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News | Michigan

MICHIGAN

Student group to defend ballot initiative with counterprotest

Jason Worthy
July 19, 2005

In an effort to defend affirmative action, members of a national activist group will head down to the Capitol today to rally for the second time this summer, but one campus group will attempt to counteract their protests. The MSU College Republicans are getting involved to oppose the protest headed by the Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action, Integration & Immigrant Rights and Fight for Equality By Any Means Necessary, or BAMN. The Michigan Board of Canvassers are holding a meeting today to decide if the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative, or MCRI, proposal will be on the 2006 ballot. MCRI is a proposal to amend the Michigan Constitution by adding a new section that would prohibit state and local governments from discriminating against or granting preferential treatment to any individual or group based on race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin.

MICHIGAN

Study: Accidents 4 times more likely with cell phone use

Nick Pelton
July 18, 2005

Driving while chatting on the phone can increase the likelihood of a crash resulting in injury by about four times, according to a recent study. The study from the University of Sydney, Australia, which was published July 12 in the British Medical Journal, or BMJ, also said that hands-free phones are not any safer, said Suzanne McEvoy, who helped conduct the study. Researchers interviewed 456 drivers who were in the hospital for crashes and owned a cell phone.

MICHIGAN

Officials warn against illegal use of wireless

Darrell Hughes
July 18, 2005

Today's technology lets people use wireless connections to access the Internet, and the illegal use of wireless networks is an issue with some officials. Some use their neighbor's wireless Internet networks without giving it much thought, said Rich Wiggins, MSU's Academic Network & Computer Services senior information technologist.

MICHIGAN

Supreme Court seat might sway abortion laws

Daniel Thai
July 18, 2005

The issue of abortion could be affected by whom President Bush nominates for the U.S. Supreme Court seat vacated by Sandra Day O'Connor's retirement. O'Connor, the first woman to serve as a justice on the Supreme Court, announced her resignation July 1.

MICHIGAN

Harry Potter release inspires celebration

When 7-year-old Will Miklavcic dons a black cape and pair of glasses repaired with tape, he said he resembles Harry Potter, even though he's blond. "I like Harry Potter; I've read all the books," the Haslett resident said.

MICHIGAN

Police use fliers to aid search for missing boy

Kris Turner
July 14, 2005

The search for a missing Williamston boy advanced today when officials from the U.S. Post Office agreed to distribute 65,000 fliers containing his picture and description. As part of the Deliver Me Home Network, the fliers aim to make residents aware of disappearances.

MICHIGAN

Scholars assess Scientology

Jason Worthy
July 14, 2005

The religion Scientology has been around for more than 50 years, yet recently it has become the center of media and public attention. Some relate the rise in popularity to actor Tom Cruise for being outspoken in the media about his views of Scientology and psychiatry. But Mary Anne Ahmad, director of public affairs of Midwest Churches of Scientology said this is not a new religion. "It's always been here," she said.

MICHIGAN

Graffiti artist paints Flats Grille

Lindsey Poisson
July 14, 2005

Artist Joseph Houghton paints graffiti that people will pay to have on their walls. In an effort to beautify a vacant wall, Flats Grille owner Paul O'Connor commissioned Houghton to paint a large mural on the side of his restaurant at 551 E.

MICHIGAN

Fair weather, fair season

Lindsey Poisson
July 12, 2005

The Ferris wheel and cotton candy season has arrived. Officials hope that local county fairs will have increased admissions this summer with carnival attractions and local exhibitors. Surrounding county fairs have already started.

MICHIGAN

West Village developer awaits state approval

Darrell Hughes
July 12, 2005

Redevelopment plans for the West Village project are still underway, but city officials said the developer needs approval from state officials before the overhaul begins. Michigan officials are previewing the site plans and other paperwork before they give the project's developer the OK, said Tim Dempsey, East Lansing's community and economic development administrator. The developer Jerome Abood of Abood Properties, 603 E.

MICHIGAN

2 Mich. bills could force coverage of contraceptives

Mara Deutch
July 12, 2005

Contraceptives could be covered by more Michigan health-insurance agencies, if a new initiative is passed that is currently in the state Senate. Senate Bills 431 and 432 were introduced in April and could require Michigan-based health-care providers who already cover Food and Drug Administration-approved prescription medications to also cover approved contraceptives. "Right now insurers are not required to insure (contraceptives)," said T.J.

MICHIGAN

Church OKs same-sex marriage

Jason Worthy
July 11, 2005

The United Church of Christ general synod passed a resolution last week endorsing same-sex marriages. This makes the United Church of Christ the first mainline Christian denomination to officially support same-sex marriages said Michael Schuenemeyer, minister for LGBT Ministries in the church's national office in Cleveland.

MICHIGAN

E.L. works to finalize city's grant budget

Darrell Hughes
July 11, 2005

Final expenditures for several downtown improvement projects are unknown, but city leaders said they're working on a more detailed budget. East Lansing received a $100,000 Cool Cities Neighborhoods in Progress grant, along with 13 other Michigan cities, about two weeks ago.

MICHIGAN

Mich. 1st to offer e-mail protection for children

Mara Deutch
July 7, 2005

For parents like Detroit attorney Talia Goetting, who worry about the e-mails their children are receiving, there is a new program in place to ease their fears. Michigan is the first state to create a registry to prevent certain spam e-mails from reaching a minor's online account. "I'd hate for (my daughter) to open something up at such a young age and be shocked," Goetting said, adding her 7-year-old daughter recently started e-mailing people. In 2004, the Michigan Children's Protection Registry Act was created to prohibit people from sending e-mail to children about products or services that are illegal for minors.

MICHIGAN

Commission meeting open to public debate

Darrell Hughes
July 7, 2005

The independent review commission will hold a meeting from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday in the Executive Conference Room at the East Lansing Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbott Road. The commission is reviewing the planning and implementation strategies to control spontaneous large crowd events, including the April 2-3 disturbances. The commission has invited everyone who has spoken on the issue in the past to speak at the Friday meeting, along with other individuals who want to voice their concerns, said Mayor Mark Meadows, chairman of the commission.