Students urged to participate in politics

Political activism is something many people associate with college campuses. Students typically are moving away from home for the first time and can begin to get involved in their new communities. There are many ways for students to become engaged politically. It is important for students to become active in their communities, said Stephen Purchase, president of the MSU College Democrats. "(Students) are now, for the first time, representative of a community of peers with similar interests," Purchase said.

English should be official language for United States

I would like to address Dennis Blankenship's letter "English as official U.S.

Police briefs 06/12/06

Housing projects attract families

Students are not the only ones flocking to live north of East Lansing's downtown. Although dominated by the Chandler Crossings apartment complexes, which house about 3,300 student renters, the area is also inhabited by families with young children, said Tim Dempsey, the city's economic development administrator. "A lot of those people did not live in East Lansing previously," he said.

10 spots you have to visit to be a true Spartan

Since you're new to MSU, it's likely you've heard there's some great stuff on our very own campus but you don't know where to go first.

Who's the boss? Council, manager lead E.L.

City Manager Ted Staton is behind some of the biggest decisions that have been made in East Lansing. Although he does not have the power to make official decisions about the city, he provides vital information about how City Council should handle everything from ordinances to its annual budget. The city uses a council-manager form of government, where the mayor is a member of East Lansing City Council and fulfills ceremonial duties while the executive power is held by a professional manager, who is hired to serve at the pleasure of the council. Councilmember Mark Meadows said this government was adopted shortly after East Lansing became a city almost 100 years ago. "It was a more modern way of doing things," he said.

Grand River offers cheap alternatives to dorms

Finding inexpensive food within walking distance of the dorms is possible. Whether you're in the mood for Mexican, Chinese or just some good ol' pizza, The State News has you covered.

Trail north of campus offers unique outdoor experience

It was near the final kilometer of the race that I imagined my intestine being twisted and squeezed. Differing degrees of pain had dug in throughout my body like knives.

Religion, government separate from marriage

I feel that Mara Deutch's column, "Government should stay out of marriage, let religion handle it," (SN 6/09), means well and does touch on key factors in the current marriage debate.

Improved housing expected for this year

As new students move into their homes away from homes, they will be receiving some enhanced services from the Residence Halls Association, or RHA — the on-campus student government — and University Housing. Here are some of the changes in store for this school year: • You'll hear the stories about how horrible the drinking water looks and tastes in the dorms, but students in Wonders, Wilson and Holden halls will not have to worry.

Warning: Bars in E.L. only allow 21 and up, so check out Lansing

Unlike most college towns, East Lansing's bars are not minor-friendly, often sending freshmen to Lansing to go out.

The World Cup

He dribbles. Still dribbling. Oh, there's a shot on goal. Score! The World Cup kicks off today at noon when host team Germany takes on Costa Rica.

WEB EXTRA: Campus building evacuated due to potential natural gas leak

Police and firefighters evacuated the Biomedical and Physical Science Building on campus due to a potential natural gas leak. "I heard the alarm going off," graduate assistant Curtis Walkons said.

FIFA World Cup on TV

Here is a listing of all of the matches found on U.S. TV through the first stage of games. Most of the games can be found on ABC, ESPN and ESPN2 and start between the times of 9 a.m.

Happenings

FRIDAY Picasso: Original Graphics and Ceramics Saper Galleries. 433 Albert Ave.; (517) 351-0815.

Riverwalk Theatre showing 'gender bending' play

The play "Victor/Victoria" is showing tonight through Sunday at the Riverwalk Theatre, 228 Museum Drive in Lansing.

World Cup teams

Here are 32 teams in this year's World Cup and a couple quick facts about them. 1. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Led by Landon Donovan and DaMarcus Beasley, the United States came out of its preliminary tied with Mexico with the most points and went into the tournament in Group E with a much anticipated match against the always-tough Italian team. 2.

Musical acts lined up for (SCENE) Metrospace exhibit

On June 17, (SCENE) Metrospace, 303 Abbott Road, is welcoming a wide variety of musical talents to perform in conjunction with the current exhibit, "The Urban Show." The three bands scheduled to perform are post-hardcore band Mouth Sounds, Detroit-based indie band Kissy Face Fashion Faux-Pas and Lake Orion-based indie rock band Rescue Squad.

Surfing should be unrestricted

America Online was the first drip of the downpour. The advent of AOL Instant Messenger introduced waves of preteens to the new style of communication — social networking.

Government should stay out of marriage, let religion handle it

Growing up on Barbie and Ken, Uncle Jesse and Rebecca, Zack Morris and Kelly Kapowski, it was thought and, thus, expected that everyone should grow up living the "normal" lifestyle — heterosexuality. Although I wasn't brought up to dislike the differences that humankind reflects, I tend to inquire about why or how our society can be so insecure with itself that it uses something as minuscule as sexuality as a scapegoat for the harnessed problems of our era. My biggest concern is the fact that so many of our politicians who hold seats in our government are allowing their religion to justify the way they decide on certain legislation.