East Lansing City Council members are calling for a closer look at how the city polices its downtown following a controversial arrest that was captured on video earlier this month.
Councilmember Chuck Grigsby expressed frustration during Tuesday night's council meeting over the police department's handling of the incident involving the arrest of a woman. Critics have said the video showed officers using excessive force.
Councilmember Mark Meadows also called for a review of how the city governs and polices downtown East Lansing.
“We need to look at the way that we govern in the downtown and the way that we police in the downtown and determine what a possibly more appropriate way for us to approach that,” Meadows said.
The council also extended East Lansing's data center moratorium. The new expiration date is March 17, 2027.
BWL customers will see higher rates
Lansing Board of Water & Light customers will pay more beginning October 1 after the BWL Board of Commissioners approved rate increases during a special meeting Tuesday.
Electric customers will see an average increase of 2.1%. Water rates are increasing by roughly 2.5% to 3.5%, while steam rates will rise by approximately 5.5%.
Ingham County murder trial underway
Opening statements were held Tuesday in the trial of 25-year-old David Gaines of Lansing, who is accused in the death of Caleb Shermoe of Fowlerville.
Prosecutors allege Gaines punched Shermoe outside an East Lansing restaurant in January 2025. Shermoe later died from his injuries.
Gaines is charged with involuntary manslaughter. His defense attorney argues Gaines was acting in self-defense.
CATA announces upcoming service changes
Local bus riders should be aware of changes coming to several CATA routes beginning August 24.
Spartan service will also resume on all Michigan State University campus routes that day. CATA says additional information about the route and service changes is available through its website.
Eaton Rapids roads to close for police training
Several roads in Eaton Rapids will be closed Thursday as police conduct an active violence training exercise near Greyhound Intermediate School.
Residents should expect a large number of emergency vehicles in the area during the training.
Greyhound Drive from the athletic field and Inverness Street from Rayburn Street will be closed from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday to accommodate the exercise.
Michigan marijuana tax repeal proposed
State Representative James DeSana has introduced legislation seeking to repeal Michigan's 24% wholesale marijuana tax.
DeSana says the tax places an unnecessary burden on the state's marijuana industry.
Farmers' Almanac predicts cold, dry Michigan winter
Michigan residents may be in for a winter marked by drier conditions and bouts of intense cold.
The Farmers' Almanac's forecast for the 2026-27 winter season calls for generally drier conditions across the Great Lakes state, along with periods of intense cold.
