MSU Names New Athletic Director; Local and Statewide Headlines Round Out Busy Day of News
EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State University officially introduced its new athletic director and vice president on Wednesday. J. Batt, previously the athletic director at Georgia Tech, was welcomed by MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz during a press conference.
“I told our Board of Trustees we were going to bring in a top-tier athletic director—and that’s exactly what we’re getting in J. Batt,” said Guskiewicz.
Batt called MSU “a top 10 athletic department in the country,” and emphasized his commitment to bringing energy, creativity, and integrity to the role as he works to support Spartan coaches and student-athletes.
Walter Neller Building Demolition Underway in Lansing
Demolition crews have begun tearing down the long-vacant Walter Neller building on Grand Avenue in downtown Lansing. The property, red-tagged since 2016, is being removed by the Granger Group after the Lansing City Council approved a "make-safe or demolish" resolution late last year. Hazardous materials are also being cleared as part of the demolition process.
Leslie Teen Killed After Electrocution Incident Near Elementary School
Leslie Public Schools is mourning the loss of a 14-year-old student who died Tuesday night after coming into contact with a downed power line near Woodworth Elementary School. A 16-year-old was also injured in the incident.
In a statement released Wednesday, the district expressed deep sadness and noted that counseling and support services are being made available to students and staff in the wake of the tragedy.
Teen Critically Injured in Jackson County Shooting
A 16-year-old boy is in critical condition after being shot in the head early Wednesday morning in Blackman-Leoni Township in Jackson County. Authorities are investigating the shooting, which occurred on Peacock Walk, as suspicious. No suspects have been identified at this time.
Michigan Man Convicted for Attempting to Support ISIS
A Westland man has been convicted on federal charges related to attempting to support ISIS. According to prosecutors, 37-year-old Osmohamed Nasser initially attempted to travel abroad to fight for the terrorist group but was stopped. He later began collecting drones and constructing a bomb in his basement. U.S. attorneys labeled Nasser a national security threat.
This marks the second arrest of a suspected ISIS supporter in Michigan in 2024.
Ford Recalls Nearly 500,000 Explorers Over Safety Concerns
Ford Motor Company is recalling approximately 492,000 Explorer SUVs from model years 2016 and 2017. The recall stems from a defect that can cause parts of the door trim to detach while driving. The Dearborn-based automaker is urging owners to schedule inspections and repairs at authorized service centers.
Cedar Point Set to Launch Record-Breaking Roller Coaster
Thrill-seekers heading to Cedar Point this summer will have a new attraction to conquer. The amusement park in Sandusky, Ohio, will debut Siren’s Curse, the tallest, fastest, and longest tilt coaster in North America. The ride is scheduled to open to the public on June 28.
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