Lansing City Council Greenlights Mod Pod Housing for Homeless; Road Closures, Bath Township Standoff, and Community Events in Focus

By 1320 WILS News Staff

The Lansing City Council has approved the purchase of dozens of “mod pods” — modular housing units designed to help address homelessness in the city.

During public comment, resident Ariel Cushman expressed concerns about the timeline for construction.
“Nine months just to break ground is a long time,” Cushman said. “There are people this winter who may lose their lives. Sixty homes is amazing and wonderful, but it’s not enough.”

Council also passed a brownfield redevelopment plan for the Pleasant Grove and Holmes area on Lansing’s southwest side, the site of the former Pleasant Grove Elementary School. The project will include new apartments and commercial space.

Later this morning, 1320 WILS’ Mike Austin will speak with council member Adam Hussein about the measures.

Road Closures and Traffic Updates
Starting today, I-96 in Lansing from Washington Avenue to M-99 will be reduced to one lane in each direction as bridge work continues. This phase is expected to wrap up Thursday.

In East Lansing, Hagedorn Road at Cahill Drive will be closed from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. for repairs related to a recent water main break.

Bath Township Standoff Ends Safely
Police in Bath Township arrested a man last night after a standoff in the 6000 block of Maple Lane. Authorities say he barricaded himself inside a home with four children and was armed with multiple weapons.

The suspect initially refused to release the children but later surrendered without incident. No injuries were reported.

Lawsuit Challenges Governor Whitmer on Senate Seat
An attorney in Saginaw County has filed a lawsuit against Governor Gretchen Whitmer, claiming she is disenfranchising voters in the 35th Senate District by not calling a special election for a seat that has been vacant for seven months.

Democrats currently hold a narrow Senate majority, 19–18. The governor’s office has not yet commented on the suit.

Community Spotlight: Greater Lansing Memory Cafe
A new community program — the Greater Lansing Memory Cafe — will launch September 4 from 1–3 p.m. at the Hanna Community Center in East Lansing. The cafe will provide a welcoming environment for those with memory loss or dementia, as well as their families and caregivers.

Organizers from the Greater Lansing Care Foundation and AARP Michigan plan to hold monthly gatherings and expand programming in the future.

16th Annual Backpack Giveaway Helps Local Students
Today, Power 96.5 FM — a sister station of 1320 WILS — is hosting its 16th annual backpack giveaway with Communities in Schools. The drive-thru event at the Don Johnson Fieldhouse in Lansing runs from 2–4 p.m., with 1,500 backpacks available to local students.

Afternoon host Genesis Terrell said the event has grown significantly thanks to community volunteers.
“We all remember a time when we needed a little help getting backpacks and school supplies,” Terrell said. “It’s become something people look forward to — it’s about helping each other get what we need.”