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News | Michigan

MICHIGAN

No joke: Newborn wins LCC award

Don Jordan
April 2, 2004

Lansing - Twelve hours after José Robert Gutiérrez first entered the world on Thursday, he got a free chance to prove he was no fool. In a hospital lounge, surrounded by news camera crews, the baby boy and his parents, Reneé and José Gutiérrez, were presented with a free year of schooling at Lansing Community College. The scholarship, awarded every April Fools' Day for the last 10 years, is part of the college's celebration of National Community College Month.

MICHIGAN

Senate bills would make insurance info public

Alessa Thomas
April 2, 2004

Some lawmakers are working to make the confidential factors that influence the cost of car insurance public. A nonprofit agency - created to reimburse some insurance companies for providing coverage to injured people needing lifetime coverage after car accidents - is stirring up debate because some legislators say the group is keeping secrets from Michigan's residents. Michigan is the only state that provides lifetime coverage for personal injuries in car accidents.

MICHIGAN

Lawmakers debate options for 'sin taxes'

As bills aimed at closing the state's budget shortfall by raising "sin taxes" make their way through the state Legislature, supporters for and against the bills are making their opinions heard. In the state House on Tuesday, a number of Republican legislators proposed amendments to the state's budget that would reduce spending, rather than raise taxes on cigarettes and liquor.

MICHIGAN

City parking department budget expected to come up short; officials suggest creation of task force

Don Jordan
April 1, 2004

After years of budgetary problems, the East Lansing Parking Department is bracing for another budget shortfall at the end of this fiscal year. At an East Lansing City Council work session on March 23, parking administrator Dan O'Connor asked that a special task force be created to find more efficient ways for the city to cut parking costs and increase parking revenue. O'Connor outlined a report of this year's budget as it currently stands and where the department expects to be when the fiscal year ends in June.

MICHIGAN

Students bring projects to state Capitol

Alessa Thomas
April 1, 2004

Lansing - About 50 students from MSU, the University of Michigan and Wayne State University had an opportunity Wednesday to showcase their research projects at the Capitol. The first Michigan Undergraduate Research Forum brought the top-three research institutions in the state together to display the research conducted by undergraduate students. The program was opened with speeches from MSU Provost Lou Anna Simon, as well as university heads from U-M and Wayne State.

MICHIGAN

Carbon dioxide levels reach record highs

A greenhouse gas is showing up in the earth's atmosphere at record-high levels, and officials say global climatic patterns could be impacted in the future. According to a report released earlier this month by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's climate monitoring lab in Hawaii, carbon dioxide levels have reached record highs in the past year.

MICHIGAN

Grand Ledge McDonald's beefs up, supersizes image

Jaclyn Roeschke
March 31, 2004

Grand Ledge - Customers at a recently renovated area McDonald's restaurant might soon skip ordering at the drive-through window, opting instead to eat their fast-food meal inside, sitting on plastic wood-like chairs next to a roaring fireplace. After closing its dining room for one month of renovations, the McDonald's at 608 S.

MICHIGAN

Darkest night

Steve Eder
March 30, 2004

Five years after 10,000 revelers torched the streets of East Lansing and tainted MSU's name, the scars still are visible as a reminder of the college town's darkest night. March 27, 1999, signaled the beginning of a new era for MSU as the men's basketball team returned to the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 20 years.

MICHIGAN

Group rallies against online alcohol purchases in Mich.

The purchase of alcohol via the Internet, something available in many states, will never be allowed in Michigan if one recently formed group has its way. The Coalition for a Safe and Responsible Michigan, made up of about 13 organizations, formed earlier this month to advocate Michigan's system of alcohol distribution.

MICHIGAN

State, E.L. officials debate increasing speed limits on two local roads

Don Jordan
March 30, 2004

A private meeting Friday between Michigan transportation officials and East Lansing Mayor Mark Meadows about increased speed limits on two city thoroughfares yielded no decision on the fate of the roads. The meeting was scheduled to provide city officials an opportunity to voice concerns to Michigan Department of Transportation officials concerning the change, which would increase the speed limit on sections of Saginaw Street and Grand River Avenue by 10 mph. Although no decisions were made, Meadows said the meeting was informative and productive. "There was a lot of dialogue about the decision-making process involved," he said.

MICHIGAN

2 E.L. restaurants receive license, add liquor to menu

Don Jordan
March 29, 2004

In the foyer of LH Grille Room, a large blackboard perched on the front wall displays the names of dozens of available beers and wines inscribed in bright, chalky colors. It has been just more than a week since those names were first written, when the restaurant, along with the adjoining Lou & Harry's Five Star Deli, received a long-awaited state liquor license. In the short time since spirits were added to the menu, owner Harry Saites said he already has noticed an upward swing in business. "Our dinner crowd, from 7 to 11 has already increased," Saites said. The approval comes after months of city and state approvals that Saites said he's glad he's finally done with.

MICHIGAN

Group's petition seeks abortion bill override

Tara May
March 29, 2004

A petition initiative seeking to ban partial-birth abortions in Michigan is anticipated to be successful before the Legislature breaks for summer recess. The drive, launched by Right To Life of Michigan in January, gathered more than 325,000 signatures within two months of announcing its goal.

MICHIGAN

Bill could mean jail time for multiple MIPs

Alessa Thomas
March 29, 2004

Minors caught in possession of alcohol more than once who don't follow court orders could face jail time if a bill passed Thursday by the state House is signed into law. Under the bill, minors who drink could face up to 30 days in jail on their second offense, but only if they fail to pay the $200 fine and comply with probation.

MICHIGAN

CATA seeks opinions from students with disabilities

Elizabeth Piet
March 29, 2004

Two Capital Area Transportation Authority representatives met with members of the Council for Students with Disabilities last week to listen to concerns about bus service. "We just wanted to establish an ongoing relationship with this committee," CATA Paratransit Manager Sharon Blowers said.