Ted Nugent Brings Firearm to Michigan Capitol; Police Investigate Detection Failure

By 1320 WILS News Staff
June 27, 2025

Michigan rocker and outdoorsman Ted Nugent is back in the spotlight following his testimony this week to Michigan state lawmakers regarding alleged overreach by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Now, state police confirm Nugent carried a concealed firearm into the Michigan Capitol on Wednesday — a violation of building rules. According to officials, the trooper stationed at the weapons detection system failed to identify the alert until Nugent had already left the area. Nugent later voluntarily surrendered the firearm, and authorities are now investigating what went wrong with the detection process.

As of Friday morning, there is no word on whether Nugent will face any penalties. He is expected to speak further on the incident with 1320 WILS’ Mike Austin during the 8 a.m. hour.

Water Service Ordered for DeWitt Mobile Home Park
A Clinton County judge has ordered that water service be restored to residents of the Kristana Estates Mobile Home Park in DeWitt. Water was shut off last spring following notices from ownership that the park would permanently close due to declining occupancy and poor infrastructure.

Residents say they weren’t given enough notice to relocate and challenged the shutdown in court.

Loose Emu Dies During Police Chase in Lansing
A surprising and tragic scene unfolded Thursday on Lansing’s south side when an emu was spotted running loose in the 1200 block of Rio Drive around 2 p.m.

Officers and animal control attempted to capture the large, flightless bird, but it died during the process. Authorities have not yet determined the cause of death or the emu’s origin.

Western Michigan University Approves Tuition Hike
Students at Western Michigan University will soon pay more. The school’s Board of Trustees approved increases on Thursday, including:

• 4.6% hike in tuition

• 4% rise in residence hall and meal rates

• 3.5% increase for apartment housing

Federal Court Upholds Michigan’s Newborn Screening Program
The U.S. Court of Appeals has upheld Michigan’s newborn blood screening program, ruling that the analysis of de-identified samples does not violate constitutional rights.

The program collects and analyzes blood cells from newborns to screen for potentially life-threatening conditions.

Isle Royale Campers Died in Suspected Murder-Suicide
A medical examiner says two individuals found dead at a remote campground in Isle Royale National Park earlier this month likely died in a murder-suicide. Authorities believe the deceased were a father and son, though it’s unclear who died first. The investigation is ongoing.

Speed-Related Crashes Down in Michigan
Michigan State Police report a 32% decrease in speed-related crashes over a five-year span. In 2023, just over 21,000 such crashes occurred, compared to more than 31,000 in 2019.