EAST LANSING, Mich. — Tensions flared during a Monday night meeting in East Lansing as residents and officials debated proposed changes to the city's Human Rights Ordinance.

The proposed revisions would shift the role of the Human Rights Commission away from investigating allegations of unlawful discrimination and toward mediation and conflict resolution. Under the changes, discrimination complaints would instead be referred to the state civil rights department.

Some commission members expressed concerns that the proposal could leave gaps in protections, particularly for students.

Human Rights Commission Chair Karen Hoene criticized the process, saying the proposal was moving forward without adequate input from students or diversity officials.

“I think moving forward with this without the opportunity for student input is a terrible idea,” Hoene told WLNS-TV. “I don't think the DEI department was consulted on this. Certainly the first we knew about it was when it was already on the agenda.”

The East Lansing City Council is expected to vote on the proposed changes next week.

MSU Community Bids Farewell to President Kevin Guskiewicz

Meanwhile, members of the Michigan State University community are saying goodbye to President Kevin Guskiewicz as he prepares to leave the university.

Students, faculty and supporters have posted signs, messages and artwork, including a painted Spartan Rock, as part of the “We Heart Kevin G” campaign.

Guskiewicz is departing to become president of Clemson University. His decision comes after months of public tensions and disagreements involving the MSU Board of Trustees.

Sparrow Participates in Statewide Emergency Drill

U of M Health Sparrow participated Monday in a statewide emergency preparedness exercise involving the transport of a simulated patient infected with a special pathogen.

The drill took place on Sparrow's St. Lawrence campus in Lansing and involved emergency personnel wearing full protective equipment. The mannequin patient was transported from Detroit before continuing on to Grand Rapids as part of the training exercise.

Officials advised the public that emergency activity near the campus along Saginaw Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard was part of the planned drill.

Gordie Howe International Bridge Expected to Open

Reports indicate the long-awaited Gordie Howe International Bridge could open to traffic next Monday.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is reportedly scheduled for Friday ahead of the opening. The bridge, which will connect Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, was originally expected to open last fall but experienced construction delays.

The project also faced additional delays earlier this year amid trade-related discussions between the United States and Canada.

Coast Guard Ends Search for Missing Lenawee County Woman

The U.S. Coast Guard has concluded its search related to the disappearance of Lynette Hooker, a Lenawee County woman who went missing in the Bahamas in April 2025.

Authorities have not yet announced whether any evidence was recovered during the search. Hooker's husband, Brian Hooker, previously told investigators that she fell overboard. He was detained for several days following the incident before later being released.

Michigan Releases Updated Fish Consumption Guide

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has released an updated guide to help residents safely consume locally caught fish.

The recommendations highlight smaller panfish, including bluegill and perch, as some of the safest options to eat. State officials encourage anglers and consumers to review county-specific consumption guidelines, which are available through the state's website.

The updated guidance is intended to help residents reduce exposure to environmental contaminants while continuing to enjoy Michigan's fishing opportunities.