Major MSU Athletics Announcement Expected Today as Infrastructure, Crime, and Community Updates Shape Mid-Michigan

EAST LANSING — A significant announcement is expected today from Michigan State University Athletics, coming just days after the unveiling of the school’s $1 billion “FOR SPARTA” fundraising campaign. Broadcast reports indicate that a major donor is expected to play a key role in the initiative, which could potentially include naming rights for Spartan Stadium.

New Round of US-127 Road Closures Begins

Drivers should expect delays as additional lane and ramp closures go into effect today along US-127. The work is part of an ongoing rebuilding project intended to improve access for northbound traffic heading toward westbound I-496.

Affected ramps include:

• US-127 to Kalamazoo Street

• Trowbridge Road to US-127

• I-496 eastbound to US-127

Teen Ordered to Stand Trial in Lansing Murder

A 17-year-old boy has been ordered to stand trial in connection with a fatal shooting in Lansing last month.
Rehmier Westmoreland, charged as an adult, is accused in the shooting death of 18-year-old Javiahn Latham at an apartment on Georgetown Boulevard. He faces open murder and felony firearm charges.

Jackson County Fire Now Investigated as Homicide

Authorities say a September house fire in Tompkins Township is now being treated as a homicide case.
After a home on Maple Lane Road burned on September 17, firefighters discovered the bodies of 44-year-old Sherri Lynn Porter and a 47-year-old man. Porter's death certificate lists her cause of death as a gunshot wound to the head. The man’s identity, cause of death, and the fire’s origin have not yet been released.

Eaton County Woman Sentenced for Embezzlement

An Eaton County woman has been sentenced to up to 15 years in prison for stealing more than $80,000 from a senior citizen in the Charlotte area.
A jury found 48-year-old Heather Bodell guilty of embezzlement after prosecutors said she was hired to help the victim around her home and stole money over time.

Man Critically Injured After Train Collision in Ionia County

A 20-year-old Lake Odessa man suffered life-threatening injuries Thursday after a train struck his vehicle on Huddle Road in Ionia County. He was the only person in the car at the time of the crash.

Welch High School Closed Again After Teacher Found Dead

Welch High School in Ionia County is closed for a second consecutive day following the discovery of a teacher who was found dead inside the school on Wednesday.
Officials have not yet released the teacher’s identity or cause of death. Ionia High School, located on the same campus, resumed classes today with grief counselors available to support students and staff.

Grand Ledge Christmas Parade Set for Tonight

The Night Lights Christmas Parade will take place tonight in Grand Ledge, stepping off at 7 p.m. from the fire department before traveling down Bridge Street to Scott Street.
A tree-lighting ceremony will be held beforehand at 6:45 p.m. in Bridge Street Plaza.