TSB Capital Advisors took credit for having “consulted on construction financing” for this deal, indicating, “This transaction continued the firm’s successful relationship with Harbor Bay Real Estate Advisors.” The following letter from Timothy S. Bradley of…
Game days are returning, even if later than usual. What does it mean for local bars and restaurants during the pandemic? Elke Schrenk reports.
A Freedom of Information Act request from ELi yielded a cache of informative documents regarding the Center City District and Newman Lofts. Andrew Graham unpacks them.
The folks at St. John Food Cupboard, located in downtown East Lasing, want people to know they have supplies available for those facing hunger. Adan Tomas Quan brings us the details.
“What local news does is unite and empower the people who believe that democracy is a moral act.” ELi’s Alice Dreger remembers John Kloswick, her Council-watching partner.
The Friends of the East Lansing Public Library is continuing its mission of supporting the East Lansing Public Library. Sarah Spohn explains how you can join in this Sunday.
Interested in voting in the Nov. 3 election ahead of time? ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott brings you some helpful tips from poll inspectors.
Has the Michigan Supreme Court decision really changed COVID-19 requirements here? Are hospitalizations on the rise? Is testing down? ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott turned to Ingham County Health Officer Linda Vail for answers to our readers’ questions.
ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott reminds you where you can find mental health support and resources in the area.
MSU College of Human Medicine to offer free flu vaccines and explains the importance of the flu shot during the COVID-19 pandemic.
For National Voter Registration Day, ELi got in touch with City Clerk Jennifer Shuster to help answer questions from our readers.
ELi held its Sumer Youth Journalism Program in a virtual format this summer. What did the participants gain from the experience?
The main feature of the new contract is a $500,000 annual cost cap. But the City could end up paying more than that to Foster Swift in any given year — Andrew Graham reports on how that works.
See ELi’s map that includes the locations being quarantined, type of residence, and length of quarantine.
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The Board heard more from the Superintendent about when kids will return to school and got an update on the free-meals program. ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott reports.
A total of 256 people took our survey about ELi posting at Facebook. We bring you the results.
Facebook filters what you see based on Facebook’s interests. If your OWN interest is in making sure you see every news report from ELi shortly after it is published at our website, follow these instructions to make sure ELi pushes to your news feed. If you’re accessing Facebook through a computer, scan down this page…
“He was the conscience of our board,” recalls Dr. Peter Graham “We get jaded. He never did. He never took ‘oh well’ as an answer.”
ELi undergoes a transition (which may temporarily impact our news production) and asks you to consider taking a couple of steps to help us stay connected to you.
Want to send a happy message about a person or institution at the top of our daily mailer? You now can!
MSU announced late Tuesday afternoon that it is suspending in-person learning for undergraduate courses for the fall semester. The impact on East Lansing will be significant.
Mask enforcement in East Lansing is turning out to be tricky. Emily Joan Elliott brings the details.
Readers have written in asking why ELi did not provide in-depth reporting about the August 4th election. Publisher Natalie Rose explains why we don’t cover every local election the same way.
UPDATE: Rental and mortgage assistance is now available on a first-come, first-serve basis for East Lansing residents whose income is at or below the area median income. ELi’s Chris Root explains the programs.
Now we know: Younger people infected older people. The outbreak reached 18 counties in Michigan. And many were infected before the cluster was identified.
What’s the Elder Persons Millage on the Aug. 4 Ingham County ballot about? ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott explains.
With Harper’s still closed after the COVID-19 outbreak, the owners are now defending themselves against recent accusations of unsafe conditions and failure to fully compensate workers.
ELi readers are excited to hear our work mentioned on Fresh Air this week. Want to know the backstory?
Did you know the Center City mural is finished and the Jolly Pumpkin sign is up? Want quick East Lansing Info news updates in your mailbox? ELi has launched a “chatty” newsletter. Read our latest and sign up!
The Michigan Liquor Control Commission has scheduled a hearing on Thursday to look into the COVID-19 outbreak linked to Harper’s. What could happen?
The plan will create a new branch within ELPD to respond to things like mental health crises, neighbor conflict resolution, and quality of life complaints.
East Lansing’s downtown barbers are working to keep it all safe. “I lost some family due to COVID-19,” one local barbershop employee tells ELi’s Aaron Applebey. “It’s definitely been an eye-opener.”
East Lansing’s civil rights commission is pushing to learn more about use of force incidents by ELPD officers. This and other policing issues were discussed at the group’s recent meeting.
ELi will hold our Summer Youth Journalism Program online this July and August. Read on for details and the program application.
East Lansing made national headlines thanks to the outbreak at Harper’s. Now businesses downtown are trying to manage the problem.
As the Harper’s cluster count hits 85 (with no hospitalizations), graduate Teaching Assistants are questioning the wisdom of on-campus teaching this fall. Emily Joan Elliott reports for ELi.
This page archives the annual reports of the East Lansing Police Department.
This decision has been a long time coming. It’s made in the service of our core mission: bringing accurate and timely news of East Lansing.
As Harper’s closes for cleaning, ELi hears from the owners about what they say the City has done wrong. What’s going to happen here come fall?
“There was one arrest made,” ELPD Captain Chad Connelly tells ELi.
The DDA voted unanimously to seek expert independent legal counsel. The most immediate need is representation in any deal made over the Evergreen properties. Andrew Graham reports for ELi.
Tomorrow, in recognition of Juneteenth and ongoing calls for racial justice, East Lansing’s Pinecrest Neighborhood Association is hosting a march. Sarah Spohn reports for ELi.
Lisa Babcock has proposed East Lansing’s Council quickly pass five measures to deal with possible excessive use of force by police and possible bias in the City Attorney’s prosecution. ELi’s Andrew Graham spoke with her and Human Relations Commissioner Chuck Grigsby.
The weather is beautiful for strolling downtown, and lots of businesses are back open. ELi’s Amalia Medina reports.
Is big new office space viable? What tax incentives will the developers want? And what does the new “stakeholders” team think of it all?
This Thursday night, “Where I’m From,” a virtual poetry event open to all, is raising funds to aid refugees in the local community. ELi’s Sarah Spohn provides the details.
Ingham County Prosecutor Carol Siemon has informed ELi that she is taking a major step in the ongoing investigation into the actions of ELPD Officer Andrew Stephenson, accused by two African American men of brutality.
Until now, East Lansing’s DDA has relied on City Attorney Tom Yeadon. Now it is moving to hire independent counsel.
Rane, the leader of yesterday’s event, told those assembled the conflict “is not Black versus White. Let us be clear about that. It is racism against America. It is inequality against America.”
Expect fresh eggs, bread, herbs, spring onions, rhubarb, honey, syrup, greens, cheeses and meat, mushrooms, jams, fermentations, and more.
ELi has been made aware of at least three cases of this, and East Lansing Police detectives are now seeking more information from community members.
About a thousand people came to protest at East Lansing Police headquarters today as part of nationwide protests against racist police brutality. In a tense stand-off, a police vehicle’s windows were smashed.
What’s it like getting tested? Where can you get tested? And why does everyone we hear from in our area seem to come back negative?
ELi’s Sarah Spohn talks with Foster Coffee co-owner Nicholas Pidek about how that company is managing reopening.
Various local organizations are stepping up to help people who need no-cost food to live without hunger.
The public health emergency has caused ELi’s reporting rate to surge 60 percent over the same period last year. Fortunately, we’ve secured extra funding to meet the increased costs.
In our continuing series on small joys during the stay-at-home orders, we bring you the story of one teenager’s basement quest to build a pipe organ from scratch.
Want to reduce your household carbon footprint? Here’s an easy way.
The Red Cedar River is up over its banks. ELi’s Gary Caldwell brings us photos.
Following release of police body cam video, citizens and at least one Human Relations Commissioner are demanding more action by ELPD, the East Lansing City Manager, and City Council.
Marcy Gillespie Kinzer of the Playmakers team updates us on the store’s “fit at home” and virtual injury clinic help. And this Sunday, you can move to share the 517 love.
Thank you, ELi readers, for your generous donations and wonderfully supportive words!
“It is really the grocery store in East Lansing that many of us have wanted for years. The owners are local, the service is excellent.”
ELi Publisher Natalie Rose explains why we have been using Omella to fundraise for East Lansing Info during our Stimulate ELi’s Reporting campaign.
Stressed out in the midst of all this? Lonely? Feeling down? Here is what you need to know about people who can help in our area.
East Lansing resident Kelli Ellsworth Etchison centers her life on helping people feel that they belong. She has some advice for those who want to provide community service.
Here’s how you can help keep your favorite East Lansing-area coffee shops, restaurants, and bakeries alive!
Natalie Rose is taking over the role ELi founder Alice Dreger has played until now. The changes come with unanimous support of ELi’s Board.
Advocacy coordinator Erica Schmittdiel tells ELi what’s happening amid the Stay-at-Home orders for relationship abuse and sexual assault survivors.
MSU’s Dr. Nigel Paneth gives an update on the project he’s leading to bring antibodies from recovered people to those who might be saved.
Ray Walsh has owned and operated Curious Book Shop for fifty years. He’s hoping the community will help his employees.
We have now lined up $6,300 in match commitments from local donors, and so far we’ve brought in $1,356 in additional donations.
When the Responsible Hospitality Council learned of the ELPS need, its members quickly took action.
The City of East Lansing is working on how to hold public meetings without allowing disruptions that are seen as inappropriate.
Can you help us stimulate local reporting and local jobs with some of your stimulus check?
Bad time to have a communication to loyal customers go to spam! But Audrey Yonkus shares beautiful photos with ELi.
Yard waste pick-up counts as “essential.” It also stops the storm drains from getting clogged.
Blood is needed to help people facing emergency surgeries and birthing mothers. Find out how you can help.
We bring the latest data from Ingham County, including about age, race, and geographic distribution.
A resident and an employee have tested positive for COVID-19, but the cases are unrelated.
East Lansing’s public health during COVID-19 is being shaped by our demographics and complex health insurance system.
Find out how to find more!
The need and the challenges are high, but this ever-growing community of sewists keeps making masks, headbands, gowns, and more.
When will life in East Lansing return to normal? And what’s happening to faculty and international students?
In an effort to prevent homelessness, the Cities of East Lansing and Lansing are making extraordinary contributions to Haven House and other charities.
East Lansing Info (ELi) isn’t just about producing meaningful news for the people of the East Lansing area. It’s also about engaging our community in the process of public-service journalism so that we increase media literacy and appreciation for high-quality journalism. We believe it is our job to help the people of our community learn…
ELi’s Publisher explains why the ELi team decided to create a whole new website for our readers.
Under a new executive order, school buildings will remain closed for the rest of this school year. But what about the education of East Lansing Public Schools’ kids? Emily Joan Elliott reports.
What to do – if anything – about there being no parks in East Lansing named after women or people of color? The debate continues.
ELi reporter and ELHS student Alex Hosey reports on what East Lansing High students have been experiencing in the last few weeks. What have been our teens’ activities and concerns?
What African Americans have been saying for years has now been shown conclusively: stops made by East Lansing Police Department officers evidence a cumulative racial bias.
For our continuing “Little Local Joys” series, ELi’s Ann Kammerer spoke with East Lansing resident Nancy Cuddeback about the movement to honor medical professionals with candles tonight.
Today, ELi brings answers to readers’ medical questions about the coronavirus: Are our area hospitals ready? What if they are overwhelmed? Will donated blood be safe? And more.
ELi’s Anaiis Rios-Kasoga reports on what the Black Student Union at East Lansing High School has been doing to promote self-love, insight, and community.
Various groups in this region, including the Capital Area Housing Partnership, are working to help people avoid eviction, foreclosure, and homelessness.
A group called “EL Neighbors and Communities Help Each Other” has been working to serve the needs of vulnerable populations during the pandemic.
A local nurse tells ELi she is afraid “that people are not taking this seriously and putting our lives at risk” as healthcare providers. ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott reports.
Caitlin Hegg is concerned about the community she left behind two weeks ago when Peace Corps officials told her she had to return to the U.S. Amalia Medina files this report for ELi.
Data are showing conclusively that coronavirus has been spreading in Ingham County. Local experts say the real numbers are definitely above the official counts.
Should you get tested if you have symptoms of the coronavirus? And if so, how do you go about it here? ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott explains.
Smitty Smith, known to folks in East Lansing from the Pump House Concert series, shares a view of the pandemic from Taiwan, where he currently resides with his wife.
Lansing Area Fedral Credit Union (LAFCU) will award two high school seniors $2,500 each for their essays on the impact that technology has on their lives. ELi’s Noa Kuszai provides the details.
A milestone in life amid emergency conditions: a time to celebrate, albeit a bit more quietly.
The crane is no longer moving at The Abbot. But there’s some good news from the project. ELi’s Alice Dreger reports.