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Mike FM Local News Archives for 2026-05

East Lansing Police Shooting Video Delay Draws Criticism as Budget Hearing and Road Closures Continue

The family of a Michigan State University student shot and killed by East Lansing Police Department officers last month is expected to hold a news conference Tuesday following delays in the public release of body camera and incident footage.

The family of Isaiah Kirby says it recently viewed the video connected to the fatal shooting near Lake Lansing and Abbot roads but claims the footage appeared heavily edited and lacked transparency. The shooting remains under investigation by the Michigan State Police.

Police previously said the incident began after Kirby allegedly stabbed another individual before charging at officers while refusing commands to drop a knife.

Meanwhile, the East Lansing City Council is scheduled to hold a public hearing Tuesday night on the city’s proposed fiscal year budget. Officials initially projected a $1.7 million deficit before the city manager introduced a proposal aimed at nearly eliminating the shortfall.

Drivers across the Lansing area are also facing another day of traffic disruptions as several ramps near the U.S. 127 and I-496 interchange remain closed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for repair work. The affected ramps include southbound U.S. 127 to Trowbridge Road, eastbound I-496 to Trowbridge Road, and the Howard and Kalamazoo Street entrance ramp to southbound U.S. 127.

Additional road closures are impacting parts of Saginaw and Larch streets due to emergency sewer repairs. Officials say sections of Saginaw Street between Grand Avenue and Larch Street, along with Larch Street from Erie Street to Manchester Court, will remain closed until repairs are completed.

In East Lansing, investigators say discarded smoking materials caused a weekend fire at the Village at Chandler Crossing apartment complex near the Bath Township border. Nearly 50 residents were displaced after 12 apartment units sustained damage. No serious injuries were reported.

Housing leaders from across the state are also gathering Tuesday and Wednesday at the Lansing Center for the Building Michigan Communities Conference. More than 1,200 housing and community development officials are attending discussions focused on Michigan’s estimated 119,000-unit housing shortage.

Elsewhere in Michigan, several major school districts in Oakland County remain closed following a significant water main break over the weekend. Boil water advisories and water use restrictions continue for multiple communities as crews work to stabilize the system.

Federal, state, and local officials are also beginning preliminary damage assessments across 31 Michigan counties recently hit by severe flooding and tornadoes. The inspections will help determine whether damage levels meet the threshold for a federal disaster declaration request from Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

Lansing Ramp Closures, Bath Township Apartment Fire and Rising Gas Prices Top Mid-Michigan News

Drivers navigating the US-127 and I-496 interchange in the Lansing area will need to plan for detours over the next two days as several ramps close for ongoing repair work connected to the larger US-127 rebuilding project.

According to transportation officials, the closures will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday and Tuesday and include the ramps from US-127 southbound to Trowbridge Road, I-496 eastbound to Trowbridge Road, and Howard and Kalamazoo streets to US-127 southbound. The work is part of the continuing reconstruction effort stretching from I-69 to Lake Lansing Road.

Meanwhile, the Lansing City Council is expected to consider proposed downtown parking changes during its meeting Monday night. The proposal would delay the start of daily parking enforcement from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. while also increasing fines for parking meter violations. Drivers who pay citations before midnight on the day they are issued could qualify for reduced penalties. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. at Lansing City Hall.

Officials are also continuing to assess damage following a major apartment fire Saturday night at the Village at Chandler Crossing in Bath Township. Fire crews responded around 8:20 p.m. after flames spread across the roof of the building. Project manager Will Dyer said the fire started from a grill located on a third-floor balcony. Everyone inside escaped safely, but the building has been declared a total loss and will need to be demolished. Approximately 50 students were displaced. Staff members are now working to secure temporary housing for residents affected by the fire.

Gas prices may also continue climbing across the Midwest following renewed tensions involving the United States and Iran. GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan warned diesel prices in parts of the Great Lakes region are approaching seven dollars per gallon, with truck drivers expected to feel the largest impact if prices remain elevated for an extended period.

Elsewhere in Michigan, authorities are investigating two separate weekend shootings that left multiple people injured. In Jackson, four people in their 20s were shot Saturday, including one person critically injured. On the state’s west side, six people were hurt in Muskegon after an altercation at a post-prom gathering led to gunfire and vehicles striking several victims. No arrests had been announced in either incident as of Sunday night.

On Sunday, Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency following a major water main break in Oakland County. The rupture of a 42-inch water line prompted boil water advisories for several communities, including Auburn Hills, Pontiac, Rochester Hills and Orion Township.

Communities across the Lansing area also celebrated Mother’s Day with several local events Sunday. At Potter Park Zoo, mothers received free admission, while the Brand New Festival in Williamston featured relaxation activities including massages and meditation sessions. 

East Lansing Police Delay Release of Isaiah Kirby Body Cam Footage Amid Family Concerns

East Lansing police have postponed the release of body camera footage from the fatal April 15 shooting of MSU student Isaiah Kirby after concerns from the family and state police review.

East Lansing police have postponed the public release of body camera footage connected to last month’s fatal officer-involved shooting that killed Michigan State University student Isaiah Kirby.

The decision came after East Lansing Police Department officials met with Michigan State Police investigators, along with Kirby’s family and their attorney. According to the family, the footage shown to them appeared heavily edited and selectively compiled, raising additional concerns about the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

The incident occurred April 15 near the intersection of Lake Lansing and Abbott roads. Police said Kirby had stabbed another man before confronting officers while armed with a knife. Authorities said officers repeatedly ordered Kirby to drop the weapon before he allegedly charged toward them, prompting police to open fire.

No new timeline has been announced for the public release of the footage.

Lansing School District Moves Toward Permanent Superintendent Hire

The Lansing School District is moving closer to naming a permanent superintendent.

School board members voted Wednesday night to authorize contract negotiations with interim superintendent Jessica Benavides, signaling support for removing her interim status permanently.

Board Treasurer Dan Nowiski praised Benavides during the meeting, citing her communication style and transparency with the community, district staff and the board.

“I’ve been impressed in so many ways — the communication, the openness, the honesty with the community, with staff, with this board about things that are going well, but also things that need improvement,” Nowiski said. “And the willingness to have difficult conversations already, make difficult decisions.”

Grand Ledge Schools Resume Classes After Teacher’s Death

Classes resumed Friday for elementary students and early childhood programs in the Grand Ledge Public Schools district following the death of Willow Ridge Elementary teacher Chong Bedard.

District officials had canceled classes Thursday as the community mourned the loss. Counselors were made available across district buildings Friday to support students and staff returning to school.

Congressman Tom Barrett Introduces Iran Military Authorization Resolution

U.S. Representative Tom Barrett introduced a joint resolution Wednesday seeking formal congressional authorization for military operations against Iran.

The proposed “2026 Authorization for Military Use Against Iran” would grant President Donald Trump authority to target Iran’s nuclear weapons program, respond to threats posed by Iranian-backed forces and enforce a blockade of Iranian ports while ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

The resolution has been referred to committee for further consideration.

Lansing Community College Celebrates More Than 1,700 Graduates

More than 1,700 Lansing Community College graduates received their diplomas Wednesday night during commencement ceremonies held at the Breslin Center.

The event celebrated students completing degrees and certifications across a wide range of academic and technical programs.

Michigan Angler Sets New State Record

A Lowell angler has landed a new Michigan state-record fish.

According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Sedrick Neinhuis caught a gizzard shad while spin casting on the Grand River in Kent County. The fish weighed nearly 4.5 pounds and measured more than 20 inches long.

The catch surpassed the previous state record, which had stood for 30 years, by less than half a pound.

Grand Ledge School Closures, East Lansing Police Transparency Concerns, and Michigan Supreme Court Dispute

Grand Ledge Closures, Police Transparency Concerns, and State Legal Battles Lead Mid-Michigan Headlines

Some students in the Grand Ledge Public School District received an unexpected day off Wednesday after district officials announced several school buildings would be closed due to what they described as “unforeseen circumstances.”

The closures affect all elementary schools, Little Comets, GSRP, Head Start, and ECSE programs. Adventure Club programs at Delta Center, Holbrook, Wacousta, and Willow Ridge were also canceled.

Classes are still being held for Grand Ledge High School, Beagle Middle School, and Hayes Middle School. District officials emphasized there is no safety concern and said additional information is expected later.

East Lansing Oversight Commission Calls for More Police Transparency

Tensions surfaced during an East Lansing Police Oversight Commission meeting Tuesday night as commissioners pressed for greater transparency from the East Lansing Police Department regarding recent high-profile incidents.

Among the cases discussed were last month’s stabbing and the fatal officer-involved shooting near Lake Lansing and Abbott roads.

Commissioner Simon Peraza criticized what he described as limited public access to information involving investigations and police use-of-force data.

“There is so much happening behind closed doors when it comes to ongoing investigations, when it comes to lawsuits, when it just comes to getting access to use-of-force data,” Peraza told WILX-TV.

Police Chief Jennifer Brown attended the meeting but declined to comment publicly.

Attorney General Investigation Targets Global Link International

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel says an investigation is continuing into Global Link International after more than a dozen felony charges were announced against nonprofit president Fay Beydoun.

Prosecutors allege Beydoun improperly used money from a $20 million state grant for personal expenses and misled the Michigan Economic Development Corporation about spending tied to the program.

Speaking at a Wednesday news conference, Nessel criticized oversight practices at the MEDC.

“It’s very clear to us that they don’t have the types of policies and procedures in place that they need to if they’re going to be administering these enormous grants,” Nessel said.

Beydoun’s attorney has called the allegations illogical. The MEDC says it is cooperating with the attorney general’s investigation but declined further comment.

Michigan Supreme Court Weighs Legislative Dispute

The Michigan Supreme Court is preparing to deliberate on a lawsuit filed by the Michigan Senate against the Michigan House over nine bills approved during the Democratic-led Legislature’s 2024 session.

The dispute centers on legislation that was passed but never forwarded to the governor by the current Republican-led House.

During oral arguments Wednesday, House attorney Kyle Asher urged the court to overturn lower court rulings that found the House was required to send the bills to the governor.

Asher argued that allowing courts to intervene in internal legislative disputes could undermine the Legislature’s status as a co-equal branch of government.

Coast Guard Recovers Bodies of Missing Fishermen in Saginaw Bay

The United States Coast Guard Detroit sector says crews recovered the bodies of three fishermen after an overdue vessel search in Saginaw Bay.

The boat reportedly left Gambill’s Landing Tuesday afternoon for a fishing trip in the area known as the “Black Hole” but failed to return.

The victims were identified as Chris Whitmer, Ron Whitmer, and Chris Stanley Whitmer Sr.

MSU Federal Credit Union Named Sponsor of Backpack Giveaway

Michigan State University Federal Credit Union has been named the title sponsor for this year’s 17th annual backpack giveaway hosted by Mike 101.7 sister station Power 96.5 FM.

More than 1,000 backpacks filled with school supplies will be distributed to local students and families during the drive-thru event on Wednesday, Aug. 20, at the Don Johnson Fieldhouse parking lot.

Distribution begins at 2 p.m., with vehicles allowed to begin lining up at noon.

Mid-Michigan Election Results, East Lansing School Threat, MSU Chemical Spill and Fatal Crash

Election Results Across the Lansing Area

Voters delivered split decisions on several local ballot proposals.

In Ingham County, residents approved a nearly $100 million bond for Ingham Intermediate School District. The funding will go toward building a new center-based special education facility aimed at expanding services for students with specialized needs.

Meanwhile, voters in Grand Ledge rejected a $22.5 million proposal that would have funded the construction of two new fire stations, along with the purchase of fire trucks and equipment.

In Stockbridge, voters approved a $1.6 million emergency services millage, signaling support for maintaining and improving local emergency response capabilities.

Democrats Regain Michigan Senate Majority

Tuesday’s election also had statewide political implications. Democrat Chedrick Greene won the 35th Senate District seat in the Bay Region, defeating Republican Jason Tunney.

The victory restores a 20-18 Democratic majority in the Michigan Senate. Greene fills the seat vacated by Kristen McDonald Rivet, who resigned after winning a congressional seat in 2024.

Second Swatting Threat at East Lansing High School

Authorities responded to another threat at East Lansing High School Tuesday—the second incident in less than a week.

Officials later determined the threat to be a swatting call and confirmed it occurred after students had been dismissed for the day. The incident follows a similar false bomb threat reported at the school just days earlier.

Chemical Spill Prompts Evacuation at MSU

A small chemical spill on the Michigan State University campus led to a hazmat response Tuesday.

The incident occurred inside the Chilled Water Plant on Service Road during routine maintenance. Emergency crews evacuated the area as a precaution. Officials reported no injuries.

Fatal Motorcycle Crash in Eaton County

A 74-year-old Eaton Rapids man died following a motorcycle crash Monday afternoon in Eaton County.

Investigators say the man was riding a 2010 Harley-Davidson northbound on South Clinton Trail when a pickup truck entered the roadway from East Bellevue Highway, causing a collision.

The driver of the truck, also 74 and from Charlotte, was not injured. The motorcyclist was transported to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Authorities say drugs and alcohol do not appear to be factors. The investigation remains ongoing.

Arson Suspect Sought in Detroit

Police in Detroit are searching for a suspect accused of setting a fire inside Huntington Place last week.

Investigators say the individual, dressed in black with a gray mask, was seen carrying a backpack and three water bottles believed to contain gasoline. The incident caused no major damage.

Huntington Place hosts major events, including the annual Detroit Auto Show.

Mid-Michigan Election Day, Airport Delay, and Statewide News Roundup

Election Day in the Lansing Area

It’s Election Day in the greater Lansing region, where voters are deciding on several local proposals. Ballots include bond measures and millages impacting the Ingham Intermediate School District, as well as funding requests for Grand Ledge Area Fire Services and Stockbridge Emergency Services. Polls remain open until 8 p.m.

Lansing-to-Chicago Flights Delayed

Travelers hoping for a new direct route between Capital Region International Airport and Chicago will need to wait a bit longer. United Airlines has postponed the launch of its nonstop service to O'Hare International Airport.

The delay comes as the Federal Aviation Administration works to limit flights into Chicago this summer to reduce congestion and delays. The service, originally scheduled to begin this week, is now expected to start in October.

Memorial Honors Fallen Officers

At the Michigan State Capitol, families, colleagues, and community members gathered for the 32nd annual Candlelight Memorial Service honoring fallen law enforcement officers. The event, organized by Michigan Concerns of Police Survivors, paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the line of duty.

Fatal ATV Crash Under Investigation

Authorities in Ionia County are investigating a deadly ATV crash that claimed the life of a 78-year-old Pewamo resident. The incident occurred at the intersection of Blue Water Highway and Cook Road in Lyons Township.

Officials say the victim failed to stop at the intersection and was not wearing a seatbelt. The individual later died from injuries sustained in the crash. The investigation remains ongoing, and the victim’s name has not yet been released.

Garage Fire Contained in Eaton County

Fire crews responded quickly to a garage fire in Eaton County over the weekend. The Charlotte Fire Department was dispatched to a home in Chester Township late Saturday night.

Flames were visible upon arrival, but firefighters contained the blaze within minutes, preventing it from spreading into the main residence. Two cats were rescued, and no injuries were reported. Officials determined the fire was accidental.

Call for Audit After Party Convention

Dana Nessel, along with several Democratic candidates, is calling for an independent audit of the voting process at last month’s Michigan Democratic Party endorsement convention in Detroit. Party officials have not yet publicly responded.

Minor Earthquake Recorded in Monroe County

A small earthquake was recorded Monday evening in Monroe County. According to the United States Geological Survey, the 2.7 magnitude quake struck near the village of Carleton at a depth of 5.2 kilometers. No damage or injuries have been reported.

Health Officials Warn of Mosquito and Tick Risks

Following recent heavy rainfall and flooding, Michigan health and agriculture officials are urging residents to take precautions against ticks and mosquitoes. Standing water has created ideal breeding conditions, increasing the risk of disease transmission to both humans and animals.

E-Bikes Allowed on Mackinac Island—With Restrictions

Visitors to Mackinac Island may notice a change this summer: electric bikes are now permitted under updated local regulations. However, usage is limited to individuals with mobility disabilities.

Permits must be obtained in advance, and officials recommend applying at least two weeks before arrival.

Mid-Michigan Prepares for Elections, Lansing Budget Hearing, Gas Prices Surge

Mid-Michigan Gears Up for Elections, Budget Decisions, and Rising Gas Prices

Final preparations are underway for Tuesday’s elections across parts of mid-Michigan, where voters will weigh several local funding proposals that could impact schools, emergency services, and fire protection.

Among the ???? measures is a nearly $100 million bond proposal from Ingham Intermediate School District to fund a new special education building. Meanwhile, residents in Grand Ledge will consider a $22.5 million proposal to support fire services, and voters in Stockbridge will decide on a roughly $1.5 million millage increase for emergency services.

Lansing Budget Hearing Begins

In Lansing, the City Council is set to hold a public hearing Monday night on the proposed 2027 fiscal year budget. Mayor Andy Schor has introduced a $307 million spending plan, with the council facing a May 18 deadline to finalize the budget.

Road Work to Impact Commuters

Drivers should expect delays this week along US 127 southbound, where the Michigan Department of Transportation is conducting epoxy overlay work between Forest and Jolly roads. The construction is expected to last through Friday and is part of ongoing improvements from last year’s rebuilding project.

ATV Crash Leaves One Injured

In Ionia County, a 78-year-old ATV driver remains hospitalized with serious injuries after a collision Sunday at Blue Water Highway and Cook Road in Lyons Township. Authorities say the driver failed to stop at the intersection and was not wearing a seat belt. The condition of the other driver involved has not been released.

Election Security Debate in Washington

On the national stage, Michigan U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin questioned Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing about the potential use of military personnel in future elections.

Hegseth dismissed the inquiry as hypothetical, while Slotkin pointed to comments from former President Donald Trump suggesting regret over not involving the military during efforts to challenge the 2020 election results.

Gas Prices Hit Record Highs

Drivers across Michigan are feeling the pinch as gas prices continue to climb. AAA Michigan reported a statewide average of $4.87 per gallon as of Sunday—an increase of about 83 cents from the previous week. In the Lansing area, prices are even higher, averaging $4.91 per gallon.

Diesel fuel has also reached a new statewide record, averaging $6.01 per gallon, surpassing the previous high set in 2022.

MSU Meth Lab Arrest, Michigan Budget Advances, and Lansing Workforce Debate Lead Mid-Michigan News

Former MSU Student Charged in Campus Meth Lab Investigation

Authorities are releasing new details about a man accused of operating a methamphetamine lab on Michigan State University’s campus.

The suspect, 31-year-old Xin Tong, is a former student who was identified using an expired student ID, according to court documents. The case came to light after students and staff were evacuated from Wells Hall on Monday when an unknown chemical was discovered inside the building.

Investigators say Tong was arrested Sunday while carrying multiple bags. Inside, authorities found bottles containing substances commonly used in the production of methamphetamine. The investigation remains ongoing.


MSU Commencement Begins with High-Profile Speakers

Meanwhile, celebrations are underway on campus as Michigan State University kicks off its spring commencement ceremonies at the Breslin Center.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer is among the keynote speakers, joined by Agentic Connect founder Christopher Fernandez and distinguished professor Ann Austin. Thousands of graduates and their families are expected to attend the ceremonies throughout the week.


Lansing Leaders Push for Return-to-Office Policies

In Lansing, business leaders are urging lawmakers to take stronger action to bring workers back to downtown offices.

The Lansing Regional Chamber testified Thursday before a Michigan House subcommittee examining in-person work policies. Chamber President and CEO Tim Damon emphasized the importance of a daytime workforce to the city’s economic health.

“Without that daytime workforce, none of this works,” Damon said, adding that vacant office buildings should be sold if employees do not return.

Republican lawmakers argue more needs to be done to reverse remote work trends that accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic.


Man Re-Sentenced in 1986 Murder Case

A judge has re-sentenced Roger Ruthruff, who was convicted in a 1986 murder, to 40 to 60 years in prison.

Ruthruff was 18 years old at the time of the crime. The new sentence follows a Michigan Supreme Court ruling requiring re-sentencing for individuals who were young at the time of their offenses and originally received life sentences.

Having already served 40 years, Ruthruff is now eligible for parole.


Michigan Senate Approves $88 Billion Budget

The Michigan Senate has approved an $88 billion state budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

The plan includes increased per-pupil education funding but excludes Governor Whitmer’s proposed $800 million in “sin taxes.” The House passed its version of the budget last week, setting up further negotiations before a final agreement is reached.


Voter Roll Cleanup Continues Across Michigan

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced continued efforts to remove inactive voters from state rolls.

Since 2019, more than 2.1 million inactive registrations have been identified, with 1.5 million already removed. An additional 600,000 registrations are expected to be canceled in 2027 and 2029.

Officials encourage residents who haven’t voted in several years to check their registration status.


Leadership Change at Detroit Auto Show

The Detroit Auto Show is undergoing a leadership transition as it prepares for future events.

The Detroit Auto Dealers Association announced that Executive Director Sam Klemet will step down after two years in the role. A search is now underway for his replacement as planning continues for the 2027 show.

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