MSU Trustee Rema Vassar Sues University Leadership

Michigan State University Trustee Rema Vassar has filed a lawsuit against MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz and several other university officials, alleging intentional discrimination and retaliation.

Vassar claims the university orchestrated a campaign against her that ultimately resulted in her removal from her duties as chair of the Board of Trustees.

MSU has said it will address the allegations through the appropriate legal channels.

The amount Vassar is seeking in the lawsuit has not been made clear. However, The State News reported that she threatened to sue the university for more than $25 million in May.

MSU Federal Credit Union Temporarily Takes Digital Services Offline

MSU Federal Credit Union was among numerous websites that temporarily went offline Wednesday amid an FBI warning about security vulnerabilities that could allow malicious actors to take control of servers.

The credit union took its website and digital banking services offline as a precaution while updating its systems and implementing additional security measures.

Customers are encouraged to contact MSUFCU directly for updates on their accounts and the status of its digital services.

Charlotte Public Schools, Teachers Reach New Contract Agreement

Charlotte Public Schools and its teachers have reached a new contract agreement that includes what a joint statement describes as the largest pay raise for instructors in years.

The agreement runs through 2028. Teachers had been working without a contract since late June.

The announcement marks a resolution to the contract negotiations between the district and its educators.

Lansing Old Town Business Owner Faces Federal SNAP Fraud Charges

Mohinder Singh, operator of Romario's Party Store in Lansing's Old Town District, is facing federal charges related to an alleged Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) fraud scheme.

According to the allegations, Singh exchanged cash and merchandise for customers' SNAP benefits, allowed customers to use their benefits to pay debts they owed him, and charged fees payable in SNAP benefits.

Singh is among 40 defendants nationwide accused of participating in schemes that allegedly cost the federal government approximately $45 million.

The charges are allegations, and the case will proceed through the federal legal system.

Eaton County Jail Inmate Found Dead

An inmate at the Eaton County Jail has been found dead in his cell.

Sheriff's officials said the 42-year-old man from Clarksville is believed to have died by suicide.

An investigation is underway to determine the official cause of death.

Michigan U.S. Senate Candidates Clash in Final Debate

Republican Mike Rogers and Democrat Abdul El-Sayed faced off Wednesday night in the final Michigan U.S. Senate debate before the November election.

The candidates sparred over several issues, including the war in Iran, as Election Day approached.

Rogers argued that allowing Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon could lead to a regional crisis and higher gasoline prices.

“ You want to pay $8 a gallon of gas? Let Iran get a nuclear weapon,” Rogers said, warning about losing control of the region.

El-Sayed countered that Rogers had supported the war before entering Congress and accused him of changing his position.

The debate marked the candidates' final scheduled showdown ahead of the election.

Michigan Retired Teacher Stephen Hubbard Returns Home After Russian Prison Release

Stephen Hubbard, a 74-year-old retired Michigan teacher and Big Rapids native, returned to the United States Wednesday after being released from a Russian prison, where he had been held for more than four years.

Hubbard was sentenced in 2024 to nearly seven years in prison after Russian prosecutors accused him of fighting as a mercenary alongside Ukrainian forces. The administration of former President Joe Biden had designated him as wrongfully detained.

U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff announced Hubbard's release during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg.

President Donald Trump said he directly asked Putin during a phone call the previous week to release Hubbard. According to the report, Hubbard was freed without a prisoner swap.

Hubbard's return brings him back to the United States after years in Russian custody.