Mason City Council Shakeup Amid Data Center Controversy

Mason Mayor Pro Tem Leon Clark abruptly resigned Tuesday, though Mayor Russell Whipple said Clark did not provide further details regarding his decision. The resignation comes amid heightened controversy over proposed data centers in the city and just one day after a tense City Council meeting.  During that meeting, council members approved a 90-day moratorium on a proposed zoning ordinance aimed at addressing data center development. The pause is intended to give city leaders more time to evaluate potential impacts and community concerns.

 

State Capitol Rally Pushes Back Against Data Centers

In a related development, protesters gathered outside the Michigan State Capitol Tuesday morning to oppose the growing number of data center proposals statewide. The rally, organized under the name Michiganders Against Data Centers, highlighted concerns from residents in Lansing, Howell Township, Saline Township, and other communities.  Attorney General Dana Nessel addressed the crowd, calling for greater transparency in data center negotiations. Other speakers raised environmental and infrastructure concerns tied to the projects.

 

Vacancies Open on Charlotte City Council

Meanwhile, the City of Charlotte is seeking applicants to fill multiple vacant City Council seats. The openings follow last week’s resignation of the mayor, the departure of the city clerk last month, and notice from the city manager that they will leave in two months.  City officials announced the openings on social media, stating applications will remain open until the seats are filled.

 

Charges Filed in East Lansing Fatal Shooting

In criminal news, Ingham County prosecutors have charged 23-year-old Peiyun Qin of East Lansing with open murder and armed robbery in connection with the death of 37-year-old Feng Lin of St. Johns.  Lin’s body was discovered early Sunday morning at the Arbor Glen Apartments near Lake Lansing and Abbott roads. Qin is also facing concealed weapon and felony firearm charges. He has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to return to court next Monday.

 

Appeals Court Upholds 2020 Murder Conviction

A Michigan appeals court has upheld the murder conviction and sentence of Devon Baldwin of Stockbridge. Baldwin is serving a minimum of 50 years in prison for the 2020 shooting death of Bradley Wicks at a home in Bunker Hill Township. Baldwin had argued he was not responsible for the killing, but the court rejected the appeal.

 

Consumers Energy Seeks Gas Rate Increase

Consumers Energy customers could see higher natural gas bills in the coming years. The utility filed paperwork Tuesday requesting a $240 million rate increase.  If approved by the Michigan Public Service Commission, the average residential customer would pay approximately $3.14 per day for natural gas service by 2027.

 

Measles Case Confirmed in Oakland County

Health officials confirmed a new measles case involving a child from Oakland County, marking the county’s second case this year. Statewide, 30 measles cases have been reported across 10 Michigan counties, including one case in Ingham County.

 

MSU Professor Returns to Jeopardy

In lighter news, Lansing-based Michigan State University professor and filmmaker Pete Johnston is getting another chance on Jeopardy!. Johnston is competing in the show’s Second Chance Tournament during Tuesday night’s Group One semifinals.  Johnston previously appeared on the show in July, finishing in second place in his original game.