Michigan State University experienced a day of major developments Monday, highlighted by the departure of Athletic Director J. Batt, a significant new corporate partnership, and sharp criticism from Hall of Fame basketball coach Tom Izzo regarding the university's leadership situation.

The day began with news that Batt is leaving East Lansing after just over a year on the job to become athletic director at the University of Kentucky. The announcement was followed by the unveiling of a new 10-year revenue-generating agreement between Michigan State and MSU Federal Credit Union. Under the deal, the credit union's logo will appear on Spartan athletic uniforms.

However, much of the attention shifted to comments made by Izzo, who expressed frustration over recent changes and instability at the university's highest levels.

Speaking with reporters, Izzo said he was deeply disappointed by the circumstances surrounding the departure of university leadership.

"I can't stand what's going on. I've had it. This is self-inflicted," Izzo said. "We just lost the best president who may have ever been here, maybe one of the best."

Izzo suggested the leadership changes could have far-reaching consequences for the university.

"There's other dominoes that get affected when things go wrong like that," he said. "Yeah, I'm very upset about it, and I'm sick of it."

The longtime basketball coach also called on Michigan State's extensive alumni network to become more involved.

"I think 600,000 living alums better start rallying together. If there's ever a time that we need to rally together, it's now," Izzo said.

Could Mark Hollis Return?

Amid the uncertainty, former Michigan State Athletic Director Mark Hollis indicated he would be interested in returning to the position if university leaders are willing to discuss the possibility.

Hollis served as Michigan State's athletic director from January 2008 until January 2018, when he stepped down during the fallout from the Larry Nassar scandal.

East Lansing Human Rights Ordinance Changes Up for Debate

Meanwhile, the East Lansing City Council is expected to consider proposed amendments to the city's Human Rights Ordinance during its Tuesday evening meeting at the Hannah Community Center.

The proposed changes would limit some of the powers currently held by the Human Rights Commission. Under the revisions, the commission would no longer investigate allegations of unlawful discrimination and would instead focus on mediation and conflict resolution efforts.

The proposal comes amid ongoing disagreements between city officials and members of the commission.

National Weather Service Confirms Eaton County Tornado

The National Weather Service has confirmed that an EF-0 tornado touched down in Eaton County one week ago Tuesday.

The tornado caused damage in Oneida Township, including the destruction of a storage garage near the township hall. Additional damage was reported in Grand Ledge and surrounding areas.

New Donation Boosts Ingham County Fairgrounds Project

The effort to construct a new covered grandstand at the Ingham County Fairgrounds received another financial boost this week.

The Ingham County Farm Bureau announced a $100,000 donation toward the project. The new grandstand is being planned roughly a decade after the previous structure was removed because of safety concerns.

The project has already secured $2.5 million in federal funding and previously received a $250,000 contribution from the Dart Foundation.

GOP Governor's Race Tightens

New polling suggests Michigan's Republican gubernatorial primary is becoming increasingly competitive.

According to a Mitchell Research poll conducted for MIRS News, former Attorney General Mike Cox has moved into a statistical tie with U.S. Representative John James among likely Republican primary voters.

The survey found James leading with 28% support, followed closely by Cox at 27%. Businessman Perry Johnson was third with 23%.

The poll carries a margin of error of nearly five percentage points, indicating the race remains highly competitive as candidates continue to campaign ahead of the August primary.