MSU police social worker Maria Valayil discusses her role after mass shooting

When Maria Valayil was hired by the Michigan State University Department of Police and Public Safety as their police social worker in the fall of 2022, she said she had a good picture of what the job would ask of her on a day-to-day basis.Having graduated two times from MSU and working as a victim advocate in the prosecutor’s office, Valayil said she knew what her role would look like and where she would fit in the community. Despite this, however, Valayil said that no one could have expected a mass shooting would take place on the campus on a fateful February night and the impact it would have.

Michigan House Democrats condemn harmful Holocaust comparisons

State House Representatives Samantha Steckloff (D-Farmington Hills) and Noah Arbit (D-West Bloomfield), introduced a resolution on March 23 in the Michigan House to condemn the comparisons made between the common sense gun reform that has been introduced in Michigan and violence that occurred in the Holocaust. 

Whitmer allocates $10 million to wetland conservation

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has allocated $10 million to the conservation of wetlands in Michigan, working to fight for the important ecosystem and wildlife benefits that wetlands provide to the state.

Police ask for public assistance in attempted kidnapping near McDonel Hall

The Michigan State Police is seeking information about an attempted kidnapping case that occurred last month in front of McDonel Hall.

Man arrested for brandishing knife near campus released to hospital

A man who police said was seen with a knife near Michigan State University's campus after an altercation at a downtown business Wednesday has been hospitalized and not yet charged with a crime, East Lansing Police Captain Chad Pride confirmed Thursday. 

Local arts groups given over $9,000 in grants

The Arts Council Greater Lansing, working with the Michigan Arts and Culture Council, or MACC, announced over $9,000 in grants to be given to local artists and art and culture organizations.

Knife shown at restaurant leads to MSU emergency alerts

Person spotted with knife in police custody, no threat imminent

The person is described by witnesses as "a tall light skinned Native American male, in his 30's, wearing a grayish colored hoodie, with a black mask, black pants and beige coat," an MSU alert said. 

Lansing Mayor Andy Schor says he won't run Congress

Lansing Mayor Andy Schor announced Monday that he will not run for Michigan’s 7th District seat in Congress after forming an exploratory committee earlier this month.

Ingham County signs on to opioid lawsuit payments

“Ingham County Health Department is working with the County Board of Commissioners and our community partners to explore how we can best utilize funds that we receive from the state and this opioid settlement to have the biggest impact on our community,” Victoria Coykendall, public information officer for ICHD said.

Real estate agents offer tips on living affordably in East Lansing

The rental market in East Lansing can be daunting at times, which is why it’s important to be prepared when looking for a house or apartment that best suits your needs. Three real estate agents in the area offered advice on the best ways to save money while looking for your next residence.

Lansing Community College suspends operations due to cybersecurity concerns

Lansing Community College is suspending college operations immediately, which will continue until March 17, due to a potential cybersecurity incident.

MSU students and advocates rally to push for gun violence prevention laws

The Gabby Giffords protest at the Capitol brought student leaders together to talk about the stories they have not forgotten for a month.

Whitmer, lawmakers join Gabby Giffords in rally for gun violence prevention

Giffords, a survivor of a 2011 shooting that left her with critical brain injuries, traveled to Michigan to advocate for the passage of a series of gun control measures currently undergoing hearings in the Michigan legislature.

The People’s Council of Lansing calls for shift to city manager-system

The People's Council of Lansing councilmember Rachel Diskin joined the Merica 20 to Life podcast Tuesday to discuss the "State of the People," including what she said was the power the city of Lansing's Mayor Andy Schor holds and why she thinks there needs to be a shift towards a city manager-system of local government.

Lansing Mayor Andy Schor praises growth, lays out plans in State of the City address

Lansing Mayor Andy Schor delivered a speech citing advancements and plans for public safety, economic growth, and improvements to the city's housing infrastructure.

A comprehensive look at police response to the MSU mass shooting

MSU Vice President of Police and Public Safety Marlon Lynch and FBI Michigan Special Agent In-Charge Jim Tarasca break down the police response to the Feb. 13 mass shooting on campus.

State lawmakers eye red flag proposal in gun law package

Nineteen other states and Washington, D.C. have a red flag law, which would keep firearms out of possession of the hands of people believed to be at risk of committing violence or self-harm. A part of the Michigan Democrats package of bills would be a red flag law.

CATA CEO apologizes to students displaced by buses on night of Feb. 13

Capital Area Transportation Authority, or CATA, CEO Bradley Funkhouser apologized for the experiences of some students on the night of Feb. 13, when they were displaced after a shelter-in-place order was put out during a shooting on campus.

Safe storage proposal looks to tackle gun suicides among youth

One of the bills in front of the Senate deals with the issue of safely storing firearms. The legislation would mandate the secure and locked storage of guns when left unattended around minors, or risk time in prison and fining.