DOJ Investigating Lansing School District Over LGBTQ Policies
The Lansing School District is under investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice regarding its LGBTQ-related policies.
Federal officials are examining whether the district included sexual orientation and gender ideology content in any pre-K through 12th grade curriculum. The district has not issued an immediate public comment.
Lansing is one of three Michigan districts under review. The Detroit Public Schools Community District and Godfrey-Lee Public Schools are also part of the federal investigation.
U-M Board to Vote on $143M in Sparrow Health Projects
Two major development projects tied to University of Michigan Health-Sparrow are set for a vote at today’s University of Michigan Board of Regents meeting in Ann Arbor.
Regents will consider:
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An $83 million behavioral health hospital
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A $60 million surgical center
Both projects are planned for the St. Lawrence campus. The meeting is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
Capitol Walk Apartments Plan Advances in Downtown Lansing
The Lansing Brownfield Redevelopment Authority has approved a brownfield plan for the proposed Capitol Walk Apartments development on Chestnut Street in downtown Lansing.
The Lawton Group plans to construct 124 new housing units. The Lansing City Council is expected to vote on the plan next month.
Long-Term Road Closures Announced
City officials announced several upcoming road construction projects:
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Beginning March 2, Oakland Avenue from Walnut Street to Grand Avenue will have intermittent closures for sewer construction.
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In mid-March, work will begin on Pennsylvania Avenue, Mount Hope Avenue, and Jolly Road as part of the city’s 2026 major streets program, which includes asphalt removal and replacement.
Ingham County Jury Convicts Man in 2021 Disappearance
A 57-year-old man has been found guilty of second-degree murder in a case dating back to 2021.
An Ingham County jury convicted Willie James Jr. in the death of 38-year-old Andrew Watson of Lansing. Watson’s body has never been found.
James, who was on parole at the time, is scheduled to be sentenced April 15.
Grand Rapids Man Sentenced in Kidnapping, Shooting Case
A 32-year-old Grand Rapids man has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison following a high-speed chase through Lansing.
Prosecutors say Maurice Ray kidnapped his girlfriend and attempted to shoot a person who tried to help her before leading police on a pursuit through the capital city.
Gotion Refuses to Return State Grant After Failed Plant Proposal
Chinese battery manufacturer Gotion says it will not return a multimillion-dollar state grant after a proposed plant in Green Township near Big Rapids stalled.
State officials argue the company breached its agreement, while Gotion claims the halted project was not its fault. The situation involves the Michigan Strategic Fund and incentives backed by Governor Whitmer. Potential lawsuits may follow as questions remain about repayment responsibility.
Bipartisan Bills Aim to Lower Housing Costs, Legalize Raw Milk
Michigan lawmakers have introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at lowering housing costs.
State Representative Joe Aragona said regulatory costs alone can add roughly $95,000 to the construction of a single housing unit before materials or labor are factored in.
Separately, Representative Matt Maddock is sponsoring legislation that would legalize raw milk sales, subject to safety and labeling requirements. Currently, consumers can purchase raw milk in Michigan only through contractual arrangements with farmers.
Michigan Jobless Claims Hold Steady
New unemployment claims in Michigan remained mostly steady week over week.
The U.S. Labor Department reports nearly 7,300 new claims were filed last week — just 76 more than the previous week.
Ingham County Man Wins $1 Million Lottery Prize
A 55-year-old Ingham County resident is $1 million richer after winning the Millionaire Maker Instant Game through the Michigan Lottery.
The winning ticket was purchased at a convenience store on South Washington in Lansing.
