MSU Apologizes After Accidental Active Violence Alert Near Shooting Anniversary

EAST LANSING, Mich. — Michigan State University is apologizing after mistakenly issuing an active violence alert Wednesday morning, just days before the three-year anniversary of the mass shooting on campus.

The alert, sent at 10:51 a.m., instructed those on campus to “run, hide, or prepare to fight.” Some students received the message labeled as a drill, while others did not receive that clarification.

A follow-up message stating the alert was sent in error was issued approximately two minutes later.

University officials say additional safeguards will be implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future. The mistaken alert came during an already sensitive week for the campus community.

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Whitmer Signs Classroom Cell Phone Ban Into Law

Beginning next school year, K-12 students in Michigan will be prohibited from using cell phones during class time.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed bipartisan legislation banning device use in classrooms, with exceptions for emergencies or when phones are required for instructional purposes.

Students will still be permitted to use their phones during lunch and between classes.

Supporters of the bill argue the measure will reduce distractions and improve classroom focus.

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Whitmer Budget Proposal Includes Senior Tax Cuts, Sales Tax Holiday

Governor Whitmer’s proposed budget for the next fiscal year heads to lawmakers today, featuring property tax relief for seniors and a sales tax holiday on school supplies.

State officials estimate Michigan will have approximately $1 billion less to spend compared to the current fiscal year.

Whitmer is expected to outline her priorities during her State of the State address in two weeks. The final state budget must be approved by July 1.

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Federal Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Seeking Michigan Voter Data

A federal judge on Tuesday dismissed a lawsuit filed in September by the Trump administration that sought Michigan’s full, unredacted voter list.

The lawsuit requested sensitive information, including voters’ full names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers.

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson called the ruling “a victory for the citizens of Michigan and the rule of law.”

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Grand Jury Declines to Indict Sen. Elissa Slotkin

A grand jury in Washington declined Tuesday to indict U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin and other Democratic lawmakers in connection with a video urging members of the U.S. military to resist illegal orders.

President Trump had characterized the video as seditious and punishable by death. No charges will be filed.

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Mike Rogers Unveils Housing Reform Proposals

Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers announced a slate of proposals aimed at addressing the U.S. housing crisis.

His plan includes eliminating certain taxes and regulations on new home construction, allowing 529 education savings plan withdrawals for home down payments, and enabling renters to build credit through on-time rent payments.

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Michigan AG Warns of Valentine’s Day Scams

With Valentine’s Day approaching, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is urging consumers to be cautious of online scams and deceptive retail tactics.

The office warns shoppers to be wary of claims that products are nearly sold out or countdown timers pressuring quick purchases.

Consumers are encouraged to verify whether a retailer has a physical location, reverse image search product photos to confirm authenticity, and use credit cards to allow for dispute of fraudulent charges.