MID-MICHIGAN — Severe storms and heavy rainfall over the weekend are prompting local leaders across mid-Michigan to reconsider infrastructure needs, as communities grapple with repeated flooding issues.

In East Lansing, City Manager Robert Belleman addressed the concern during a City Council meeting Monday night, emphasizing that current systems are no longer aligned with changing weather patterns.

“The weather our infrastructure was designed for is not the weather we’re experiencing today,” Belleman said.

City officials are now identifying flood-prone areas and evaluating potential long-term solutions.

Downtown Development Debate Continues

Also in East Lansing, debate continues over a proposed 13-story apartment complex planned for Albert Avenue. Public input remains divided, with some residents voicing concern about the project’s focus on high-cost housing.

Critics argue the development would primarily serve a narrow demographic and could further concentrate a transient population in a key downtown corridor without diversifying the city’s housing stock.

Lansing Weighs Data Center Restrictions

In nearby Lansing, a City Council member is proposing new restrictions on future data center developments following the abrupt withdrawal of a $120 million proposal by Deep Green.

The company pulled its plans just hours before a scheduled council meeting amid growing public opposition. Councilmember Deyanira Nevarez Martinez said she would have voted against the project and expects similar proposals to emerge in the future.

Lansing Shuffle Sale Moves Forward

Meanwhile, the future of the Lansing Shuffle is under consideration. The city’s park board is set to discuss whether to recommend approval of the property’s sale. If approved, the proposal would ultimately go before voters.

Business owners recently held a community forum to gather public input on the potential sale.

Slotkin Eyes Possible 2028 Presidential Run

U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin is not ruling out a presidential bid in 2028. During a recent visit to Iowa, Slotkin told the Des Moines Register she is currently focused on upcoming midterm elections but would consider a run if she believes there is a leadership gap.

MSU Programs Ranked Among Nation’s Best

Michigan State University is earning national recognition in the latest U.S. News & World Report 2026 graduate program rankings.

The university’s graduate programs in curriculum and instruction, elementary education, and secondary education all ranked No. 1 in the country.

Several other MSU education programs also placed in the top 10, including education administration, higher education administration, and rehabilitation counseling (No. 2), educational psychology (No. 4), special education (No. 8), and education policy (No. 9).

In addition, MSU’s School of Packaging received a major boost with a $47 million donation from alumnus Charles Frasier and his wife Jacqueline. The gift will fund the next phase of the school’s building expansion.