LANSING, Mich. — Public opposition continues to mount over a proposed data center in Lansing, as residents urged City Council members Monday night to reject rezoning plans for a facility proposed by UK-based company Deep Green.  During public comment, one resident called on the council to halt the project immediately, expressing concern over the broader impact of allowing additional data centers in the city. The remarks were also directed at Council President Peter Spadafore, who has suggested allocating 10 percent of the data center’s projected utility revenue—estimated at around $100,000 annually—toward affordable housing initiatives.  While the resident acknowledged the proposal, they argued it could set a precedent for approving future data centers and pushed for a more significant commitment if housing is truly a priority. “If we’re really serious about housing,” the speaker said, “let’s do the whole million.”

 

A popular cultural institution at Michigan State University is set to reopen this week. The MSU Museum will welcome visitors again on Wednesday following its first major renovation in more than 75 years. The museum has been closed since July 2024 while undergoing extensive upgrades, including new climate control systems, modernized bathrooms, and more flexible exhibition spaces.  A reopening ceremony is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. Admission will be free, though officials encourage the public to register in advance.

 

The University of Michigan Board of Regents officially elected Kent Syverud as the university’s next president on Monday. Syverud, a U-M alumnus, most recently served as chancellor of Syracuse University. Regents emphasized U-M’s longstanding mission as a leading public research institution during the announcement.

 

Also Monday, opening arguments began in the trial surrounding the 2020 collapse of the Edenville Dam. More than 2,000 property owners across Midland, Saginaw, and Gladwin counties are seeking damages, claiming the state of Michigan failed to take action to prevent catastrophic flooding after severe storms. The collapse caused an estimated $175 million in damage. The state argues it is not responsible, pointing instead to Boyce Hydro, which managed the dam and controlled water levels.

 

In statewide political news, President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit Michigan today, speaking at the Detroit Economic Club at 2 p.m. at the MotorCity Casino Soundboard Theater. The appearance comes one day before the North American International Auto Show begins media days in Detroit. Attendance for the event is limited to Economic Club members and invited guests.

 

Also ahead of the auto show, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a warning to the public about the risk of human trafficking during large-scale events. Nessel noted that increased crowds can create opportunities for criminal activity and urged attendees to remain alert and report suspicious behavior.