City Council to discuss use of eminent domain

A resolution that could ban the use of eminent domain will be discussed at the East Lansing City Council meeting Tuesday night. It is likely the council will decide whether to approve a resolution from an East Lansing resident that would deny the city the use of eminent domain — a prospect considered among city and property owners for the recent Virginia Avenue and City Center II developments.

Beef recall will not apply to MSU

The largest U.S. meat recall on record — issued by a California meatpacker Monday — won’t affect MSU’s beef supply.

Weather leaves E.L's salt supply running low

A salt shortage could make it difficult to keep future ice and snow off East Lansing’s roads. January and February’s streak of snow showers has taken a toll on the city’s 3,300-ton salt supply, which is used to break up ice and snow.

Study: Smoky work environments present health hazards

Hangovers aren’t the only potential deterrent bar patrons should be concerned about. Environmental tobacco smoke could be the cause of death in the case of a young asthmatic waitress who collapsed and died shortly after arriving for work at a Michigan bar, report participants said.

State suspends loan program

The MI-LOAN student loan program has been suspended indefinitely due to funding problems.

State News-MSU appeal date set

A hearing before the Michigan Supreme Court for The State News’ lawsuit against MSU is set for March 4 at the Michigan Hall of Justice in Lansing.

Winter upkeep improves car safety

As if snow, icy roads and subzero temperatures weren’t enough, drivers also have to worry about keeping their cars in good condition during winter weather.

Examination of 2 MSU students delayed

A preliminary examination for two MSU students charged with home invasion has been postponed until 9 a.m. March 13 at the 55th District Court in Mason.

Officials: McCain to benefit from endorsement

Mitt Romney’s endorsement of John McCain for the Republican Party’s presidential nomination Thursday likely will sway Michigan’s delegates to McCain, a local political analyst said Thursday.

Woman robbed outside local ice rink

Meridian Township police are investigating an armed robbery at gunpoint at about 9:30 p.m. Wednesday in the parking lot of Suburban Ice, 2810 Hannah Blvd.

E-mail scam reported by E.L. residents

East Lansing police are investigating two related reports of a threatening e-mail scam. Two East Lansing residents reported receiving e-mails with the subject line “Be More Careful,” in which the sender threatened to kill them if they didn’t wire him or her $15,000.

FEMA floodway approval assists East Village development plans

The development of East Village has overcome a hurdle after the federal government approved a city request allowing it to build on land closer to the Red Cedar River.

MSU program trains, works with politicians

It’s not a big secret to Lansing legislators, but MSU students might not know the university has an influential, policy-driving, politician-manufacturing institution tucked away in Berkey Hall’s third floor.

Local restaurants prep for romance

Valentine’s Day dinner can mean candlelights, white tablecloths, steak, seafood, heart-shaped pasta and chocolate desserts. But Elvis? Several local restaurants are going beyond the norm today to set up for one of the restaurant industry’s busiest nights of the year.

Students talk food, sex, intimacy

Students searching for romantic allure this Valentine’s Day might direct their efforts to a sensual source. Health educators from Olin Health Center discussed the sexual appeal related to sharing a meal with a significant other Wednesday at the Spartan Dining Room located in West Holmes Hall.

E.L. City Council continues eminent domain discussion

City officials said a 621-space parking garage is necessary for the proposed redevelopment of land bordering Abbot Road and Grand River Avenue, despite 800 empty spaces, on average, in the city’s four downtown garages. While East Lansing’s four garages average 59 percent occupancy, Jim van Ravensway, East Lansing’s director of Planning and Community Development, said the ramps would be unable to effectively cater to the residents, shoppers and workers the city hopes to lure to the area through the $117 million City Center II development.

Study: Recent graduates needed for Mich. success

Council meeting preview

After delaying to acquire property for Virginia Avenue through the use of eminent domain, the East Lansing City Council will revisit the issue at its work session today. The council also will consider the cost of several city developments and repair projects valued at more than $3 million.

Zookeepers grieve death of Potter Park Zoo rhino

Grief counselors met with keepers from Potter Park Zoo on Monday following the sudden death of Spike, a 17-year-old black rhino. Spike was found dead in his stall two days after veterinarians noticed signs of discomfort. “He was a good animal,” said Tara Harrison, veterinarian and curator at Potter Park Zoo in Lansing.

Single stamp price to rise 1 cent in May

The price of stamps will rise to 42 cents in May — up one cent from the current price.