Saturday, May 18, 2024

News

MSU

On-campus parking violators may face rise in fines

Those who choose to park illegally on campus might soon face heftier fines if the All-University Traffic Committee deems them necessary.The AUTC appointed three subcommittees on Thursday to deal with issues concerning parking, parking violations and pedestrian right of way.Each committee consists of faculty members, undergraduate students, graduate students, MSU officials and various other on-campus departments including Campus Park and Planning and the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities.

MSU

U research plays part in better drug development

Aspirin’s been a staple item in backpacks, purses and medicine cabinets for years, and is said to reduce the risk of heart attacks and ease pain.But 15 years of research by MSU scientists has led to a better understanding of a crucial protein - prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase 1, or PGHS-1 - targeted by aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen.Armed with understanding of how these drugs interact with PGHS-1, scientists may be able to develop drugs that better target specific diseases.The research, conducted by William Smith, chairperson of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Michael Garavito, professor of biochemistry and molecular biology, is detailed in the Sept.

MICHIGAN

Lansing delegation travels to Africa to further understanding of sister city

Lansing Mayor David Hollister will be traveling to Akuapim, Ghana, today as part of Lansing’s sister cities program with the African city. Hollister and a delegation of Lansing educators, health care providers, civil engineers and other citizens will travel to Ghana to dedicate two libraries created with books donated from Lansing residents and to formally initiate an ambulance donated and equipped by Lansing to be used as a traveling health clinic. There will also be a formally signed agreement making Lansing and Akuapim sister cities. Ghana is a country with more than 17 million people.

MICHIGAN

Police offer Lansing academy

When Lansing resident Patty Farhat Reed heard about the Citizens Police Academy Program, she jumped at the opportunity to become involved.She was a member of her neighborhood watch and thought she knew a lot about the Lansing Police Department already, but this could only improve the quality of her community involvement.Five years later she couldn’t be happier to have taken part in the inaugural program.“It was probably the best thing I ever did for myself,” Reed said.

MSU

Forum to address sweatshops

Students for Economic Justice, a campus fair labor organization, will host a public forum Monday night focusing on sweatshops in Nicaraguan factories contracted by Kohl’s Department Store and Target Corp. The factories are currently under scrutiny by the National Labor Committee for firing workers who were attempting to organize unions. Charles Kernigahn, who has fought sweatshops worldwide and is the NLC’s executive director, will speak at the forum.

MSU

Committee to review on-campus parking

The All-University Traffic Committee plans to hold a meeting today to discuss proposed on-campus parking and violation changes. Kay Rout, chairperson of the committee, said the changes could greatly affect students, faculty, staff, visitors and retirees. The committee is expected to discuss the cost of parking fines as well as several other issues, although no decisions are expected to be made. “We’re now asking for changes that are overdue,” said Rout, an American thought and language professor. The committee also could discuss a proposed campaign to promote pedestrian right-of-way and the introduction of a geographic information system - a computerized map that could be used to point out specific parking areas. Fred Poston, assistant vice president for finance and operations, will also be at the meeting to share his views on campus parking. The committee is made up of faculty members, undergraduate students, graduate students, officials and various other on-campus departments including Campus Park and Planning and the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities.

MICHIGAN

Mayor designates funds to shape up downtown

In an attempt to further revitalize the downtown area, Lansing Mayor David Hollister is pouring money into businesses in the Washington Avenue area.Hollister has designated $75,000 for grants to area businesses and property owners as a motivation for facade improvement and loft construction.

MSU

Theater to curb crowding problems

More than 1,000 people were turned away from renowned Harvard Professor Stephen Jay Gould’s guest lecture earlier this month because the Wharton Center’s Pasant Theatre was filled to capacity. University officials say that won’t happen again. The second of five lectures for the McPherson Professorship lecture series has been moved from the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center to prevent overcrowding. Depending on the turnout, Daniel Kleppner’s speech Wednesday will either be held at the Pasant Theatre or the much larger Wharton Center Great Hall.

MSU

Campus Fest offers free fun

Krysten McCully didn’t know she’d spend part of her day rolling around inside a human-sized bowling ball after class Tuesday afternoon.But that was just one activity she and many other students enjoyed at the Sports Illustrated Campus Fest, which will continue today behind the rock on Farm Lane.“This whole thing is really great,” McCully, a pre-vet freshman, said.

MSU

RHA, McPherson meet to discuss greenhouse plans with students

The Residence Halls Association will hear both sides of a debate about plans for a proposed student greenhouse at its general assembly meeting today.The meeting will be in the Essex Underground of Wilson Hall at 7 p.m.RHA pledged support for a student project last year in an effort to replace a greenhouse taken down in 1998.The project received approval from the university, but was amended later.

MICHIGAN

Media wins riot photo rights

The March 27-28, 1999, East Lansing riot left fires burning long after the smoke from that fateful evening had cleared - the battle for possession of unpublished riot photos is finally over more than a year and a half after it started.In an attempt to single out participants in the riot, Ingham County Prosecutor Stuart Dunnings III issued subpoenas to all state media outlets for copies of unpublished photographs and film taken during the disturbance.An eight-month long court battle ensued between 11 Michigan media outlets that were under subpoena, including The State News.The state Supreme Court ruled in favor of the media Tuesday.

MICHIGAN

Fire kills Lansing man

Lansing police and fire crews are investigating a suspicious death in connection with a fire that occuring early Tuesday. The Lansing Fire Department received a call at 4:25 a.m.