Lansing Approves Affordable Housing Project in Old Town

The Lansing City Council has approved plans for a new affordable housing development in Old Town. During Monday night’s meeting, councilmembers unanimously passed a brownfield plan for the project located in the 1400 block of Turner Street. They also authorized the sale of Parking Lot 57 to make way for the new construction.

Okemos High School Evacuated After Threat Deemed Not Credible

Students and staff at Okemos High School were forced to evacuate Monday morning after a threat was received. Meridian Township Police later determined the threat was not credible. Students were initially directed to the school stadium before being allowed back inside to retrieve their belongings. Classes were dismissed at the usual time and all after-school activities continued as scheduled.

Leaders React to Grand Blanc Church Shooting

Michigan leaders are reacting to Sunday’s deadly attack at a Mormon church in Grand Blanc Township, where at least five people—including the suspect—were killed and eight others were injured in a shooting followed by a fire.

“We cannot keep living our lives like this,” Governor Gretchen Whitmer said during a press conference Monday in Genesee County.

U.S. Senator Gary Peters echoed her remarks on the Senate floor, stating, “We cannot allow these patterns of violence to continue. We cannot simply accept these attacks like it’s another normal day.”

In a related incident, Grand Blanc Township Police on Monday arrested a 21-year-old man accused of attempting to drive through a barricade near the same church. Investigators are determining whether the act is connected to Sunday’s attack.

Michigan Legislature Faces Budget Deadline

State lawmakers have until midnight tonight to pass a final budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The Senate on Monday approved a budget transparency resolution requiring legislators to disclose details about requested earmarks before they are added to the final plan. The House passed a similar measure earlier this year.

DeWitt Athletic Director Retires After 26 Years

DeWitt High School Athletic Director Mike Brya has announced his retirement after 26 years with the district. Brya, a 1995 DeWitt graduate, will officially step down in December.

South Lansing Cleanup Event Scheduled for Wednesday

A major community cleanup is set to take place in Lansing this week. The South Lansing Business Association is hosting its fall Team Up to Clean Up event Wednesday afternoon. Volunteers will work to clean a half-square-mile area covering I-96, Cedar Street, Jolly Road and Pennsylvania Avenue.

Teams from local businesses, churches, service clubs and schools are expected to participate. The event begins at 3 p.m. with a meetup at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church.