Eric Altmann Selected as East Lansing’s New Mayor

East Lansing has new leadership following Monday night’s city council meeting. Council Member Eric Altmann received three votes from fellow council members, earning him the role of mayor. Altmann was sworn in and shared a brief message encouraging residents to be active in local government.

“We need to hear from you,” Altmann said, adding that community voices are vital to shaping the city’s future.

The council also selected Chuck Grigsby as mayor pro tem. Speaking after his appointment, Grigsby emphasized collaboration and forward progress.

“I hope to be the bridge in that healing and that improvement,” Grigsby stated, noting the need for change across the city.

In addition, new council member Steve Whalen was sworn into office for the first time.

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Lansing Considers Locations for 50-Unit Homeless Housing Project

Across town in Lansing, two city advisory boards held a joint public meeting Monday night to gather community input on the possible location of a 50-unit modular housing project for people experiencing homelessness.

Some residents expressed concerns about safety, especially if the sites are placed near neighborhood parks.

“I’m strongly against putting these in any of the city parks,” one speaker said.

Five potential sites are being evaluated, and another public meeting on the proposal is scheduled for Thursday.

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Silver Bells in the City Road Closures Begin

With Silver Bells in the City returning Friday, road crews have begun preparing downtown Lansing for the annual holiday celebration. As of today, northbound Capitol Avenue has a lane shift from Michigan Avenue to Ottawa Street to make room for the Show-Mobile stage.

More streets will close Friday morning, and all roads are expected to reopen by noon Saturday.

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Authorities Identify Victim of Mason House Fire

Ingham County officials have identified 83-year-old Dirk Spillemackers as the victim of last Friday’s house fire on Aurelius Road in Mason. Investigators have closed the case, finding no sign of foul play, authorities confirmed.

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Whitmer Criticizes Tariffs, Announces Thanksgiving Turkey Pardons

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer penned an op-ed in The Washington Post, claiming that President Trump’s tariffs are “crushing Michigan.” Whitmer argues that increased costs of food, health care premiums, and rent are impacting residents across the state.

Although Trump has since scaled back some tariff policies, affordability concerns remain a key political issue.

The governor is also gearing up for a more festive duty. On Thanksgiving Day at 3 p.m., Whitmer will pardon two turkeys at the State Capitol, named Faygo and Vernors, winners of a public naming contest. She will be joined by state agricultural leaders and farm representatives.

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MSU Professor Returns to Jeopardy for Second Chance Tournament

Michigan State University film studies professor Pete Johnston is headed back to Jeopardy! after his strong performance in July earned him a spot in the show’s Second Chance Tournament. Johnston previously finished with more than $28,000, but did not win his game.

The tournament begins in mid-December.