Ingham County commissioners are expected to consider a resolution Tuesday night formally opposing a proposed transmission line project that would stretch from Fowlerville to Grand Ledge.

County leaders say the proposed route from power grid developer ITC would cut through portions of Ingham County, including Burchfield Park and parts of Holt, raising concerns about environmental and community impacts.

Developers behind the project argue the transmission line would help reduce energy costs and improve power supply reliability. However, the Michigan Public Service Commission will ultimately decide whether the project moves forward.

Okemos Public Schools Approves Budget Cuts

The Okemos Public Schools Board of Education approved a spending plan Monday night that includes several budget reductions for the upcoming school year.

District officials say the cuts are necessary to address a budget deficit driven by rising operational costs. The approved plan includes reductions to student support positions and the gradual phase-out of infant and toddler programs at the Edgewood Early Childhood Center.

Lansing Considers Moratorium on New Data Centers

The Lansing City Council has scheduled a public hearing for July 13 on a proposed six-month moratorium on new data center projects.

City Attorney Greg Venker told council members the pause would allow additional time to review and potentially adopt zoning regulations specifically addressing data centers.

“In the event that that gets passed before the moratorium expires, you could include in the passage that the moratorium is repealed with the passage of the new zoning ordinance,” Venker said during the meeting.

The proposed ordinance is part of an ongoing effort to establish clearer guidelines for future data center development within the city.

Attempted Murder Charges Filed in Lansing Shooting

A 22-year-old man is facing attempted murder charges following a shooting in Lansing last Friday.

Ingham County prosecutors say Thomas Evans Jr. is charged in connection with the shooting that injured a 40-year-old man in the 3400 block of Mount Hope Avenue. Evans is also facing several additional felony charges related to the incident.

Former Corrections Officer Sentenced

A former Michigan women’s corrections officer has been sentenced after admitting to engaging in sexual acts with prisoners.

Attorney General officials say 22-year-old Joshua Lee of Wyandotte pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree criminal sexual conduct involving a state prisoner at the Women’s Huron Valley Correctional Facility.

Lee was sentenced Thursday in Washtenaw County’s 22nd Circuit Court to between 18 months and 15 years in prison. Additional details about the case have not been released.

Trump Endorses John James for Governor

President Donald Trump has endorsed Congressman John James in Michigan’s Republican gubernatorial race.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised the Shelby Township Republican, saying James “will not let you down.”

Following the endorsement, Republican candidate Aric Nesbitt announced he is suspending his campaign and backing James.

Whitmer Names Acting DHHS Director

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has appointed Amy Epkey as acting director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services beginning July 1.

Epkey currently serves as the department’s senior deputy director for financial operations administration. She will replace Elizabeth Hertel, who is stepping down at the end of June.