Detroit Free Press (Detroit, MI) articles from August 2007

Detroit Free Press (Detroit, MI) archives from August 2007

GM engine may save fuel; technology could cut consumption 15 percent.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Katie Merx and Mark Phelan DETROIT _ General Motors Corp. executives are touting a new engine technology that could cut fuel consumption by up to 15 percent. The savings are the product of an engine-transmission system known...

Clearing the clouds: Debut of the 2008 TT Coupe is Audi's defining moment.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Mark Phelan I finally understand Audi, although the German luxury brand had to beat me over the head with its three newest cars before I got the point. I may be a little slow, but the cars aren't, and they're as pretty as...

Supporting vets wounded at war: For wood carvers, canes a labor of love to honor sacrifices in Iraq, Afghanistan.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Kathleen Gray DETROIT _ Harold Green pulled down his magnifying glasses, picked up a chisel and began turning a block of basswood into a scowling, majestic eagle head. Nearby, Rizal Baysa and John Sabina of Washington...

Easing into retirement.
August 31, 2007... Byline: John Smyntek Aug. 31--The end is near for "For Better or For Worse." Starting Monday, artist Lynn Johnston's very popular comic strip by that name begins a trip into retirement that will end next year with what the newspaper...

Court allows strippers to go wild.
August 31, 2007... Byline: John Wisely Aug. 31--Michigan strippers can dance bottomless, at least for now, under a court ruling issued Thursday. In a lawsuit brought by an Inkster strip club, the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals blocked enforcement of...

Jackson soldier killed in Iraq was Army mechanic with a wife, son.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Gina Damron Aug. 31--Mark Curtiss didn't know much about his neighbor, Sgt. James S. Collins Jr., but he knew this: The guy liked the Red Wings. He was friendly, laid-back. Some day, he planned to put a new roof on his home...

A LIVING PIECE OF FRIENDSHIP: Woman donates part of liver to fellow employee.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Zlati Meyer Aug. 31--Workers usually share cubicle walls, office gossip and the occasional restaurant lunch, but two Detroit Institute of Arts staffers now are forever linked by the gift of life. Grant writer Ann Serra, 42,...

EXHIBITON FINALE: Which Lions looked good (and those who didn't).
August 31, 2007... Byline: George Sipple Aug. 31--GAME BALLS Lions kicker Jason Hanson: This could be a sweet 16th season for the veteran kicker, who showed no sign of slowing down with his second 51-yard field goal of the preseason. Hanson added a...

BRIEF: Jury convicts 2 former state law enforcement officials.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Naomi R. Patton Aug. 31--A federal jury convicted two former northern Michigan law enforcement officials of more than 50 counts of fraudulently obtaining machine guns and silencers, and failing to pay taxes on them, Thursday. ...

State universities amp up security: Drills, warnings aim to ensure safety.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Lori Higgins Aug. 31--Students flocking back to Michigan colleges this weekend will find out about warning systems, safety seminars and other new services schools are offering in the name of keeping them informed and safe. ...

BRIEF: Barred Grosse Pointe teacher: Back Oct. 1?
August 31, 2007... Byline: Christina Hall Aug. 31--Grosse Pointe South High School choir director Ellen Bowen will be suspended without pay through September and may return to the classroom Oct. 1, school district officials said Thursday. Bowen, 59,...

Parents need to prep for schools and their rules: Don't run afoul of policies on busing, food, attendance.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Chastity Pratt Dawsey and Peggy Walsh-Sarnecki Aug. 31--So, parents. You bought the coolest school supplies, proper school clothes and put the kids on a school-year sleep schedule this week. Everything is set to send the children...

Tigers fan Herta likes switch to Le Mans series racing.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Mike Brudenll and Eric Sharp Aug. 31--Bryan Herta fondly remembers his days in Detroit -- both racing and growing up in Warren, Southfield and Mt. Clemens. Herta, who will drive an Acura ARX LMP2 car for Andretti Green Racing...

GM to cut truck production, jobs: 1,100 workers face layoffs at Ontario plant.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Katie Merx Aug. 31--General Motors Corp. reduced its truck production plans for the third time in six weeks Thursday, and union leaders and analysts say they believe even more painful cuts are ahead because fears of a weakening...

Vehicle fuel economy surges toward record.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Justin Hyde Aug. 31--Better technology and Americans' demand for more efficient cars and trucks will drive the average fuel economy of new vehicles to the highest level ever, according to a federal estimate. Automakers and...

State grabs 1st primary: Jan. 15 presidential vote set, but other states may go earlier.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Dawson Bell and Todd Spangler Aug. 31--Michigan leaped to the head of the presidential primary lineup Thursday, setting a Jan. 15 election that could become the biggest primary in state history and a key battleground for the...

EDITORIAL: Savor a fun-filled weekend.(Editorial)
August 31, 2007... Aug. 31--The sounds of summer drawing to a close in Michigan will range over this long weekend from the cool jazz notes emanating from Hart Plaza to the roar of Grand Prix racing on Belle Isle; from the lowing of cows at the State Fair to the...

DPS axes all contract schools: 12 not in line with Michigan laws.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Chastity Pratt Dawsey Aug. 31--Alternative high schools in Detroit that were run by church, business and community groups are being shut down until Detroit Public Schools can determine how to comply with state law, Superintendent...

Vote to buy the Guardian puts pressure on landlord: Better deal sought on Old Wayne County Building.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Zachary Gorchow Aug. 31--A new era in how Wayne County residents obtain services from their county government could begin by the end of the year, after the County Commission on Thursday narrowly approved buying the landmark...

Witness puts price tag on damages in cops' lawsuit: Jury would decide if whistle-blowers deserve millions.
August 31, 2007... Byline: M.L. Elrick Aug. 31--Jurors got their first hint Thursday of what two former cops might ask for if they win their whistle-blower lawsuit against Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick and the city: nearly $3.2 million. That figure...

TUNNEL TRIBUTE: Bronze honors 22 men who died in explosion.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Joe Rossiter Aug. 31--Sculptor Paula Slater has done dozens of projects in her 15-year career, from a life-size image of the late California Sen. Alan Cranston to a huge statue of Jesus for a Baptist church in Florida. So...

FIVE THINGS: About coolers.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Holly Griffin Aug. 31--Certain kinds are popular on Labor Day weekend. BEVERAGE COOLERS For people on the go, from tailgaters to picnickers to road warriors, portable coolers are a must-have. Coolers vary in size and...

Commissioners add $1.33 million onto budget plan: Money is to be beneficial, but its source is debated.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Zachary Gorchow Aug. 31--Wayne County commissioners, in approving the 2007-08 county budget Thursday, added $1.33 million for more sheriff's deputies to track Internet predators, to provide more money to the prosecutor's office...

Woman returns home and finds her fiance shot dead: Why he died is a mystery; cops have no motive, witnesses.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Christina Hall Aug. 31--Clinton Township police are trying to unravel a murder mystery in which they have no witnesses, suspects or motive. Richard Harrison Loury, a slot supervisor at Greektown Casino in Detroit, was killed...

Betty Williams: Detroiter brought joy to people's lives.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Ben Schmitt Aug. 31--A family matriarch and avid supporter of minority businesses, Betty Williams overcame cancer five years ago and enjoyed retirement life to the fullest. At 71, she was dating a younger musician and...

MSU freshman Dell quickly becomes starter.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Shannon Shelton Aug. 31--EAST LANSING -- The depth chart released Monday confirmed the hunch that Michigan State wide receiver Mark Dell had late in preseason camp. Dell, a true freshman from Farmington Hills Harrison,...

Director inspires revenge: Awful flick is like punch in the face.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Terry Lawson Aug. 31--If you believe the pundits, a string of vigilante-themed American movies, including "Death Sentence" and the upcoming "The Brave One" and "Reservation Road," is tied to a feeling of helplessness fueled by...

Detroit Free Press Marty Hair column: Shop now for lawn fertilizer.(Column)
August 31, 2007... Byline: Marty Hair Aug. 31--It's time to shop for lawn fertilizer. An application in early September can boost lawns that endured a rough summer -- drought and heat, then drenching rains. Compare numbers on the fertilizer bag labels...

Teen lured into trouble as skinhead.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Terry Lawson Aug. 31--Though Shane Meadows is considered one of England's best directors -- a worthy successor to the kitchen-sink naturalism of Ken Loach -- he is all but unknown in the United States. Still, he gets his gritty...

Actress Julie Delpy crafts a charming romantic comedy set in the City of Light.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Terry Lawson Aug. 31--There's something of a selling --coals -- to Newcastle or, more pointedly, selling-frites-to-France feel to "2 Days in Paris," the second film written and directed by French actress Julie Delpy. "2 Days...

Detroit Free Press Chris Silva column: Which Shock team will take the floor tonight?(Column)
August 31, 2007... Byline: Chris Silva Aug. 31--Let the guessing games begin. There's no telling which Shock team will show up for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals tonight in Indiana -- the team that plays like defending league champs or the...

Goals aplenty as Stoney Creek defeats Traverse City West 4-3.
August 31, 2007... Aug. 31--Sophomore defenseman Jordan Tyler scored the winning goal as Rochester Hills Stoney Creek beat Traverse City West, 4-3, on Thursday. With the scored tied at 1 at halftime, Traverse City West (3-2) converted a couple Stoney Creek...

Return of the champs: Macomb Dakota still dominating: With a new crop of leaders, state champs smother Stevenson, 31-7.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Mick McCabe Aug. 31--Macomb Dakota displayed its new Division 1 state championship banner Thursday night, the one that Greg Gay and James Stallons helped win last fall. "Everybody is still asking: "What about Greg and...

Detroit Free Press Mike Brudenell column: IRL points leader Dixon not happy with driving tactics.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Mike Brudenell Aug. 31--For a few minutes at Belle Isle Thursday, Scott Dixon took in the tranquility of the Detroit Yacht Club, making some private phone calls from the balcony overlooking the boats. Dixon, the well-mannered...

Detroit Free Press Mick Mccabe column: Flint Southwestern's Ingram wants to be known for more than 'Son-of-former-NFL-and-MSU-star Mark Ingram'.(Column)
August 31, 2007... Byline: Mick Mccabe Aug. 31--For the longest time, Mark Ingram didn't realize his first name was Mark. Oh, his birth certificate declared his name to be Mark. But perhaps that was because what he believed his first name to be seemed...

BRIEF: HOT TOPICS: Health, O'Sullivan and Drummond's replacement fumbles.
August 31, 2007... Byline: George Sipple Aug. 31--Health: The Lions sat several starters for Thursday's preseason finale. No reason to risk an injury to a key player in a meaningless game. Among those who were inactive were quarterback Jon Kitna, wide...

Detroit Free Press Matt Helms column: At long last, drivers can stop dodging the Lodge.(Column)
August 31, 2007... Byline: Matt Helms Aug. 31--All together now: Phew! The Lodge Freeway and Northwestern Highway reopened to traffic late Friday night, ending an achingly extensive shutdown in Detroit and Southfield. The end couldn't come soon...

Lions drop two straight going into regular season as backups blow 13-0 lead.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Nicholas J. Cotsonika Aug. 31--This was their last chance to make an impression before the final roster cuts, and this was not how they wanted to go out. The Lions' reserves -- many of them longshots to make the team --...

LIONS NOTEBOOK: Receiver Middleton aims to make roster.
August 31, 2007... Byline: George Sipple Aug. 31--Wide receiver Brandon Middleton hopes he showed enough Thursday night to warrant a spot on the roster. Middleton, an All-NFL Europa receiver with the Frankfurt Galaxy, led the Lions with five catches...

TIGERS 6, ROYALS 1: Bonderman wins for 1st time in 9 starts; team avoids sweep.
August 31, 2007... Byline: John Lowe Aug. 31--KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Tigers shortstop Ramon Santiago is always smiling. Thursday was one of the first days in a while when people from all departments of his team could smile with him. Right-hander Jeremy...

Carolina native Adams, on Appalachian State: They say, 'Don't sleep on us'.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Mark Snyder Aug. 31--When Jamar Adams signed with Michigan in 2004, he didn't expect to face a team from his home state. And if Michigan did schedule a team from North Carolina, he figured it would be a big name like UNC,...

Detroit Free Press John Lowe column: Miller sent down to minors; Tigers young pitching reeling from absence of Rogers.(Column)
August 31, 2007... Byline: John Lowe Aug. 31--KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- As Andrew Miller fell out of the Tigers' rotation Thursday, a season-long truth became more vivid than ever: The Tigers miss left-hander Kenny Rogers as much as anyone had a right to...

Detroit Free Press Eric Sharp column: Race car ride is stomach churner.(Column)
August 31, 2007... Byline: Eric Sharp Aug. 31--Scott Jaseck adjusted William Langford's safety helmet just before the Detroit man climbed into the rear of a two-seater race car Sunday on Belle Isle. Jaseck, one of the owners of the Indy Racing...

With hundreds of thousands of layoffs, Michigan workers who don't lose their jobs are asked to do more.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Margarita Bauza Aug. 31--Northwest Airlines pilot Wade Blaufuss' career, as he knew it, ended after 9/11. The carrier filed for bankruptcy in 2005. As part of the airline's restructuring, workers accepted annual concessions...

'Gypsy Caravan' puts faces on a sound: Film followed 5 bands touring United States.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Terry Lawson Aug. 31--At a dinner party a few years ago, a guest told me he had no idea how much he loved Cuban music before seeing "Buena Vista Social Club." How much Cuban music had he heard before he saw the movie? "None that...

Malibu's price meant to lure Camry drivers: Sedan set at $285 less than rival.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Katie Merx Aug. 31--THE NEWLY REDESIGNED CHEVROLET MALIBU -- the high-volume sedan General Motors Corp. is counting on to win customers from the competition -- will go on the market in November with a starting price of $19,995....

Construction has few blacks, report says.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Niraj Warikoo Aug. 31--African Americans are underrepresented in construction jobs in metro Detroit, Saginaw and Kalamazoo, according to a study released Thursday by advocacy groups. In metro Detroit, blacks make up about 20%...

Festival celebrates a tale of 2 jazz cities: Detroit versus Chicago theme will play like a shared glory.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Mark Stryker Aug. 31--For all of the talk of a rumble between Detroit and Chicago at this weekend's 28th annual Detroit International Jazz Festival, the battle royal promises to be more of a celebration than a boxing match. ...

Books will make kids think, giggle.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Michele Siuda Jacques Aug. 31--Young children will delight in these hands-on books that teach as well as entertain. "Shape Capers" by Cathryn Falwell (Greenwillow, $16.99) features black-and-white-clad children in a world of...

Serial killing suspect arrested: 5 women dead in Lansing; attack on 6th broke case.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Chris Christoff Aug. 31--LANSING -- The beating deaths of five women in five weeks -- four inside homes -- put neighborhoods on edge and sent police searching for a possible serial killer. Thursday, they said they'd captured...

U.S. consumer market drives up fuel economy.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Justin Hyde WASHINGTON _ Better technology and Americans' demand for more efficient cars and trucks will drive the average fuel economy of new vehicles to the highest level ever, according to a federal estimate. Automakers...

GM to cut truck production, jobs.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Katie Merx DETROIT _ General Motors Corp. reduced its truck production plans for the third time in six weeks Thursday, and union leaders and analysts say they believe even more painful cuts are ahead because fears of a weakening...

Marco Andretti deals with the family name.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Mike Brudenell DETROIT _ Growing up Andretti. How tough could it be? Well, first your granddad, Mario, wins an Indianapolis 500. He then switches to Formula One and wins the world championship. Throw in a victory in the...

Tigers can't gain any ground.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Jon Paul Morosi OAKLAND, Calif. _ The out-of-town scoreboard at McAfee Coliseum revealed what was at stake for the Tigers on Friday night. The Yankees and Mariners _ the Tigers' closest competitors for the American League...

Appalachian State isn't necessarily a pushover for Michigan.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Mark Snyder Michigan surprised many when it announced in February it would open the football season with Appalachian State. The Wolverines had never before scheduled a Division I-AA opponent, but the Mountaineers may be a...

Burden of fame doesn't shake USC's Booty.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Drew Sharp LOS ANGELES _ John David Booty is The Man. The title comes with some inherent responsibilities. There's no professional football here, so there's an unmistakable aura surrounding USC's quarterback. His stardom...

Lions' 53-man roster might include Jones.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Nicholas J. Cotsonika DETROIT _ When the Lions announce their final cuts on Saturday, the first question will be about running back Kevin Jones. Is he on the 53-man roster? Or is he on the physically unable to perform...

Man held in killings was out on parole.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Chris Christoff LANSING, Mich. _ A 27-year-old man accused of murdering five Lansing women in five weeks had a long criminal record as a juvenile _ including two sexual assaults _ and was on parole for exactly one month before...

BRIEF: Porsche driver dies after crash with street sweeper.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Gina Damron Aug. 31--A 38-year-old Oakland Township man died from injuries sustained during a crash on Livernois, south of Walton, in Rochester Hills late Thursday, according to the Oakland County Sheriff's Office. Ajay...

BRIEF: Alleged Lansing serial killer was recent parolee.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Chris Christoff Aug. 31--LANSING -- Matthew Macon, 27, a parolee, was named by police today as the suspect in custody in connection with the murders of five women and an assault against a sixth. Police also said they would...

BRIEF: Ex-Northern teacher charged with stealing music instruments.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Chastity Pratt Dawsey Aug. 31--Former Northern High music teacher Charles Miguel Thomas, 38, of Harper Woods, was arraigned in 36th District Court on today, accused of stealing 19 instruments, an amplifier and music stands worth...

BRIEF: Overturned conviction sparks lawsuit against federal officials.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Zachary Gorchow Aug. 31--The Detroit man whose terrorism convictions were thrown out after the federal prosecutor and agents who handled the case were accused of withholding exculpatory evidence has filed a federal lawsuit...

Police mini-stations coming to Detroit schools.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Chastity Pratt Dawsey Aug. 31--Many of the people who streamed into Henry Ford High School for a health fair on Wednesday didn't take notice of a new, simple white-and-black sign on a room just beyond the school's entry. The...

No gas price gouging last summer, report finds.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Alejandro Bodipo-Memba Aug. 31--A federal report released Thursday found no evidence of price gouging last year as gasoline prices pushed beyond the $3-a-gallon barrier last year. The Federal Trade Commission and the United...

BRIEF: Chrysler shuts 4 plants over engine glitch.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Alejandro Bodipo-Memba Aug. 31--Chrysler LLC said it has shut down four assembly plants today because of a problem with a powertrain component. The Auburn Hills automaker said the four plants -- Jefferson North in Detroit,...

BRIEF: DTE board approves 53-cent dividend.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Alejandro Bodipo-Memba Aug. 31--DTE Energy said its board of directors approved a 53-cent quarterly dividend. The Detroit power company said the dividend is payable Oct. 15 to shareholders of record Sept. 19. DTE, parent...

BRIEF: Jackson-based Sparton adds Yang to board of directors.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Alejandro Bodipo-Memba Aug. 31--Sparton Corp. said it named Lynda J. -- S. Yang to the company's board of directors. The Jackson-based designer and manufacturer of high-tech electronics said the move increases the size of the...

BRIEF: Write a Mega Millions haiku on spending the cash.
August 31, 2007... Aug. 31--Tonight's Mega Millions jackpot is $330 million (or a meager $194.4 million if you take the cash option, and that's still before taxes). But, that's still a lot of money. The only financial worry a lucky winner would...

BRIEF: Undercover sheriff's deputy's car stolen.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Zachary Gorchow Aug. 31--An undercover Wayne County sheriff's deputy's vehicle, containing a department-issued shotgun, 9mm handgun and two ballistic vests, was stolen early this morning from in front of the deputy's home. ...

BRIEF: Manslaughter charge tossed in fraternity member's death.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Gina Damron and Korie Wilkins Aug. 31--An Oakland County Judge on Thursday dismissed an involuntary manslaughter charge against a 22-year-old Kettering University student, who accidentally shot and killed a fellow fraternity...

BRIEF: Opening statements expected today in case of mom who slit daughters' throats.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Amber Hunt Aug. 31--Lawyers today are expected to finish picking the jury that will hear the case against Jennifer Kukla, the Macomb Township woman accused of slashing the throats of her two daughters. Kukla, who told...

BRIEF: 9 people to be arraigned after Inkster dogfighting bust.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Ben Schmitt Aug. 31--Nine people arrested during an in-progress pit bull fight in Inkster are scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon on felony dogfighting charges. Inkster Police, acting on an anonymous tip, arrested the...

Michigan gets $6.6-million grant to enforce seat belt law.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Alejandro Bodipo-Memba Aug. 31--Michigan is one of 17 states that will receive more than $109 million from the federal government to encourage and enforce seat belt use. The Department of Transportation has authorized grants...

Victims all lived alone, cops say; survivor out of hospital.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Suzette Hackney Aug. 31--The crimes all appeared to fit a profile. The victims were women who lived alone and were beaten. But Thursday, Lansing police said residents could rest a little easier. A man authorities say is...

BRIEF: Racing toward the weekend.
August 31, 2007... Aug. 31--What a weekend for metro Detroit! With great weather predicted, it will surely be great to get out and check out all the events going on this long Labor Day weekend. This afternoon Chrysler Arts, Beats & Eats kicks off in...

TIGERS CORNER: Analyzing the roster moves; more changes to come.
August 31, 2007... Byline: John Lowe Aug. 31--KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Tigers made a slew of roster moves Thursday, involving a combination of familiar and unfamiliar players: --Left-hander Andrew Miller: After he got hit around in his past three...

RUN OF BAD NEWS: Running back Jones likely out till late October.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Nicholas J. Cotsonika Aug. 31--Kevin Jones' surgeon recommends that the Lions keep the running back on the physically unable to perform list, putting him out for at least the first six weeks of the regular season, according to a...

Detroit Free Press Drew Sharp column: USC's Booty Call; plus U-M, MSU predictions.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Drew Sharp Aug. 31--LOS ANGELES -- Let's just say that the USC mantra for this season is a much different variation of the passion plea known as a "booty call." Well, maybe, it's not entirely different. John David Booty...

Monroe family competes in today's sack race and karoke contest.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Georgea Kovanis Aug. 31--At the half-way point of the Michigan State Fair sack race earlier this afternoon, 9-year-old Brionna Dominguez of Monroe was in second place. She's participated in this race in previous years --...

Gordon gets gussied up to meet new family.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Nancy M. Laughlin Aug. 31--UPDATED AT 4 P.M.: On his first official day as a free dog, Gordon went to the doctor and then got cleaned up to meet his new family. The 1-year-old mixed chow had been next on the list for...

BRIEF: This dog needs a home... or else.
August 31, 2007... Aug. 31--UPDATE: Gordon has been adopted, but there are still plenty of other animals needing a good home. For more information on pet adoption, please call 313-382-6173. Gordon's days at the Allen Park Animal Shelter are apparently...

Internal affairs records at heart of testimony today in whistle-blower case.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Jim Schaefer Aug. 31--UPDATED at 3:10 P.M. Two former cops suing Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick and the city rested their case today on the 10th day of trial, finishing up with three witnesses, including a mayoral consultant who...

Director inspires revenge filled 'Death Sentence': Awful flick is like punch in the face.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Terry Lawson Aug. 31--If you believe the pundits, a string of vigilante-themed American movies, including "Death Sentence" and the upcoming "The Brave One" and "Reservation Road," is tied to a feeling of helplessness fueled by...

Gas prices aren't likely to slow down holiday travel.
August 31, 2007... Byline: Alejandro Bodipo-Memba Aug. 31--More than 1.1 million Michigan motorists will be on the roads this Labor Day weekend, as drivers take advantage of the last holiday of the summer. The number of travelers matches the figure...