Fink Resigns from ELPS Board; Special Meeting Being Held Today to Discuss Filling Her Seat
Public comment is on the agenda for the 12:30 p.m. meeting. Comments about the suspension of the middle school teacher are anticipated.
News
Live News Updates for Sept. 25-Oct. 1
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.
Live News Updates for Sept. 18-24
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 Releases Proposed Contract with City Manager Appointee Robert Belleman
City Council will vote on the contract at their Tuesday meeting.
Live News Updates for Sept. 11-17
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.
ELi Readers Show Strong Support for Investigative Journalism
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.
Live News Updates for Sept. 5-10
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.
Live East Lansing News Updates Aug. 28-Sept. 3
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.
Majorities of Planning Commission and DDA Support 530 Albert Ave. Affordable Housing Redevelopment
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.
ELPD Social Worker Gives Long Awaited Presentation to Police Oversight Commission
Commissioners also discussed during the Aug. 2 meeting reported incidents of ELPD officers looking in parked cars and seeing guns.
Help ELi Sustain its Investigative News Endeavors
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.
Live East Lansing News Updates Aug. 21-28
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.
Keeping Belleman ‘Would Have Paralyzed Saginaw County,’ Commissioner Says
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.
Mayor Pro Tem Jessy Gregg Explains How Council Could Reconsider Hiring Belleman as City Manager
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.
Following Whitmer’s Ruling, Proposed East Lansing Charter Amendment Won’t Go to Ballot
The controversial amendment proposing changing City Council elections from odd- to even-numbered years was ruled to conflict with the Home Rule City Act.
Controversial East Lansing Charter Amendment is Now in the Governor’s Hands
Four other charter amendments have made it to the ballot, including one that’s confusing even to Council.
Candidates for City Council React to the Hiring of Belleman Over Dempsey
Two candidates say they would have voted for Tim Dempsey, one shows disbelief, others are pragmatic and two haven’t yet responded to ELi.
In 3-2 Vote, Robert Belleman Chosen as Next East Lansing City Manager
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.
FOIA Shows Landlord DTN’s Side of Ongoing Public Dispute
DTN’s attorney told the EL city attorney this was never about discrimination – it was always just about the money.
We Can Only Grow Stronger With Your Help
Take a few moments to complete our readership survey and help guide ELi on how to deliver the news you need.
Council Interviews Four City Manager Candidates after Another Drops Out
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.
Amanda Cormier Resigns From EL School Board
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,…
Thanks to FOIA, You Can Now See the Application Letters of the EL City Manager Candidates
View the packages using the links provided in the story; the interview process begins Monday (Aug. 7) at the Hannah Community Center.
Released Records Show City of East Lansing’s Employment Losses Have Been Management-Heavy
Some departments have been hit harder than others after numerous key employees leave for other jobs or retire.
City Manager Candidates’ Names Released; Interviews Coming Monday
The five semi-finalists were chosen from a pool of 14 applicants; only six of the applicants live in Michigan.
Catch Up on What’s Been Going on With the ELPL Board of Trustees
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.
‘Plan B’ vending machine deliberated by HRC
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.
How Hard Is It to Park in Downtown East Lansing? Depends Who You Ask
There’s no topic quite so contentious as parking downtown, as became evident at Thursday’s DDA meeting.
Kerry Ebersole Singh, Christopher Wardell and Erik Altmann Seek EL Council Seats
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…
MSUFCU Showcases ‘Strength in Roots’ During Grand Opening Celebration
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.
Council Settles on Interview Process for City Manager, Approves Ballot Initiative to Expand Council
Five candidates accepted and two alternates approved to take part in a full day and evening of interviews scheduled for Aug. 7.
Council Majority Moves 2 of 3 Charter Amendments to the Ballot
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…
EL Youth Football Club Working to Boost Numbers
The nonprofit organization teaches the game of football, but also promotes “sportsmanship, teamwork, honesty, responsibility, and self-discipline.”
Synagogue Leaders Left With Questions After Violent Threats
The Congregation Shaarey Zedek community can’t help but feel fear and uncertainty as antisemitic sentiments increase nationwide.
Jaslene – Spunky and Full of Life – Inspires Fundraising Campaign for Accessible Bathroom
Retired teacher helps launch GoFundMe for her former student. Girl’s family encourages advocacy and awareness for those with disabilities.
Development Agreement with PK Tabled, Mash Bar Approved at June 20 Council
Council discussed new strategies for the future when making deals with large developers.
Library Trustees Face Short Timeline to Find New Leadership
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.
Michigan Flyer Partners with Hytch to Shuttle Riders from Homes to Pickup Site
Rideshare company to provide Lansing-area residents transportation to Michigan Flyer.
Please Note ELi’s Updated Facebook Comment Policy
New moderation policy is centered on our dedication to readers trusting us to be responsible.
Rebecca Kasen Formally Announces Run for City Council
The list of candidates continues to grow, but no word yet if Bacon and Gregg are running for reelection.
ELPL Board Revises Code of Conduct, Selects Consultant
Eleven library staff members spoke about their jobs and responsibilities, stressing “libraries work because we do.” The union staff is currently in contract negotiations.
Racial Disparities, Data Struggles Among Findings in First ELIPOC Annual Report
Commission Chair Erick Williams calls the April 2022 police shooting at Meijer a “learning opportunity” and offers recommendations for the future.
Local Churches Make Commitment to Faith-Based Reparations
All Saints Episcopal Church and Edgewood United Church will donate $100,000 to the Justice League of Lansing.
ELPS Approves Budget, Celebrates Accomplishments
Six retiring educators and staff and the Michigan Lottery Educator of the Year recipient were all recognized during the June 12 meeting.
All-Community March in Downtown East Lansing Celebrates Juneteenth
A small but spirited crowd gathered to recognize the day in 1863 the last enslaved African Americans learned they were free.
Complaints Spur Conversation, Recommended Policy Investigations at June ELIPOC Meeting
Two new commissioners and ELPD Lt. Adam Park made their first appearances at the police oversight commission meeting.
Human Rights Commission Tells Council to Use Subpoena Power to Investigate Landlord DTN
After a closed session, the commission voted unanimously to ask Council to use its subpoena powers to investigate DTN in a civil rights complaint.
ELHS Running Track Open to Public on Weekdays
A local resident pushed the school district to open the facility for regular public use.
Young and Old(er) Are Jumping Into the Sport of Pickleball
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.
East Lansing Resident John Metzler to be Honored by Peace Education Center
The annual meeting is a chance to celebrate the center’s work and honor community members and students.
ELi Investigation Shows Unusual Uses of East Lansing Taxes for ‘Nongovernmental’ Charities
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?
Did you just miss it?
We published fresh news today…but not here.
Wreath-Laying Ceremony Honors Veterans of East Lansing Area
“When I was a young man, I didn’t really appreciate what Memorial Day meant,” Interim City Manager Randy Talifarro told those gathered.
Three Years In, Developer Says the Only Thing That’ll Work on the Evergreen Properties Is…Student Housing
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.
MSU Tragedy Remembered, Budgets Approved at May 23 City Council Meeting
A resolution was passed recognizing and honoring the lifesaving actions of first responders and those impacted by the mass shooting on the MSU campus.
Library Trustees Consider Collective Bargaining, Budget as Old Tensions Arise
ELPL Board of Trustees and Director Kristin Shelley have back-and-forth exchanges during two-hour meeting.
ELi Has a New Executive Director and Publisher: Beth Peck
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.
Your ELi: Why ELi Sometimes Necessarily Makes Local Officials Uncomfortable
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.
It’s ELi News Appreciation Week!
Show the ELi reporting and editorial staff how much you appreciate their public service journalism!
Library Trustees Discuss Next Steps in Internal Investigation, Consider After-School Challenges
Also on the full agenda was approval of board minutes, a new patron code of conduct and much more.
Two Men and a Truck Helps Local Organizations in Honor of Mother’s Day
The annual drive, Movers for Moms, is dedicated to collecting necessities for mothers in need.
Police Use Court Order to Detain Man Who’s Been Troubling People Downtown
The staff at Blue Owl Coffee contacted ELPD after numerous high-stress encounters with the man.
Here’s How to Celebrate Earth Day in East Lansing
No Mow May, recycling, conversation starters and ways to take action are all part of the annual spring event.
Mother’s Narrative, Police Reports Paint Detailed Picture of Confrontation at ELPL
Incident has led to a special investigation by the library board and complaint to the EL Human Rights Commission.
East Lansing Homeowners Can Now Formally Disavow Racist Property Covenants
The Brookfield neighborhood’s covenant still includes discriminatory language.
FlixBus Provides Route from Frandor to Detroit, Grand Rapids
Company hopes to make travel between cities easier for college students.
Updates from ELi’s Publisher
Find out what’s happening at ELi (and hurry if you want to join us tomorrow night).
Housing Complaint Against DTN Takes a Strange Turn
The city attorney said the investigation was stalled because he couldn’t reach a key person involved. ELi reached her by phone last night.
ELi Won’t Be Publishing This Week
Thanks for all your support of this local news service team, East Lansing!
ELPS Board Meeting Highlights Safety Measures Progress, Model UN Team
Superintendent Dori Leyko gave a detailed update on security measures that have been implemented in the district.
ELi Opens Search for New Executive Director
This article tells you about the job and why ELi’s Board of Directors is making this move.
ELi’s Leadership Changes, as Vlasin Retires and Grigsby Becomes Board President
ELi’s Board thanks Ray Vlasin for his exceptional service during a difficult time and looks forward to working as a new leadership team.
Coolidge Road Traffic Flow May Be Changed, Adding Bike Lanes
Public expresses mixed views about the road conversion, but transportation commission unanimously approved the project.
Police Oversight Commission Hears Presentation on Biases in Emergency Calls
When should law enforcement decide not to respond to a 911 call?
Concerns About Erecting 5G Towers in Neighborhoods Persist After Public Meeting
City officials say they cannot block installation of the towers because of a state law.
EL Deputy Police Chief Resigns, Naming ‘Unethical Leadership’ in City Government (UPDATED)
Interim director of human resources also gives notice joining a wave of people leaving city jobs.
What Happened at Council This Week?
Council members and city officials make emotional statements in the aftermath of the MSU mass shooting.
Protests, Other Events Scheduled in Reaction to Shooting at MSU
One week later, community continues to find ways to heal and speak out.
Protest and Vigil Focus on Gun Violence, Perennial Trauma
Students and other members of the community gathered on Wednesday to mourn and to vow to take action.
Students Describe Confusion, Fear During Hours-Long Manhunt
MSU sophomores waded through scary misinformation while barricaded in their dorm room.
Today in East Lansing: Vigils, Support Systems, Closures
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.
Community Urged to Reach Out for Support During This Time of Tragedy
Greater Lansing is coming together to help students, staff and residents navigate the unfathomable.
Karessa Weir and Nathan Andrus Named to ELi’s Board of Directors
New board members are well-versed in ELi operations and goals.
Please Bear With Us While We Debug
We’re asking your patience while we work out the bugs at our website.
East Lansing Info’s Annual Report for 2022
Learn about ELi’s operations, income and expenses for 2022 in this annual transparency report.
Police Pushed to Do More about Menacing Masked Man
Photos and videos of the individual have appeared across social media.
An Update from ELi’s Publisher on Ongoing Operations
An inside look at what’s happening at ELi.
Meet the ELi Gang at Fieldhouse, and Bid at Our Silent Auction!
We’d love to see you at our event on Wednesday, Jan. 25!
Council Poised to Terminate Lahanas’ Contract Tonight; Talifarro Expected to Be Named Interim City Manager
This is a breaking story and may be updated.
Did a Local Landlord Push Out a Tenant Because She Wasn’t a Student?
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.
City Donates $5K to MLK Celebration…and Other Happenings at Last Week’s Council Meeting
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.
Council Delays Decision on Appointee at Special Saturday Session
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.
Event Will Help Citizens Clear Old, Non-Violent Convictions from Public Records
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.
In Chappelle’s Suit Against ELi, Appeals Court Judge Says There’s No Glimmer of a Case
“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.”
First School Board Meeting of 2023 Brings Officer Elections, Parent Concerns
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.
East Lansing and Meridian “Conserve Water” Request ENDED as Some Details Emerge
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.
City Council Votes 3-1 to Make East Lansing a Sanctuary City
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.
Deer Cull Amended with Two Votes of Council
Both votes passed on a 3-1 split, with a third motion failing. What happens now? Find out from ELi.
East Lansing’s Deputy City Manager and Director of Planning Resigns
ELi obtained the information via the leak of an internal communication. Tom Fehrenbach’s departure adds to the turmoil in the city’s leadership.
Five Finalists Selected for Vacant City Council Seat
Council will convene for a special session on Saturday morning. The five candidates will be interviewed, and then a winner will be chosen.
Alert Asks Residents to Conserve Water in East Lansing and Meridian
East Lansing and Meridian water authority customers are asked to refrain from high uses of water while main transmission line is repaired.
Fourteen People Want to Serve on EL’s Council. What Do Their Applications Show?
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.
BREAKING NEWS: The Sun Is 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.
Updated: Emerging Leader Program Deadline Extended
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.
As Glencairn Homeowners Protest Cell Tower Plan, More Towers May Be Coming to EL Neighborhoods (Updated)
City of East Lansing staff say more than 50 new “small cell” towers may be coming around town.
As East Lansing School Board Membership Changes, Some Policies Are Also Changing
The retiring school board president and vice president honored during Dec. 12 meeting.
East Lansing’s Population Has Declined and Morphed Per Latest Census
More units of housing, but fewer residents. And a more diverse populace. What else changed about East Lansing from 2010 to 2020?
ELi’s Supporters Provide Over $140,000 for 2023 Reporting
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.
Support ELi Before $650 Left in Matching Funds Run Out!
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!
ELi’s Last Update of 2022
We let you in on what’s coming at ELi in January and February.
Fourteen Candidates Determined Eligible to Fill East Lansing Council Vacancy
ELi brings you the names of who will be considered. Soon, we’ll also be bringing you their applications.
Ten Big East Lansing Stories Coming in 2023
What are we expecting to cover in 2023 for East Lansing? Here’s a rundown.
ELPD Captain Pride Speaks about East Lansing Crime, Policing
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.
Hanukkah Brings Light in Face of Rising Antisemitism
Congregation Shaarey Zedek remains cautious during this time of increased hateful ideas.
Shop Local: Last-Minute Gift Ideas in East Lansing
So many options!
Highlights from the City of East Lansing’s Financial Report (Including Some Surprises)
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.
Deer Cull is On Hold as Council Will Revisit the Issue
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.
Judge Richard Ball Reflects on 30 Years of Service as 54B District Judge
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.
Multiple systems help keep ELPS safe
OK2SAY, a state-wide reporting program, is one tool being used by the school district.
Will the DDA’s Favored Developer Be Granted a New Exclusive Deal?
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.
Study of ELPD Points to Policy Problems, Officers Feeling Unsupported by City Government
The 146-page report prepared by CNA was presented to City Council at the Dec. 6 meeting.
Applications Open for City Council Seat
East Lansing residents who are registered voters are invited to apply for the seat being vacated by Lisa Babcock.
What Happened at City Council This Week?
The four-hour meeting included honors for retiring Judge Richard Ball, discussion on EL becoming a sanctuary city and much more.
