Public Safety

“First Amendment Audit” of ELPD Draws Widespread Attention Online

“First Amendment Audit” of ELPD Draws Widespread Attention Online

A “First Amendment Auditor” films police officers and other government employees to audit their reaction to minor disturbances.

ELPD Cracks “Grandparents Scam”

ELPD Cracks “Grandparents Scam”

The victim of the scheme received a call from an individual posing as her distressed 16-year-old granddaughter.

Graffiti at MAC May Have Referenced UnitedHealthcare CEO Shooting, Spurs Enhanced Security

Graffiti at MAC May Have Referenced UnitedHealthcare CEO Shooting, Spurs Enhanced Security

Meridian Township police are investigating the graffiti.

Interim Police Chief Chad Pride Steps Down, Jen Brown Fills Role

Interim Police Chief Chad Pride Steps Down, Jen Brown Fills Role

New ELPD Interim Chief Jen Brown has served as a deputy chief for the department since December 2023.

Advance Peace Will Work to Reduce Gun Violence in East Lansing

Advance Peace Will Work to Reduce Gun Violence in East Lansing

The Advance Peace program will work directly with East Lansing residents most at risk of being involved in gun violence.

ELPD Stopped Sending the City’s Police Oversight Commission Footage. It’s Unclear Why

ELPD Stopped Sending the City’s Police Oversight Commission Footage. It’s Unclear Why

A change in procedure has ELPD requesting commissioners watch footage at set times with officers or the city attorney present.

Two ‘Top Cops’ to Apply to be ELPD Chief

Two ‘Top Cops’ to Apply to be ELPD Chief

As East Lansing prepares a search for its new police chief, ELi has learned that there will be two internal candidates in Deputy Chief Jennifer Brown and Interim Chief Chad Pride.

Police Chief Kim Johnson Resigns

Police Chief Kim Johnson Resigns

In April, the city announced Johnson was being investigated after an internal complaint was filed against him.

15 Years Later, the Lansing Bike Party Rides On

15 Years Later, the Lansing Bike Party Rides On

The Lansing Bike Party hopes to educate area bicyclists and motorists on how to safely share the road.

ELPD Chief Kim Johnson on Leave

ELPD Chief Kim Johnson on Leave

Few details are known at this time, but City Manager Robert Belleman has confirmed the ELPD chief is on leave.

ELIPOC Frustrated with Council, ELPD Leadership

ELIPOC Frustrated with Council, ELPD Leadership

Members of the East Lansing Independent Police Oversight Commission shared concerns about proposed amendments to the ordinance that established the commission.

Aggravated Assault Alert Goes Out; No Injuries Reported

Aggravated Assault Alert Goes Out; No Injuries Reported

The incident occurred early Sunday morning during celebrations downtown, two days before Halloween. ELPD reminds community members to take safety precautions.

ELIPOC Discusses Goals for Next Six Months

ELIPOC Discusses Goals for Next Six Months

The commission also discussed the “sustained” allegations against an ELPD officer for repeatedly calling a woman after getting her phone number while on duty.

ELIPOC Workshop Participants Focus on Police Use of Force

ELIPOC Workshop Participants Focus on Police Use of Force

Public participants held a “dialogue” as they sought solutions and suggestions for a plan to guide the ELPD.

Q&A with ICHD: Where Do We Stand with COVID-19 and What Should We Be Doing?

Q&A with ICHD: Where Do We Stand with COVID-19 and What Should We Be Doing?

“More tools in our toolkit” are helping to reduce the strain on the healthcare system and the health of people in the community.

Synagogue Leaders Left With Questions After Violent Threats
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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.

Complaints Spur Conversation, Recommended Policy Investigations at June ELIPOC Meeting
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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.

ELPD’s Social Worker Provides Care to Residents, Visitors and Officers Alike
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ELPD’s Social Worker Provides Care to Residents, Visitors and Officers Alike

Taylor Knickerbocker said she tries to interact with the community as much as she can and typically ends up in a police car to do outreach each day.

EL Fire Department Looks to Increase Training, Improve Communication in Budget Proposal
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EL Fire Department Looks to Increase Training, Improve Communication in Budget Proposal

Funding from MSU and the state is up while personnel services are down in the projected fire department budget. Learn more from ELi.

East Lansing Police Department Welcomes Two New Officers

East Lansing Police Department Welcomes Two New Officers

Officers Cuong Dang-Le and Brennan Surman have now joined the ranks of the East Lansing Police Department. Get the story and photos from ELi.

East Lansing Police Chief Kim Johnson Explains How and Why Staffing Is Going Up
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East Lansing Police Chief Kim Johnson Explains How and Why Staffing Is Going Up

The goals and objectives of the department for the coming year include working with a number of community groups and serving EL’s diverse population.

Tensions High at Police Oversight Commission Following the Release of MSP Investigation of Meijer Shooting

Tensions High at Police Oversight Commission Following the Release of MSP Investigation of Meijer Shooting

Public and commissioners voiced differing opinions on the ELIPOC’s relationship with the ELPD.

Oversight Commission Questions ELPD Use of Cameras, Treatment of People In Psychological Distress

Oversight Commission Questions ELPD Use of Cameras, Treatment of People In Psychological Distress

Police use of force policy continues to be a topic of discussion; commission is looking to fill three openings.

City of East Lansing to Receive More than $340,000 From Latest Opioid Settlement

City of East Lansing to Receive More than $340,000 From Latest Opioid Settlement

In a 4-0 vote, City Council approved a resolution to accept the funds.

ELPD Seeks Information in Fatal Car Crash (Updated)

ELPD Seeks Information in Fatal Car Crash (Updated)

The crash at the intersection of Lake Lansing Road and Coolidge Road left two dead and six hospitalized.

Citizen Petition Leads to Police Oversight Commission Hearing on Use of Force and Deescalation

Citizen Petition Leads to Police Oversight Commission Hearing on Use of Force and Deescalation

People experiencing behavioral health or mental health crises make up a “significant portion” of police use of force incidents in East Lansing.

Local Clergy Reject Michigan GOP’s Holocaust Comparison on Gun Control
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Local Clergy Reject Michigan GOP’s Holocaust Comparison on Gun Control

Reached for comment, Norm Shinkle, co-chair of the Ingham County Republican Party, told ELi what’s happening in Michigan is “unbelievable.”

Police Oversight Commission Hears Presentation on Biases in Emergency Calls
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Police Oversight Commission Hears Presentation on Biases in Emergency Calls

When should law enforcement decide not to respond to a 911 call?

EL Deputy Police Chief Resigns, Naming ‘Unethical Leadership’ in City Government (UPDATED)
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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.

The ‘Kids’ Are Not All Right (Right Now)

The ‘Kids’ Are Not All Right (Right Now)

Students, MSU librarian share their stories and their emotions with ELi.

East Lansing’s Paramedics Offered Help as They Recover, Too

East Lansing’s Paramedics Offered Help as They Recover, Too

Tomorrow, a special debriefing will help East Lansing’s first responders try together to make some sense of what happened Monday night.

Community Urged to Reach Out for Support During This Time of Tragedy
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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.

We are grieving with you, and we are working on reporting.

We are grieving with you, and we are working on reporting.

A message from ELi’s publisher.

East Lansing Is a City In Grief; Counseling Offered at Hannah
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East Lansing Is a City In Grief; Counseling Offered at Hannah

Randy Talifarro’s first formal statement as East Lansing’s interim city manager was about the killings on MSU’s campus.

MSU Shooter Is Dead After Killing Three, Injuring At Least Five

MSU Shooter Is Dead After Killing Three, Injuring At Least Five

Shelter in place order has been lifted; ELPS cancels classes for Tuesday.

East Lansing Shelter-in-Place Order Continues as Some Information Emerges

East Lansing Shelter-in-Place Order Continues as Some Information Emerges

As of 11 p.m., the shelter-in-place order continued for all of East Lansing.

Shooting on MSU Campus; East Lansing Told to Shelter-in-Place

Shooting on MSU Campus; East Lansing Told to Shelter-in-Place

Local alerts exploded this evening with warnings of an active shooter on the Michigan State University campus.

MSU School Safety Expert Weighs in on Climate at East Lansing High School
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MSU School Safety Expert Weighs in on Climate at East Lansing High School

ELi spoke with MSU Prof. Glenn Stutzky to get his take on ongoing concerns in East Lansing’s public schools.

Commissioners Question ELPD on Social Workers, Data Collection and Future Changes

Commissioners Question ELPD on Social Workers, Data Collection and Future Changes

Independent Police Oversight Commission continues to press specific issues.

Edsall Resigns as School Board President, and a New School Safety Plan Is In the Works
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Edsall Resigns as School Board President, and a New School Safety Plan Is In the Works

Kath Edsall resigned as president rather than facing a vote to remove her. A new safety plan was presented and public comment brought many strong comments. ELi brings you details from the four-hour meeting.

ELPS School Board Meets Tonight as High School Changes Disciplinary Approach
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ELPS School Board Meets Tonight as High School Changes Disciplinary Approach

As struggles at East Lansing’s High School are making statewide news, the school’s administration has shifted approaches to student discipline starting today. The school board will meet tonight to discuss a “School Safety Plan.”

‘Listening Session’ on East Lansing School Violence Draws Hundreds, Elicits Many Ideas
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‘Listening Session’ on East Lansing School Violence Draws Hundreds, Elicits Many Ideas

Hundreds turn out for event at Hannah Community Center.

EL High School Closed Friday, as School Board Continues to Face Backlash
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EL High School Closed Friday, as School Board Continues to Face Backlash

ELi brings you a wider look at what’s going on with the tensions in East Lansing Public Schools.

EL High School Sheltered in Place Again Today
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EL High School Sheltered in Place Again Today

The latest events occur as ELi continues to work to understand what happened at the school on Tuesday morning.

Police Pushed to Do More about Menacing Masked Man
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Police Pushed to Do More about Menacing Masked Man

Photos and videos of the individual have appeared across social media.

Mayor to Hold ‘School/Public Safety Listening Session’ on Friday (Updated)
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Mayor to Hold ‘School/Public Safety Listening Session’ on Friday (Updated)

The event is an opportunity for community members to have their say about safety concerns. Meanwhile, ELHS students are calling for the school board president to step down, and the school board has issued a statement.

East Lansing Police First Heard about High School Lockdown from a Parent Who Called 911
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East Lansing Police First Heard about High School Lockdown from a Parent Who Called 911

ELPD called the school to confirm it was, in fact, in lockdown.

East Lansing High School Was Put on Lockdown This Morning
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East Lansing High School Was Put on Lockdown This Morning

The shelter in place lockdown that occurred around 10 a.m. ended late this morning.

East Lansing High School Teachers and Students Describe Fear and Exhaustion from Ongoing Violence
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East Lansing High School Teachers and Students Describe Fear and Exhaustion from Ongoing Violence

“There was a firearm within four feet of me,” a student who rushed to help a teacher told the East Lansing Public Schools Board of Ed. “I had no clue.”

After Library Director Calls Police on Wrongly-Accused Black Teen, Outrage Expressed to Board
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After Library Director Calls Police on Wrongly-Accused Black Teen, Outrage Expressed to Board

A long-time East Lansing resident says her son was racially profiled by the library director, and she wants the director removed from her position. What comes next is not clear.

Study of ELPD Points to Policy Problems, Officers Feeling Unsupported by City Government
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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.

Two Big Votes Come to City Council This Tuesday
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Two Big Votes Come to City Council This Tuesday

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.

MSU Interim President Speaks  to Violence Downtown and Student Housing in EL
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MSU Interim President Speaks to Violence Downtown and Student Housing in EL

Interim President Teresa Woodruff strives for positive relationship between the university and city.

Police Oversight Commission Reflects on First Year of Action, Purpose Going Forward
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Police Oversight Commission Reflects on First Year of Action, Purpose Going Forward

Members of the public attend Nov. 2 meeting to provide input to commissioners and city representatives.

Council Defends EL Policing, Votes 4-1 to Spend HUD Funds on Safety Lighting
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Council Defends EL Policing, Votes 4-1 to Spend HUD Funds on Safety Lighting

Although no public announcement was made about the city manager’s job assessment, Tuesday’s meeting had lots of tension on other issues.

ELPD Finds Officers Violated Policy; Oversight Commission Wants More Info
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ELPD Finds Officers Violated Policy; Oversight Commission Wants More Info

After an internal investigation, two officers are found in violation of wrongfully searching and detaining a 20-year-old Black man.

MacDonald Middle School Closed Today Due to Reported Threat (Updated)
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MacDonald Middle School Closed Today Due to Reported Threat (Updated)

“We do not have enough information to determine whether or not the threats are credible – so we’ll err on the safe side,” said Superintendent Dori Leyko.

Downtown Condo Owners Demand Solutions after Bullet Pierces Resident’s Window
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Downtown Condo Owners Demand Solutions after Bullet Pierces Resident’s Window

Plus: ELi brings you a video taken just after the Sept. 11 downtown shooting showing some fleeing the scene while police rush in.

With Downtown Violence Increasing, What Is East Lansing Doing?
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With Downtown Violence Increasing, What Is East Lansing Doing?

“We are going to do whatever we can to try to curb this issue,” said East Lansing Police Captain Chad Pride.

ELPD Investigating Shooting on M.A.C. Avenue
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ELPD Investigating Shooting on M.A.C. Avenue

A total of 31 bullet casings from three different caliber guns recovered at the scene.

About A Month From Opening, Key Parts Of The Albert EL Fresco Are Still In Flux
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About A Month From Opening, Key Parts Of The Albert EL Fresco Are Still In Flux

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.

ELHS Students Respond to Anti-Abortion Protestors Outside High School
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ELHS Students Respond to Anti-Abortion Protestors Outside High School

A group of anti-abortion protesters gathered outside ELHS last week. We share ELHS student Marie Adele Grosso’s reporting on students’ responses to the group.

Tie Vote At Council Nixes Application To Establish A Fraternity on Ann Street
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Tie Vote At Council Nixes Application To Establish A Fraternity on Ann Street

Council member Brookover’s arguments against approving a Special Use Permit to establish a fraternity at 532 Ann St. resulted in a 2-2 split vote, meaning the SUP was not approved, as many non-student residents expressed concern about the impact of student housing, especially, fraternities and sororities, on their communities.

Ask ELi: A Fence on Campus, Basketball Hoops Unlocked, and Construction On Burcham Drive [UPDATED]
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Ask ELi: A Fence on Campus, Basketball Hoops Unlocked, and Construction On Burcham Drive [UPDATED]

ELi’s Emily Joan Elliott brings a few pieces of news and a noteworthy PSA about construction on Burcham Drive.

How MSU Plans To Keep Tabs And Hold Accountable Those Exempted From Its Sophomores-On Rule
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How MSU Plans To Keep Tabs And Hold Accountable Those Exempted From Its Sophomores-On Rule

As MSU prepares for requiring sophomores to live on campus this upcoming academic year, University officials consider how they might exercise greater control over the behavior of registered student organizations and associated individual students. What might this process, including collaboration with City authorities, look like?

Located: East Lansing Teen Missing [UPDATED]
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Located: East Lansing Teen Missing [UPDATED]

Seventeen-year-old Aireona Alexis Smith has been located.

Concerning Social Media Post Results in Police Presence at ELHS Today
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Concerning Social Media Post Results in Police Presence at ELHS Today

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.

East Lansing Insider: A Closer Look At EL’s Responsible Hospitality Council
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East Lansing Insider: A Closer Look At EL’s Responsible Hospitality Council

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!

No Street Parking Until Friday, ELPS Closed Again on Thursday: Winter Storm Updates
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No Street Parking Until Friday, ELPS Closed Again on Thursday: Winter Storm Updates

ELPS will remain closed on Thursday. ELPL will not open until 12 p.m. tomorrow.

Unions Renew Push For ARPA Hazard Pay To City Employees Who Risked Covid Exposure [UPDATED]
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Unions Renew Push For ARPA Hazard Pay To City Employees Who Risked Covid Exposure [UPDATED]

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.

ELPS Bus Driver on Administrative Leave Following Incident Yesterday
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ELPS Bus Driver on Administrative Leave Following Incident Yesterday

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.

Ask ELi: What’s Going on With the Deer Cull?
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Ask ELi: What’s Going on With the Deer Cull?

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.

Body Believed to Be That of Brendan Santo Recovered from Red Cedar River (Updated)
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Body Believed to Be That of Brendan Santo Recovered from Red Cedar River (Updated)

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 Seeks Information Regarding Incident on West Road
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UPDATED: ELPD Seeks Information Regarding Incident on West Road

UPDATED: ELPD identified the individual who died on West Road early Tuesday morning. The incident is still under investigation.

This Week’s “East Lansing News We Don’t Know Where to Put”
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This Week’s “East Lansing News We Don’t Know Where to Put”

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.

Ask ELi: What Is the Deer Cull Costing Taxpayers?
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Ask ELi: What Is the Deer Cull Costing Taxpayers?

What happens to the deer that are culled? Have any deer had wasting disease? We answer these questions and more in this Ask ELi Grab Bag!

East Lansing’s Second Deer Cull to Start on Jan. 3 Amid Continued Controversy
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East Lansing’s Second Deer Cull to Start on Jan. 3 Amid Continued Controversy

Some East Lansing residents want to see deer removed to stop property destruction and injury risk, while others detest the thought of having their government kill these animals. What do we know, politically and logistically, about this year’s planned cull?

Ask ELi: Mail Thieves and Comcast Refunds
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Ask ELi: Mail Thieves and Comcast Refunds

What can residents do to prevent their mail from being stolen? And what can residents affected by the Comcast outage do to get a refund for loss of service? We bring the answers in this Ask ELi Grab Bag.

East Lansing Insider: Delving Into The Hagadorn Railroad Crossing Accident
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East Lansing Insider: Delving Into The Hagadorn Railroad Crossing Accident

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.

Greek Night: Planning Commission Deals With Bevy of Fraternity Matters
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Greek Night: Planning Commission Deals With Bevy of Fraternity Matters

East Lansing’s staff has decided to require special approval for new or newly-occupied frat and sorority houses, but “will not be applying the requirement retroactively.”

UPDATED: Electrical Poles Snapped in Half along Hagadorn Road Because of Train “Caught Up” in Downed Lines
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UPDATED: Electrical Poles Snapped in Half along Hagadorn Road Because of Train “Caught Up” in Downed Lines

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.

ELHS Students Held Walk Out to Honor Oxford School Shooting, Call for Gun Regulation
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ELHS Students Held Walk Out to Honor Oxford School Shooting, Call for Gun Regulation

ELHS students, many dressed in the blue and gold colors of Oxford High School, walked out of class and into the falling snow to take a stand against gun violence and remember the four students shot and killed by a classmate earlier this week.

MSU Police Say Divers Continue to Search for Brendan Santo’s Body
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MSU Police Say Divers Continue to Search for Brendan Santo’s Body

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.

DDA Approves More Surveillance Downtown, While Chair Cautions Against ‘Big Brother Culture’
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DDA Approves More Surveillance Downtown, While Chair Cautions Against ‘Big Brother Culture’

The DDA voted in favor of funding more cameras to be used by ELPD, but not before a lively discussion about privacy and how to welcome people downtown.

Alcohol Suspected of Contributing to MSU Student Death This Morning
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Alcohol Suspected of Contributing to MSU Student Death This Morning

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.

Ask ELi: Car Break-Ins, Fabric Recycling, and Streetlights
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Ask ELi: Car Break-Ins, Fabric Recycling, and Streetlights

Will fabric recycling return to East Lansing? Why is it so dark at Valley Court Park? How can you mitigate the risk of car break-ins? Find out the answers in this Ask ELi Grab Bag!

East Lansing Insider: Discussing The Police Oversight Commission, Student Perspective On Couch Burnings
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East Lansing Insider: Discussing The Police Oversight Commission, Student Perspective On Couch Burnings

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!

Mayor Bacon Joins Gregg’s Push for Culture Change on MSU “Celebrations”
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Mayor Bacon Joins Gregg’s Push for Culture Change on MSU “Celebrations”

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.”

Man Seen with Gun and Gunshot Noise Leads to Emergency Alerts In East Lansing
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Man Seen with Gun and Gunshot Noise Leads to Emergency Alerts In East Lansing

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.