Local Businesses

Last night, amid a tense and sometimes ugly scene, City Council decided which company would get the coveted right to open a retail marijuana operation along Grand River Avenue in East Lansing. ELi's Alice Dreger reports.

On April 18 the City of East Lansing recognized three residents for their contributions to community life. ELi's Noa Kuszai reports on who the recipients are, and how each has worked to improve the city we live in.

Owned and operated by ELHS grads, EL's new market offers everything from farm-fresh produce to soups and sandwiches for a quick lunch. Eli’s Alice Dreger takes an inside look at this new business.

At the suggestion of Mayor Pro Tem Erik Altmann, Council has voted unanimously to require private property owners to install electric vehicle charging stations in some parking lots. The decision comes not without controversy. ELi’s Brad Minor reports.

Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales, a Michigan-based Northern United Brewing Co. brand, announced today its plan to open an East Lansing location in the Center City District Development along Albert Avenue. ELi's Sarah Spohn reports that Jolly Pumpkin anticipates a fall 2019 opening.

Construction projects will continue for several months to come but the good news is that there is still plenty of free public parking available within blocks of downtown. ELi's Jessy Gregg tells us where to look.

Owners and managers of downtown shops, restaurants, and services have a clear message for the people of East Lansing: We want you! ELi talked with them to bring you their view of the scene downtown as big construction continues.

Should East Lansing continue paying about $150,000 per year for a local company to record audio and video of City Council and Planning Commission meetings? The City Manager believes the service is critical to government transparency. ELi's Brad Minor reports.

Found: The City of East Lansing's eBay listing for a million-dollar sale of public land. It shows the City played up the marijuana industry potential of the land, and that the property went up $50,000 in the hours just before the online auction's close.

City staff say the million-dollar deal brokered by a marijuana industry player represents "the winning bid." But who knew and didn't know that the public land on Merritt Road was even up for auction? ELi's Dan Totzkay and Alice Dreger report.

Blue Owl Coffee plans to bring not just a coffee shop, but Hip Hop open mic nights featuring middle and high school students, readers' nights with Curious Book Shop, and collaborations with the Summer Solstice Jazz and Arts Festivals. Sarah Spohn reports for ELi.

Elderly Instruments and the Ten Pound Fiddle Concert Series get together this Friday for a night of roots, blues, and Americana music. ELi's Christopher Wardell tells you what makes this a blow-out night not to miss.

Tonight, East Lansing’s Planning Commission will take up a draft zoning ordinance that, if passed, will favor the City over some private property owners in marijuana provisioning center real estate deals. Jessy Gregg reports for ELi.

“I want to support the community by giving them introductions to new kinds of ideas and philosophies about food, without the desire to strangle their wallet over it," says Chef Nicholas Crosser. Intrigued? ELi's Sarah Spohn has the story.

The founders of an East Lansing Rheumatology practice are devoted to helping arthritis sufferers lead better lives, even if they don't have access to traditional (or any) health insurance. Ann Kammerer explains how dreams and a passion for service contributed to the business.