Lansing Roundup: Mel Tucker Sued for Defamation, MSU Commencement Begins, and More Local News

By Rich Herl | 1320 WILS News | May 2, 2025

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Brenda Tracy Files Defamation Lawsuit Against Former MSU Coach Mel Tucker
Former Michigan State University football coach Mel Tucker is facing a defamation lawsuit filed by prominent sexual assault advocate Brenda Tracy. The suit alleges that Tucker made “false and harmful” statements about Tracy after she accused him of sexual harassment—a claim that led to his termination in 2023.

Tucker continues to deny all allegations of misconduct and has stated their relationship was consensual. His legal team has also rejected the claims made in the defamation filing.

MSU Commencement Ceremonies Underway
Michigan State University is celebrating the graduation of over 10,000 students this weekend. The university’s spring commencement ceremonies began today and will run through Sunday. The largest events are being held at the Breslin Center and the Wharton Center.

Lansing Man to Stand Trial in Deadly Assault Case
A Lansing man has been ordered to stand trial in connection with a fatal assault that occurred earlier this year in East Lansing.

David Gaines Jr., 24, faces an involuntary manslaughter charge in the death of 20-year-old Caleb Shermo of Fowlerville. Authorities allege Shermo was beaten at the intersection of Grand River and MAC Avenue in January. If convicted, Gaines could face up to 15 years in prison.

Judge Orders Immediate Closure of Sloan Onondaga Dragway
The Sloan Onondaga Dragway has been ordered to shut down immediately after a judge ruled in favor of a local resident who argued that noise and vibrations from the raceway constituted a public nuisance.

The dragway has been at the center of multiple lawsuits dating back to 2013. The current owner claims steps have been taken to reduce noise pollution, but the court sided with the complainant this week.

Ex-Lansing Police Lieutenant Sentenced for On-Duty Misconduct
A former Lansing police lieutenant has been sentenced after being found guilty of using city time to mow lawns for personal profit.

Ryan Wilcox, 45, received 10 months of probation and must repay over $18,000 in restitution. The investigation found that Wilcox performed private landscaping jobs while on duty.

East Lansing Promotes “No Mow May” to Support Pollinators
The City of East Lansing is urging residents to participate in “No Mow May,” an initiative aimed at supporting pollinators and boosting the local ecosystem.

According to the East Lansing Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, pollination supports approximately 80% of the world’s food crops. Free yard waste collection will be offered for participants—on June 2 for properties west of Abbott Road toward Frandor, and on June 9 for properties east of Abbott Road toward Orcamus.

Live Fire Training at Lansing Airport Today
Don’t be alarmed if you see emergency activity near Capital Region International Airport today. A live fire training exercise is being conducted from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Officials say normal airport operations and access to the terminal will not be affected during the drill.

Testimony Continues in Grand Rapids Officer-Involved Shooting Trial
At least two Grand Rapids police officers testified Thursday in the murder trial of former officer Christopher Schur, who is charged in the 2022 fatal shooting of Patrick Lyoya during a traffic stop.

One officer testified that Schur followed department training and argued that the shooting—after a struggle over a taser—was not unreasonable.

DOJ Sues Michigan Over Climate Policies
The U.S. Justice Department has filed lawsuits against Michigan and three other states, alleging their climate policies interfere with federal authority and the energy agenda set under former President Trump.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has called the lawsuit “frivolous and arguably sanctionable.” Nessel previously enlisted private firms to take legal action against fossil fuel companies.