East Lansing Budget Talks Highlight Deficit and Community Concerns
Leaders in East Lansing are grappling with a projected $1.7 million budget deficit for the coming fiscal year, despite reporting a $900,000 surplus. City Manager Robert Belleman outlined the financial outlook during a City Council discussion meeting, with a final budget expected to be adopted next month.
The proposed budget includes potential cuts of more than $40,000 to the city’s Human Rights Commission and Independent Police Oversight Commission—an idea that drew strong opposition from residents. During public comment, the president of the Lansing NAACP Youth Council urged officials to reconsider.
“If we remove these commissions, what message are we sending?” the speaker asked. “That equality no longer matters, or that some voices are less important than others.”
MSU Shooting Sparks Fear and Calls for Transparency
Community members also voiced concern over the recent deadly officer-involved shooting of Michigan State University student Isaiah Kirby.
An MSU professor told council members that students are increasingly fearful following the incident, which occurred near Abbott Road and Lake Lansing Road. Kirby’s attorney claims he was shot 17 times. Authorities say Kirby had stabbed an individual and charged at officers while refusing to drop a knife.
With limited information released so far, some in the community say uncertainty is fueling anxiety among students.
Scam Alert Issued Ahead of East Lansing Art Festival
City officials are warning residents about a scam tied to the upcoming East Lansing Art Festival. Fraudsters are reportedly attempting to collect payments from artists for event participation.
Officials emphasized that applications are already closed for the festival, scheduled for May 16–17, and urged the public to avoid any suspicious payment requests.
Elderly Man Convicted in Nursing Home Assault Case
In Ingham County, an 81-year-old man has been convicted of first-degree criminal sexual conduct after assaulting a mentally incapacitated resident at a nursing home where he also lived.
Prosecutors say Mevin Barhite was also found guilty of failing to comply with sex offender registry requirements tied to a prior conviction in Kent County. He is expected to be sentenced as a habitual offender.
Traffic Shift Begins on US-127
Drivers in the Lansing area should prepare for changes as construction continues on US-127. Northbound traffic between I-69 and Lake Lansing Road has been shifted to the south side of the highway as part of a repaving project.
The shift was delayed by severe weather earlier in the week.
Storms Leave One Dead, Thousands Without Power
Severe weather across Michigan Monday night has turned deadly. In Cedar Springs, a man was killed after being struck by a falling tree.
Utility officials report that more than 11,000 Consumers Energy customers remained without power as of Tuesday morning, primarily in the southwestern part of the state.
New Poll Shows John James Leading GOP Governor Race
A new poll commissioned by the Detroit Regional Chamber and conducted by the Glengariff Group shows John James leading the Republican primary field for governor.
James garnered 37% support among likely GOP voters, with businessman Perry Johnson trailing at 20%. The poll carries a margin of error of approximately 4.5%.
