Rural Broadband: Pinpoint Holdings agreed to buy MetaLINK, which serves about 12,500 residential and business subscribers across southern Michigan and nearby states. The buyer plans to extend fiber service in the region. Energy Costs: The MPSC gave Consumers Energy until Dec. 9 to negotiate over its proposed sale of 13 hydro dams. The 30-year power deal could cost ratepayers an estimated $3.4 billion; without a settlement, the commission plans a Dec. 17 decision. Data Center Investment: Michigan’s incoming governor campaigned to pause data center construction. Nationally, about 40% of planned U.S. capacity is in states whose incoming governors have pledged pauses, putting investment plans in question as developers weigh local concerns and job creation. Business Conditions: West Michigan manufacturing showed modest growth, but inflation remained a concern. Northpointe Bank also plans to lay off more than 300 workers.