Saturday, December 20, 2025

Take a peek behind the curtain and test drive the NEW StateNews.com today!

News | Michigan

MICHIGAN

Michigan youth attend government sessions

Nearly 400 middle school students from 19 schools throughout the state are expected to participate in the second annual session of Michigan Youth in Government that will begin this weekend. The statewide program is an expansion of the Youth in Government program for high school students.

MICHIGAN

Sparrow, nurses negotiate deal

A new round of contract negotiations between the Michigan Nurses Association and Sparrow Health System began Wednesday after a vote to authorize a strike was issued earlier this month. The contract expired Oct.

MICHIGAN

Protest denounces Prop. 2

About 100 angry and confused protesters stood on the steps of the Capitol on Wednesday night with signs that read "What is wrong with wanting equality," and "How many people have to die for us to have equal rights." The event was a demonstration by protesters voicing their disapproval of the passing of Proposal 2, which will amend the state constitution to define the union between one man and one woman as the only agreement recognized as a marriage or similar union. The protest was organized by Rally for Equality, a group of Haslett High School students who said they want equality for everyone. "People should be free to make their own choices," said Haslett High School sophomore Ashley Nalett, the organizer of the event.

MICHIGAN

Chios to close at decision of longtime owner

Chios owner Rocio Patel said she wanted to infuse ethnicity and culture into both her merchandise and the store's atmosphere. A native of Costa Rica, Patel said she hoped to show people something different by selecting and handcrafting some of the jewelry, gifts and fabrics. After 10 years in East Lansing, including five years at the current location, 305 E.

MICHIGAN

E.L. officials discuss future of East Village

The East Village Master Plan Team has invited the residents of East Lansing to come forward with their own vision for the Cedar Village area. Residents can show up and speak their mind regarding the city's proposed $16.3 million transformation at 5:30 p.m.

MICHIGAN

Credit union to add branch

The MSU Federal Credit Union broke ground on a new branch in southern Lansing last month, which is slated to open in late summer 2005. Builders started developing the site at 200 E.

MICHIGAN

E.L. officials to address property designation

City officials hope to bulk up their financial toolbox for redevelopment by redesignating a section of the city as "blighted," but not before East Lansing residents weigh in on the matter. Citizens will have the chance to share their views on designating East Village as a blighted zone at the East Lansing City Council meeting today at 7:30 p.m.

MICHIGAN

Libertarians celebrate awareness, progress

Former Democratic candidate John Kerry wasn't the only one who lost the presidential election to President Bush. Behind the limelight, third party candidates fought the same fight and suffered the same loss as Kerry, and among them was Michael Badnarik of the Libertarian Party. Members of the Libertarian Party met Saturday night to celebrate what they described as a success. "We are the new refounding fathers and mothers and we will restore liberty," Badnarik said during a speech given to about 50 Libertarians gathered at the Hampton Inn & Suites, 2200 Hampton Place in Okemos.

MICHIGAN

Officers train for chaos

In two single-file lines, police officers raced up to demonstrators, dragging them away one-by-one and placing their hands in zip ties to keep them restrained. Protesters continued to scream in windy weather as officers arrested them and took their mugshots. This was not a group of workers fighting for a new contract or a better benefits package - they were members of the MSU community, acting as rioters and protesters to help police officers during their Small Squad Tactics training program. Friday marked the last day of the training, in which officers from local and Big Ten university police departments came to learn maneuvers on how to deal with civil disturbances.

MICHIGAN

False fire alarms on the rise

Burnt popcorn and pranksters are not the only factors to blame for a jump in false fire alarms in East Lansing and on MSU's campus, city officials said. The installation of more alarm systems during the past four years boosted the chance for malfunctions, East Lansing Fire Marshall Bob Pratt said. The city's fire department recently responded to 15 false alarms in one week, from Oct.

MICHIGAN

Festival displays women's art

By Mara S. Deutch Special to The State News As festival-goers perused through rows of handmade crafts, the muffled sound of a folk song filled the hallway of a festival that has progressed into almost two decades of female appreciation. The 19th annual Women in the Arts Festival was held Friday and Saturday at Edgewood United Church, 469 N.

MICHIGAN

Library to offer tutors to E.L. schoolchildren

Free weekly tutoring is now available at the East Lansing Public Library for all subject areas on Mondays from 4 to 6 p.m. Students in kindergarten through eighth grade can participate in the program, called HomeWork Help. Students can come in at any time during the session and stay as long as necessary. Tutors are from the MSU chapter of the Student Michigan Education Association, a professional and community service organization for future teachers. Information on HomeWork Help and other programs available through the library can be found at elpl.org or by calling (517) 351-2420.

MICHIGAN

Study: Number of new hunters down

While hunters clean their guns and pack warm clothes in preparation for the opening of Michigan's firearm hunting season on Monday, some outdoors lovers say the number of new hunters is declining. Last year, a study conducted by researchers at the MSU Department of Fisheries and Wildlife revealed the number of big game hunters in the U.S.