EAST LANSING, Mich. — East Lansing City Council has postponed action on a proposed ordinance addressing camping in public places and loitering in parking lots, delaying a decision until next month amid mixed reaction from residents and advocates. 

Police Chief Jennifer Brown outlined the measure during Monday night’s meeting, citing what police say has been a significant increase in crime over the past year tied to illegal camping and loitering. Under the proposed ordinance, officers and other authorized city officials would be required to provide unhoused individuals with information about social services or assist them with voluntary placement in appropriate facilities before enforcement actions are taken.

However, some residents speaking during public comment expressed skepticism, arguing the ordinance could further criminalize homelessness. One speaker told council members the measure could allow the city to appear proactive while continuing to punish those most in need of support.

 

Deadly I-96 Crash Sentencing

In other local news, an Ingham County judge has sentenced a Livingston County man to 12 to 50 years in prison in connection with a deadly wrong-way crash on I-96 near Williamston Road. Cullen Lindsay pleaded no contest last fall to second-degree murder in the crash that killed 23-year-old Michael Michalak of Oakland County.  Authorities say Lindsay was driving eastbound in the westbound lanes at the time of the crash. One additional person was injured.

 

January 6 Anniversary and Federal Response

Demonstrators gathered Tuesday on a U.S. 127 overpass in Lansing to mark the five-year anniversary of the January 6 U.S. Capitol riots. In Washington, U.S. Senator Gary Peters of Michigan addressed the Senate, reflecting on the violence that occurred that day.

Peters cited images of rioters carrying zip ties inside the Senate chamber and nooses on Capitol grounds, expressing concern that some lawmakers have moved on too quickly from the events of January 6.

 

Vaccine Schedule Changes

At the national level, the U.S. has moved certain vaccines from childhood and adolescent immunization schedules this week. However, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is urging families to continue following the immunization schedules recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians.

State health officials say the scientific evidence supporting the full vaccination schedule remains unchanged.

 

Marijuana Tax Lawsuit Advances

A lawsuit challenging Michigan’s 24 percent wholesale marijuana tax will be allowed to move forward. A Court of Claims judge ruled that the legal challenge filed by the Michigan Cannabis Industry Association can continue, questioning the constitutionality of the tax that took effect on New Year’s Day.  The tax, approved by both Democratic and Republican lawmakers, is intended to generate revenue for road projects across the state.

 

Michigan Family Stranded Abroad

Meanwhile, a Lapeer County family remains stranded in the Caribbean after flights were grounded following recent military operations in Venezuela. Derek and Athena Chriss, traveling with their two children, were scheduled to return home last Saturday but are now not expected back until Sunday at the earliest.  Their hotel is reportedly filled with other Americans facing similar travel delays, and some Michigan lawmakers are working to assist the family’s return.