Early Morning Fire in Lansing
Fire crews responded to a house fire early Wednesday morning in the 5000 block of Southgate near Jolly Road. Officials say the blaze broke out around 4 a.m., but everyone inside the home was able to escape safely without injuries. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
NAACP President Steps Down to Run for Office
Harold Pope has stepped down as president of the Lansing NAACP and announced a run for Michigan’s 74th District House seat. The position will be vacated by Kara Hope at the end of her term.
James McCurtis Jr. will serve as interim president during the transition.
Parents Face Charges in Toddler’s Death
In Aurelius Township, two parents appeared in court Tuesday in connection with the death of their 21-month-old son.
Pierson Davis and Karolina Davis are charged with murder and child abuse. Authorities say the child was found dead in August 2024, while another young child in the home showed signs of neglect.
A preliminary examination is scheduled for July 7.
State Leaders React to Supreme Court Decision
Gretchen Whitmer and Dana Nessel are criticizing a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that struck down a ban on conversion therapy for LGBTQ youth in Colorado.
Michigan is currently facing a legal challenge to a similar ban signed into law in 2023.
Michigan Pushback on Federal Voting Order
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is pushing back against an executive order from Donald Trump targeting mail-in voting. Benson called the move illegal and said the state plans to challenge it in court, emphasizing that elections are administered by states—not the federal government.
Man Sentenced in Campaign Fraud Scheme
A Florida man has been sentenced to two to ten years in prison after being convicted in Macomb County of defrauding multiple 2022 Michigan campaigns.
Willie Reed was found guilty in a scheme involving nearly $400,000 in fraudulent signatures. He was one of three individuals charged in the case.
Lawmaker Proposes Penalty for Federal Deficit Spending
State Representative Steve Carra is advocating for a bill that would penalize members of Congress who support deficit spending. The proposal includes a 75% surcharge on lawmakers who vote for increased federal deficits.
Cannabis Industry Files Lawsuit Over New Tax
The Michigan Cannabis Industry Association has filed a lawsuit challenging the state’s 24% wholesale marijuana tax. The group argues the tax is effectively a disguised sales tax. The measure was recently approved as part of Governor Whitmer’s road funding plan.
Easter Spending Expected to Hit Record Levels
According to the National Retail Federation, consumer spending for Easter is expected to reach nearly $25 billion this year.
Candy remains the most popular purchase, with 92% of shoppers planning to buy sweets. Gifts and decorations are also popular, with more than half of consumers planning those purchases.
