Eaton County commissioners are preparing to vote on a proposed 2027 fiscal year budget following a special meeting Tuesday night.

The proposed spending plan comes after the county made significant reductions last year, including cuts affecting the Sheriff's Road Patrols and Animal Control.

During Tuesday's meeting, Eaton County Controller Ben Dawson said the previous reductions created an opportunity for the county to reinvest funding in areas where it is needed.

“We did big cuts last year that made it possible for us to move forward reinvesting that money where we needed,” Dawson said, adding that the goal is to help the county remain strong and secure while eventually rebuilding services.

The Board of Commissioners has scheduled a vote on the proposed spending plan for Wednesday, September 16.

Mason City Council Meeting Canceled

The Mason City Council canceled its scheduled meeting Tuesday night because of damage caused by thunderstorms last week.

The city described the damage at City Hall as involving critical equipment. Officials have not released additional details about the extent of the damage.

No rescheduled meeting date had been announced.

East Lansing Announces Annual Water Main Flushing

Residents of East Lansing are being advised that the city will begin its annual water main flushing program later this month.

The process is scheduled to begin September 21 and is expected to continue for two to three weeks.

Flushing will take place on weekdays between 7:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Consumers Energy Delays Decision on Michigan Hydroelectric Dams

Consumers Energy is extending the timetable for deciding whether to sell 13 hydroelectric dams in Michigan.

The utility is giving itself an additional 60 days to address regulatory concerns related to the proposed sale to Confluence Hydro.

The delay comes as regulators continue to review issues surrounding the potential transaction.

Jocelyn Benson Discusses Technology and Privacy During Lansing Health Care Roundtable

Democratic gubernatorial candidate and Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson discussed several issues during a health care roundtable in Lansing Tuesday, including the use of technology and privacy concerns.

Benson emphasized the importance of allowing technology to advance while protecting individual privacy.

She pointed to Michigan's efforts to establish guardrails surrounding artificial intelligence and elections.

“We need to allow technology to grow and enhance our lives, but not at the expense of our privacy,” Benson said.

Benson said Michigan has been among the first states to put protections in place regarding the use of artificial intelligence in elections and election communications.

New Poll Shows Close Michigan Governor's Race

New polling data indicates a competitive race for Michigan governor.

A Glenn Gariff Group survey conducted for The Detroit News and WDIV-TV shows Benson leading Republican John James by four percentage points, a margin that falls within the poll's margin of error.

The same poll shows a close race for the U.S. Senate.

Republican Mike Rogers holds an approximately 1.5-point advantage over Democrat Abdul El-Sayed, according to the survey.

Michigan Students React to Controversial Football Finish

University of Michigan students are reacting to the fallout from Saturday night's controversial 13-12 Wolverines victory over Western Michigan.

An appeal filed Tuesday by the Mid-American Conference was later rejected by the NCAA.

Some Michigan students said the team has areas to address as the season continues.

One student described the outcome as an unfortunate way to begin the season and said the Wolverines need to take accountability and move forward.

“You never want to start a season on a mishap,” the student said.

The student added that Michigan needs to improve and avoid performances like the one against Western Michigan.