Michigan State University is continuing to restore normal operations following last weekend’s major power outage, while several other developments are unfolding across the Lansing area and throughout Michigan.
Administrative work functions at MSU are expected to fully resume Tuesday as the university’s Infrastructure Planning and Facilities Department continues work to restore steam and hot water to campus buildings. The outage was connected to an issue at the T.B. Simon Power Plant.
Some classes are also returning to in-person instruction. MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz said Monday that individual deans, department chairs and faculty members will communicate directly with students about course-specific plans. He said classes are expected to use a combination of in-person and remote instruction over the next three to five days.
Lansing Police Investigate Standoff and Murder
Lansing police took a man into custody Monday following an hours-long standoff at a home on Paulson Street near Turner Road on the city's north side.
Police responded to reports of domestic violence involving a weapon. One person was taken to the hospital. Additional details about the incident were not provided in the newscast.
Meanwhile, Lansing police are investigating the death of 57-year-old Robert Smith as a homicide.
Smith was found with severe injuries in the 300 block of Oakland Avenue on July 13. He was taken to a hospital in critical condition and died July 17.
Crime Stoppers had previously reported that Smith was believed to have been assaulted a day or two before he was discovered.
A medical examiner has now determined that Smith's cause of death was homicide. The investigation remains ongoing.
Lee Chatfield Trial Postponed
The embezzlement and corruption trial of former Michigan House Speaker Lee Chatfield, which was scheduled to begin Tuesday, has been postponed.
A judge granted a stay requested by Chatfield's defense. Chatfield has pleaded not guilty to 13 felony charges.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel criticized the delay, calling it “outrageous and beyond unusual,” according to the transcript.
Two Charged With Terrorism Over Threats
The Michigan Attorney General's Office announced that two people have been arrested and charged with terrorism in connection with threats against elected officials and others.
Authorities allege 33-year-old Alicia Choucair of Roseville threatened a mosque and Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hamoud.
Authorities also accuse 61-year-old Anthony Dekinderen of Lake Orion of threatening to kill Michigan Supreme Court justices, Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.
The allegations are criminal charges, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Whitmer Signs Higher Education Bills
Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed eight bills into law Monday aimed at investing in Michigan's universities and community colleges.
According to the newscast, the legislation supports capital outlay project authorizations and efforts to modernize classrooms, laboratories and other campus facilities.
Harris to Campaign With Abdul El-Sayed
Former Vice President Kamala Harris is scheduled to campaign in Michigan on Tuesday with Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed.
The two are expected to attend a roundtable discussion focused on Black maternal health care in the Detroit area, followed by a private reception with state leaders hosted by the Oakland County Democratic Party.
