Lansing Schools Appoint Interim Superintendent as Districts Begin Winter Break

The Lansing School District has named Jessica Benavides as its new interim superintendent, following the departure of Ben Schuldiner, who is leaving the district for a new position in Seattle. The appointment was made during a school board meeting Wednesday night.

Benavides, who currently serves as the district’s first deputy superintendent, will officially assume the role on February 1.

Meanwhile, Lansing schools and many other major districts across the Mid-Michigan region are wrapping up classes for the start of winter break. For most students, the break will last two weeks, with classes expected to resume around January 5.

East Lansing Police Investigate Vandalism at MSU Chabad Center

East Lansing police are asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect connected to vandalism at the MSU Chabad Jewish Center on Albert Avenue. Authorities say the building was targeted twice this week.

According to police, surveillance video shows an individual throwing rocks at the facility on Tuesday. On Thursday, the same suspect is believed to have returned, spray-painting Nazi symbols on the front door before throwing additional rocks at the building. The incidents are being investigated as possible hate crimes.

Anyone with information is urged to contact East Lansing police.

Fatal Crash in Eaton Rapids

One person was killed in a two-vehicle crash in Eaton Rapids Wednesday night. Michigan State Police say the collision happened near Island Highway and Canal Street, an area that was shut down for several hours as investigators worked the scene.

Additional details are expected to be released later today.

Former Michigan Football Coach Arrested in Washtenaw County

Authorities in Washtenaw County have released the mugshot of former Michigan head football coach Sherrone Moore, who was arrested last week.

Moore is accused of breaking into the home of a staff member he had reportedly been dating. He faces charges including third-degree home invasion, misdemeanor stalking, and breaking and entering.

Lawmakers Introduce Data Center Regulation Bills

Three Democratic state lawmakers have introduced legislation aimed at regulating data centers in Michigan. The bills were introduced by State Senators Rosemary Bayer of West Bloomfield, Erika Geiss of Taylor, and Sue Shink of Northfield Township.

The lawmakers say the legislation is intended to increase transparency as public concerns grow over water and energy use, as well as infrastructure upgrade demands tied to large-scale data centers. The bills have been referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Environment.

MPSC Approves DTE Contract for Saline Township Data Center

The Michigan Public Service Commission has approved special contracts allowing DTE Energy to service a 1.4-gigawatt data center planned for Saline Township. The facility is part of the $500 billion OpenAI “Stargate” project and is being built by Oracle and the company behind ChatGPT.

However, DTE’s proposed solar energy project in Iosco Township near Fowlerville and Webberville was rejected. Township officials denied the utility’s request to rezone more than 1,800 acres of agricultural land for two solar districts. DTE could still appeal the decision to the Michigan Public Service Commission.

MSU Professor Competes in Jeopardy Finals

Michigan State University professor Pete Johnston of Lansing appeared on Jeopardy! Wednesday night in the first game of the two-game Second Chance Tournament finals.

Johnston, a filmmaker, ended the game with no winnings after answering Final Jeopardy incorrectly and wagering everything. Another contestant also finished with zero, while the third competitor ended with $6,000.

The final game of the tournament is set to air tonight.