The Williamstown Township Planning Commission has postponed a decision on a proposed zoning ordinance that would allow data centers to be developed within the township's Green Zone Planned Development District. The decision came during a public hearing Wednesday night after residents expressed concerns about the potential effects on water usage, noise levels, and public health. The commission is expected to revisit the proposal during its meeting next month.

Lansing Awarded Federal Infrastructure Planning Grant

The City of Lansing has been awarded a $1.2 million federal grant to support planning for safety and infrastructure improvements on the city's south side. The planning effort will focus on the interchange connecting Interstate 96, Pennsylvania Avenue, Cedar Street, American Road, and Edgewood Boulevard. Officials say additional funding will still be needed before construction can begin.

Planned Consumers Energy Outage in Mason

Consumers Energy customers in parts of Mason should prepare for a scheduled power outage Thursday night. City officials say electricity will be interrupted from 11 p.m. Thursday until approximately 5 a.m. Friday to allow for maintenance work. The outage is expected to affect much of Mason's south side and areas extending north beyond Howell Road.

Charlotte Post Office Renaming Advances

Legislation to rename the Charlotte Post Office in honor of Medal of Honor recipient Ensign Francis Flaherty has advanced in Congress. A U.S. House committee approved the measure sponsored by Congressman Tom Barrett. Flaherty sacrificed his life during the attack on Pearl Harbor while helping fellow sailors reach safety.

Michigan Budget Faces Scrutiny

A new report from the Citizens Research Council of Michigan argues the state's recently approved balanced budget could ultimately face a deficit approaching $900 million unless adjustments are made during the fiscal year. The Michigan State Budget Office disputes the findings, emphasizing that the state is constitutionally required to maintain a balanced budget and rejecting claims that the approved spending plan violates that requirement.

Rare Venomous Snake Bite Reported

A Novi man is recovering after being bitten by an eastern massasauga rattlesnake at Proud Lake Recreation Area in Commerce Township. The victim was treated at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor. Wildlife officials note that the eastern massasauga is Michigan's only venomous snake and that bites are rare, averaging just one or two cases each year.

Michigan Jeopardy! Champion Appears on Celebrity Millionaire

Fresh off winning nearly $900,000 on Jeopardy!, Grosse Pointe North High School graduate Jamie Ding appeared on ABC's Celebrity Millionaire alongside actor Ben Affleck. The pair reached the $500,000 question before the episode ended due to time constraints. Their game will continue on next week's episode.