Catch Up With Our Reporting From This Week

Halloween decorations are starting to pop up around town, as we close in on October.

It was another busy reporting week for the ELi team. Start your weekend with the latest on city government and community happenings.

Draft report finds Black people more likely to face severe force from ELPD officers.

A report drafted by an Adrian College professor found that ELPD officers disproportionately used force against Black people in 2025, even when adjusting for factors like resisting arrest. The report confirms earlier reporting by ELi that there was a large increase in police use of force in 2025 and a widening racial gap. Reporter Ayah Imran wrote about the report's key findings.

When should East Lansing elections take place? Groups take opposing sides.

This November, East Lansing voters will decide whether or not to move city elections to even-numbered years, a move that would align local elections with federal and state races and boost turnout. There have now been groups formed that favor the amendment and oppose it. Hear what they have to say in Reporter Dustin DuFort Petty's story.

East Lansing schools rethink sex education with new curriculum.

East Lansing Public Schools recently launched new sex ed curriculum that emphasizes reproductive health, identity, healthy relationships and consent. The new curriculum is the latest shift after the district previously banned outside vendors from teaching sex education following pushback over an outdated abstinence-only demonstration. Ayah wrote about the changes.

East Lansing council discusses possible City Hall relocation, approves large solar project.

At this week's City Council meeting, the body discussed the possibility of City Hall being moved to another location – though any planning on the topic appears to be on hold until the city finds a new city manager. The council also approved a solar array to be built in front of the Department of Public Works building, pushing a long-held goal forward. Managing Editor Luke Day covered the meeting.

East Lansing artists featured in ArtPrize.

ArtPrize, a large art festival that showcases works of art from around the globe, features several East Lansing artists this year. Five local artists spoke with Dustin about their pieces that are currently on display. Learn about their artwork and how to support your favorite ArtPrize artists in Dustin's reporting.

East Lansing considers upwards of $40 million in bond payments for infrastructure, facility improvements.

The East Lansing City Council could soon issue more than $40 million in bonds to pay for improvements to the local sewer system, Hannah Community Center, City Hall and more, after the council voted to publish a notice about a potential bond sale. Luke wrote about the projects the city would take on debt to complete and what else needs to happen before the bonds are issued.

East Lansing Insider Podcast: A conversation about food with the Local Epicurean

On this week’s episode of the East Lansing Insider podcast, ELi Deputy Editor Anna Liz Nichols talks with Mike Mudrey, co-owner of The Local Epicurean and For Crêpe Sake, about slowing down for food in today’s fast-moving world. Listen to the podcast here or on streaming services like Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

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