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.
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.
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.
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.
Speaking to ELi on Wednesday, the head coach hoped that the new Covid restrictions work and his team can get back on the field in December. Andrew Graham reports.
Watson joins the podcast for an interview with Andrew Graham, where they discuss a number of pressing topics in East Lansing. Listen for more.
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.
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 lone dissenter, Council member Lisa Babcock, objected to the developers’ “hostage-taking” tactics and “the pigeon driving the bus.” But she was outvoted as the rest of Council found it problematic to insist the under-55 tenants be evicted.
The trio of Alice Dreger, Emily Joan Elliott and Andrew Graham break down the latest happenings in East Lansing. Read on to listen.
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.
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.
The group is going to see a proposed resolution in November after getting a presentation on coal tar sealants from EGLE’s Christie Alwin.
Earlier in October, ELi asked what laws in East Lansing you, the readers, would like to see changed. Andrew Graham brings you the responses.
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.
Big Ten football comes backs to East Lansing this Saturday, Oct. 24. The return is bringing on a mix of excitement and apprehension. ELi’s Andrew Graham reports on what is expected and what it all means.
The letter asks for the conference to work with local health officials to monitor community positivity prior to games and to play games earlier in the day. Andrew Graham has the details.
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.
The building has been described as “bold architecture” and previously housed an Arby’s. In a few weeks, it will be gone.
City Attorney Mike Homier explained that Tuesday’s meeting could proceed despite recent actions by the State Supreme Court. See what he said and what Council did on Tuesday.
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.
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.
Which companies in East Lansing got big bucks from the federal Paycheck Protection Program? ELi’s Andrew Graham takes a look.
Mike Homier, the new City Attorney, explained the Supreme Court coronavirus decision, while Council took actions on tasers, Walgreens, clean energy, Patriarche Park, the fire code, and more.
Last weekend, four bars were observed by ELPD and officials from the Ingham County Health Department possibly breaking Covid-19 public health orders. No citations were issues. Read on to find out why.
The cull is expected to occur soon and will be conducted by government-employed sharpshooters working in East Lansing parks.
Steve Willobee came asking for accommodation long before Covid-19, says former mayor Mark Meadows. Now the City has issued violation notices to Harbor Bay, requiring the tenants of the four illegal rentals be moved out.
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.
The new contract comes after two weeks of closed-door performance reviews between City Manager George Lahanas and Council. Andrew Graham has the details.
ELPD will have a new police chief, Kim Johnson, starting October 5. Find out more about Johnson and last night’s discussion at Council on policing in East Lansing.
Four candidates for the job were interviewed by a panel last Tuesday and then by City Manager George Lahanas on Thursday. ELi’s Andrew Graham reports.
See ELi’s map that includes the locations being quarantined, type of residence, and length of quarantine.
Mark Bell and Steve Willobee confirmed to Council on Tuesday night that they have rented four units to people under the 55+ age restriction. This violates local law, the development agreement made with Council, and the building’s permit.
Four Council members voted to offer a one-year contract with a $500K cap. Jessy Gregg voted against. Now contract negotiations will begin.
“Stephenson was acting within his authority as a police officer in trying to subdue a person who was resisting lawful arrest.” So says the special prosecutor. Andrew Graham reports.
In 2017, the developers were confident they had a viable project. Now they say they need Council’s help. Andrew Graham reports for ELi.
“I’ve heard the complaints from Harbor Bay,” Council member Lisa Babcock tells ELi. “It looks like they’re having a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.”
The total number of undergrads living off-campus could even be higher than normal because of tens of thousands of students displaced from the dorms moving into off-campus housing.
The dorms are closing to protect health. What about what’s happening in off-campus, party-prone housing?
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.
Bacon tells ELi he had been thinking of running for Council in 2021. Now appointed to a seat, he hopes to represent new voices, prioritize a smart Covid response, and continue work on racial equity.
Mark Meadows had been encouraging Watson to run for Council. His resignation gave her a chance to step in, and now she tells ELI about what she’d like to tackle in the next year.
Mayor Aaron Stephens noted that this is apparently the first time East Lansing’s Council will be majority persons of color.
Yesterday saw a moment of joy and celebration at East Lansing’s high school football stadium, with Andrel Anthony Jr.’s family there to share the big moment.
ELi’s Andrew Graham gives you an overview of the “interviews” for City Council and tells you how to weigh in before the decision Saturday morning.
ELi’s Andrew Graham brings you the list of 13 finalists and the 8 questions they will be asked.
A total of 22 citizens have applied to fill 2 vacant Council seats. Who are they, and what will be the process? ELi’s Andrew Graham reports.
Applications for the two vacant seats on East Lansing City Council are now open. ELi has the details on the process and timeline for filling the seats.
Here’s what to expect as the three remaining City Council members move to appoint people to the two vacant seats.
Aaron Stephens will become the Mayor of East Lansing, and the remaining members will decide who will fill the two vacant seats. The City Attorney’s contract will end October 1.
At Planning Commission, the eBay auction winners asked for more time on their approvals, and owners of three already-built locations asked for permission to sell recreational marijuana. What happened?
Could municipal regulation of food delivery services help local restaurants survive?
Coolidge Court is the only strip mall in the City that is prohibited from having businesses open on Sundays, a restriction the developer agreed to in 1986. Now Council will take up the matter.
Many restaurants and bars downtown will now refuse service to anyone not wearing a mask. What else is happening to prepare for fall?
Council member Lisa Babcock strongly objected to handing over to the Mayor wide and unspecified powers during declared States of Emergency.
What’s closed, what’s opening, what’s happening along East Lansing’s main strip? The latest from ELi.
Ever wondered why the shops in Coolidge Court aren’t open on Sundays? That restriction dates back to 1986, and now the developer-owner wants it removed. Many neighbors aren’t happy.
Following up on proposals pitched by Council member Lisa Babcock, City Council is looking at a law criminalizing “weaponizing police” and at making complaints against police officers more public. Andrew Graham reports.
Officer Andrew Stephenson’s defense attorney has strongly criticized Mayor Ruth Beier’s remarks about his client. Citizens came forward this week to join him in his criticisms.
“The March Against Fear” started at East Lansing’s City Hall and Police Department and ended at the MSU President’s house. Andrew Graham reports, with photos from Gary Caldwell.
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.
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 commission discussed redevelopment along Coolidge and West Roads, whether DTN should be allowed to use part of the first floor of “300 Grand” for a private fitness room, and more.
Until now, East Lansing’s DDA has relied on City Attorney Tom Yeadon. Now it is moving to hire independent counsel.