MSU President Staying After Support Campaign
Michigan State University President Kevin Guskiewicz said he will remain at the school, reversing a decision to leave for Clemson University.
The decision followed a public show of support from campus and community leaders, including “We Heart Kevin G” signs placed across campus and painted on the MSU rock.
Guskiewicz will stay under amended contract terms that raise his base salary to $1.5 million, extend his deal by two years. The terms take effect Aug. 1.
Michigan Ranks Among Top States for Business
Michigan ranked No. 6 in CNBC’s America’s Top States for Business list for 2026, matching its highest placement since the rankings began.
CNBC ranks all 50 states using 138 metrics across 10 categories tied to business competitiveness and site selection.
“Michigan is a place where everyone can succeed,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “I’m proud of the work we’ve done to make this ranking possible, such as creating jobs, bringing advanced manufacturing home, preparing our workforce and lowering costs.”
Grants Target Talent Shortages, Apprenticeship
The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity awarded more than $6 million in 2026 Going PRO Talent Fund grants to 121 businesses across Michigan.
The grants will help train 2,247 current employees and 550 new hires, including 933 registered apprentices. The state said the funding is aimed at helping employers address talent shortages and provide workers with in-demand skills that lead to industry-recognized credentials.
Since its launch in 2014, the Going PRO Talent Fund has awarded more than $330 million to 9,010 businesses, supporting training for 239,389 Michigan workers. This round includes employers in health care, manufacturing, construction, information technology and transportation.
Build Lansing Website Returns
Lansing Mayor Andy Schor and the Lansing Economic Development Corp. announced the relaunch of the Build Lansing website, a tool aimed at connecting developers and investors with city-owned properties available for redevelopment.
The website lets users review available sites and find details on request-for-proposal processes, timelines, maps, images and environmental assessments.
“I think the impact of having new housing opportunities there, new retail and commercial opportunities there, it’s going to be very beneficial,” said Kris Klein, president of the Lansing Economic Development Corp.
Lansing Expands Downtown Parking Options
The city of Lansing implemented several downtown parking changes, including a free 15-minute daily parking session and shorter enforcement hours for paid on-street spaces.
Drivers using a downtown parking kiosk will receive one free 15-minute session per license plate each day. The city said the changes follow feedback from residents, businesses and visitors.
Paid on-street parking will be enforced from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Parking will remain free during weekends.
The city also will allow drivers to extend on-street parking sessions through the city’s mobile app, a change intended to give visitors more time at downtown restaurants, shops, entertainment venues, riverfront attractions and other businesses.
UM Health Plans Expansion
The University of Michigan board of regents approved a proposed $62 million expansion and renovation at University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Clinton, including a new ambulatory center.
The plan calls for a 19,000-square-foot hospital expansion, renovation of 42,000 square feet of hospital and medical office space, and construction of a 22,000-square-foot ambulatory center. Construction is expected to take about 37 months.
Gray Breaks Ground on Expansion for WILX, WSYM
Gray Media has broken ground on a renovation and expansion of WILX News 10’s longtime home in Lansing, a project that will bring WILX-TV 10 and WSYM Fox 47 operations together under one roof.
The company plans to expand its south Lansing campus at 500 American Road, bringing the total footprint to about 30,000 square feet. The facility is being designed for television, streaming, mobile, social media, web and other digital platforms. Completion is expected in December 2027.
Gray Media recently acquired WSYM Fox 47 and plans to unite NBC and Fox operations under the News 10 brand. It is working with Lansing-based Granger Construction, Colliers Engineering and Design, and Huffman Keel Associates on the project.
“This investment in Lansing reflects Gray Media’s long-term commitment to local journalism and to the communities our stations serve,” said Mike King, senior operating officer for Gray Media.
Indian Trails Named Among Top Bus Services
Indian Trails has been named one of USA Today’s 10 Best Bus Services in America for the third consecutive year, ranking No. 2 in the publication’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards.
“We are honored to again be selected as one of top three Bus Services in America,” Chad Cushman, the company’s president and CEO, said in a statement. “For more than 116 years, Indian Trails’ commitment to safe driving and top-notch customer service has been second to none.”
The Owosso-based Indian Trails operates routes connecting 80 communities in Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota with airports, Amtrak and the national transportation network.
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