State Roundup

Detroit
Six development projects to receive $3.3M

DETROIT (AP) - The state has awarded more than $3.3 million to six development projects in the Detroit area.

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority says the projects include affordable housing developments in Oakland and Wayne counties.

The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit funds are for construction and rebuilding work.

The Detroit projects include about $1.1 million for Ryan Court Apartments as well as funding for the Architects Building project, the Bonita Lofts project and another affordable apartment complex. Another project in Wayne County is the Adams Senior Village rehabilitation in Westland.

In Oakland County, the state says the Community Housing Network has been awarded funds to help construct Unity Park Phase III.

Redford Twp.
Lawyers: Woman found competent in death of baby

REDFORD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) - Defense lawyers say a 25-year-old woman accused of giving birth at work and hiding the boy in a plastic bag at her desk in suburban Detroit has been found mentally competent.

The Detroit News reports results of the evaluation were revealed Monday during a hearing for Kimberly Pappas, who faces murder and child abuse charges.

Judge Karen Khalil of the 17th District Court declined to rule on Pappas' competency until results of the second portion of the exam, addressing criminal responsibility, are complete.

The Wyandotte woman wasn't in court. An Aug. 24 hearing is to determine if the case goes to trial.

Police say the baby was discovered on March 31, shortly after the birth in the restroom of a Redford Township business. The cause of death was suffocation.

East Lansing
MSU seeks fight song videos for 'Virtual Choir'

EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Michigan State University is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its fight song by putting together a big virtual choir.

The East Lansing school is asking people to record videos of themselves singing the song and then to upload their contributions.

Submissions are being sought through Aug. 12. They'll be combined for what's being billed as a "Spartan Virtual Choir" performance.

Directions for submitting videos and additional details are posted online.

Published: Tue, Jul 14, 2015