EAST LANSING, Mich. — East Lansing City Manager Robert Belleman will remain on paid administrative leave after the City Council voted Tuesday night to continue his suspension while an undisclosed investigation remains ongoing.

Belleman was placed on leave last week following public allegations of sexual harassment made by a city staff member. The action came despite a previous investigation that found no violations of law or city policy.

The council meeting drew continued criticism from members of the public, with several speakers expressing concerns about both Belleman's suspension and the fatal officer-involved shooting of Michigan State University student Isaiah Kirby.

Among those addressing the council was James McCurtis of the Lansing branch of the NAACP, who argued there is a connection between Belleman's status and concerns about leadership within the East Lansing Police Department.

"He's the only one that can hire and fire the police chief," McCurtis said during public comment, adding that while Belleman remains on leave, Police Chief Jennifer Brown continues to lead the department amid ongoing criticism of its culture and practices.

The scrutiny comes months after East Lansing police officers used pepper spray on two Black men who were arrested during a fight near Michigan State University's Welcome Week activities last summer.

Isaiah Kirby Shooting Investigation Moves Forward

Meanwhile, the investigation into the April 15 police shooting death of Isaiah Kirby has entered its next phase.

According to authorities, the Michigan State Police completed its investigation into the shooting, which occurred after Kirby allegedly charged at officers while holding a knife. The findings have been submitted to the Ingham County Prosecutor's Office and are now being forwarded to the Michigan Department of Attorney General for an independent review.

The prosecutor's office cited a potential conflict of interest in its decision to refer the case to the attorney general.

Coral Gables to Close After Nearly 60 Years

A longtime East Lansing restaurant is also preparing to close its doors.

Coral Gables, located on Grand River Avenue, announced it will permanently close at the end of June after nearly six decades under ownership by the same family.

In a social media post, the owners said simply that "it's time," marking the end of an era for one of East Lansing's most recognizable dining establishments.

Consumers Energy Seeks Rate Increase

Consumers Energy customers could soon see higher electric bills.

The utility company filed a request Tuesday seeking a $456 million increase in electric rates. The proposal would begin a regulatory review process expected to last approximately 10 months.

Consumers Energy said the requested increase, which amounts to roughly 9%, would help fund improvements aimed at reducing the frequency and duration of power outages.

Whitmer Faces Criticism Over Data Center Event

Governor Gretchen Whitmer is facing criticism from some members of her own party after appearing at a groundbreaking ceremony for a new data center in Saline Township.

A photo from the event showed Whitmer standing alongside the CEOs of OpenAI and Oracle. The image prompted backlash from some Democratic leaders, including U.S. Representative Rashida Tlaib, who called the appearance "disgusting."

Other Democrats criticized the governor's participation, describing it as a betrayal of working-class values.

The criticism comes as state leaders continue to debate the role of major technology investments and artificial intelligence companies in Michigan's economic development strategy.