Lansing Teen Injured in Shooting; Community Weighs Data Center Plan and State Sees Major Political Moves

A 15-year-old boy is recovering after being shot in Lansing late Sunday night. Police say the teen suffered a gunshot wound to the leg in the 1900 block of Georgetown Boulevard just before 11 p.m. His injuries are not considered life-threatening, and no arrests have been made as the investigation continues.

Public Voices Concerns Over $120 Million Data Center Proposal

Residents packed Monday night’s Lansing City Council meeting to weigh in on the proposed Deep Green Data Center, a $120 million project planned for the city. One speaker urged councilmembers to adopt stronger regulatory guidelines for data centers and to require developers to sign a community benefits agreement.

“I think that we should be working on a community benefits agreement that any data center developer needs to sign on to before we even play ball with them,” the resident said. “And quite frankly, if they're not ready and willing to do that, I don't think we should even give them the time of day.”

Ionia Principal Identified as Staff Member Found Deceased

Ionia Public Schools has identified the educator found dead on campus last week as Douglas R. Welch High School principal Jason Little. Superintendent Ben Gurk said in a letter to families that Little leaves behind “a remarkable legacy,” having positively influenced countless students, colleagues, and community members.

All district buildings closed Monday to allow families and staff to attend visitation and funeral services. Police have not released a cause of death but say there is no indication of any threat to the community.

Judge Refuses to Block Michigan’s New Marijuana Tax

A state Court of Claims judge has denied a request to halt Michigan’s upcoming 24% wholesale marijuana tax, scheduled to take effect January 1. The Michigan Cannabis Industry Association and several businesses argued that the tax required approval from three-fourths of the Legislature because it amends the voter-approved Michigan Regulation of Marijuana Act.

However, the judge ruled that the 2018 initiative clearly states that the existing 10% excise tax applies “in addition to all other taxes,” allowing lawmakers to approve new cannabis-related taxes.

Michigan Lottery Commissioner Launches Secretary of State Campaign

Michigan Lottery Commissioner Susanna Shkreli has resigned to run for Secretary of State, joining a crowded field that includes three other Democrats and three Republicans. Governor Gretchen Whitmer has appointed Joe Froehlich as acting commissioner; Froehlich has held several leadership roles within the lottery bureau.

Whitmer herself has also taken on new responsibilities, unanimously elected over the weekend as vice chair of the Democratic Governors Association. In her new role, she will help raise funds for upcoming elections and advise candidates nationwide.

U of M Health–Sparrow Earns National Recognition

University of Michigan Health–Sparrow has been named a 2026 High Performing Hospital for Maternity Care by U.S. News & World Report, recognizing the Lansing-based system for its quality of care and maternal health outcomes.