Mid-Michigan Gears Up for Elections, Budget Decisions, and Rising Gas Prices
Final preparations are underway for Tuesday’s elections across parts of mid-Michigan, where voters will weigh several local funding proposals that could impact schools, emergency services, and fire protection.
Among the ???? measures is a nearly $100 million bond proposal from Ingham Intermediate School District to fund a new special education building. Meanwhile, residents in Grand Ledge will consider a $22.5 million proposal to support fire services, and voters in Stockbridge will decide on a roughly $1.5 million millage increase for emergency services.
Lansing Budget Hearing Begins
In Lansing, the City Council is set to hold a public hearing Monday night on the proposed 2027 fiscal year budget. Mayor Andy Schor has introduced a $307 million spending plan, with the council facing a May 18 deadline to finalize the budget.
Road Work to Impact Commuters
Drivers should expect delays this week along US 127 southbound, where the Michigan Department of Transportation is conducting epoxy overlay work between Forest and Jolly roads. The construction is expected to last through Friday and is part of ongoing improvements from last year’s rebuilding project.
ATV Crash Leaves One Injured
In Ionia County, a 78-year-old ATV driver remains hospitalized with serious injuries after a collision Sunday at Blue Water Highway and Cook Road in Lyons Township. Authorities say the driver failed to stop at the intersection and was not wearing a seat belt. The condition of the other driver involved has not been released.
Election Security Debate in Washington
On the national stage, Michigan U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin questioned Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing about the potential use of military personnel in future elections.
Hegseth dismissed the inquiry as hypothetical, while Slotkin pointed to comments from former President Donald Trump suggesting regret over not involving the military during efforts to challenge the 2020 election results.
Gas Prices Hit Record Highs
Drivers across Michigan are feeling the pinch as gas prices continue to climb. AAA Michigan reported a statewide average of $4.87 per gallon as of Sunday—an increase of about 83 cents from the previous week. In the Lansing area, prices are even higher, averaging $4.91 per gallon.
Diesel fuel has also reached a new statewide record, averaging $6.01 per gallon, surpassing the previous high set in 2022.
