politics and government

Updated Wednesday, July 14 at 1:10 p.m. ET

East Lansing Mayor Aaron Stephens is submitting his letter of resignation to the city clerk Wednesday, effective August 11.

The city councils in East Lansing and Jackson have approved budgets for the coming fiscal year.

Jackson Mayor Derek Dobies delivered his fourth State of the City address in an online presentation this week.

The November election is now less than a month away, and officials are preparing to make sure every vote is counted whether it comes by mail or in person. There to help them will be poll workers, regular Michiganders, who will greet voters, issue them ballots and count mail-in votes on Election Day.

The Jackson city council has approved the creation of a new city department and a new commission to address racial equity.

The city of Lansing has received a grant of more than $440,000 for election-related upgrades.

Earlier this summer, two members of the East Lansing city council abruptly resigned during a meeting, when they lost a 3-to-2 vote to terminate the city attorney’s contract. The application process that followed resulted in two historic appointments for the city, marking the first time people of color comprised a majority on the council.

WKAR’s Scott Pohl talked with Dana Watson and Ron Bacon about joining the council.

A Michigan State Senate Republican says he still supports repealing Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s emergency powers. That’s despite his recent diagnosis for COVID-19.

Tuesday's primary election ballot includes several millage proposals that would continue funding for 9-1-1 emergency services and services for people over 60 in Ingham County, along with money for parks in Lansing. WKAR's Scott Pohl reports on the proposals.

A list of 23 applicants for two vacancies on the East Lansing city council has been narrowed down to 13 people who will be interviewed.