Marching for Michigan

Lansing — The Clinton Memorial Hospital "bed pan" drill team banged on bed pans and shook plastic jugs filled with pebbles. Three women decked out in cowboy hats and fringed leather jackets rode horses. And an Asian group wore traditional Korean clothing and beat on drums as it made its way down the street. These were just a few of the 95 diverse groups that marched in the 16th annual Michigan Parade on Saturday in downtown Lansing.

Legislation would allow deadly force

The state Senate Judiciary Committee has approved a package of bills that would allow a person to use deadly force without criminal punishment against someone they reasonably believe could kill them, cause them great bodily harm or sexually assault them. The bills passed through the committee and will now be looked at by the full Senate.

Officers: 'Buckle up or pay up'

Before putting the car in drive, remember the most basic tenet of driver's education. Buckle up. Police departments all over Michigan, including East Lansing and MSU police, will make it a priority to look for drivers not wearing their seat belts for the next two weeks. Officers will give tickets carrying a $65 fine to unbelted drivers. From today to June 4, which includes Memorial Day weekend, the "Buckle Up or Pay Up, Click It or Ticket" program will include about 800 areas with signs notifying drivers they are entering seat belt enforcement areas.

Police briefs 05/22/06

E.L. library to show 'Pride and Prejudice'

The East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbott Road, will show a screening of "Pride and Prejudice" at 1 p.m.

WEB EXTRA: Safety event gives bicycle helmets to adults, children

The Michigan Trial Lawyers Association held its seventh annual Helmet Safety Campaign across the state of Michigan on Saturday, promoting helmet and bike safety to kids and adults alike. Lansing was one of 12 cities in Michigan that hosted this event.

Police briefs 05/19/06

'Da Vinci Code' sparks debate

Jesus married Mary Magdalene. They had a child. And everything you knew about Christianity is wrong — at least according to "The Da Vinci Code," author Dan Brown's best-selling novel and now one of the most anticipated movies of the summer.

Digging for Hoffa

Federal agents began searching for the remains of former Teamsters leader Jimmy Hoffa on Wednesday at a rural horse farm in Milford Township, according to an FBI official.

MSU researchers work to eliminate invasive species

Three years ago Loren Roslund wasn't concerned about heavy rains or high winds affecting his soybean plants.

State bill penalizes legislators for unexcused session absences

For many state legislators, weeks are split between going to session and spending time with constituents in their districts. Many say that the schedule sometimes causes them to miss session meetings.

Candidate forums set for administrator job

MSU will hold open forums for the candidates for senior associate provost this month. Each candidate will speak for about 15-20 minutes and will be available to answer questions. Candidates Joan Ferrini-Mundy and Estelle McGroarty will speak at 4 p.m.

Summit educates officials about rape

Lansing — They could be the people standing next to you at the bar or friends from history class.

Signs promote safer driving near workers

New highway signs in construction work zones are springing up across the state of Michigan, urging motorists to be cautious on the state's roadways. In April, the Give 'em a Brake Coalition, along with the Michigan Department of Transportation, or MDOT, began a campaign to promote safety in construction zones on the highways. A new sign that says, "Where Workers Present 45," will now be placed at construction work zones on highways. Motorists driving in a work zone should look for construction workers and slow down to 45 mph when they are present, said Bob Felt, spokesman for MDOT.

Whitmer to address E.L. in speaker series

Sen. Gretchen Whitmer, D-Lansing, will be part of the Hannah Community Center Speaker Series at 6 p.m.

Foreign automakers eclipse Big Three

Alex Brown parked his gray Subaru Forester on Albert Avenue in downtown East Lansing before heading into Tony's Restaurant for breakfast. "When I was shopping for a car, I based it on what I needed, not on brand," said Brown, a 2000 MSU graduate.

Governor honors archaeology project

An archaeological dig to uncover the remains of Saints' Rest, the first MSU dorm — which burned down in 1876 — will receive the Governor's Award for Historic Preservation. "This is not just an honor for this dig," said Jodie O'Gorman, an assistant professor of anthropology who was in charge of the Saints' Rest dig.

Engineering endurance

The MSU Formula Racing team unveiled its new race car on Monday after more than a year of design, construction and testing. The green and white race car, No.

Support for affirmative action ban drops in poll

Voters are less likely to vote in favor of the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative, or MCRI, when the proposal language states it will "ban affirmative action programs," a research company discovered. The MCRI proposal will end preferential treatment for minorities in government and university programs if it's passed in the November election.

Lansing Council approves budget

Lansing has been getting more than its fair share of rain over the past few days, but the city's "rainy day fund" is shrinking. The fund, which consists of money the city has saved during prosperous times, can be used to bridge budget deficits during an economic downturn to ensure continuous government services.