Government

HUD has determined that East Lansing must repay HUD $134,330 in grant funds because the project funded included a conflict of interest involving City Attorney Tom Yeadon. The total bill to East Lansing taxpayers could reach $200,000. ELi's Alice Dreger reports.

If, at its meeting tonight, Council approves a zoning change recommended by Planning Commission, we could see more hotels and motels in East Lansing, particularly in certain areas. ELi's Jessy Gregg reports.

Would withdrawal of a controversial law known as 50/50 lead to jello-shot bars and fewer places to eat lunch, or would it lead to chic wine and tapas bars? Council debated the issue this week. ELi's Jessy Gregg reports.

East Lansing’s Planning Commission was unable to conduct business at its most recently scheduled meeting for lack of a quorum. Commission Chair Dan Bollman explains for ELi why the City needs more people to apply to serve as soon as possible.

Responding to a report published by ELi, on Tuesday City Council discussed continuing to allow City employees to invest their own money in the East Lansing pension system through Council-approved purchases of “pension service credits.”

Students of East Lansing High School walked out today to protest government inaction on gun control. ELi brings you the story and photos of the event.

East Lansing's Transportation Commission supports converting another portion of Harrison Road from four lanes to three in order to add bike lanes. But Council, anticipating controversy, is going to decide the matter. ELi's Alice Dreger reports.

Responding to the local appearance of a white nationalist group, hundreds of area residents gathered yesterday for a Celebration of Diversity Festival at All Saints Episcopal Church. ELi's Jessy Gregg reports.

East Lansing has been notified by the Michigan Treasury Department that the City’s public employee pension plan "has triggered a preliminary review of underfunded status" by the State. ELi's Chris Root reports.

The attorney representing workers suing the City of East Lansing over alleged exposure to mercury and asbestos at the wastewater treatment plant says the City Manager has misrepresented key facts in the case. ELi's Alice Dreger reports.

City Council has begun digging into various tax options as it tries to manage East Lansing's financial problems. Citizens have been weighing in with their thoughts, too. ELi's Chris Root reports.

City leaders are suggesting that those who want to respond to a white nationalist coming to speak at MSU on Monday do so by attending the City-sponsored Diversity Celebration at All Saints Church. ELi's Jessy Gregg reports.

ELi finds that East Lansing has now spent $200,000 fighting a lawsuit brought by City workers alleging that they “were intentionally and unnecessarily exposed to mercury and asbestos” at the wastewater treatment plant. ELi's Alice Dreger reports.

East Lansing's City Council will hold a public hearing on five draft tax proposals this Tuesday night. ELi's Chris Root explains why Council is considering these proposals, what the process will be, and how you can participate.

Given East Lansing's pension obligations, even if City Council authorizes major cuts in personnel and services, the City's fund balance will soon sink to levels “at which the State would be concerned.” ELi's Alice Dreger and Chris Root report.