Lansing Council President Alleges Campaign Violation; State Faces Energy Hike and Court Rulings
Lansing City Council President Ryan Kost has filed a formal campaign finance complaint with the Michigan Secretary of State, alleging that the Lansing Charter Commission improperly used taxpayer-funded mailers to sway voters ahead of next month’s election.
Kost claims the commission crossed the line from providing information to advocating for a “yes” vote on proposed charter changes by stating the new charter would “strengthen transparency and accountability.” More than 20,000 residents reportedly received the mailers. In a statement, the Charter Commission rejected the accusation and said it stands by its actions.
Voters will decide on the charter proposals in November.
Attorney General Challenges Consumers Energy Rate Hike
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is contesting the latest natural gas rate increase approved for Consumers Energy. The Michigan Public Service Commission recently granted a $157.5 million hike—a figure 37 percent lower than the utility’s original $248 million request but still above recommendations from both Nessel’s office and the commission’s administrative law judge.
Fatal Motorcycle Crash Victim Identified
Authorities have identified the man killed in a motorcycle crash last weekend on I-96 in Ingham County as 61-year-old Devin Lee of Williamston. The sheriff’s office says Lee lost control near Okemos Road and crashed into a ditch. He was wearing a helmet at the time.
Gov. Whitmer Speaks on Tariffs, Pushes for Continued Free School Meals
Speaking in Toronto on Wednesday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer urged caution in applying tariffs, saying they should not be used to “punish our partners, our allies, our closest trading partners,” referring to Canada.
Whitmer and State Superintendent Michael Rice also issued a joint letter urging school districts to continue offering free meals to students amid uncertainty over long-term budget funding.
Budget Extension Passed as Fiscal Deadline Lapses
With Michigan’s fiscal deadline already expired by more than 24 hours, lawmakers approved a temporary continuation budget that runs through October 8. Negotiations on a full-year spending plan remain ongoing.
Federal Judge Dismisses Right to Life Abortion Challenge
A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit brought by Right to Life of Michigan seeking to overturn the state constitutional amendment protecting abortion rights. Judge Paul Maloney ruled the group lacked legal standing because it could not show it was directly harmed.
Supreme Court Allows MSU’s Lisa Cook to Remain on Federal Reserve
The U.S. Supreme Court has allowed former Michigan State University professor Lisa Cook to continue serving as a Federal Reserve governor through 2026 while it prepares to hear an appeal from former President Donald Trump seeking her removal.
Community Holds Vigils for Grand Blanc Church Shooting Victims
Hundreds gathered Wednesday night at Physicians Park and Grand Blanc United Methodist Church to honor the victims of Sunday’s deadly shooting and fire at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc. The tragedy has drawn national attention as investigators continue to determine what led to the violence.
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