Investigation Continues Into Unknown Substance Spilled Into Grand River

An investigation is continuing after an unknown substance spilled into the Grand River near the Lansing Center on Thursday.

Officials have not yet determined what the substance was or how much entered the waterway. There is also no information available regarding any immediate health risks to the public or potential effects on wildlife.

Lansing Police Dismantle Homeless Encampment

Lansing police dismantled a homeless encampment Thursday morning, affecting approximately 15 people living at the site near Center Street.

Police say the encampment was established on private property and that those living there had been given two weeks to clear out.

Meanwhile, Lansing City Councilmember Deyanira Nevarez Martinez says she is working on an emergency ordinance that would establish a moratorium on homeless encampment sweeps.

MSU Expands Public Safety Notifications

Michigan State University students, faculty and staff will now receive notifications about public safety incidents occurring off campus.

University Police announced the new safety alert system Thursday. The change comes following two shootings on Halloween night in East Lansing, both occurring in areas close to the university.

The expanded notifications are intended to provide the campus community with additional information about incidents that could affect their safety.

Michigan Files Antitrust Lawsuit Against Mackinac Island Ferry Service

The State of Michigan has filed an antitrust lawsuit in Ingham County Circuit Court against the Mackinac Island Ferry Service.

The Michigan Attorney General's Office alleges that Hoffman Marine maintains illegal monopolies over ferry transportation and visitor parking on Mackinac Island. The lawsuit also claims the company has increased fees and fares while reducing services.

Hoffman Marine had not issued an immediate comment on the lawsuit.

Proposed Michigan Bill Would Require Firearm Safety Training

A new proposal in the Michigan House could add an in-person safety training requirement for people seeking to purchase firearms.

House Bill 6477, introduced by Democratic Representative Sharon McDonnel, would require individuals attempting to buy a firearm in Michigan to complete in-person safety training.

Under current law, individuals over the age of 21 can purchase a pistol without completing a training course, provided they obtain a license to purchase from law enforcement.

The legislation has been referred to the House Committee on Government Operations.

Detroit Renaissance Center Redevelopment Moves Forward

A proposed $2.2 billion redevelopment of Detroit's Renaissance Center is moving closer to a full City Council vote.

A committee voted Thursday to advance the project, which is being proposed by General Motors and businessman Dan Gilbert's real estate company.

The full City Council could vote on the redevelopment as early as Tuesday.

Microsoft Outage Impacts Organizations Across Michigan

A Microsoft outage caused technical difficulties for several organizations across Michigan on Thursday.

The Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget reported that some government operations were affected.

Colleges, hospitals and, to a lesser extent, airports also experienced technical problems as a result of the outage.

The disruptions affected organizations across multiple sectors, highlighting the widespread impact of the technology issues.