Lansing Council Backs Retired Firefighters; Heat Wave Hits Mason Power Grid

LANSING, MI – June 24, 2025 — The Lansing City Council unanimously approved a resolution Monday night in support of retired firefighters who are now facing unexpected increases in health care costs. The cost spike stems from an error discovered by the city in a 2013 collective bargaining agreement.

Council Member Brian T. Jackson voiced his support for the resolution, while also defending Mayor Andy Schor from criticism over the issue. “To put the pressure on the mayor because his administration found it and are adjusting it — I don't think it's fair,” said Jackson.

In other city news, Consumers Energy confirmed that approximately 750 customers near Mason experienced a power outage Monday afternoon due to a broken utility line. The outage was reported just before 4 p.m. and service was restored around 7 p.m. The incident occurred during a prolonged heat wave that pushed the heat index above 100 degrees.

Lansing Police are investigating a weekend stabbing on the city's north side. Authorities say a man in his 40s was stabbed early Saturday morning on the 1400 block of Roselawn Avenue. The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries, and the suspect remains at large.

In Jackson County, a man is facing multiple charges after allegedly assaulting his father with a handgun in Summit Township. According to the Sheriff's Office, the son put his father in a chokehold, bit his ear, and pressed a gun to his father’s head. While the trigger was pulled, it is unclear whether the weapon discharged. He was arrested and charged with several offenses, including assault with intent to murder.

Former Michigan state lawmaker Virgil Smith has died at age 77. Smith served in the House during the late 1970s and 1980s, and in the Senate from 1988 to 2000, where he also held the role of minority floor leader. He passed away due to complications from COPD and kidney failure.

Meanwhile, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens is preparing to introduce legislation next week that would ban the president from deploying active-duty military forces to any state or territory without a formal request from the governor. The bill comes after recent federal troop deployments during immigration protests in Los Angeles.

Finally, thousands gathered in Detroit Monday night for the 67th annual Ford Fireworks Show, which USA Today recently ranked as the second-best fireworks display in the country.