US-127 Construction Wraps Up as Downtown Lansing Prepares for Silver Bells

Drivers on US-127 southbound can expect new traffic changes this week as long-running construction between I-96 and I-496 moves into its final phase. A series of ramp and lane closures will take place through the weekend to return traffic to its normal configuration. Additional ramp closures are scheduled for after Thanksgiving as crews finalize lane markings.

Meanwhile, downtown Lansing is preparing for tomorrow night’s Silver Bells in the City celebration, bringing additional parking restrictions. Parking is prohibited on the south side of Ottawa Street between Walnut and Capitol, and on Capitol Avenue between Ottawa and Allegan. Beginning at 6 p.m. tonight, further restrictions take effect along portions of Capitol, Washington, Lenawee, and Hillsdale.

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BWL Commissioners Reject Data Center Proposal After Public Pushback

Following community concerns over rising costs, the Lansing Board of Water and Light voted down a proposal that would have expanded management authority in negotiating contracts with data centers seeking utility service. The plan would have let the general manager determine cost structures for those agreements.

Many customers voiced worries that the measure could lead to higher utility rates for the public, though BWL officials disputed the claim.

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Lansing Superintendent Hired by Seattle Schools

As anticipated, Lansing School District Superintendent Ben Shuldiner is leaving Michigan for the Pacific Northwest. The Seattle Public School Board unanimously approved his hiring, bringing his tenure in Lansing to a close. He is expected to begin his new role in the coming months.

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MSU Trustee Opposes $2.4 Billion Big Ten Investment Deal

A proposed 20-year, $2.4 billion partnership between the Big Ten Conference and a California investment firm is facing growing opposition. Michigan State University trustee Mike Balow told the Detroit News that the agreement lacks transparency and should be decided by elected university boards rather than presidents and chancellors.

Both the University of Michigan and USC have also expressed reservations about the deal.

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Former Ovid Police Officer Files Lawsuit

Former police officer Jaclyn Allen has filed a lawsuit against the City of Ovid and Police Chief Lisa Rousseau, accusing Rousseau of submitting an intentionally false affidavit to the Michigan Commission of Law Enforcement Standards. The affidavit claims that Allen resigned while under investigation.

Allen disputes the claim, saying she was unaware of any investigation at the time of her resignation. Rousseau has not responded to requests for comment.

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New Law Expands Protection for State Lawmakers

A new law signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer aims to reduce threats against Michigan legislators by empowering sergeants-at-arms in both the House and Senate to operate anywhere in the state to protect lawmakers. The law will take effect in March.

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Thanksgiving Costs Drop Slightly

Michigan families can expect a slightly cheaper Thanksgiving meal this year. The Michigan Farm Bureau Federation reports that feeding a group of ten will cost just over $51, crediting Michigan farmers and stable supply levels for the reduced price.