By Rich Herl | 1320 WILS News | Lansing, MI — May 9, 2025

Historic Election of First American Pope Draws Praise, Local Reactions

The election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American to lead the Catholic Church, is drawing strong local reaction and a sense of pride across Michigan. Robert Prevost, a Chicago native with ties to the Great Lakes State, was elevated to the papacy earlier this week, marking a milestone moment for Catholics in the United States.

Bishop Earl Boyea of the Diocese of Lansing spoke highly of the new pontiff, calling him "very impressive" and emphasizing his focus on "peace and unity" in his first address. Prevost’s spiritual journey included formative years at St. Augustine Seminary in Lake Town Township, near Saugatuck on Michigan’s west side, adding a local connection to the global moment.

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MSU Reviews Campus Safety Policies in Wake of Nassar Scandal

Michigan State University is once again examining its policies on sexual assault and domestic violence, this time under the direction of a newly established Collaborative Advisory Board. The board includes three survivors of the Larry Nassar abuse scandal, among them Rachel Denhollander, who spoke candidly at a Thursday press conference.

“There is certainly a lot that we can learn from what we have gone through and what's happened at the university,” said Denhollander. “But making MSU a safe campus… is much bigger than one person.”

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Lansing School Board Seat Opens Up

A vacancy is opening on the Lansing School Board as member Keturah Boyer prepares to step down. The board is inviting interested candidates to apply by May 15. Interviews are scheduled to begin May 22, with a new member expected to be appointed in early June.

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East Lansing Police Warn of Jury Duty, Toll Road Scams

East Lansing Police are warning residents about a series of scam calls and text messages related to fake jury duty notices and bogus toll road violations. Officials emphasize that Michigan has no toll roads and the department does not make calls demanding payment for jury-related matters.

Residents are urged to avoid clicking on suspicious links or providing personal information.

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Grand Rapids Protest Follows Mistrial in Police Shooting Case

More than 100 people took to the streets of Grand Rapids on Thursday to protest a mistrial declared in the case of former police officer Christopher Shore, who was charged in the 2022 shooting death of Patrick Lyoya.

One person was arrested following a brief altercation near the end of the otherwise peaceful march. Further reaction is expected later today on 1320 WILS with legal analysis from Cooley Law School professor Tanya Kraus-Phelan.

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Teen Attacks Chick-fil-A Worker in Jackson

A 16-year-old was taken home by police after an altercation with a Chick-fil-A employee in Jackson on Wednesday evening. Video of the incident, which took place in the restaurant’s drive-thru, is circulating on social media.

No injuries were reported, and the employee declined to press charges.