LANSING, Mich. — Tens of thousands of Consumers Energy customers across Michigan were without electricity early Thursday following a round of severe thunderstorms that swept through the state overnight.

The outages included thousands of customers throughout the Lansing tri-county area. Meanwhile, utility officials reported that power had been restored to most, if not all, of the hundreds of customers served by the Lansing Board of Water & Light who were initially affected by the storms.

Forecasters are warning residents to remain weather-aware, as another round of severe weather is expected across Mid-Michigan Thursday evening following another hot and humid day with heat index values reaching into the 90s.

East Lansing Human Rights Commission Seeks Delay

The East Lansing Human Rights Commission plans to ask the City Council to postpone a vote scheduled for next Tuesday on proposed changes to the city's Human Rights Ordinance.

The proposed revisions would significantly reduce the commission's authority and replace it with a committee that would include at least one city resident and one Human Rights Commission member.

During a commission meeting Wednesday night, East Lansing resident Antonio Gomez expressed skepticism that city leaders would reconsider the proposal.

"I hope they respond positively, but I unfortunately do not think they will," Gomez told WLNS-TV. "This is very much a lack of effort, and there's a lack of effort from, I think, at least two people on council."

MSU Trustee Threatens Legal Action

Michigan State University Trustee Rema Vassar has announced plans to sue the university, alleging years of discrimination during her tenure as a board member and former board chair.

Vassar said a lawsuit could be filed in federal court if outgoing MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz does not respond to a letter she sent by next Wednesday.

Road Closures Planned in Lansing

Several streets in downtown Lansing are closed Thursday for community events.

Ottawa Street between Walnut and Capitol Avenue will remain closed through 7 p.m. for the Community Violence Intervention Day event. Additionally, Washington Square between Michigan Avenue and Allegan Street will be closed from 3 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for a block party.

Eight Charged in Michigan-Linked Federal Case

Federal prosecutors have charged eight pro-Palestinian activists, ages 21 to 28, in connection with alleged threats targeting leaders, law enforcement officials, and organizations associated with the University of Michigan and the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the defendants allegedly posted demands on social media directed at leadership of University of Michigan, including calls for divestment from Israel and businesses supporting the country. Prosecutors also allege the group spray-painted homes and businesses, including facilities associated with the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit, with messages, symbols, and threats.

The allegations stem from incidents following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel.

Gordie Howe Bridge Opening May Face Delay

There could be a slight delay in the public opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Detroit and Windsor, Ontario.

Canadian officials downplayed concerns Wednesday, with the prime minister saying there was "no big drama" surrounding the project's timeline. A ribbon-cutting ceremony remains scheduled for Friday, while the bridge is expected to open to traffic on Monday.

UAW Reaches Tentative Deal with American Axle

The United Auto Workers has reached a tentative contract agreement with American Axle & Manufacturing, potentially ending a 10-day strike at the company's Three Rivers facility in southwest Michigan.

Nearly 1,000 workers walked off the job last week, seeking higher wages, additional time off, and protections against increases in health insurance costs.

Details of the tentative agreement have not yet been released, and union members will still need to vote on ratification.