Brenda Tracy Expected to Confront MSU Board as Development Project Scales Back

EAST LANSING, Mich. — A potentially contentious Michigan State University Board of Trustees meeting is expected Wednesday morning, as sexual assault prevention advocate Brenda Tracy plans to directly confront board members. Her appearance comes amid an ongoing lawsuit accusing the university of mishandling sexual harassment complaints involving former head football coach Mel Tucker.

Trustees are also expected to vote on a scaled-back version of the proposed Spartan Gateway District. The updated plan no longer includes a previously proposed athletic arena for volleyball, wrestling, and gymnastics, but may add a second campus hotel, market-rate housing, parking, and mixed-use facilities to support future development.

Delhi Township Intersection to Close for Repairs

Beginning Monday, November 3, drivers in Delhi Township should plan for delays as the intersection of Holt and Aurelius roads closes for reconstruction of failed storm pipes and manhole structures. The closure is currently expected through Friday, November 7, but officials warn it could be extended depending on progress.

Communities Prepare for Halloween Safety

Motorists across mid-Michigan are urged to use caution Wednesday evening, with children expected to be out trick-or-treating in neighborhoods from 6 to 8 p.m. in Lansing and most surrounding communities. Officials advise residents to confirm specific hours with local municipalities.

State Moves to Address Pause in SNAP Benefits

Michigan lawmakers are responding to a pause in SNAP benefits scheduled to take effect this weekend. The state Senate on Thursday approved a supplemental appropriations bill allocating $71 million in emergency funding to fill the gap. Meanwhile, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s office announced an additional $4.5 million to support affected residents through the Department of Health and Human Services.

The bulk of the funding will go to the Food Bank Council of Michigan, including resources for food delivery for residents who cannot travel.

 

Massive OpenAI Data Center Coming to Michigan

Michigan has been selected as the site of a new 2.2-million-square-foot data center by OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT. The development will be located in Saline Township in Washtenaw County and is projected to create more than 4,000 jobs. Construction is scheduled to begin early next year, with Oracle and Related Companies partnering on the project.