MICHIGAN
Prof to lecture about Islam at E.L. church
A lecture and discussion series highlighting the various facets of Islam will be held every weekend for the next four weeks.
MICHIGAN
State, E.L. officials debate increasing speed limits on two local roads
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
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
U.S. Supreme Court debates, state Senate endorses pledge's 'under God' phrase
The Michigan Senate voted Wednesday to approve two resolutions endorsing the use of the phrase "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance. In a 32-2 vote, the state Senate passed the resolutions urging the U.S.
MICHIGAN
Group's petition seeks abortion bill override
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
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
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.
MICHIGAN
Exhibit, talk teach about antique fraud
Lansing - About 75 people gathered on Saturday at the Michigan Library and Historical Center to listen to a presentation by the "Antiques Roadshow" star about antique fraud.
MICHIGAN
2 E.L. restaurants receive license, add liquor to menu
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
Contests give young adults chance to talk politics in Boston
A pair of contests will give young people the opportunity to participate in July's Democratic National Convention in Boston. The two contests, called Speak Out for the Future and Gavel in the Future, allow young people of various age groups to submit writings to the Democratic National Convention Committee on two separate topics. To participate in Speak out for the Future, people between the ages of 18 and 24 must write a short essay about the importance of politics to young adults.
MICHIGAN
Speed-limit hike draws criticism
The mayor of East Lansing will plead his case to state officials at a meeting today, in hope of preserving existing speed limits on two East Lansing roadways. Michigan Department of Transportation representatives and Mayor Mark Meadows will discuss the increase, which raises the speed limit 10 mph on sections of Saginaw Street and Hagadorn Road.
MICHIGAN
Basketball tourney's end saves E.L. police money
With the MSU men's basketball team's short run in the NCAA Tournament, the East Lansing Police Department didn't have to dip deep into funds for riot protection and safety in the city. "We saved a lot of money by not having to invest in all of that prevention," said East Lansing Deputy Police Chief Tom Wibert.
MICHIGAN
Local clients keep barbershop going strong
In the mid-1990s, John Howard kept his barbershop open based on simple advice from one man: former L.A.
MICHIGAN
Officials: 15 years after oil spill, land still vulnerable
Lansing - Fifteen years ago Wednesday, 11 million gallons of slick, black crude oil coursed from the Exxon Valdez tanker's struck hull, bleeding into the waves of Alaska's Prince William Sound.
MICHIGAN
MEAP alternatives debated
High school students might not have to take the Michigan Educational Assessment Program, or MEAP, tests anymore if some state lawmakers and members of the Education Alliance of Michigan get their way. Supporters of removing the MEAP are working to replace the test with the ACT Assessment, a common test taken by students seeking college admission.
MICHIGAN
E.L. murder suspects to head to trial in May
The two men charged in connection with the shooting at an East Lansing convenience store last month appeared in 54-B District Court on Wednesday morning for a pretrial hearing. Detroit residents Eric Charles Gordy, 35, and 29-year-old Hatarie Deamont McCorkle, were charged on March 2 with the murder of Lansing resident Joseph Lavon Parker and attempted murder of George Edward Whitfield, also of Lansing. Parker and Whitfield were shot at about 2:30 a.m.
MICHIGAN
Kerry to make 2 Mich. campaign stops Friday
Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry will make two stops in Michigan on Friday. The politician will visit Wayne State University in Detroit at 12:30 p.m.
MICHIGAN
Police: Assault might be linked to E.L. robbery
Police are investigating a possible connection between an early Saturday morning sexual assault in Meridian Township and an armed robbery on Monday near the Cedar Village apartment complex. Police said the descriptions of the male assailants is similar in both cases.
MICHIGAN
60 E.L. teachers to receive layoff notice
More than 60 East Lansing teachers soon will be receiving layoff slips, but school-district officials say it's more of a technicality than a threat to teaching jobs. The slips are a preemptive move the district is making in preparation of a $1 million expected deficit in the budget to be released in July. Kelley Peatross, the director of human resources and public development for East Lansing Public Schools, said teachers shouldn't worry. "I really don't anticipate any permanent layoffs," she said.
MICHIGAN
Report: State property tax could 'cripple' East Lansing
East Lansing falls into the ranks of municipalities being financially "crippled" by state tax systems, according to a report released Tuesday by the Michigan Municipal League. Under the state's General Property Tax Act, municipalities must roll back millage rates when property values go up in a city, thereby decreasing their yearly revenue. The league argues in its report that cities are being penalized for growing and succeeding. "All Michigan cities are on a conveyer belt to crisis," said Summer Minnick, a lobbyist with the Michigan Municipal League.