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News | Michigan

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.

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.

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.

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.

MICHIGAN

Inspectors audit E.L. homes

Even though Rob Ryan and his roommates prepared for their annual housing inspection at the New Community cooperative house, he still was surprised his house passed the test. "They're always nit-picking," the advertising senior said of the city's housing inspectors.

MICHIGAN

TIME poll: Clinton has support of Democrats

Democratic Sen. Hillary Clinton used to stand by her husband as he made crucial decisions for the United States. Now, she's vying for the opportunity to make those same calls. Does she have a chance? According to a TIME Magazine poll that ran from Jan.

MICHIGAN

New business delivers cookies

It's 11 p.m. on Wednesday, and English senior Nathaniel Janick and his friend, professional writing sophomore Phil DeAngelis, are leaving Wells Hall after seeing a movie. A tad hungry, DeAngelis, Janick and their friends are not interested in eating a full course meal or fast food.

MICHIGAN

Age on center stage

Sitting together, senior citizens and teenagers read a script aloud. The animated group included, one person plugging her nose, imitating a stuffy king.

MICHIGAN

Locals liable for snow removal

Icy roads and snow-blanketed highways are causing trouble for local motorists, while some East Lansing residents are faced with fines for not clearing their sidewalks. Since the beginning of the year, nine residents have received an $85 ticket from East Lansing's Parking and Code Enforcement, or PACE, for not removing snow and ice from the sidewalks around their homes.

MICHIGAN

Word on the street

Would you be willing to pay a sales tax on services such as haircuts, moving companies and financial advising? "Yes, extra tax money for government spending isn't that big of a deal." Joe Gessler finance sophomore "Yes, so the government can get the money to pay expenses like fixing roads, and paying police and firefighters." Matt Gill accounting freshman "Yes, I think the economy is in trouble, and needs anything to help get us back on the right footing." Amber VanderWeide history senior