New CEO Named at McLaren Greater Lansing

McLaren Greater Lansing has announced the hiring of a new president and CEO. Long-time healthcare executive Dean Mazzoni has been selected to lead the hospital, replacing Kirk Ray, who resigned from the position last September.

Mazzoni brings extensive experience to the role, having spent the past decade serving as president and CEO of Franciscan Alliance Hospital in Michigan City, Indiana. Hospital officials say they look forward to his leadership and vision guiding the organization forward.

Lansing Man Sentenced for Shooting Police Officer

A Lansing man who shot a city police officer last year has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison.

Prosecutors say 30-year-old Andrial Ortiz, a convicted felon prohibited from possessing a firearm, struck an officer in the leg during a drug-related traffic stop near Holmes Road and Pleasant Grove in April 2024. In addition to the federal sentence for felony firearm possession, Ortiz is also facing 17 separate state felony charges.

Head-On Crash Injures Stockbridge Driver

Authorities are investigating a serious traffic accident in Ingham County that left one man critically injured.

Sheriff’s officials say a 31-year-old man from Stockbridge was driving along M-52 near Dennis Road when he crossed the center line and collided head-on with a semi-truck. The driver of the semi was not injured, and investigators say drugs and alcohol are not believed to be factors in the crash.

CATA Unveils Rosa Parks Tribute Bus

The Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA) marked a historic milestone Wednesday by unveiling a special Rosa Parks tribute bus at the Michigan State Capitol.

The commemorative vehicle honors the 70th anniversary of the Montgomery Bus Boycott and Transit Equity Day. The bus is wrapped to resemble the original vehicle preserved at The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn and serves as a reminder of the civil rights movement’s lasting impact.

Vigil Held for Minnesota Nurse Killed by ICE Agents

Also at the Capitol Wednesday night, the Michigan Nurses Association held a candlelight vigil in honor of Alex Pretti, a registered nurse shot and killed by federal immigration agents in Minnesota last month.

Federal authorities say the shooting occurred during an immigration enforcement operation and was carried out in self-defense.

Deadly Force Ruled Justified in Grand Blanc Township Church Shooting

Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton has determined that police were justified in using deadly force against a church shooting suspect last September.

According to Leyton, officers confronted Thomas Sanford as he exited the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township armed with an AK-47-style rifle. When Sanford allegedly advanced toward officers in a threatening manner, they opened fire. Four people were killed and several others injured in the initial attack.

Former Governors Launch Michigan Civility Coalition

A bipartisan group of former Michigan governors is joining forces to promote political civility.

The newly formed Michigan Civility Coalition includes former governors Rick Snyder, Jennifer Granholm, Jim Blanchard, and John Engler. During a virtual announcement event, Snyder emphasized the need for Americans to treat one another with respect.

“The greatest threat to America in my view is us, and that’s our lack of ability to get along with one another,” Snyder said.

Granholm and Engler echoed concerns about misinformation and declining trust in public discourse.

New Jobs Coming to Michigan

Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s office announced Wednesday that more than 100 new jobs are coming to the state thanks to a $13.4 million investment.

The funding will support two business expansion projects, including a bowling equipment manufacturer in Muskegon and a technology company based in Ann Arbor.

Peters Pushes for Autonomous Vehicle Framework

U.S. Senator Gary Peters is urging federal lawmakers to prioritize autonomous vehicle regulation.

During a Senate committee hearing, Peters called for a surface transportation reauthorization bill that includes a clear regulatory framework for self-driving vehicles. He warned that the U.S. risks falling behind global competitors without decisive action.

“China is investing heavily in dominating the autonomous vehicle market,” Peters said. “It’s absolutely imperative that American innovation and American standards lead the way.”