Vertical licenses being issued to minors

Michigan is making a simple change to driver's licenses to make it harder for minors to purchase alcohol.Secretary of State offices are now issuing vertical driver's licenses and identification cards in an effort to stop the sale of age-restricted products to minors."This law will literally have a sobering effect," Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land said in a press conference announcing the release of the new licenses.

Diversity achieved at law school without race factor

Credit union installs audio-guided ATMs

The MSU Federal Credit Union is installing audio-guided ATMs to assist the visually impaired. The credit union already has upgraded machines at its main branch, 600 E.

Bill to alter funding of motorcycle safety programs for state

With the help of legislation passed in the Senate on Thursday, motorcycle safety programs might be able to continue.

Senate decreases legal blood alcohol level from .10 to .08

The Michigan Senate passed legislation Thursday to reduce the blood-alcohol level from 0.10 to 0.08, which could redefine the conditions of legal intoxication.

CATA to institute magnetic card system

The Capital Area Transportation Authority is changing the way passengers pay for their rides.A new fare system was needed because of the new technology in the buses, according to Kathy Lindahl, MSU assistant vice president for finance and operations.Beginning Aug.

Environmental groups protest

Lansing - The Capitol roared to life Wednesday morning with the angry buzz of chain saw-wielding environmental activists.The groups gathered on the west Capitol lawn to protest what they deemed the "systematic destruction of the national forests" under the Bush administration.Representatives of the Public Interest Research Group in Michigan, the National Forest Protection Alliance, the Sierra Club and the Alaska Coalition were on hand for the demonstration, which included a "21-chain saw salute." Kelly Dettmer, an Ann Arbor research group member, led the coalition's chain saw salute with three cries of "Timber," after which seven chain saws were raised and revved.Activists said they were upset about The Healthy Forest Restoration Initiative.

Fire station unveiled in Delta Twp.

Delta Township - Residents of Delta Township celebrated 50 years of fire fighting Saturday as they opened the new Central Fire Station. The opening of the Delta Township Central Fire Station, 811 N.

E.L. library offers free overdue returns in July

East Lansing residents can stop putting off returning those overdue library books. It's amnesty month at the East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbott Road. Until July 31, all library patrons returning materials - no matter how late they are - will not have to pay any late fines.

Residents give blood to ease crisis

Lansing - Sharing an egg salad sandwich beneath a cluster of red, white and blue balloons, Audrey Myers and Pearl Shade discuss the patriotic decorations in the American Red Cross building. Together they have donated nearly 100 pints of blood, and on Monday the two volunteered to go under the needle once again at the Great Lakes Region Blood Services Donor Room, 1800 E.

Leadership program offers public office training

Any Michigan resident who is eligible to run for office can pick up an application to participate in MSU's Michigan Political Leadership Program. The 10-month program offers 24 leadership training fellowships.

Red Cross declares blood shortage emergency

With a shortage of blood supply levels in the state, the Great Lakes Region of the American Red Cross is hoping to gain donors before the onset of the Fourth of July weekend. The region, which provides blood to 70 hospitals and 63 counties throughout the state, has declared a blood emergency to their corresponding hospitals and counties, which only have a 36-hour supply of blood left.

Downtown stores to host summer sidewalk sale

Students and residents looking for a bargain this weekend can visit downtown East Lansing. The East Lansing Merchants Group hosts its annual sidewalk sale today through Saturday. Downtown merchants will display their store sale items outside of their businesses. "We're doing half-off all housewares," said Jill Repasky, Urban Outfitters store manager.

Officials to study phone-related crashes

States are being encouraged by highway officials to report when crashes are caused by distracted drivers. The Governors Highway Safety Association is issuing a new report called the Model Minimum Uniform Crash Criteria that police officers will be able to use when writing reports for car accidents that were caused by distracted drivers.

Federal funding dependent on law

Michigan lawmakers are looking to place stricter penalties on drunken drivers in an effort to increase safety on Michigan roads, but some feel the policy-making is only a response to pressure from the federal government. Two bills, unanimously passed in the state House, lower the blood alcohol level for drunken driving from .10 to .08 grams and stiffen penalties for drivers found to have a blood alcohol level of .15 grams or more. If the bills are not passed by Sept.

Truckers help police identify drunken drivers

Almost 900 commercial truck drivers will act as eyes for police in a drunken driving campaign. The program, "Night Owls," will employ Michigan truck drivers to help police identify highway drivers under the influence from Friday to July 13.

AIDS network to provide free tests

Lansing - Communities across the nation will be extending knowledge and insight about HIV and AIDS as part of National HIV Test Day on Friday.

Penalty increases for impersonation

A bill raising the penalty for impersonating a police officer was signed into law by Gov. Jennifer Granholm, changing the offense from a misdemeanor to a felony.Sen.

5K run raises funds for Listening Ear crisis center

The sixth annual Bob's 5K run/walk drew 330 competitors to the starting blocks on Sunday in East Lansing to accomplish ambitions of their own as well as goals for the community.For Okemos resident Louise Forsythe, the event's coordinator, the race served dual purposes - to honor her late husband Bob Forsythe and to raise money for the Listening Ear Crisis Intervention Center.The center provides free 24-hour telephone crisis counseling to those dealing with depression, sexual assault and suicide, among other issues.

Police seatbelt sting issues 80 tickets in E.L.

East Lansing police issued 80 tickets during the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning's "Buckle Up or Pay Up" campaign.Extra officers were placed on streets in designated zones in the Lansing area to spot drivers not wearing safety belts from May 26 to June 1.