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News | Michigan

MICHIGAN

Republicans lead in fundraising

RJ Wolcott
July 28, 2013

With the 2014 elections just on the horizon, new figures detailing fundraising efforts released by both parties show Republicans, who control both the House and the Senate, are opening up a significant lead on their Democratic colleagues. The House Republican Campaign Committee has raised $316,000 since April, nearly double the $160,000 the House Democrats raised during the same three-month period. Over on the Senate side, Republicans garnered $291,000 in contributions from constituents, dwarfing the $24,000 raised by Democrats.

MICHIGAN

Amendment to limit NSA spying narrowly defeated on House floor

A proposal to stop blanket surveillance programs conducted by the National Security Agency was narrowly shot down on the U.S. House floor Wednesday night. The 217-205 vote showed a rare solidarity between Democrats and Republicans. Even rarer, the massive support for Congressman Justin Amash’s amendment showed that both sides of the aisle are willing to go against their respective party’s leadership. Even if that means the President.

MICHIGAN

HopCat’s August arrival to spice up E.L. bar scene

Derek Kim
July 24, 2013

The East Lansing bar scene: Dublin Square, Harper’s Restaurant & Brewpub, Rick’s American Café, The Riv. In August, a felinelike juncture will be added to the city’s bar lineup. HopCat is set to open its East Lansing location at 211 Ann St. in August, tucked beneath the altitudinous Residences apartments of Cron Management.

MICHIGAN

Whole llama love

Julia Nagy
July 24, 2013

The Topliffs have a whole lotta love for their llamas. In 1993, Don and Sheryl Topliff bought their first two llamas. Now the herd on their 50-acre plot of land in Williamston, Mich., has expanded to 24 llamas. They said the llamas are a large attraction for their bed and breakfast.

MICHIGAN

Charges against Dishon Ambrose still stand

Detroit resident Dishon Ambrose was denied the motion to quash in the Ingham County Circuit Court this afternoon, according to a representative from Ingham County Prosecutor Stuart Dunnings’ office. Ambrose was attempting to quash the bind-over, which would have dismissed his charges.

MICHIGAN

State surcharge helps low-income families

After two years of quick-fix solutions, the Legislature passed a new long-term plan to provide heating assistance for low-income families. The recently approved program adds a new surcharge on utility users — up to $1 per month.

MICHIGAN

Alcohol-after-midnight ordinance faces changes

Derek Kim
July 24, 2013

East Lansing’s moratorium on restaurants serving alcohol past midnight could become permanent in the fall. City council adopted a resolution on March 5 authorizing a 180-day temporary moratorium on approval of restaurants serving alcohol past midnight. The moratorium was enforced to provide staff time to evaluate the approval of downtown restaurants serving alcohol, as well as the overall impact of licensed establishments. The goal is to recommend appropriate policy changes that address those issues, East Lansing Planning & Community Development Director Tim Dempsey said.

MICHIGAN

MSU police called in for protesting event

Holly Baranowski
July 24, 2013

On Monday morning, about 40 members of Michigan Coalition Against Tar Sands gathered near Stockbridge, Mich., where they clung to bulldozers and protested the expansion of an oil pipeline. Of these protestors, 11 were arrested and four face felony charges, Ingham County Sheriff’s Maj. Joel Maatman said.

MICHIGAN

Mich. lawmakers debate purpose of Stand Your Ground law

RJ Wolcott
July 23, 2013

In the wake of George Zimmerman’s acquittal and the subsequent outrage from organizations such as the NAACP, calling for justice in the death of Trayvon Martin, some members of the Michigan Legislature are questioning whether existing law would create a similar case here in Michigan. The Self Defense Act of 2006, otherwise known as the Stand Your Ground law, permits individuals who fear impending death, significant bodily harm or sexual assault, to act with deadly force in order to protect themselves.

MICHIGAN

Local woman recognized for helping elderly woman find her family

Holly Baranowski
July 22, 2013

Fowlerville, Mich., resident Bethany Scheib didn’t think twice when she drove nearly three hours to return a stranger to her family. The stranger, an elderly woman from St. Charles, Ill., had gotten lost while on her way to visit her daughter and unknowingly drove across the state border. Scheib contacted and met with the woman’s family, earning her a standing ovation in the St. Charles City Council Chambers and a Citizen Appreciation award last Monday.

MICHIGAN

Heat advisory affects Sidewalk Sales turnout

Derek Kim
July 21, 2013

A heat wave that scorched East Lansing last week forced more than 180 local businesses, art galleries and restaurants to persevere through the Sidewalk Sales throughout the weekend. Merchants and customers alike anticipate specials and sales during this annual event, however, a more diluted downtown was apparent as temperatures flirted with the 90s.

MICHIGAN

Night shifts of police officers unpredictable

Holly Baranowski
July 21, 2013

For East Lansing police officer Traci Sperry, there’s no such thing as a typical night on the town. From traffic stops to arresting those who have been drinking under the influence, Sperry’s shift is different each night. But even with the chaos and uncertainty that can come with the job, she would rather be patrolling the streets, making sure East Lansing is safe, than doing anything else.

MICHIGAN

Cooling centers offer relief from heat wave

Anya Rath
July 18, 2013

It’s this week’s number-one conversation topic as everyone camps out by air conditioners and fans: the sweltering heat. Jeff Andresen, associate professor with MSU’s Department of Geography and the state climatologist for Michigan, said the weather, which qualifies as a heat wave, can be explained as a “big, hot air mass” covering most of the central eastern United States.