Ballot might include race admissions

A ballot initiative was proposed Wednesday that would allow Michigan voters the option to prohibit preferential treatment based on race or gender. With the support of several Republican state representatives by his side, the chairman of the Sacramento-based American Civil Rights Coalition, Ward Connerly, announced the campaign for the ballot initiative at the state Capitol. If passed, the initiative would become a constitutional amendment against the U.S.

United Way, unions kick off campaign

With wounds still fresh from a more than $2-million embezzlement scandal, Mike Brown, president of the Capital Area United Way, addressed a crowd of laborers saying the scandal won't shake the 64-year partnership with the labor union. "We have to roll up our sleeves and go back to work," Brown said.

Mayoral candidate hopes to attract youth

Editor's note: This is the second in a series of articles profiling Lansing's six candidates for mayor. Melissa Sue Robinson says after half a decade of being a constituent, she's ready to make her mark on Lansing by running for mayor. "I want to give back to the people that helped me," the 53-year-old said.

E.L. prepares for pest

East Lansing residents and landscapers could soon kiss their ash goodbye. An infestation of the emerald ash borer, an exotic insect which destroyed more than 6 million Detroit-area Ash trees, has recently been discovered infesting more than 50 Ash trees in Meridian Township.In response to the close proximity of the beetle, a public meeting at Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbott Road, was held Tuesday night to inform a large crowd of concerned residents about the latest news on the ash borer and eradication methods.

News Briefs

Event looks to build ecological awareness "Story Time on the Grand," will be hosted by The Mid-Michigan Environmental Action Council on Friday at 429 S.

Candidate plays it low key

Editor's note: This is the first in a series of articles profiling Lansing's six candidates for mayor. Lansing mayoral candidate Gerald Rowley doesn't have large lawn placards for his supporters to display.

Kids jump at chance for concert passes

Okemos - Kasie Sperry clutched her jump rope nervously as she waited with her mother for her turn to compete for tickets to see one of her favorite bands.

News briefs

Construction might delay Lansing traffic Drivers should expect traffic delays beginning today when two Lansing streets close for railroad track crossing improvements. The northernmost westbound lane of Michigan Avenue just east of Pennsylvania Avenue will be expected to be closed for a week.

News Briefs

Wal-Mart opens doors to shoppers in OkemosBargain shoppers have another haven as of Wednesday morning when the Wal-Mart discount store in Okemos opened its doors to the public.The newest addition to the nationwide chain celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by MSU athletic director Ron Mason and State Sen.

2 E.L. police positions eliminated due to wage raises, growing budget

The East Lansing Police Department has eliminated two positions due to an unexpanding budget. A police officer and parking code enforcement supervisor position were cut because the department's $8-million budget could not grow to accommodate wage raises. "We've tried to absorb the changes without impact," East Lansing police Capt.

Survey shows community is satisfied

A recent survey of East Lansing shows student-resident relations are improving, and an overwhelming amount of residents rate the city as a nice place to live.

Fire claims housing duplex

An empty housing duplex now stands at Lake Lansing and Abbott roads, the outside visibly charred from a fire that broke out during the early morning hours on Wednesday.

Community events

The city of East Lansing puts on many free events throughout the summer - grab a lawn chair or a blanket and head downtown for evenings of fun. Play in the Park: 7 p.m.

Yo-yo master performs at E.L. park

Paul Kyprie is no yo-yo.But he can do about 200 tricks if given one.From around the world and pinwheels to walking the dog and loop-the-loop, Kyprie, or Yo-master Zeemo, can do them all.About 75 children and adults attended East Lansing's Play in the Park on Tuesday evening to watch and learn Zeemo's famed tricks.Sitting on lawn chairs and blankets the audience watched Zeemo's tricks in awe and laughed at his jokes and puns.

Vertical licenses being issued to minors

Michigan is making a simple change to driver's licenses to make it harder for minors to purchase alcohol.Secretary of State offices are now issuing vertical driver's licenses and identification cards in an effort to stop the sale of age-restricted products to minors."This law will literally have a sobering effect," Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land said in a press conference announcing the release of the new licenses.

Diversity achieved at law school without race factor

Credit union installs audio-guided ATMs

The MSU Federal Credit Union is installing audio-guided ATMs to assist the visually impaired. The credit union already has upgraded machines at its main branch, 600 E.

Bill to alter funding of motorcycle safety programs for state

With the help of legislation passed in the Senate on Thursday, motorcycle safety programs might be able to continue.

Senate decreases legal blood alcohol level from .10 to .08

The Michigan Senate passed legislation Thursday to reduce the blood-alcohol level from 0.10 to 0.08, which could redefine the conditions of legal intoxication.

CATA to institute magnetic card system

The Capital Area Transportation Authority is changing the way passengers pay for their rides.A new fare system was needed because of the new technology in the buses, according to Kathy Lindahl, MSU assistant vice president for finance and operations.Beginning Aug.