Child Killed by Fallen Power Line, State of Emergency Declared, and More: Tuesday's Top Michigan Headlines

Ingham County, MI — A tragic accident in Leslie claimed the life of one child and injured another Monday evening after the pair came into contact with a fallen power line. Authorities say the boys were playing near Woodworth Elementary School when the downed line sparked a grass fire. One child died at the scene, while the other was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Consumers Energy responded by cutting power to nearby customers as a safety precaution.

Speeding Fixes on MLK Draw Public Pushback

In Lansing, city officials are moving forward with plans to combat speeding on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard following a deadly street racing crash in April. The Michigan Department of Transportation and the City of Lansing will install four pedestrian refuge islands between Victor and Kavanaugh. However, some residents are questioning whether that’s enough.

“There’s not one fail-safe solution,” Lansing City Council Member Adam Hussein said on 1320 WILS. “We’ve been working on a number of things to address speed.”

Governor Whitmer Declares State of Emergency

In response to last month’s severe weather outbreak, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has declared a state of emergency for the City of Lansing and surrounding areas. An EF-1 tornado touched down on May 15 near Charlotte before moving northeast toward Ingham County, leaving a trail of damage.

Brenda Tracy Sues MSU Board of Trustees

Brenda Tracy, a sexual assault prevention advocate, has filed a lawsuit against the Michigan State University Board of Trustees. Tracy alleges the board wrongfully and intentionally released her name after she accused former MSU head football coach Mel Tucker of sexual misconduct.

The suit includes claims of gross negligence, breach of contract, violation of board code of conduct, and tortious interference. Michigan State University has declined to comment.

University of Florida Rejects Santa Ono’s Presidency

Former University of Michigan President Santa Ono will not become the next president of the University of Florida. Despite unanimous support from the Gainesville school's trustees last month, the state’s Board of Governors voted 10-6 against the appointment. Ono recently faced conservative backlash over his support of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

Impeachment Articles Filed Against Benson

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is facing impeachment articles filed by State Representative James DeSana. The Republican lawmaker accuses Benson of “corrupt conduct” and violating campaign finance laws. Benson dismissed the allegations, calling them a “clown show.”

FBI Charges Two Chinese Nationals in Agroterrorism Case

Federal officials have charged two Chinese nationals in Michigan with smuggling a potentially dangerous fungus into the U.S. The FBI says the fungus is capable of infecting crops like wheat and rice and poses health risks to humans and livestock. The incident is being investigated as a possible act of agroterrorism.

Ingham County Non-Emergency Lines Experience Issues

Residents in Ingham County are being advised that central dispatch is experiencing issues with non-emergency phone lines, including call transfers. Officials recommend calling 9-1-1 if immediate assistance is needed.