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News | Michigan

MICHIGAN

Rogers to search for facts in Middle East

For the third time in the past year, U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, is leaving American soil for a fact-finding mission in the Middle East.On Tuesday, Rogers, R-Brighton, departed from Detroit for a journey to France, Israel and Saudi Arabia where he plans to meet with foreign leaders to discuss the war on terrorism and a forthcoming battle with Iraq.“I’m fast coming to the conclusion that (Saddam Hussein is) asking to be in the position of developing a system to launch weapons of mass destruction and it may not be if- but when,” said Rogers, a former FBI agent, who returns Sept.

MICHIGAN

Gas demand, cost high

Anticipating a rise in gas prices for Labor Day weekend, East Lansing motorists are fueling up before they hit the road. An estimated 1.3 million Michigan motorists will be traveling during the long weekend, according to a survey by AAA Michigan, meaning more time will be spent at the pumps.

MICHIGAN

Lansing honors Sept. 11 victims with memorial

Lansing - One year after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, city officials are planning a day of remembrance activities to honor lives lost in the attacks that killed more than 3,000 people.Lansing Mayor David Hollister’s office planned several events to commemorate those who died during the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

MICHIGAN

Students ponder book buying options

As students wait in line to purchase books this week, they are debating the convenience of buying books online versus the traditional way of taking them off the shelf. For dietetics senior Karina Forberger, buying online was more about convenience than prices.

MICHIGAN

Survey shows increase in visits to state government Web sites

Michigan Web surfers are logging more visits to state Web sites, according to an MSU survey released this week.The report said about 59 percent of those Internet users sampled in a statewide survey connected to state-operated Web sites to obtain information on topics such as elections, candidate biographies and community events in the past year.

MICHIGAN

Commission spots open

MSU students have the opportunity to have their voices heard in East Lansing government by applying for a seat on any of seven city commissions. Commission members serve the community by recommending policies concerning various aspects of the city, developing new programs, reviewing city council legislation and giving feedback to council members on how their decisions affect students. This year, there are three at-large seats open on the University Student Commission, as well as the arts, environment, housing, transportation, human relations and planning commissions. Councilmember Beverly Baten said she appreciates the opinions of the student members. “I like hearing from the students and working toward helping them understand what we do here,” said Baten, who serves as the liaison of three city commissions.

MICHIGAN

Organization, students take steps against theft

Law enforcement officials are reminding motorists to keep an eye open for potential thieves as they return to East Lansing. A spokesperson from Help Eliminate Auto Thefts, an auto-theft prevention group, said cars are at greater risk as students sometimes forget auto safety when moving into area residences. English freshman Katie Behringer said she has heard stories about items missing during move-in week.

MICHIGAN

Professor testifies in trial for slaying of U student

An MSU geology professor testified Friday that soil samples found on the shoes of a man accused of slaying his wife, an MSU graduate student, match the soil found on her body. Professor Thomas Vogel analyzed soil on shoes owned by Dennis Michael Salerno, 32, after he was accused of slaying his wife in July 2000. And even though the soil samples matched, Vogel said the soil on Dennis Salerno’s shoes and that found on Michelle Rizzi Salerno’s body are not made up of the same elements as dirt at the Bowling Green State University landfill in Ohio where her body was found. “You can make your own conclusions,” Vogel said. The body of Michelle Salerno, who was 26 when she was reported missing June 20, 2000, was recovered in April 2001.

MICHIGAN

Cigarette tax burns holes in area pockets

Since the cigarette tax increased by 50 cents Aug. 1, some people might see their money go up in smoke.Wesley Thomas contends the change, along with measures across the country to eliminate smoking in public, is discrimination against smokers.“It’s stupid that they’re raising taxes and saying that we can’t smoke where we want to,” the 19-year-old Lansing resident said.