LANSING, Mich. – Controversy is brewing in East Lansing over a proposed police union contract that critics say could weaken accountability measures.

The Lansing branch of the NAACP issued a statement over the weekend condemning the proposal, which they argue would strip power from East Lansing’s Independent Police Oversight Commission by reducing transparency and civilian review. Concerns have been heightened after allegations that officers used excessive force, including pepper spray, on college-aged Black men during Michigan State University’s Welcome Week in August. The issue is expected to be raised at Tuesday night’s East Lansing City Council meeting.

Meanwhile, the East Lansing School Board is scheduled to vote Monday on a new contract proposal finalized Friday by the teachers’ union and district administration. Educators have been working without an agreement since June 30, after a previous deal expired and negotiations failed in August.

In Lansing, the City Council will vote Monday evening on a series of settlements tied to lawsuits the city filed in its fight against the opioid epidemic. Council members will also consider setting public hearings for a property sale and a brownfield redevelopment plan on the 1400 block of Turner Street.

For drivers, Michigan Avenue is now down to one lane in each direction between Howard Street and Friendship Circle for road construction. The restrictions are expected to last until mid-October.

On the economic front, Lansing-area gas prices have dropped sharply. AAA Michigan reports the local average at $3.07 per gallon, down 24 cents from last week. Statewide, the average is $3.18, a decline of 12 cents.

Political debate also continues in Detroit, where U.S. Senate candidate and former congressman Mike Rogers has urged independent gubernatorial candidate and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan to ask former President Donald Trump for federal help to lower violent crime. Duggan’s spokesman dismissed the remarks, citing major improvements in public safety, including a 90% reduction in carjackings since 2013 and a 19% drop in homicides in 2024.

Finally, luck struck in Michigan over the weekend as a state lottery player won $1 million in Saturday night’s Powerball by matching five white balls. The nearly $1.8 billion jackpot was split between winners in Missouri and Texas.