Michigan

Michigan man accused in arson of historic Tenn. building

Published

2 years ago

January 5, 2024

Michigan man accused in arson of historic Tenn. building

A Michigan man accused of setting fire to a historic building in Tennessee has been charged, officials said.

Jeffery Scott Cicirelli, 33, of Livonia, was arraigned Wednesday in Morristown, Tenn., on charges of arson, reckless endangerment, burglary and vandalism, according to the city’s police department. Officials said he remains in custody.

Cicirelli is accused of setting the city’s Parks-Belk Building at 104 West Main Street at Cumberland Street on fire on Tuesday.

Firefighters were called at about 9 p.m. Tuesday to the building to put out the blaze, they said. They battled the fire for more than 12 hours and a firefighter suffered a minor injury while they worked to extinguish the fire, officials said.

They also said the building, which once belonged to a department store chain, was vacant and set to undergo renovations.

Morristown Mayor Gary Chesney praised the firefighters for their efforts.

“I believe that we have avoided what could have been a much greater tragedy,” he said in a statement. “The loss of this iconic building at the center of the city is certainly tragic, but I have no doubt that the growth and vitality we have seen downtown in recent years will continue. And I am certain that this corner will soon return as a cornerstone to downtown.”

Police said they began to develop Cicirelli as a suspect in the fire after officers at the scene noticed him asking firefighters in the area questions. After an investigation, detectives determined he had been staying at a motel in the area for several days.

Before that, he was traveling through the city when his vehicle broke down, according to investigators.

cramirez@detroitnews.com

X: @CharlesERamirez

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Michigan

Morez Johnson Jr. NBA mock draft projection: Where Michigan star is expected to land

Published

1 hour ago

March 27, 2026

Press Room

Morez Johnson Jr. NBA mock draft projection: Where Michigan star is expected to land

The 2026 men’s NCAA Tournament is down to its Sweet 16 and we’ll have a Final Four by Sunday evening. For half of the college stars taking the court this weekend, it’s one final opportuniy to impress NBA teams with their play at full game speed when the lights are brightest as this year’s draft class comes into focus.

The 2026 NBA draft is expected to take place in late June. In USA TODAY’s latest mock draft, Michigan’s Morez Johnson Jr. is expected to go in the first round. Here’s how USA TODAY currently projects the big man’s draft night will play out.

Our draft order is based on ESPN’s projected records and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.

Morez Johnson Jr. 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 25 overall, Los Angeles Lakers

Kalbrosky’s Analysis:

Morez Johnson Jr. is one of the best, most underrated two-way players in the NCAA. He is a crucial part of the Michigan identity this season and has thrived since transferring to the Wolverines from Illinois. Johnson’s shooting form at the free throw line looks good, and he scores well near the rim, especially when cutting to the basket. The former FIBA U-19 Team USA standout and All-Big Ten big man is a trustworthy defensive playmaker, too, and should find minutes at the next level.

See USA TODAY’s full mock draft here

Morez Johnson Jr. player profile

(all stats as of March 15)

Position: Forward-Center
Current Team: Michigan
13.1 points per game
7.2 rebounds per game
1.1 assists per game
62.8% field goal percentage
37.9% three-point field goal percentage

Los Angeles Lakers 2026 projected draft picks

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Michigan

Woman struck, fatally injured, while walking on the Lodge Freeway, state police say

Published

13 hours ago

March 27, 2026

Press Room

Woman struck, fatally injured, while walking on the Lodge Freeway, state police say

March 27, 2026 / 7:44 AM EDT
/ CBS Detroit

A pedestrian was struck and died of her injuries early Friday on the Lodge Freeway in Detroit.

Emergency dispatchers started to get calls about 2:30 a.m. about someone who was walking along the Lodge, and then were notified that the person had been struck by a vehicle, the Michigan State Police reported.

When troopers arrived, they found multiple cars stopped along the freeway, and people standing around a woman who was severely injured.

Detroit EMS pronounced the woman dead at the scene, state police said. She has not yet been identified.

The driver who struck the woman did not stay at the scene.

“Troopers are currently using technology that is available in the area to identify the vehicle involved,” MSP F/Lt. Mike Shaw said.

The Lodge Freeway, also known as M-10, was closed at about 2:46 a.m. Friday between Chicago Boulevard / Hamilton Avenue and Clairmount Street for the investigation and emergency assistance, according to Michigan Department of Transportation reports. The Lodge was reported back open at 6:05 a.m.

Michigan Department of Transportation traffic reports are at the MI Drive site.

State police said their investigation is continuing. Those who witnessed the crash or have other information are asked to call the MSP Metro South Post at 734-287-5000 or Crime Stoppers of Michigan at 800-SPEAK-UP.

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