Good morning, Lansing.

Local labor and business leaders backed a $120 million data center in downtown Lansing on Monday as Deep Green neared regulatory approval.

The project, set to repurpose parking lots along Kalamazoo Street to create 50 jobs and reduce utility costs, awaits city council approval.

World-renowned DJ Carl Craig will join the MSU Museum’s CoLab Studio as part of the MSUFCU Arts Power Up Artist-in-Residence program from mid-January through April.

The program will bring together artists, scientists, and students on campus (based on past collaborations) to spark creative exchanges.

Michigan State University’s Board of Trustees approved a $6.9 million demolition of the aging IM West facility at 393 Chestnut Road on Friday, Feb.

6, to clear the way for restoring the site to green space. A new Student Recreation and Wellness Center will replace the building later this year.

MSU faculty and students rated ads from the Super Bowl, with faculty picking a touching Lay’s ad featuring a retirement surprise and students choosing a funny Michelob Ultra ad with a ski race.

The rankings showed different views on creativity in the MSU community.

A nearly 1,600-acre solar farm project is proposed in Bingham Township with construction planned for summer 2027.

Neighbors near an existing site worry about noise + the project limiting future growth near St. Johns.

Lake Erie is nearing a complete freeze this month as ice coverage passed 95% in early February and experts say warmer days could halt additional icing (a rarity in 30 years).

Nearby Great Lakes remain less frozen.

Today, Governor Whitmer previewed her upcoming budget proposal that would boost funding ($250 per student to raise allotments to $10,300) and include free pre-K for all and permanent free school meals, with her team set to share the full plan tomorrow.

Voting is open until noon on Feb.

11 to choose the LSJ boys high school athlete of the week from Grand Ledge, Olivet and St. Johns — nominees include Bryce Pratl, who surpassed 1,000 points, Andrew Rigelman, CAAC singles champion, and undefeated Logan Tollison, recent CAAC Blue champion.

Michigan State football coach Pat Fitzgerald finished recruiting a 30-player class built on in-state talent and transfer veterans, including standout wide receiver Samson Gash.

The team will begin winter workouts before spring practices start on March 17.

Two former MSU hockey forwards, Wojciech Stachowiak—Team Germany and Dustin Gazley—Team Italy, will compete at the Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina starting tomorrow; Stachowiak will play on Feb.

12 and the tournament ends on Feb. 22.

Nermis Mieses Recital

7:30-11:30 p.m. — College of Music — Free entry — Experience an evening of love and longing through the music of Schumann and more.

MSU Jazz Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — College of Arts and Letters — Ticketed event — Experience the artistry and improvisational spark of MSU jazz artists with standards and original works.

Board Game Night at Summit Comics & Games

2-9 p.m. — Summit Comics & Games — Free entry — Enjoy a fun night of board gaming with fellow enthusiasts in a welcoming environment.

Lunar New Year Celebration

3-7 p.m. — Cook Recital Hall At MSU College of Music — Ticketed event — Celebrate the Lunar New Year with cultural performances and festivities.

Chance Huiet Jazz Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Fairchild Theatre — Ticket info not provided — Enjoy an evening of smooth jazz with Chance Trottman-Huiet performing live.

Adult Casual Clay Wheel Workshop

6-8 p.m. — REACH Studio Art Center — 20% discount for second registrant and beyond — Unleash your creativity in this beginner-friendly clay workshop and enjoy a relaxed artistic experience.

LEGO®Palooza 2026

9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Impression 5 Science Center — Kids $20, Adults $15 — A two-day fundraising extravaganza filled with over 20 special LEGO® themed activities for the whole family.

mParks Conference & Trade Show

March 4-5 — Lansing Center — Registration required — Explore professional development opportunities and celebrate Michigan's parks and recreation community.

The Wild Honey Collective Concert

7-11 p.m. — The Green Door — Ticket prices vary — Experience an evening of melodic tunes by The Wild Honey Collective with engaging lyrics and music videos.

Time to Paddy 5k/10k & Lucky 13.1 Half Marathon

8-11 a.m. — Burchard Park — Entry fee varies — Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with family-friendly running events and festive giveaways.