Lansing Mayor Schor Reinvents State of the City in Talk Show Format
It was a different kind of State of the City address in Lansing Tuesday night, as Mayor Andy Schor introduced a talk show-style presentation dubbed “The Lansing Show” at Lansing Community College’s Dart Auditorium.
Rather than delivering a traditional speech, Schor brought city leaders on stage for conversations about key issues. Among them, Public Service Director Andy Kilpatrick highlighted increased funding that will expand road repair efforts.
Kilpatrick said the city expects to improve roughly nine additional miles of roads thanks to the funding boost, with a strong focus on neighborhood infrastructure over the coming years.
Schor is also expected to unveil his fiscal year 2027 budget proposal next week.
Superintendent Search Nears Decision in Holt Schools
Final interviews are underway for the next superintendent of Holt Public Schools. Candidates include Adel DiOrio of Montcalm Area ISD and Hal Heard III of Plymouth-Canton Community Schools.
The new hire will replace current Superintendent Dr. David Hornak, who is set to retire at the end of June.
Parents Charged in Death of Toddler
Nearly two years after the death of an 18-month-old child, two parents are now facing serious charges.
Michigan State Police responded to a home in Aurelius Township in August 2024, where they found the child unresponsive. Authorities described the home as being in deplorable condition. A four-year-old sibling showed signs of neglect and malnutrition and was placed in protective care.
Karliona and Pierson Davis were arrested this week and arraigned on charges including murder and child neglect. They are currently being held in the Ingham County Jail.
Man Sentenced in Election Fraud Scheme
A Warren man has been sentenced to four to 20 years in prison after being convicted of defrauding multiple political campaigns during the 2022 election cycle.
Shawn Wilmoth was found guilty on 22 counts tied to a false signature scheme that targeted gubernatorial and judicial campaigns. A second individual involved in the case is expected to be sentenced later this month.
Whitmer Signs Law to Speed Up Death Certificates
Gretchen Whitmer has signed new legislation aimed at reducing delays in death certificate processing.
The law requires certificates to be filed online within 48 hours through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. It also allows medical examiners and qualified physicians to sign documents, streamlining funeral planning and insurance processes for families.
Inflation and Interest Rates in Focus
Economic developments also drew attention Wednesday as Jerome Powell and the Federal Reserve opted to keep interest rates unchanged.
Meanwhile, new data showed wholesale prices rose 0.7% in February and 3.4% year-over-year.
Dr. Timothy Nash of Northwood University noted uncertainty around rising prices but suggested energy costs could decline if geopolitical tensions ease, potentially providing relief in the months ahead.
