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News | Michigan

MICHIGAN

'U' team presents prevention workshop on online identity theft

The text message from user "Diet Pepsi" flashed across the computer screen: "Is there anyone who can make perfect Michigan IDs?" A user called "Enkrypt" responded, "Kevlar's the man." Messages such as these filled a Web site's chat room notorious for being a haven for people seeking contacts with those making fake IDs, trading information and resources - all in front of police Officer Marty Smith, a 15-year police veteran who accessed the site moments earlier. "This is a great tool," the Oak Park police detective said.

MICHIGAN

Police continue investigations

Preliminary results from an autopsy on the Lansing woman found dead in her home Tuesday indicate she died from being stabbed, the Lansing Police Department said Friday. Tehesha Wallace, who lived on Call Street, was found by family and police about a week after she died. Toxicology reports aren't complete and the final autopsy report still is not finished.

MICHIGAN

War cannon relocated to local museum of history

Lansing - A British cannon from the War of 1812 has a new home at Lansing's Michigan Historical Museum where it is undergoing restoration to put it once again on display for the public. The cannon was found about 16 years ago in the Detroit River in 28 feet of water, about 300 feet from Detroit's Cobo Hall, museum spokesman Chris Dancisak said. "It is a part of the state's collection," he said.

MICHIGAN

Students, reps. protest new tax ideas

A battle began brewing over how to balance the state budget Friday morning, when several MSU students and state representatives picketed outside Kellogg Center.About 14 protesters, including three Republican state representatives, held signs reading, "Tighten your belts," and chanted, "No new taxes," during a meeting of the Red Cedar Coalition, a group of education and other lobbying organizations searching for ways to minimize cuts by increasing state revenue.

MICHIGAN

City, school board work to solve budget issues

The East Lansing City Council and school board members are looking to unite - hoping to soften the blow of budget troubles. Members of both groups met and discussed possible collaborations including sharing mowing and plowing services, human resource and auditorium staffs and pool management expenses. "I can say that I don't know any other place in Michigan that's working together like this," Mayor Mark Meadows said. Officials say they plan to find ways to combine city and school district staff positions. East Lansing lost nearly $720,000 from state revenue funding and fire protection grants in December after an executive order by then-Gov.

MICHIGAN

City denies 2 liquor licenses

After being denied a request to obtain a liquor license from the East Lansing City Council, India Palace managers are saying they were treated unfairly - and are shocked by the outcome. India Palace manager Harmail Sidhu said he can't understand why the council would want to hold out for another business and not help local businesses.

MICHIGAN

Students lead commission to review city noise policies

Student leaders are recommending several initiatives to expand prevention and enforcement activities to the city in hopes of reducing noise violations.At East Lansing's University Student Commission meeting members discussed making changes to East Lansing City Council's noise reduction recommendations Tuesday for residents before a policy is implemented.

MICHIGAN

State considers Web tax

Microbiology junior Jonathan Lenz knows the taxes he owes Michigan from Web purchases could start piling up. Six percent sales and use taxes are levied on Internet and mail-order purchases made in Michigan, but little of it is collected, according to the nonpartisan Senate Fiscal Agency.

MICHIGAN

Winter wellness

Audrey Brockhaus walks to class with socks on her hands. The advertising junior lost her mittens and said she can't stand the cold without her hands covered. "That's how I keep warm," she said.

MICHIGAN

New state labor head hoping for more jobs

During their first session of the year Tuesday, the state Senate made two unanimous approvals. Lansing Mayor David Hollister was one of two department heads to be approved - he will serve as head of the new department of labor and economic issues.

MICHIGAN

Corps fosters youth volunteers

Lansing - Brothers Corey and Rudy Robinson waited in anticipation to begin their jobs at the Youth Service Corps. The two Lansing residents are students at Pattengill Middle School and are signed up to visit Allen Neighborhood Center, 1619 E.

MICHIGAN

MLK Day volunteers head Into the Streets

Lansing - To some MSU students, Martin Luther King Jr. Day means a day without classes and a chance to sleep in - but the volunteers at Monday's Into the Streets community service project made the day mean much more. "We felt that since we didn't have classes we should make good use of our time," communication freshman Stephanie Gooch said. Gooch joined about 280 student volunteers to donate time to various locations around the Lansing community, said English senior Andrea Hart, chairwoman of the Into the Streets group. "We were really pleased with the turnout," Hart said.