Voters Weigh Key Issues, Lansing Leaders Push for Traffic Safety, and MSU Faces Financial Challenges

By Rich Herl | 1320 WILS News | LANSING, MI — May 6, 2025

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Voters across parts of Mid-Michigan are heading to the polls today to weigh in on a number of local ballot measures, including critical tax and bond proposals aimed at improving public safety and school infrastructure.

In Eaton County, residents are considering a proposed two-mill tax increase to support public safety services. This comes after voters narrowly rejected a three-mill proposal last November. Several school districts are also holding elections, with St. Johns making a renewed push for a nearly $100 million bond aimed at infrastructure improvements. Similar efforts failed last year. Additional millage proposals are on ballots in the Webberville, Laingsburg, and Perry school districts.

Meanwhile, in Lansing, the City Council voted Monday night to support a resolution urging the Michigan Legislature to authorize the use of red-light and speed enforcement cameras. The move follows a deadly street racing crash on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard nearly two weeks ago. During public comment, a local resident called for more comprehensive safety measures, including the addition of physical boulevards to prevent future street racing and improve pedestrian safety.

Police also provided an update on a recent rally held in support of Sloan’s Onondaga Dragway, which was shut down following a court order. About 75 vehicles and 100 people gathered at Everett Plaza in protest. Lansing police reported that no citations were issued for reckless driving or street racing during the event.

Law enforcement officials from across the state gathered in Lansing last night for a candlelight vigil at the State Capitol, honoring five Michigan officers who died in the line of duty last year. The vigil came just hours after a Michigan State Police trooper was shot while on duty in Detroit. Authorities say the officer underwent surgery and is recovering. The suspect was killed at the scene after officers returned fire in the area of Trojan Avenue and Murray Hill.

In the courts, jury deliberations resumed today in the high-profile murder trial of former Grand Rapids police officer Christopher Schurr. Schurr faces a second-degree murder charge in the 2022 shooting death of Patrick Lyoya. The jury began deliberations Monday afternoon following closing arguments.

In education news, Michigan State University President Kevin Guskiewicz has warned of “tough decisions” ahead as the university grapples with financial challenges. In a letter to the campus community, Guskiewicz said the institution must adjust its financial path in response to recent federal funding changes. While details were not provided, he assured more information would be shared soon.