MSUFCU Merger Awaits Regulatory Approval

A proposed merger between Michigan State University Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU) and University Federal Credit Union of Texas is awaiting regulatory approval after both credit unions' boards approved the agreement.

Under the proposed deal, MSUFCU will continue operating under its existing name in Michigan and Illinois.

Lansing School District Breaks Ground on New School

The Lansing School District is breaking ground on a new school, the Sheridan Road School, located in the 16,000 block of Cedar Street.

Construction is being made possible through a voter-approved $130 million school bond.

Lansing Police Investigate Hit-and-Run at Avenue Cafe

Lansing police are searching for a driver allegedly involved in a hit-and-run crash Tuesday night after a vehicle struck the Avenue Cafe at Michigan Avenue and Fairview Street.

Police identified the vehicle as a red SUV. No injuries were reported.

Anyone with information about the incident may contact Lansing police.

Ingham County Reports Absentee Ballot Returns Ahead of November Election

With the November election less than three weeks away, Ingham County Clerk Barb Byrum reported that 18,575 absentee ballots had been returned out of more than 70,000 mailed to voters.

According to the figures shared by Byrum, approximately 8.47% of voters had participated at the time of the update.

Voters who have received absentee ballots should review the instructions provided with their ballots to ensure they are completed and returned properly.

Lansing-Area Home Prices Remain Below National Levels

Doug Petroff of the Greater Lansing Association of Realtors discussed median home prices in the capital city area, noting that Lansing-specific prices were slightly below $200,000 at the time of his update.

Petroff contrasted the local market with national median home prices, which he said were in the $400,000 range.

The figures highlight the difference between housing costs in the Greater Lansing area and the broader national market.

Three Upper Peninsula Wildfires Continue to Burn

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources provided an update on three wildfires burning in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

The Black River Fire in Gogebic County was reported to be 50% contained. The Ridge Fire in Negaunee Township and the Craig Lake Fire in Baraga County were each 20% contained.

The fires were reported to cover areas ranging from approximately 300 to 600 acres.

Escaped Cow Briefly Disrupts Traffic on US-127

An unusual traffic incident occurred Tuesday morning when a cow nicknamed “Houdini” escaped or apparently fell out of a trailer, according to East Lansing police.

The animal temporarily affected traffic on the US-127 northbound ramp to Lake Lansing Road at approximately 11 a.m.

Police indicated that Houdini appeared to be okay.