Mich. considers small-business tax cut

The state legislature and Gov. Jennifer Granholm hammered out an agreement last week that would provide for more than $3 billion in funds for job creation and a cut in the small-business tax. The bills would cut the tax by 0.05 percent starting in 2009. By cutting the small-business tax, employers can create more jobs statewide and help the economy, said Ari Adler, spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Ken Sikkema, R-Wyoming. "One of the things we need to do in Michigan is become more competitive with our taxes," he said.

2 youths driving stolen car to face charges

The two youths found driving a stolen car in Lansing on Friday will face charges of receiving and concealing stolen property, according to Lansing Community College Police and Public Safety. The car was taken from Ramp 2, which is near Bessey Hall, on Oct.

Police briefs 11/09/05

Groups drive voters to polls

Local voters took advantage of free rides on Tuesday to cast their ballots in the East Lansing City Council election. The MSU College Democrats and the Capital Area Transportation Authority, or CATA, both offered free services to help people get to the polls.

WEB ONLY: Women's basketball coach, MSU president visit ISS classes

Students in two MSU classes were met with a guest appearance from women's basketball coach Joanne P.

Film series depicts 'rape culture' in America

Video games, music videos and movies that incorporate violence against women in mainstream media all contribute to America's rape culture, said MSU counselors and sexual assault advocates who recently put on a film series highlighting the trend. Rape culture involves the ways women are portrayed and objectified in our society, said Shari Murgittroyd, coordinator of the Sexual Assault Crisis and Safety Education Program.

New U.S. citizens take oath

By Amy Oprean Special to The State News Bernadetta Kozakiewicz, 32, smiled as she walked up the aisle of the Howell High School Freshman Campus auditorium on Monday — in hand, a certificate declaring her a citizen of the United States. "I wanted to feel important too," said the dental assistant, who lives in Auburn Hills.

Prof. studies economics at Mont. research institute

One might wonder what Bozeman, Mont., has to offer. But for Ross Emmett, the town, placed at the "doorstep to Yellowstone," has more than good bike-riding terrain, the James Madison College associate professor said. Bozeman is the headquarters of the Property and Environment Research Center, or PERC, a national institute known for its size and age that focuses on economic solutions to environmental issues. This summer, Emmett received the Julian Simon Fellowship from PERC and spent three months diving into the work of economist Thomas Robert Malthus. "I am quite interested in market-based solutions to environmental problems," he said.

CMU reporters forced to turn over cameras

What was supposed to be a small feature story in a college newspaper has escalated into an internal police investigation about photographers' rights and officer actions. Two photographers from CM Life, Central Michigan University's student newspaper, had their cameras taken and later returned by Meridian Township police Thursday night after they photographed a protest at the Victoria's Secret store in Meridian Mall. The store manager told the photographers they had to erase the photos of the protest, and when they refused, the police were called, CM Life Editor in Chief Chad Livengood said. The photographers were told by police to delete the images themselves, which they refused to do, or turn over the cameras and head to the police station, Livengood said. "It was a cop saying, 'Give me the cameras,' and two upstanding citizens not wanting to defy the cop anymore," Livengood said.

Simon aids discussion on higher education

MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon served as the presiding officer of a panel discussion today in Detroit at an annual session on the state of public universities. The discussion, held at Cobo Hall and sponsored by the Detroit Economic Club, featured University of Michigan President Mary Sue Coleman, as well as business and government leaders. As presiding officer, Simon introduced the panelists and handled the question-and-answer session. The program focused on the role of universities in helping promote growth in the state's economy. Other panelists included state Lt.

Police briefs 11/08/05

Event celebrates Diwali

By Jason Chapman Special to The State News About 200 people attended Sargam, an event to celebrate the Indian holiday Diwali on Saturday with lights, traditional dance, raffle prizes, food and music. "It has been the best experience to bring our people together in this celebration," said doctorate student Deep Bandyopadhyay, president of MSU India Club.

Women's leadership topic of annual event

When the committee organizing Sunday's MSU Women's Leadership Conference was thinking of a theme for the third annual event, it came from an unusual source. "We looked at bumper stickers," said Jodi Roberto Hancock.

Charity Bowl breaks even

Less than $700 was raised for the Make-A-Wish Foundation on Saturday at the Green and White Charity Bowl — about as much as it cost to host the event. The Senior Class Council spent about $700 on a disc jockey and intramural referees for the eighth annual football tournament which offered a fun way for students to raise money, said human biology senior Jesseca Raak, a philanthropy committee co-chairperson for the Senior Class Council. Each of the 12 participating teams — made up of IM football teams, college associations, fraternities and other groups — donated $50 to play in the tournament.

MSU professor remembered by colleagues

Faculty in MSU's Department of Computer Science and Engineering remember their colleague, Moon Jung Chung, as a quiet but well-spoken thinker. "He might have actually passed you while he was thinking and not even noticed," said George Stockman, a professor in the department who worked with Chung.

Michigan military past on display

Lonnie Freiburger Jr. maneuvered his 4-inch tall, vehicle-inspecting robot within feet of army memorabilia 200 years old on Sunday afternoon, peering with its camera at veterans and others standing at Michigan Historical Museum.

University joins with medical facilities

Sparrow Hospital, the Ingham Regional Medical Center and MSU have formed a partnership to improve MSU's medical residency program and patient care in the Lansing area.

Events exhibit African culture

By Kathleen Polesnak Special to The State News Colored lights and a map of Africa splashed a quaint stage in the Wharton Center on Saturday, awaiting the start of the African Student Union's Gala Night, the finale of the group's annual African Culture Week. When the lights dimmed, beating drums reverberated throughout the theater, and an evening of African culture commenced before an audience of more than 200 people.

Mayoral hopefuls urge voter turnout

With the election only a day away, both Lansing mayoral candidates are scrambling to persuade voters to show up at the polls. "People have already made a determination on the issues, it's going to come down to turnout," John Moralez, Mayor Tony Benavides' campaign manager said. Both candidates have been working long hours this past weekend, one of the busiest weekends of the campaign season.

Lansing City Council member to leave post

Lansing City Councilmember Larry Meyer resigned during Thursday's council meeting. Meyer's said he had to resign because he no longer lives in Lansing. "I have received new information," Meyer wrote in his letter of resignation Thursday.