Ghandi inspires student volunteers

Dozens of MSU students took to the streets Saturday, taking part in volunteerism events to commemorate the National Ghandi Day of Service.The Coalition of Indian Undergraduate Students and Into the Streets sponsored the activities, which sent student volunteers to 15 different sites throughout East Lansing and Lansing.The event, which is named for the late Indian leader Mahatma Ghandi, is seen as a way to share his charitable ideas among people, said Amit Agarwal, social chairman for the coalition.“This is a day to show appreciation for the important ideals of Ghandi,” the political economy sophomore said.

Police race bikes against disease

Winter-like temperatures didn’t keep nearly 40 riders from coming out for the first ever East Lansing Police Department/Jimmie Heuga Center Mountain Bike Race Sunday morning. The event was organized by Officer Dave DeKorte of the East Lansing Police Department to benefit the Jimmie Heuga Center in Edwards, Colo.

U expands online courses and programs

In an attempt to branch out and expand online learning programs, MSU recently introduced its newly established Global Initiative.The program, an extension of the university’s already existing Virtual University and University Outreach programs, will target off-campus working adults and other college students who want to obtain multidisciplinary certificates or receive degrees via the Internet.“We’re taking all the intellectual capital - faculty knowledge, research capabilities - and blending them with MSU’s interest in technology,” said Bruce Magid, director of the initiative.

Sting busts online tobacco sale to minors

Following an online sting by Michigan’s attorney general, 11 tobacco distributors will face criminal charges for selling restricted products to minors.Attorney General Jennifer Granholm filed 20 criminal complaints against eight individuals and three corporations, accusing them of selling tobacco and tobacco products to minors via the Internet.The Notice of Intended Action was filed Sept.

Absentee ballots still available for U voters

Voting to some people may mean a stressful, confusing process that isn’t worth the hassle. But for some MSU students, voting is as easy as filling out a form and applying a stamp. For those who prefer to vote in districts away from MSU, absentee ballots are frequently the solution.

Races benefit center

LANSING - Combining fitness, science and fun, more than 500 people raced to benefit a Lansing museum that reopened its doors Sunday with the eighth annual Capital City River Run and Planet Walk. The two runs, a 10-mile and a 5K, both began in the parking lot of the Impression Five Science Center, 200 Museum Drive, and ran along the River Trail in downtown Lansing. There was also a Planet Walk - a nearly two-mile hike which illustrated a scale model of the solar system - along the River Trail, ending in Potter Park Zoo.

Police briefs 10/09/00

Privacy advocates battle Web sites

If you think the Internet is an escape where an anonymous Web surfer can cruise through stock options or even buy DVDs online unnoticed, you’re wrong.Someone, somewhere is probably watching, a notion which has rubbed privacy and security advocates in Michigan and Washington, D.C.

Team to tackle concerns with trust strategy

A new group of MSU law enforcement officers, administrators, students and community members hopes to establish a trustworthy relationship between police and minorities.The new Strategy Team for Police-Minority Trust, which was set up by the MSU Department of Police and Public Safety, will aim at developing methods to improve communication between police and minority students.MSU police Chief Bruce Benson said the strategy team was created to confront the recent concerns that have surfaced between the police department and minority students.“I see some issues on campus this year with trust issues between police and minorities and that deserves some extra attention,” he said.

Mountain bike race will help fund multiple sclerosis research

Despite forecasts of winter weather, the MSU police department is hoping for a big turnout at its mountain bike race for charity Sunday.The first annual race is being held at the Abbott Road Park on Abbott Road, just north of Lake Lansing Road, to benefit the Jimmie Heuga Center in Edwards, Colo.

Police briefs 10/06/00

Voter registration deadline close

Time is running out for students who haven’t registered to vote and wish to take part in this year’s presidential election. Secretary of state branch offices are accepting voter registration through Tuesday at all 178 secretary of state offices across Michigan. “We’re there to do business and anyone who comes into the office on Tuesday to register to vote, we’ll accommodate them,” said Liz Boyd, spokeswoman for the secretary of state. Students can also register at the local city clerk’s office or by mail if the letter is postmarked by midnight Tuesday. Boyd said it’s not unusual for students to wait until the last minute to register.

Dance launches Coming Out Days

A “Mixed Nuts” theme dance will kickoff MSU’s 2000 National Coming Out Days celebration at 9 p.m.

Career workshop provides networking, résumé tips

Spanish and international relations junior Shigei Gebremedhin realized while some students are preparing résumés and attending career fairs, others are without direction.

Mother Earth stars in ECO skit

Students heading to class Thursday might have seen “Mother Earth” walking around campus.She was marching with about 15 ECO students from the Union to the International Center to spread the word about global warming.The marchers also participated in street theater, performing a skit that featured Mother Earth tied up and gagged.

Journalist gives Web insight

The dynamics between media and the Internet were among the topics discussed by a well-known journalist at the Kellogg Center on Wednesday.Jay T.

Family offers reward for E.L. beating information

The family of a man severely beaten outside of an East Lansing eatery is offering a $500 reward for information about their son’s attacker. Brandon D’Annunzio, a 24-year-old Livonia resident, is in stable but critical condition at Lansing’s Sparrow Hospital.

House Democratic leaders outline plan to promote family issues agenda

Leaders of the House Democratic Caucus outlined their ambitious 12-point agenda Thursday, which they intend to pass during the first 100 days of the 2001 session.The agenda, titled the “Family Fairness Guarantee,” will address what Democrats feel to be the most important issues for Michigan families - better schools, HMO reform, a cleaner environment and retirement security.House Minority Leader Michael Hanley, D-Saginaw, said the plan will happen because he expects Democrats to “take back the House” after the Nov.

State bill punishes online stalkers

People found guilty of harassing or stalking people through the Internet in Michigan could be punished with up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000 through a bill the state House passed Wednesday. The new bill, introduced by Rep.

Falling gas prices please local businesses

Michigan motorists and small business owners were given a break for the third consecutive week as gas prices continued to drop statewide. Regular unleaded gasoline fell 5.7 cents per gallon this week, dropping the average price to $1.55 per gallon according to AAA Michigan. The drop in gas prices can be attributed to the recent release of crude oil from the Strategic Oil Reserve by the federal government, said MSU economics Professor Mordechai Kreinin.