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MICHIGAN

Security breach affects students

Shopped at a T.J. Maxx or Marshalls last year? How about A.J. Wright or HomeGoods? You might have got more than you bargained for. The credit and debit card information of some customers was stolen in mid-December in a nationwide security breach.

MICHIGAN

Beaner's sales grow by nearly 53 percent

Beaner's Gourmet Coffee sales increased by 53 percent in 2006. Entrepreneur magazine ranked the company 289 out of the top 500 franchise concepts in the U.S. The store opened new branches in Georgia, Florida and Illinois and plans to cross the 100-store mark by the end of 2007 by opening stores in Lansing, Grand Rapids and Detroit. "Overall, it shows that our brand is doing very well," said Kori Lawlor, marketing manager for the franchise.

MICHIGAN

Proposal calls to inform parents

A group of Michigan legislators wants to make sure parents are fully aware of a new vaccine that could protect their teenage daughters from cervical cancer. The proposed law wouldn't force parents to get their children immunized — it would require them to understand the correlation between the genital human papillomavirus, or HPV, and cervical cancer.

MSU

Grant to increase service

Over the next three years, MSU will extend programs to increase students' social and civic engagement within the community. Administrators plan to add service-learning and internship courses, study abroad programs and a class on civic responsibility designed to bring together students from different departments. This became possible because MSU was chosen along with 17 other universities to participate in Core Commitments Leadership Consortium — a grant from the Association of American Colleges and Universities, or AAC&U.

MICHIGAN

Parking garages upgrade system

In the next few months, drivers coming to East Lansing's downtown parking facilities are going to be greeted with an electronic computer rather than a parking attendant. More than $1 million worth of computerized parking equipment has been ordered to replace the city's existing technology by July. The new equipment will offer drivers the option of paying with credit cards and city-issued debit cards, along with more options for short-term permits. "It's just the way the industry's going," East Lansing Parking Administrator Dan O'Connor said.

MSU

MSU group plans to raise LBGT awareness

The MSU Stonewall Democrats hope a reorganization of the group will create awareness for the lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgender community on campus. Last semester, the group worked with the MSU College Democrats to get people to vote during the November elections. Now, the group has shifted its efforts back to activism, said Kate Lester, president of the Stonewall Democrats. In today's reorganizational meeting, Lester said she plans to set times and dates for group meetings, try to put together goals and establish an executive board.

MICHIGAN

Community faces housing bias

Lansing — Same-sex couples are not given the same opportunities as heterosexual couples when renting or owning property, a report released Tuesday by the Fair Housing Center of Southeastern Michigan concluded. The study examined 120 cases throughout various parts of the state, beginning in May 2005 and ending in February 2006. "Sexual orientation is not always covered in Michigan legislation," said Kristen Cuhran, coordinator of investigations for the housing center.

MICHIGAN

City offers trees to combat harmful bug

To combat the emerald ash borer's effects in Mid-Michigan, East Lansing residents can reserve a tree to plant in their yards, beginning Thursday. As part of the Restoration of Our Trees program, sponsored by the city of East Lansing, 200 trees are available for purchase by residents.

MICHIGAN

Bridge celebrates 50th year

Lansing — Fifty years have passed since Richard "Dick" DeMara was a black-haired iron worker. He was paid $3.50 an hour and "a nickel for fringe benefits" in 1957 as a cable inspector during the construction of the Mackinac Bridge. DeMara, who now has gray hair, shared photos and jocular stories of his experience Saturday at the Michigan Historical Museum, 702 W.

MSU

Project analyzes Internet security

With every keystroke, computer hackers try to work their way into your computer. But not if Robert LaRose and Nora Rifon, two MSU professors, can help it. Last year, the duo conducted a national survey of 557 home Internet users.

MICHIGAN

Students unsure of liaison's progress

In the four months and 18 days that Rachelle Woodbury has been East Lansing's community-student liaison, the MSU employee has met with dozens of people and has begun developing a new Web site — but that's about it. Woodbury's position was created by MSU President Lou Anna K.