Mid-Michigan News: Historic Senate Victory, Lower Gas Prices and a Holiday Helping Hand
There's a historic changing of the guard in Mississippi, some welcome news for drivers at the gas pump, and a big holiday effort underway to help Michigan families put food on the table. Here's what's happening around the country and right here in Mid-Michigan.
Historic Victory in Mississippi Senate Race
Mississippi is making history. Democratic nominee Scott Colem has defeated Republican Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith in a closely contested U.S. Senate race following a prolonged ballot-counting process.
Colem's victory makes him the state's first Black U.S. senator since the Reconstruction era following the Civil War. It's a major political milestone in a state that has long been dominated by conservative white politicians, despite having the highest percentage of Black residents of any state in the country.
Good News at the Gas Pump!
Drivers are finally getting a little breathing room when it comes to gas prices.
According to AAA, the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline dropped to $3.94 on Wednesday, down 12 cents over the past week. It's the first time the national average has fallen below $4 a gallon since July.
And there's potentially more good news ahead. Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, expects prices to drop another 20 to 25 cents by Thanksgiving, putting the national average somewhere between $3.65 and $3.75 a gallon.
That's something we can all be thankful for!
Food Bank of Eastern Michigan Launches Holiday Campaign
The holiday season is about giving, and the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan is asking Mid-Michigan residents to help make sure families in need have something on the table.
The annual "Harvesting Hope Nourishing Neighbors" campaign recently kicked off in Flint, with a goal of raising money and distributing food throughout 22 Michigan counties.
The food bank has been serving the community for 45 years and has grown into a major resource for families, distributing more than 37 million pounds of food every year through nearly 700 partner agencies.
If you'd like to help make the holidays a little brighter for your neighbors, you can support the campaign at fbem.org.
SVSU Names Its Next Chief of Police
There's a new top cop coming to Saginaw Valley State University.
The university has promoted Lieutenant Chad Lakowski to become its next Chief of Police following a national search.
Lakowski has been with the SVSU Police Department since 2007. He's scheduled to officially be sworn in on November 16th.
Mid-Michigan Sports
On the college football scoreboard, Central Michigan picked up a 27-7 victory over Sacramento State.
Meanwhile, it's hockey night in Saginaw! The Saginaw Spirit welcome the Ottawa 67's to the Dow Event Center tonight. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05.
