US-127 Ramp Closure Begins

A new road project affecting US-127 is getting underway Friday. The southbound entrance ramps from Lake Lansing Road to southbound US-127 are closing for a traffic shift expected to continue through October 3.

Drivers will be detoured along Lake Lansing Road, with portions of Coolidge Road, M-43 and Howard Road also part of the detour route.

Meanwhile, work on Aurelius Road in Holt near the new Sycamore Elementary School could be nearing completion. The school held a ribbon-cutting Thursday ahead of the start of classes next Wednesday.

Principal Shannon Huff said officials expect the road project to be completed in time for Monday night's open house, although there is a possibility the work could continue and require alternate plans for families accessing the school.

Cyclospora Cases Continue to Rise

Michigan health officials are reporting approximately 1,500 new cyclospora cases since last Thursday.

The total number of cases in the Lansing Tri-County area is now just under 14,000. Ingham County has reported 915 cases, followed by 417 in Eaton County and 247 in Clinton County.

Six Charged in Michigan Voting Cases

Six people are facing criminal charges related to allegations of illegal voting in Michigan.

According to Attorney General Dana Nessel, the cases involve five non-citizens who allegedly voted and a U.S. citizen accused of falsely registering her non-citizen husband to vote in the November 2024 general election.

State officials presented 38 suspected non-citizen voting cases. Six resulted in criminal charges, 10 were closed without charges and 22 remain under active review.

Whitmer Opposes Proposed Sale of Consumers Energy Dams

Governor Gretchen Whitmer is opposing the proposed sale of Consumers Energy's 13 hydroelectric dams to Maryland-based Confluence Hydro.

Whitmer says stronger safeguards are needed as part of the proposed transaction. Consumers Energy maintains that the sale already includes safeguards designed to protect the long-term safety of the dams.

The Michigan Public Service Commission has not commented on the issue.

DeWitt Ox Roast Begins

The 80th annual DeWitt Ox Roast gets underway Friday.

The event features live music on the main stage, with the Ox Roast parade scheduled for Saturday morning at 10 a.m. The annual community event continues through Sunday.

A Lansing retirement center is facing a lawsuit in connection with the death of Colin Campbell, a man known locally as the “Flag Man.”

Campbell’s relatives allege that he froze to death last January while in the care of the Delta Retirement Center. According to the lawsuit, Campbell was missing for more than two hours before he was found in the snow. He later died at a hospital.

The lawsuit accuses the retirement center of failing to follow its own policies regarding missing residents. Delta Retirement Center had not provided an immediate comment at the time of the newscast.

New Sycamore Elementary School Opens Soon

Holt Public Schools is holding a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday for its new Sycamore Elementary School on Aurelius Road.

The 11 a.m. event comes less than a week before the school opens to students on the first day of the district’s new school year next Wednesday.

Transportation Secretary Visiting Lansing

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is scheduled to visit the Lansing area Thursday alongside Michigan 7th District Congressman Tom Barrett.

The two are expected to tour Capital Region International Airport and Dean Transportation.

John James Expected to Announce Running Mate

Michigan Republican gubernatorial nominee John James is expected to announce his choice for lieutenant governor Thursday.

Multiple media outlets report that James is expected to select state Representative Jay DeBoyer, who chairs the House Oversight Committee.

Meanwhile, Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jocelyn Benson has not yet announced when she will select her running mate.

Federal Approval Granted for Line 5 Tunnel

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has approved Enbridge’s proposal to construct a tunnel for Line 5 beneath the Straits of Mackinac.

The federal permit comes less than two weeks after the Michigan Supreme Court rejected the state’s approval of the project amid environmental concerns from opponents.

The Line 5 case is now back before the Michigan Public Service Commission.

Michigan Reports Two New Measles Cases

Michigan health officials have confirmed two new measles cases, one each in Osceola and Missaukee counties.

The new cases bring Michigan’s total to 16 for the year and mark the first reported cases in the state since May.

New College Admissions Program Launches

The Michigan College Access Network, working with the Education Advisory Board, has launched a new initiative called MI College Match.

The program is designed to help participating high school students receive college admission offers without completing traditional college applications.

Students create profiles containing information about their interests, college preferences, academic achievements and other attributes. Participating colleges then review those profiles and can extend admission and scholarship opportunities.

East Lansing City Council members are calling for a closer look at how the city polices its downtown following a controversial arrest that was captured on video earlier this month.

Councilmember Chuck Grigsby expressed frustration during Tuesday night's council meeting over the police department's handling of the incident involving the arrest of a woman. Critics have said the video showed officers using excessive force.

Councilmember Mark Meadows also called for a review of how the city governs and polices downtown East Lansing.

“We need to look at the way that we govern in the downtown and the way that we police in the downtown and determine what a possibly more appropriate way for us to approach that,” Meadows said.

The council also extended East Lansing's data center moratorium. The new expiration date is March 17, 2027.

BWL customers will see higher rates

Lansing Board of Water & Light customers will pay more beginning October 1 after the BWL Board of Commissioners approved rate increases during a special meeting Tuesday.

Electric customers will see an average increase of 2.1%. Water rates are increasing by roughly 2.5% to 3.5%, while steam rates will rise by approximately 5.5%.

Ingham County murder trial underway

Opening statements were held Tuesday in the trial of 25-year-old David Gaines of Lansing, who is accused in the death of Caleb Shermoe of Fowlerville.

Prosecutors allege Gaines punched Shermoe outside an East Lansing restaurant in January 2025. Shermoe later died from his injuries.

Gaines is charged with involuntary manslaughter. His defense attorney argues Gaines was acting in self-defense.

CATA announces upcoming service changes

Local bus riders should be aware of changes coming to several CATA routes beginning August 24.

Spartan service will also resume on all Michigan State University campus routes that day. CATA says additional information about the route and service changes is available through its website.

Eaton Rapids roads to close for police training

Several roads in Eaton Rapids will be closed Thursday as police conduct an active violence training exercise near Greyhound Intermediate School.

Residents should expect a large number of emergency vehicles in the area during the training.

Greyhound Drive from the athletic field and Inverness Street from Rayburn Street will be closed from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday to accommodate the exercise.

Michigan marijuana tax repeal proposed

State Representative James DeSana has introduced legislation seeking to repeal Michigan's 24% wholesale marijuana tax.

DeSana says the tax places an unnecessary burden on the state's marijuana industry.

Farmers' Almanac predicts cold, dry Michigan winter

Michigan residents may be in for a winter marked by drier conditions and bouts of intense cold.

The Farmers' Almanac's forecast for the 2026-27 winter season calls for generally drier conditions across the Great Lakes state, along with periods of intense cold.

The Lansing City Council has approved placing a proposal on the November ballot that would create a citizen advisory board focused on healthcare costs.

The proposal comes as residents continue to express concerns about the rising cost of healthcare. During public comment at City Hall, one Lansing resident urged the council to give residents a greater voice in addressing healthcare expenses.

“I believe that it's high time we actually get to hear citizen input on the cost of healthcare,” the resident said, describing healthcare costs as “through the roof.”

The Lansing council's action comes just weeks after a similar proposal was approved for the fall ballot in East Lansing.

East Lansing City Manager Search

Meanwhile, the East Lansing City Council is expected to discuss the process for finding a new permanent city manager.

Former City Manager Robert Belleman left the position earlier this year. Annette Irwin subsequently took over as interim city manager in June.

The council is expected to address the search for a permanent replacement during its meeting Tuesday night.

East Lansing, Ingham County Focus on Flood Preparedness

East Lansing is also hosting an open house this week focused on its wet weather resiliency plan.

The event will address flood risks in the city and discuss ways residents can prepare for and reduce the potential for flooding.

The open house is scheduled for Wednesday at the Hannah Community Center from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Ingham County residents will also have an opportunity to participate in a virtual open house focused on flooding and flood prevention. The Zoom event is scheduled for Wednesday, August 19, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., and will be hosted by Ingham County officials and FEMA experts.

Mid-Michigan Drug-Related Deaths Decline

U-M Health Sparrow is reporting that 48 people died from drug-related issues in mid-Michigan during the first quarter of this year.

The number represents a decline in overall drug-related deaths, according to the report. However, the medical examiner says there has been an increase in amphetamine and cocaine use.

Nessel Wins Federal Housing Funding Lawsuit

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and 20 other state attorneys general have won a federal lawsuit challenging what Nessel described as an illegal attempt by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to cap funding for permanent housing projects.

The projects provide housing assistance to families experiencing housing insecurity or homelessness.

Nessel said tens of thousands of people could have lost their homes had the multi-state coalition been unsuccessful in challenging the funding restrictions.

Potter Park Zoo Mourns Death of Kota

Potter Park Zoo is mourning the death of Kota, its last remaining African lion.

Zoo officials announced that the 19-year-old lion, who had recently been diagnosed with severe spinal disease, was euthanized after failing to respond to treatment.

Kota's death leaves Potter Park Zoo without an African lion.

South-central and southwest Michigan saw some of the heaviest impacts from overnight and early morning storms, with rainfall totals reaching between 2 and 4 inches in some areas.

A flood advisory remained in effect through 9:30 a.m. Monday for Eaton, Ionia and Barry counties. Flood watches were also in effect for Branch and Calhoun counties.

A severe thunderstorm warning issued during the 5 a.m. hour for eastern Jackson County has since expired.

I-96 lane closures begin in Eaton and Ionia counties

Two road projects are getting underway Monday on eastbound I-96, affecting portions of Eaton and Ionia counties.

One lane will be closed between Billwood Highway and Waverly Road through late Thursday afternoon. Another lane closure will take place between Sunfield Highway and Kent Street through Thursday morning.

Motorists traveling through those areas should expect potential delays.

Lansing council to consider healthcare ballot proposal

Lansing voters could see a new proposal on the November ballot this year.

The Lansing City Council is scheduled to vote Monday night on petition language that would establish a Citizens Advisory Healthcare Action Committee. The effort is aimed at addressing rising healthcare costs.

Community Action Michigan is backing similar ballot language in five other Michigan municipalities. In East Lansing, the proposed language has already been approved for the city's ballot.

Two arrested after Eaton County traffic stop

Eaton County authorities have arrested two people following a Friday traffic stop in Delta Township.

Sheriff's officials said the stop occurred on Waverly Road between Holmes and Jolly roads. The suspects allegedly fled on foot before they were captured.

Authorities said ghost guns were recovered during the incident. The two suspects are facing charges related to obstruction of officers and weapons offenses.

El-Sayed draws national attention after Senate primary win

Michigan Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed made national headlines Sunday following his primary victory last week.

During an appearance on CNN, El-Sayed criticized President Donald Trump and members of his administration over the state's cyclospora outbreak. He called for accountability for federal officials, including Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., while arguing that cuts and changes to public health infrastructure have consequences for Michigan residents.

El-Sayed is also expected to meet Monday with California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is considered a potential Democratic presidential candidate. Newsom was in Michigan Sunday and met with UAW workers during an event in Oakland County.

Michigan gas prices fall to start the week

Gas prices are also moving lower across Michigan.

AAA reported the statewide average at $4.15 per gallon, down 21 cents from a week ago.

The Lansing-area average was slightly higher at $4.16 per gallon.

Flint completes lead service line replacement project

More than a decade after the Flint water crisis, the city is celebrating the completion of its lead service line replacement project.

Flint Mayor Sheldon Neely announced last week that the final lead service line in the city's municipal system had been replaced.

According to the city, 1,600 lead service lines were replaced, while 18,950 lines were found not to contain lead and 1,380 lines were disconnected from the system.

The completion marks a significant milestone in Flint's efforts to address the infrastructure problems that became a national issue during the city's water crisis.

The cyclospora outbreak in Michigan appears to be slowing, but the number of people hospitalized with the parasite continues to rise, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

As of Thursday, more than 12,485 cases of cyclospora had been reported in Michigan. Hospitalizations have increased to 279, up from 193 the previous week.

Despite the increase in hospitalizations, MDHHS says it is now safe for residents to eat lettuce and other produce normally. The department continues to advise residents to avoid any lettuce that has been recalled and says it will closely monitor the situation and notify the public if conditions change.

Former Ionia Treasurer Pleads Guilty

A former Ionia treasurer has pleaded guilty to bank fraud after admitting to stealing nearly $750,000 in public funds over more than a decade.

Prosecutors say 74-year-old Marilyn Harp diverted the money for personal use between 2014 and 2025.

Harp faces up to 30 years in federal prison. Her sentencing is scheduled for early December.

Livingston County Commissioner Dies

Livingston County Commissioner Frank Sample has died.

Sample represented the county board's 3rd District beginning in 2023. He was credited with helping expand emergency medical services in rural areas.

No additional details about his death were released in the newscast.

Michigan Traffic Fatalities Declined in 2025

Michigan State Police have released new data on traffic crashes and fatalities from 2025.

The report shows total traffic deaths declined by 3%, while the overall number of crashes increased by about half a percent.

Bicycle fatalities, however, increased by 21%, with 35 bicyclists killed in crashes during the year.

Festivals Continue Across Mid-Michigan

Several major community events are continuing across the region this weekend.

The St. John's Mint Festival gets underway today, with tennis and soccer among the morning activities. Senior Day events are planned for the afternoon, followed by live music tonight.

The Big Grand Mint Parade is scheduled for Saturday morning at 10 a.m. The festival concludes Sunday with a breakfast fundraiser and church service.

The Ingham County Fair is also entering its final days in Mason. Today marks Day 5, with the Mud Bog scheduled at the Grandstand tonight at 7 p.m. The fair continues through Saturday, when Motocross will cap the weeklong celebration.

Jazz Fest Michigan is also continuing tonight in Lansing's Old Town. The festival has expanded outdoors onto Turner Street and features the new Cold Plunge stage, along with vendors and food trucks.

Jazz Fest Michigan continues through Sunday.

The race for Michigan's open U.S. Senate seat is already turning combative just one day after the state's primary election, with Republican Mike Rogers and Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed launching sharp personal attacks as they prepare for the November general election.

Speaking Wednesday night on Fox News, Rogers criticized El-Sayed over past comments, saying he was "shocked" to be running against someone he believes has expressed views that are dangerous for the country. Rogers dismissed El-Sayed's campaign rhetoric and accused his opponent of being "dangerous for America."

Earlier in the day, El-Sayed fired back during a press conference in Detroit, accusing Rogers of prioritizing former President Donald Trump and corporate donors over Michigan residents. El-Sayed argued that voters have a choice between a senator who will support Trump and one who will challenge him in Washington.

Gubernatorial Campaigns Begin General Election Push

Michigan's gubernatorial race also shifted into general election mode Wednesday.

Democratic nominee and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson held a meet-and-greet with supporters in Lansing, encouraging Democrats to unite for the months ahead. Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the event and officially endorsed Benson as she prepares to face Republican Congressman John James in November.

Whitmer Appeals FEMA Decision

Governor Whitmer is appealing FEMA's decision to deny Michigan statewide hazard mitigation grant funding following the severe storms, flooding, and tornadoes that impacted communities across the state this spring.

While FEMA approved individual and public assistance programs for 37 counties, it declined to activate the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. State officials are seeking reconsideration of that decision.

Cyclospora and Salmonella Outbreaks Continue

Michigan health officials report that the ongoing cyclospora outbreak has now exceeded 12,000 confirmed cases, an increase of approximately 1,500 cases since last Friday.

Meanwhile, Michigan is among 27 states affected by a nationwide salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeño peppers. Nearly 350 people have become ill, with 36 requiring hospitalization. According to the FDA, the contaminated peppers were served at Chipotle, Qdoba, and other restaurants supplied by a California-based distributor sourcing peppers from Mexico.

Bipartisan Bill Aims to Protect Public Lands

A bipartisan group of Michigan lawmakers, including Republican gubernatorial candidate John James, is backing the America the Beautiful Act. The legislation would extend the Legacy Restoration Fund at $2 billion annually to support national parks, public lands, and wildlife refuges as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.

Ingham County Fair Continues

The Ingham County Fair in Mason continues through Saturday, with the rodeo returning to the grandstand for its second consecutive night on Thursday. The annual fair features livestock exhibitions, entertainment, carnival rides, and family-friendly activities throughout the week.

Michigan voters headed to the polls Tuesday to decide party nominees in several closely watched statewide races, setting the stage for an important November general election.

The Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate remained too close to call early Wednesday morning. Both leading candidates quickly turned their attention toward Republican nominee Mike Rogers during their election night remarks.

Congresswoman Haley Stevens told supporters Democrats must prevent Republicans from gaining control of the Senate, while progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed criticized Stevens' record on prescription drug policy as the closely contested race continued.

In the race for governor, Republican John James secured his party's nomination and will face Democratic nominee and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson in November. James campaigned on themes of freedom, change, and what he called common-sense leadership, while Benson pledged to represent all Michiganders rather than special interests or political figures.

In Michigan's 7th Congressional District, Democrat William Lawrence won his party's nomination and will face Republican Congressman Tom Barrett in the general election.

Local Ballot Results

Across the tri-county region, voters approved most local ballot proposals and tax millage renewals. However, two measures failed: a proposal involving the potential sale of the Lansing Shuffle property and a public safety millage in Stockbridge.

Cyclospora Cases Continue to Rise

Michigan health officials reported nearly 300 additional cases of Cyclospora on Tuesday, bringing the statewide total to more than 11,500. The death toll associated with the outbreak remained at two.

Gordie Howe International Bridge Opens to Pedestrians

Beginning Wednesday, pedestrians and cyclists can officially use the multi-use path on the Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Detroit and Windsor. The pathway opened just over a week after the bridge began carrying vehicle traffic between the United States and Canada.

Michigan voters are heading to the polls Tuesday for one of the state's most closely watched primary elections, with competitive races for the U.S. Senate and governor drawing national attention while Lansing-area residents weigh important local issues.

The marquee contest is the Democratic primary for Michigan's open U.S. Senate seat. Progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed, who has received endorsements from Senator Bernie Sanders and members of the congressional "Squad," is facing U.S. Representative Haley Stevens in what many political observers view as a defining contest for the future direction of the Democratic Party.

El-Sayed has rejected the socialist label but supports policies including Medicare for All and abolishing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Stevens, backed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Senator Gary Peters, has centered her campaign on what she describes as "kitchen table" issues rather than ideological divisions.

On the Republican side of the gubernatorial primary, front-runner John James faces businessman Perry Johnson. Although Mike Cox and Eric Nesbitt remain listed on the ballot, both candidates have suspended their campaigns. Meanwhile, Democrats are choosing between Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, the perceived front-runner, and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson.

Lansing-Area Ballot Measures

Closer to home, voters across the Lansing tri-county area are deciding several local millage proposals and renewals. Lansing voters are also considering whether the city should move forward with the potential sale of the Lansing Shuffle property, a proposal that could shape the future of the downtown development.

East Lansing Police Reviewing Arrest

An internal investigation is underway after video circulated on social media showing the arrest of a Black woman in downtown East Lansing early Sunday morning. The footage shows the woman lying face down while being handcuffed, with at least one officer appearing to strike her multiple times.

East Lansing Police officials say the viral video does not capture the entire incident and that the investigation remains ongoing.

New Community Mural Vandalized

Lansing officials are working to restore a newly completed community mural at Benjamin Davis Park after it was vandalized with graffiti.

The mural, created under the leadership of artist and educator Ryan Holmes, transformed a previously blank wall into a community art project completed just last month. Holmes said the vandalism occurred before a protective anti-graffiti coating could be applied.

Lansing Parks and Recreation Director Brett Kaschinske described the damage as "a real punch in the gut." City crews plan to paint over the graffiti and complete repairs before cooler fall temperatures arrive.

State Releases Few Details on Cyclospora Deaths

Michigan health officials are declining to release additional information regarding the deaths of two individuals connected to the state's cyclospora outbreak. Officials have not identified where the victims lived or provided further details about the cases.