East Lansing Commission Calls for Police Chief’s Resignation, Other Michigan News Updates

The East Lansing Human Rights Commission has joined growing calls for Police Chief Jennifer Brown to resign, following backlash over comments she made regarding an incident during Michigan State University’s Welcome Week in August.

The commission approved letters to be sent to the city manager and city council urging Brown to step down. Critics have described Brown’s remarks as racially insensitive. The chief has since issued a public apology.

In other local news, Bath Township Police have reopened a section of Clark Road between Upton and Peacock several days after a deadly plane crash that killed three people. Authorities believe the victims were two pilots and a mechanic, all from Mexico.

Meanwhile, Lansing Board of Water and Light customers struggling with unpaid utility bills can find help today at a community resource fair. The event, hosted by BWL and nearly two dozen nonprofits, runs from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Foster Community Center.

Michigan’s Attorney General’s Office has launched a new consumer protection social media account, Michigan Consumer Protection, aimed at helping residents identify scams and avoid identity theft. The platform will share information on tactics commonly used by fraudsters targeting Michiganders.

A new report from WalletHub ranks Detroit among the least safe cities in the United States—179th out of 182 cities analyzed. The report factors in crime rates, traffic safety, and law enforcement presence. Despite its low safety ranking, Detroit tied with Washington, D.C., and New York City for the highest number of employed law enforcement officers. Grand Rapids was the only other Michigan city included, ranking 82nd safest overall.

Finally, Michigan voters who plan to participate in the November election but are not yet registered must now do so in person. The deadline for mail or online registration passed Monday, but in-person registration remains available at local clerk offices until 8 p.m. on Election Day.