A former Central Michigan University student has pleaded guilty to trying to poison her roommate. 19-year old Kayla Bonkowski admitted spraying bleach in her roommates' drink at their apartment in Isabella County's Union Township in November. According to authorities, the incident occurred following an argument over dirty dishes. Bonkowski's plea includes an attempted poisoning charge with up to 5 years in prison, but she could have her record cleared as part of the deal. She was originally charged with poisoning food, medication, drink and water supply and faced up to 15 years in prison.

A former Central Michigan University professor has been arraigned on child pornography charges. 58-year old William Merrill is charged with distributing or promoting child sexually abusive activity, using a computer to commit a crime and possession of child sexually abusive material. Merrill is also charged with a misdemeanor of possession or sale of a switchblade. An Isabella County Trial Court judge ordered Merrill held on a $500,000 bond. 

A Central Michigan University student who was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis died Thursday according to a Detroit television station. Freshman Nick Collins of Livonia was a resident at Trout Hall before leaving for summer break. University officials are asking anyone who had close contact with Collins to contact their local health department.

A former Central Michigan football player who was wanted by Isabella County authorities for his alleged involvement in a drug scheme with two other former players has turned himself into authorities. Police say Austin White met with CMU Police Detective to appear on the 3 count felony warrant. White was taken into custody and lodged  at the Isabella Count jail without incident.  The Isabella County Prosecutor issued the three count warrant for Austin White with the following charges:

Central Michigan University is raising its tuition. The CMU Board Of Trustees voted unanimously yesterday to increase undergraduate tuition by nearly 2% for the 2012-13 academic year. The tuition hike amounts to about $7-dollars a credit hour, bringing the cost per credit hour up to $365-dollars. CMU has traditionally set its tuition rate in June, but set rates earlier this year to give students and parents more time to plan for the upcoming year. Last year, the school's tuition increased tuition 3.47 percent.

Central Michigan University has rejected a one-year contract proposal made by the CMU Faculty Association. In a statement, the Mt. Pleasant-based school says the deal is "not in the best interests of CMU students and the university." CMU is accusing the faculty association of changing several of its official table positions and proposing a single-year agreement. (MRN)

Central Michigan University's 600-member plus faculty association said no to the latest contract offer from CMU administrators which followed the recent release of a state fact finders recommendations. The fact finder had sided with the administration including a wage freeze for one year with increases equal to four percentage points over four years. The CMU offer also included an extension of the faculty's health care insurance plan through June 30th. (MRN)

Controversial Pastor Terry Jones returned to Michigan Wednesday as a guest speaker at Central Michigan University. Jones, the Florida Pastor who gained international attention for his efforts to burn the Quran, was at the Mt. Pleasant school to discuss the first amendment with Professor Timothy Boudreau’s media law class.  Jones' burning of the Quran sparked protests in Afghanistan that left more than 30 dead. When asked by a student if he feels he should apologize for those deaths, Jones responded "no." He said (quote) "i did not kill them. I burned a book."