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News | Michigan

MICHIGAN

State promotes energy options

When it comes to keeping lights on and water hot, the state of Michigan is looking for ways to promote the use of cleaner energy. The state's Energy Office and Public Service Commission recently started two programs to financially compensate residents and small businesses that use renewable energy.

MICHIGAN

Library, stores offer special pope collections

Sitting on a shelf near the check-out corner of the East Lansing Public Library, a collection of books about the late Pope John Paul II are flying off the racks. From titles such as "In the Vatican" to "The private prayers of Pope John Paul II," the publications offer a wide variety of information to readers on the life of an influential public figure. "One of the services we offer to the community is to highlight current events and library materials that relate to those current events," said Laurie St.

MICHIGAN

E.L. decreases budget for 2006

The city of East Lansing will operate with about $523,000 less than last year, according to the city's fiscal year 2006 budget and program of services. The city's total budget for 2006 is about $55 million, about 2.3 percent less than last year.

MICHIGAN

Food contaminated by gas should be tossed

Any food sitting out that might have been contaminated by tear gas on Saturday night should be thrown out, said Dean Sienko, medical director of the Ingham County Health Department. Thousands of students took to the streets of East Lansing after the men's basketball team's loss to the University of North Carolina on Saturday.

MICHIGAN

Floormates testify in rape case

For 19-year-old marketing freshman Travis Eichten, the second day in court on Tuesday brought testimony from witnesses and cross-examination of the accuser. Eichten is accused of raping an Emmons Hall floormate and is facing 15 years in prison. About eight people took the stand Tuesday including friends, an Olin Health Center nurse, an MSU police officer and a detective. The woman, a 19-year-old general business administration and pre-law freshman, also was cross-examined for about an hour and 15 minutes Tuesday. The trial addresses a Sept.

MICHIGAN

Experts: Police used tear gas legally

East Lansing police officers were within their rights to fire tear gas into crowds of thousands of students as they filled the streets of East Lansing on Saturday after MSU's loss to the University of North Carolina, experts say. Police officers have said they used the gas to disperse large crowds of students who they felt they could not control.

MICHIGAN

7-Eleven to close Mich. Avenue store

Students craving a Slurpee won't be able to fill up at the 7-Eleven on Michigan Avenue anymore. Store employees confirmed that the building will become a different store after closing today. "It's just not a profitable location for us anymore," Manager Martin Block said. The 7-Eleven, 210 Michigan Ave., is one of four in East Lansing.

MICHIGAN

Trial begins for student charged with rape

Seven months after 19-year-old Travis Eichten was accused of raping his Emmons Hall floormate, the marketing freshman appeared in court Monday to face charges that could earn him up to 15 years in prison. The trial addresses a Sept.

MICHIGAN

Resources help first-time tax filers

This is the first year communication senior Kristi Buckham has filed her taxes on her own. As the April 15 tax filing deadline approaches, local tax preparers are getting the word out about the number of resources available to filers, including local tax-preparation services, resources and Web sites devoted to do-it-yourself filing. And, like Buckham, many college students will file as independents for the first time. Buckham said she used an online tax preparation site because it was simple to use and inexpensive.

MICHIGAN

WEB-ONLY: A timeline of Saturday's action

11 p.m.: Game ends, people begin to gather on campus and in East Lansing, specifically in Cedar Village and Albert Avenue by Buffalo Wild Wings, 360 Albert Ave. 11 p.m.: Police begin announcing over loudspeakers in Cedar Village that the gathering was an "unlawful assembly" and would soon begin making arrests. 11:15 p.m.: Police begin releasing tear gas. 11:27 p.m.: One of the two helicopters circling the area shines lights down on the gathering in Cedar Village.

MICHIGAN

Several tear-gas injuries reported

Several injuries were reported after thousands of students took to the streets following the Spartans' loss to North Carolina on Saturday. At Lansing's Sparrow Hospital emergency room, between 15 and 20 students were treated and released, said Nan Simons, spokeswoman for Sparrow Hospital. Students were treated for twisted ankles, bumps and bruises and exposure to tear gas and similar chemicals.

MICHIGAN

Bill addresses high school freedom of the press

When he returns from spring break, East Lansing High School student Tyler Whitney will be allowed to distribute his conservative newspaper at school. Whitney said officials stopped the distribution of Right Way in March because they did not agree with its content.