LANSING, Mich. — Several school districts across mid-Michigan have canceled classes today as dangerously cold temperatures and overnight snowfall created hazardous conditions. Officials urged families to check directly with their local districts for the latest updates, as forecasters warned of additional accumulating snow possible through tonight and Wednesday.

 

The severe winter weather also contributed to a massive chain-reaction crash on Michigan’s west side Monday. More than 100 vehicles were involved in a pileup along Interstate 196 between Hudsonville and Zeeland. Dispatchers said heavy snow and strong winds caused whiteout conditions, leading to numerous slide-offs and multiple jackknifed semi-trucks.  Michigan State Police reported that between 30 and 40 commercial trucks were involved in the crash. The highway was closed in both directions for several hours. Authorities confirmed multiple injuries, with approximately nine to 12 people transported to area hospitals.

 

Back in Lansing, about 1,500 people gathered Monday at the Lansing Center for the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Celebration. The event honored the life and legacy of the slain civil rights leader and featured remarks from Michigan U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin. Slotkin told attendees the nation is facing a difficult moment and encouraged Americans to show courage in honoring King’s vision.  “Everyone here is now deputized to be brave — just a little braver than we’re used to being — in honor of him and in honor of the country that we love,” Slotkin said.

 

In labor news, employees at U-M Health Sparrow voted to form a new union with the Michigan Nurses Association. The group includes nurse practitioners and midwives, with 86 percent of participating workers voting in favor of unionization.

 

Michigan State University shared somber news Monday with the passing of Dan Sturges, director of operations for the MSU men’s hockey program. Sturges, who was 40 years old, played on the Spartans’ 2007 national championship team and returned to the program in 2019.

 

On the global stage, Governor Whitmer is scheduled to participate in a panel discussion on electric vehicles today at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland. The governor’s trip also includes a discussion on manufacturing set for Wednesday.

 

Motorsports fans are expected to pack Huntington Place today on this Racing Day at the Detroit Auto Show. Top stars from across the racing world were on hand alongside world-class race cars and interactive exhibits. The auto show remains open to the public through Sunday.