Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 27th of August.
Good morning, Lansing.
🚧 Accidents
A Michigan State Police report showed that in 2024 bicycle crashes increased 20% and deaths 21% while work-zone fatalities rose 17% — aggressive driving added 1,065 crashes that made up over half of the incidents — and an aging population contributed to 2,500 more crashes.
Michigan state data from 2024 showed that drug use was linked to 25% of road fatalities and nearly half of impaired-driver deaths, up from 19% a decade ago—posing higher risks for teens, seniors, motorcyclists and bicyclists.
🏛️ Government
Lansing purchased 50 modular homes to create a community for homeless adults available next summer.
The project—costing $640,000 upfront and about $750,000 a year—will offer wrap-around services while zoning approvals and site selection are completed.
Council President Ryan Kost said the new attendance policy gives a warning for one unexcused absence, requires salary payback after three misses, and leads to expulsion after five consecutive missed meetings—based on a charter from 1977.
Some residents worry that non-voters might remove elected officials, though Kost expects the policy to be rarely used.
Lansing City Council voted 7 to 1 on Monday night to adopt a responsible bidder ordinance that changes how contracts are awarded by emphasizing nonmonetary factors over cost.
Labor unions praised the ordinance for promoting smart investments—citing apprenticeship participation and employee benefits as key factors.
Following a tense debate over a Wayne County landfill’s proposed expansion, the Michigan Senate passed legislation on Tuesday that will raise disposal fees, ban disposal of some radioactive waste, and pause approvals for new hazardous waste facilities so Michigan can curb out-of-state trash—now the bills head to the House.
County executives from Oakland, Wayne and Macomb say Lansing must provide a long-term funding plan to fix roads as temporary measures like Whitmer’s $3.5 billion bonds only offer a short-term fix—many roads remain in poor or fair condition, and bipartisan action is needed for safety, jobs and economic growth.
Michigan Gov. Whitmer proclaimed August 26 as Women's Equality Day to mark the 105th anniversary of the 19th Amendment that gave women the right to vote.
The proclamation noted Michigan's historic role and highlighted her record of appointing women to leadership roles—supporting initiatives for women and families.
🎉 Lansing Events
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Western Michigan Broncos vs. Michigan State Spartans Football
7-8:30 p.m. — Spartan Stadium — Tickets from $52 — Experience college football action as the Broncos take on the Spartans in East Lansing.
2025 Michigan Chicken Wing Festival
2 PM – 9 PM — Adado Riverfront Park — Admission details not specified — Indulge in various chicken wing flavors and enjoy live music and family activities.
5th Annual Meridian Motorfest
8 AM – 5 PM — High Caliber Karting and Entertainment — Free entry — Enjoy a fun-filled day of sensory-friendly go-kart racing and arcade excitement for all ages.
Friday Karaoke Night
9-11 p.m. — The Avenue — Free entry — Enjoy a lively karaoke night with friends at a local favorite spot in Lansing.
Play Board Games at The Gaming Cantina
1-10 p.m. — The Gaming Cantina — Free gaming — Engage with fellow gamers in a welcoming environment with food and drinks nearby.
2025 MSU Family Weekend
10 AM – 8 PM — Michigan State University — Registration required — Explore campus and connect with your student during a weekend of activities.
Capital City Dragon Boat Race
9 AM – 5 PM — Grand River Park — Free entry — Swing by the Dragon Boat Race and snag some FREE BOOKS!
BluesFest Michigan
All day — Old Town Lansing River View Lofts — Cost TBA — Experience a vibrant open-air festival showcasing diverse Blues music and family-friendly activities.
A Beautiful Noise Concert
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Wharton Center for Performing Arts — Tickets available — Experience a night of live music with A Beautiful Noise.
Board Games Gathering at Summit Comics & Games
2-9 p.m. — Summit Comics & Games — Free entry — Enjoy an afternoon of free gaming and connect with fellow board game enthusiasts.
🏠 Lansing Real Estate
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💼 Lansing Job Board
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📣 Lansing Announcements
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