Wildfire Smoke Prompts Air Quality Advisory; Other Top Headlines Around Mid-Michigan

LANSING, Mich. — A statewide air quality advisory remains in effect until noon today due to smoke drifting from Canadian wildfires. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) reports pollution levels are in the unhealthy range for sensitive groups. 1320 WILS will speak later this morning with Stephanie Hengesbach from EGLE for an update.

Eaton County and Delta Township Reach Tentative Policing Agreement

Eaton County and Delta Township have tentatively agreed to a new 10-year police services contract. The township would pay approximately $8 million annually, covering personnel, equipment, and training. The agreement follows the recent failure of a public safety millage proposal.

Haslett Woman Acquitted in Crash That Killed State Trooper

A jury has found 33-year-old Brooke Allen of Haslett not guilty in the death of Michigan State Trooper Joel Popp. The January 2024 crash occurred while Popp was laying flares on I-75 near Birch Run. Although Allen was found to have methamphetamine in her system, her defense argued that improperly placed flares were a contributing factor in the crash.

Harrison Road Bridge in East Lansing to Close for Summer Repairs

Beginning Monday, the Harrison Road bridge over the Red Cedar River on the MSU campus will close for repairs. Local access will remain open to the Kellogg Center and Brody Residential Complex via Michigan Avenue. The project is expected to wrap up by August 22.

Construction Workers Critically Injured by Downed Power Line

Two workers are in critical condition after being electrocuted by a falling power line in Genoa Township, Livingston County. The incident occurred Thursday at a commercial site on Latson Road near Grand River Avenue. The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) is investigating.

Michigan Expands Fish Advisories Amid Rising Chemical Contamination

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has tripled the number of water bodies listed as having high levels of PFOS, a type of “forever chemical.” The number of contaminated lakes and rivers rose from 33 to 98, with 782 advisories now issued across the state for various fish species.

Legislative Showdown: Michigan House Sues Secretary of State

The Michigan House has filed a lawsuit against Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, seeking compliance with a subpoena for materials used to train election clerks statewide. Benson's office says it needs more time to review the request before releasing documents.

Bomb Threat Delays Spirit Airlines Flight at Detroit Metro

A bomb threat delayed a Spirit Airlines flight scheduled to depart Detroit Metro Airport for Los Angeles Thursday morning. The threat, reported before the 8:30 a.m. takeoff, forced the evacuation and re-screening of passengers. The flight eventually departed around 1 p.m. Authorities have not released additional details.