Lansing News Update: Shooting, School Settlement, and Water System Upgrades

LANSING, Mich. – A woman is in critical condition after being shot early this morning while driving on I-96 westbound near the Cedar Street and Pennsylvania Avenue exit. Lansing Police say the incident occurred around 4 a.m. and remains under investigation.

Meanwhile, Ingham County is working to ease the pressure on its overworked 9-1-1 dispatchers. County commissioners approved a new three-year contract with dispatch staff but delayed a decision on a $548,000 agreement with Colorado-based Rescue 9-1-1 to provide temporary reinforcements for six months.

In education news, Mason Public Schools will pay $350,000 to settle a federal lawsuit after a girl alleged she was sexually assaulted by a boy inside a school building in May 2022. The lawsuit, filed in January 2024, also prompted both police and Title IX investigations.

On the infrastructure front, local and state leaders announced a $32 million investment to upgrade Lansing’s water system. The Lansing Board of Water and Light is building a new water tower, drilling additional wells, and replacing aging mains to reduce boil water advisories, cut long-term costs, and improve reliability for more than 200,000 customers.

Other Michigan news:

• Authorities confirmed one death in a four-vehicle crash on I-96 near Sunfield Highway in Ionia County. Two people were hospitalized with serious injuries.

• Flags are at half-staff across Michigan to honor victims of Wednesday’s shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, where two children were killed and 17 others injured.

• Former state lawmaker Jewel Jones faces felony charges after police say he brought two concealed guns into Covenant Healthcare in Saginaw.

• MDOT will suspend restrictions for 100 of 164 road projects starting 3 p.m. Friday to ease travel over the Labor Day weekend. Work resumes Tuesday morning.

Lansing News Roundup: Homeless Housing Pods, Congressional Bid, MSU Ranking, and Michigan Budget

LANSING, Mich. – Several major developments are shaping the Lansing area and Michigan statewide this week.

Housing solutions for the homeless were at the center of discussion during a community meeting at the Foster Community Center after the City of Lansing purchased 50 housing pods. The move comes as the City Rescue Mission of Lansing officially opened a new shelter on West Kalamazoo Street. The facility could serve more than 400 guests by year’s end.

In political news, Lansing-area native William Lawrence has officially announced his candidacy for Michigan’s 7th Congressional District. The Democrat launched his campaign Tuesday at the Allen Neighborhood Center. Lawrence, who was raised in East Lansing, says he plans to focus on community-driven solutions.

Meanwhile, former Michigan State University economics professor and Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook is preparing a lawsuit after being fired by former President Donald Trump this week. Cook’s attorney argues the action was unlawful and without cause.

On the higher education front, MSU ranked 79th in Forbes’ “America’s Top Colleges 2026” list. The University of Michigan was the highest-ranked school in the state, coming in at 21st out of 500 institutions nationwide.

At the state level, the Michigan House approved a $79 billion budget plan that Republicans say eliminates waste, fraud, and abuse. Speaker Matt Hall highlighted nearly $3.5 billion earmarked for roads, which is projected to create over 20,000 jobs.

Education leadership is also shifting as the State Board of Education selected Dearborn Public Schools Superintendent Glenn Malico to take over in October following the retirement of Michael Rice.

Marking Women’s Equality Day, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the release of the 2025 Michigan Women’s Commission Pathways to High-Wage Careers Report. The report outlines urgent and impactful recommendations to expand opportunities for women in high-paying fields across Michigan.

Lansing-Area News Roundup: Schools Reopen, Road Projects Begin, and Crashes Under Investigation

August 21, 2025 – Lansing, MI — Lansing Community College (LCC) officially kicked off its fall semester Thursday morning, with classes running through December 15. LCC President Steve Robinson is scheduled to speak with 1320 WILS’ Mike Austin later today about the semester launch.

In K-12 education, students in parts of the Waverly School District returned to classrooms today following a one-day delay caused by ongoing construction projects. Elmwood Elementary, East Intermediate, and Colt Early Childhood Education Center reopened, while Winans Elementary and the district’s middle and high schools are expected to resume classes Monday.

Traffic & Safety
A 13-year-old boy was struck by a vehicle Wednesday afternoon while walking home from Holt Junior High School. Authorities say the crash occurred on Aurelius Road near Wilcox just before 3 p.m. His injuries are not considered life-threatening, and the incident remains under investigation.

Separately, Ingham County officials confirmed that 54-year-old James Coe of Leslie has died from injuries sustained in a motorcycle crash last week. Deputies say Coe’s motorcycle left U.S. 127 near Covert Road and struck several trees.

Drivers in East Lansing should prepare for delays beginning Monday, when Hazlett Road will close from Saginaw Highway to Park Lake Road for pavement rehabilitation. The project is expected to wrap up in November, with additional signal work scheduled for spring.

Utilities & Local Government
Nearly 1,000 Lansing Board of Water and Light customers lost power in the Rio Town area Wednesday. Service has since been restored, though the utility has not released an official cause of the outage.

Politics & National Spotlight
MSU economics professor Lisa Cook, who also serves as a Federal Reserve governor, is facing scrutiny following mortgage fraud allegations from the Federal Housing Finance Agency. FHFA Director William Pulte claims Cook misrepresented her primary residence status on loan documents. Cook is currently on unpaid leave from Michigan State University. Former President Donald Trump has publicly called for her resignation.

Meanwhile, U.S. Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler visited Shiawassee County Wednesday alongside 7th District Congressman Tom Barrett. The two met with local business owners to promote federal tax policies they say are boosting job creation.

Honoring Law Enforcement
The Michigan House has approved a measure to rename a portion of M-34 in Hillsdale County as the Deputy Sheriff William Butler Jr. Memorial Highway. Butler was fatally shot during a traffic stop last year. The designation will apply to the stretch of M-34 between Pioneer and Pittsford Roads.

Mid-Michigan News Roundup: Fires, Traffic Alerts, Memory Café Launch and More

East Lansing fire officials are investigating a weekend blaze that forced residents from the Walden Woods Apartments on Harrison early Sunday morning. The cause of the fire remains under review, and no injuries have been reported.

In Williamston, another large fire broke out Saturday afternoon in the 500 block of High Street. Authorities say no injuries were reported there either, but the cause is still undetermined.

The Greater Lansing Care Foundation is preparing to launch the region’s first Memory Café in early September. The program aims to support individuals living with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Michael Schaefer with the foundation noted that nearly 7 million Americans live with dementia, including roughly 200,000 in Michigan.

For Lansing commuters, sewer work began today at Pleasant Grove and Holmes, closing turn lanes through tomorrow while keeping traffic moving in all directions. In Jackson, four exit ramps off I-94—including M-99, Parma, Deering, and Concord Roads—are set to close Tuesday for construction.

Meanwhile, CATA has resumed all campus routes at Michigan State University ahead of the fall semester. Additional service changes across the region also go into effect today. More details are available at CATA.org.

Drivers are reminded to be cautious as area schools, including Lansing and Holt, return to session this week. Michigan auto law attorney Alex Kemp warns that fines for passing stopped school buses range from $100 to $500, and are doubled in school zones.

In Owosso, the former animal shelter that has sat vacant since 2012 will reopen as the Shiawassee County Animal Control and Care Shelter. Final inspections are scheduled for August 25, with plans to open days later.

And in sports, fallout continues from the NCAA’s ruling against the University of Michigan football program’s sign-stealing scandal. Hondo Carpenter of Spartan Nation criticized the organization for inconsistent punishments, calling it “worthless” and in need of a complete overhaul.

Judge Rules Lansing Homeless Encampment Can Stay Under Conditions

A judge has ruled that a homeless encampment in Lansing, located behind Dietrich Park, can remain in place under specific conditions.

The decision came in response to a lawsuit filed by the city against two private property owners. Under the ruling, the property owners must provide portable restrooms for residents, who are prohibited from using fuel tanks such as propane on-site. The lawsuit initially sought to remove the encampment entirely.

Leadership Change at Ingham County 911 Center
The Ingham County Sheriff’s Office will take over operations of the County 911 center on an interim basis starting September 1. The change follows the resignation of the center’s director, with the sheriff contacted by the county controller two weeks ago to step in.

Former Mason Official Sentenced in Indiana Case
Former Mason Planning Commission Chair Seth Waxman has been sentenced to more than a year in prison in Indiana after being caught in a sting operation. Waxman was arrested last year at a Walmart in Bluffton during a live-streamed encounter with a so-called “predator catcher” group. Authorities say he believed he was meeting a 13-year-old girl who was, in fact, a decoy.

Lansing School District Bids Farewell to Luton
The Lansing School District is holding an open house today from 4 to 6 p.m. for the public to say goodbye to Luton, a 68-year-old school building. Renderings of the new facility will be displayed during the event.

Preservation Grants Awarded to East Lansing and Mason
East Lansing and Mason are among six Michigan communities receiving a total of $250,000 in grant funding from the State Historic Preservation Office. East Lansing will use its share to create a resource guide for historic districts, while Mason will hire a contractor to restore historic windows at the Mason Public Library.

Clinton County Woman Pleads No Contest to Murder, Drunk Driving
Ashley Moore, 36, of Perrinton, has pleaded no contest to murder and drunk driving charges in connection with a deadly crash in Watertown Township last year. The crash killed two pedestrians on Wacoosta Road. Moore faces the possibility of life in prison when she is sentenced in October.

Buggy Crash Kills Infant, Injures Seven in Montcalm County
A 4-month-old girl was killed and seven others, including four children, were injured in a horse-and-buggy crash near Greenville on Tuesday. Michigan State Police say a pickup truck attempted to pass the buggy on Dickerson Lake Road but swerved back into the lane to avoid oncoming traffic, striking the buggy. The horse was euthanized due to its injuries.

Lapeer Days Festival Returns for 123rd Year
Michigan’s largest free summer festival, Lapeer Days, is underway and will run through Sunday. The 123rd annual event features carnival rides, live music, and other family-friendly activities.

East Lansing Pushes Back on Sanctuary City Label; Lansing Approves Housing Pods

At Monday night’s East Lansing City Council meeting, Councilmember Mark Meadows sharply criticized the Trump administration after the city was named one of 18 “sanctuary cities” allegedly obstructing federal immigration enforcement.

“Be aware that we don’t plan on changing any of our policies with regard to this,” Meadows said, adding that claims sanctuary policies put Americans at risk are “completely false.”

In other East Lansing news, the city’s Independent Police Oversight Commission is seeking applicants to fill a vacant board seat. Interested residents can apply through the city’s website.

Meanwhile, in Lansing, more details are emerging about the recent purchase of 50 modular “mod pods” to provide housing for homeless residents. Approved by the Lansing City Council this week, the pods were originally purchased by a Kalamazoo nonprofit in 2021 for $1 million. Lansing’s purchase, including storage costs, totaled just over $645,000.

Tragedy also struck Lansing Tuesday evening when a fatal fire broke out at a home in the 3300 block of Continental Drive near Waverly Road. Firefighters found the roof collapsed, and one person was confirmed dead. Authorities have not yet released the victim’s identity.

In legal news, DeWitt-based attorney Christopher Wolfe has been convicted on multiple child pornography-related charges, including child sexually abusive activity and using a computer to commit a crime. Sentencing is scheduled for September 8.

Ingham County is moving forward with its first-ever Sustainability Action Plan, aiming for net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. The plan will serve as a roadmap for reducing environmental impact, improving energy efficiency, and managing natural resources.

On the energy front, the Trump administration has canceled $156 million in federal grants intended for solar projects benefiting low-income Michigan residents. State officials had already earmarked $14 million of those funds for planned projects. Nationally, $7 billion in solar funding has been terminated.

Lansing City Council Greenlights Mod Pod Housing for Homeless; Road Closures, Bath Township Standoff, and Community Events in Focus

By 1320 WILS News Staff

The Lansing City Council has approved the purchase of dozens of “mod pods” — modular housing units designed to help address homelessness in the city.

During public comment, resident Ariel Cushman expressed concerns about the timeline for construction.
“Nine months just to break ground is a long time,” Cushman said. “There are people this winter who may lose their lives. Sixty homes is amazing and wonderful, but it’s not enough.”

Council also passed a brownfield redevelopment plan for the Pleasant Grove and Holmes area on Lansing’s southwest side, the site of the former Pleasant Grove Elementary School. The project will include new apartments and commercial space.

Later this morning, 1320 WILS’ Mike Austin will speak with council member Adam Hussein about the measures.

Road Closures and Traffic Updates
Starting today, I-96 in Lansing from Washington Avenue to M-99 will be reduced to one lane in each direction as bridge work continues. This phase is expected to wrap up Thursday.

In East Lansing, Hagedorn Road at Cahill Drive will be closed from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. for repairs related to a recent water main break.

Bath Township Standoff Ends Safely
Police in Bath Township arrested a man last night after a standoff in the 6000 block of Maple Lane. Authorities say he barricaded himself inside a home with four children and was armed with multiple weapons.

The suspect initially refused to release the children but later surrendered without incident. No injuries were reported.

Lawsuit Challenges Governor Whitmer on Senate Seat
An attorney in Saginaw County has filed a lawsuit against Governor Gretchen Whitmer, claiming she is disenfranchising voters in the 35th Senate District by not calling a special election for a seat that has been vacant for seven months.

Democrats currently hold a narrow Senate majority, 19–18. The governor’s office has not yet commented on the suit.

Community Spotlight: Greater Lansing Memory Cafe
A new community program — the Greater Lansing Memory Cafe — will launch September 4 from 1–3 p.m. at the Hanna Community Center in East Lansing. The cafe will provide a welcoming environment for those with memory loss or dementia, as well as their families and caregivers.

Organizers from the Greater Lansing Care Foundation and AARP Michigan plan to hold monthly gatherings and expand programming in the future.

16th Annual Backpack Giveaway Helps Local Students
Today, Power 96.5 FM — a sister station of 1320 WILS — is hosting its 16th annual backpack giveaway with Communities in Schools. The drive-thru event at the Don Johnson Fieldhouse in Lansing runs from 2–4 p.m., with 1,500 backpacks available to local students.

Afternoon host Genesis Terrell said the event has grown significantly thanks to community volunteers.
“We all remember a time when we needed a little help getting backpacks and school supplies,” Terrell said. “It’s become something people look forward to — it’s about helping each other get what we need.”

MSU Layoffs Tied to Major Funding Cuts; CATA Service and Local Events Highlight Lansing Updates

Lansing, MI — August 7, 2025
Michigan State University (MSU) is facing significant job losses following major funding cuts. At least 19 employees in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources are set to lose their positions after the termination of U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) grants. According to MSU spokeswoman Amber McCann, the department has worked to minimize the impact, but the layoffs were unavoidable once the grants were withdrawn.

The larger picture is even more dire: the university is planning to lay off over 100 employees across departments, largely due to reductions in SNAP-Ed program funding.

In brighter news for campus commuters, the Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA) will resume service on all MSU campus routes, including Route 26, starting August 18. This change is part of a broader series of service adjustments across the Lansing area. Commuters can find more details at cata.org.

Weekend Traffic Alerts for Lansing

Two traffic advisories are in place for the upcoming weekend:

• Several downtown Lansing streets will close Saturday between 10 a.m. and 12 noon for the City Rescue Mission Crosswalk event.

• Washington Avenue between Elm and Baker streets will be briefly shut down from 8:40 to 9:10 a.m. Saturday for the BWL Hometown 5K run.

Local Crash Near Frandor Shopping Center

At least one person was injured in a two-vehicle crash near the intersection of Clippert and Grand River Avenue on Wednesday. Authorities have not yet released the extent of the injuries.

Back-to-School Health Fair Draws Crowds

Families gathered Wednesday at the Ingham County Health Department for the annual back-to-school health fair. Children received vaccinations, health screenings, and child car seat safety checks as part of the department’s ongoing public health efforts.

Meanwhile, the Barry-Eaton District Health Department is adjusting its walk-in hours due to staff shortages:

• Eaton County office will be open to the public on Mondays and Wednesdays.

• Barry County office will now allow walk-ins on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Court Upholds Dismissal in Military Voter Lawsuit

In a notable legal ruling, the Michigan Court of Appeals upheld the dismissal of a Republican-led lawsuit challenging election guidance from the Secretary of State. The suit alleged that voter status was granted to individuals who were not Michigan residents, particularly family members of military personnel and overseas voters. The court found no basis for the claim.

Veterans Honored at Jackson County Fair

Today is Veterans Day at the Jackson County Fair. All veterans receive free admission from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. The fair continues through Saturday.

For more updates, visit 1320WILS.com.

Primary Election Results: Lansing Backs Schor, Approves Parks Millage; Key Decisions Across Mid-Michigan

By 1320 WILS News Staff

LANSING, Mich. – The results are in from Tuesday’s primary elections across mid-Michigan, with voters weighing in on races and proposals that will shape local leadership and community development.

In Lansing, incumbent Mayor Andy Schor secured a decisive victory in the primary, earning nearly 64% of the vote. He advances to the general election in November, where he’ll face Kelsey Hector, who finished a distant second with 16% support.

Voters also selected at-large city council candidates, choosing Jeremy Garza (incumbent), Julie Vandenboom, Clara Martinez, and Aurelius Christian. In Lansing’s Fourth Ward, Peter Spadafore (incumbent) and Heath Lurie won their respective races.

Lansing residents showed strong support for a parks millage renewal, passing the measure with 73% approval.

Key Outcomes from Surrounding Communities:

• Lansing Township voters rejected a proposed electric franchise agreement.

• In Meridian Township, proposals for an operating millage and project bond to fund a community and senior center were voted down.

• Meanwhile, Bath Township residents approved a nearly $27 million school bond proposal aimed at supporting local education infrastructure.

Road and Traffic Updates:

Drivers in Lansing are reminded that the ramp from I-496 eastbound to US-127 southbound is closed today until 3 p.m. as crews conduct an operational shift on the bridge over the Red Cedar River — part of the larger rebuild project on US-127.

Elsewhere in Lansing, Miller Road from Waverly to MLK is reduced to one lane in each direction for soil testing. The lane reduction is expected to remain in place until 7 p.m. tonight.

Health and Safety News:

U of M Health Sparrow is now the first hospital in Michigan to offer in-house measles testing, using nasal swabs for both inpatients and drive-up patients. The move is expected to speed up diagnoses and treatment.

Tragedy struck in Kent County Monday when Dr. Peter Luia, 53, of Diamonddale, was struck and killed by a pickup truck while jogging near Grand Rapids. Authorities say the driver remained at the scene and called 911. The incident remains under investigation.

Community and Government:

The Capital Area District Library (CADL) is relocating its local history collection from its downtown basement location to a new facility at the CADL Service Area in Alladin Township. The goal: improve access and preserve the historical materials. The move is slated for 2026, with the property closing expected within 30 days.

In East Lansing, the 54B District Court will be closed to the public on Thursday and Friday for a court-mandated physical case inventory.

Political Update:

Governor Gretchen Whitmer met with President Trump at the White House on Tuesday. According to a statement from Whitmer’s office, the governor raised concerns about the economic impact of tariffs and Medicaid changes on Michigan. She also pressed the administration to assist in securing a tenant for the Genesee County mega site, a key piece of the state’s industrial strategy.

Stay with 1320 WILS for continuing coverage on the general election, local development, and traffic updates that affect your daily life.

Primary Election Day in Lansing and Mid-Michigan: What You Need to Know

LANSING, MI — August 5, 2025 — It’s Primary Election Day in parts of Mid-Michigan, with voters across the region heading to the polls to decide key local races and ballot proposals.

In the City of Lansing, voters are selecting from five candidates in the mayoral race, including incumbent Andy Schor. A competitive race is also underway in the Fourth Ward City Council race, where incumbent Jeremy Garza faces nine challengers. The top four vote-getters will move on to the general election. City residents are also voting on a parks millage renewal.

Outside of Lansing, several key proposals are on the ballot:

• In Meridian Township, voters will decide on a community and senior center operating millage and a project bond.

• In Bath Township, a $27 million school bond is up for a vote.

• Eaton County voters are determining the outcome of a county commissioner’s race between Republican Andy Shaver and Democrat Rob Piercefield.

• Additional election franchise proposals are being decided in other local townships.

Polls remain open until 8:00 p.m. tonight. For more on the Lansing election, 1320 WILS will feature an interview with City Clerk Chris Swope later this morning.

In Other Local News:

New School Opens in Lansing

The Mount Hope School in Lansing is celebrating its grand opening today from 4 to 7 p.m. The $30 million facility on Harding Avenue was funded by a bond passed in 2022 and marks a major step forward for the Lansing School District.

Mason High School Closed for Law Enforcement Training

Mason High School is closed today for active violence training exercises led by the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office and the Tri-County Active Violence Team. The campus will reopen at 4 p.m.

National Night Out Events

Tonight is National Night Out, a nationwide initiative to build stronger relationships between police and local communities. Lansing-area police departments and sheriff’s offices are participating in events around the region.

Early Morning Fire in St. Johns

A structure fire broke out around 1:30 a.m. Tuesday in the 800 block of State Street in St. Johns. Officials are still investigating the cause and have not released information on possible injuries.

Semi Crash on I-96 in Livingston County

A semi-truck crash Monday morning on I-96 near exit 141 disrupted traffic in Livingston County. According to Michigan State Police, the 65-year-old driver lost control and struck an overpass, causing the trailer to separate. The cab continued into a ditch. The driver sustained minor injuries, and no other vehicles were involved. All lanes have since reopened.

Potter Park Zoo Rhino Recovering

A rare black rhino named Dopsy at Potter Park Zoo is recovering after a sudden health scare last week. The zoo says an intestinal obstruction caused her condition to decline quickly, but she is now showing signs of improvement and remains under 24/7 care.

Road Closures Begin Across Lansing and Mid-Michigan as Gas Prices Fall and Campaign Season Closes

LANSING, Mich. (WILS) — Monday brings a fresh wave of construction projects across Mid-Michigan, with traffic impacts already underway in the Lansing area.

On Saginaw Street, drivers will see two major projects starting today:

• A sewer separation project has reduced traffic to a single lane between Chestnut Street and Grand Avenue.

• At the same time, a Board of Water & Light (BWL) project has closed all but two lanes between Grand Avenue and Larch Street.

Both projects are expected to continue through late November.

In addition, the I-96 eastbound exit ramp to Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard is now closed for a stage change, with the ramp expected to reopen in late September.

Temporary lane closures are also in effect today on I-96 eastbound between Wacousta Road and Grand River Avenue for maintenance, scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

In Jackson County, drivers on US-127 will encounter single-lane closures in both directions around the I-94 interchange. That work runs through Friday.

Lower Gas Prices Across Michigan

Amid the traffic troubles, there’s good news for drivers: gas prices have dropped.

As of Sunday, AAA Michigan reports Lansing area gas prices averaging $3.04 per gallon, a 17-cent drop compared to last week. The statewide average is now $3.13, down 9 cents. More updates are expected later today from AAA Michigan spokesperson Adrienne Woodland.

Air Quality Alert Extended Again

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has once again extended its air quality advisory for Mid-Michigan, now in effect through early Tuesday morning. The warning comes amid continued Canadian wildfire smoke, which is pushing pollutant levels into the unhealthy range for sensitive groups.

Election Day in Lansing and Meridian Township

Today marks the final day of campaigning for Lansing’s mayoral and City Council primary candidates ahead of Tuesday’s August primary election.

Lansing voters will also decide the fate of a Parks Millage proposal. Meanwhile, Meridian Township voters will weigh in on ballot proposals tied to a millage and bond for a new community and senior center.

Lawsuit Filed Over Wrongful Detention of Lansing Teen

A 14-year-old Lansing boy and his parents have filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Lansing, former police chief Ellery Sospi, and two officers. The lawsuit stems from an August 2023 incident where the teen, Tayshaun Bernard, was allegedly wrongfully detained in the search for a car theft suspect. The suit accuses the city of false arrest and excessive force.

While Mayor Andy Schor and former Chief Sospi issued apologies days after the incident, city officials have not commented on the newly filed lawsuit.

Home Invasion Suspect Arrested in Meridian Township

Meridian Township police arrested a suspect over the weekend following two home invasions late Friday night.

Officers initially attempted to stop the suspect — who was on a bicycle — near Grand River Avenue and Okemos Road, but the individual fled on foot. Police say the home invasions occurred on Grand View Avenue and Seminole Drive, where the suspect was ultimately captured.

Lansing News Roundup: Air Quality Alert, City Hall Smoke, Road Closures & Weekend Events

LANSING, MI — An air quality alert for the Lansing area has been extended through Friday due to lingering smoke from Canadian wildfires. Much of mid-Michigan, including the capital city, recorded "unhealthy" levels on the Air Quality Index Thursday. The advisory, initially set to expire, now remains in effect until further notice.

The smoky skies weren’t the only haze in Lansing Thursday. Crews were dispatched to City Hall after reports of smoke inside the building. Lansing Fire Department responded with multiple units, including two ladder trucks—one of which extended to the side of the building.

The sixth floor of City Hall was evacuated as a precaution, while the fifth and seventh floors were advised to shelter in place. According to a report from Lansing Fire Chief Brian Sturdivant, the smoke was caused by an overheated HVAC pipe. No injuries were reported, and maintenance crews are working to address the issue.

Road Closures & Traffic Alerts

Several significant road closures are in effect across the region for weekend events and maintenance:

• Old Town Lansing: Roads closed Friday morning for Jazz Fest; expected to reopen Sunday night.

• Downtown Lansing: Washington Square from Shiawassee to Ionia closed Saturday morning through Monday morning for the Moneyball 3-on-3 Tournament.

• East Lansing: Grand River Avenue’s 100 block partially closed Friday morning through noon for HVAC installation at Rally House.

• Ingham County: Eastbound I-96 business loop ramp to I-96 closed Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for high-friction surface treatment.

Ballot Proposal Stalled

In state politics, the Michigan Board of Canvassers reached a 2-2 deadlock Thursday over the language of a ballot initiative proposed by the group Invest in My Kids. The measure seeks to increase public school funding by imposing an additional 5% tax on joint filers earning over $1 million annually. The deadlock stalls the measure’s path to the November ballot.

Weekend Event Highlights

• Ingham County Fair (Mason):

  • Friday night: Big Air ATV Show at 6 p.m.

  • Saturday: Motocross wraps up the fair’s grandstand events.

• Jazz Fest in Old Town:

  • Friday performances start at 5:30 p.m.

  • Saturday includes children's programming and music starting at 1:30 p.m.

For continued updates on local news, weather alerts, and weekend happenings, stay tuned to 1320 WILS.