CATA riders in Delta Township are being advised of significant service changes taking effect today, as the Capital Area Transportation Authority officially eliminates service to approximately 30 bus stops along the Route 3 extension west of the Lansing Mall. The service reductions follow voters’ rejection of a transit millage proposal last fall, which would have cost homeowners roughly $80 per year.

 

Meanwhile, the City of Lansing has once again issued a Code Blue, activating its cold weather emergency plan through Sunday, January 18. Several facilities across the city are operating as overnight warming centers as dangerously cold conditions persist. High temperatures later this week and into next weekend are expected to remain in the 20s, prompting officials to encourage residents to take appropriate precautions.

 

It is also a return to routine for many college students across the region. Winter break has come to an end at Michigan State University and Lansing Community College, with spring semester classes resuming today. The fall semester concluded roughly one month ago.

 

In other higher education news, the University of Michigan has selected a new president. According to multiple media reports, Syracuse University Chancellor and U-M alumnus Kent Syverud has been chosen to replace interim president Domenico Grasso. Grasso stepped into the role following the resignation of Santa Ono last May.  The University of Michigan Board of Regents is scheduled to meet later today as the transition process continues.

 

On the state level, Governor Gretchen Whitmer traveled to Alabama over the weekend to take part in the christening ceremony of the U.S. Navy’s newest vessel, the USNS Lansing. The ship, identified as the Navy’s 16th Spearhead-class transport ship, remains under construction, and officials have not yet announced when it will officially enter service.

 

Looking ahead to this week, former President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit Michigan on Tuesday. Trump will address members of the Detroit Economic Club at the Motor City Casino Hotel in advance of the Detroit Auto Show. Attendance for the event is limited to club members.

 

At the pump, Michigan drivers are seeing higher prices. AAA Michigan reports the statewide average gas price as of Sunday stands at $2.80 per gallon, up more than 13 cents from last week. In the Lansing area, the average price has climbed to $2.87 per gallon, representing an increase of roughly 20 cents over the same period.