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MICHIGAN

Speed limits could increase

Bob Darrow
January 10, 2006

Speed limits on two of East Lansing's main thoroughfares will be going up unless the state's highest court intervenes. Portions of Grand River Avenue and Saginaw Highway could be 10 mph faster, increasing to 35 mph and 45 mph, respectively. The change is the latest development in a nearly yearlong court battle between the city of East Lansing and the Michigan State Police and the Department of Transportation, or MDOT. Last March, East Lansing won a decision that blocked the state's initial attempt to raise the speed limits. The Michigan Court of Appeals overturned the order in a Dec.

COMMENTARY

Assembly voted with no discussion of MCRI

The November election is still months away, but it is clear that debate over ballot initiatives already is heating up, most notably the debate surrounding the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative, or MCRI. The MSU student body will soon find out that our student government has recently condemned the MCRI.

FEATURES

Critic reviews currently playing holiday movies

Alessa Thomas
January 10, 2006

"THE FAMILY STONE" Rating: PG-13 Director: Thomas Bezucha Running Time: 102 minutes Starring: Diane Keaton, Sarah Jessica Parker What seemed like a funny movie along the same lines as Ben Stiller's "Meet The Parents" turned out to be a predictable family drama.

MSU

Muslim prayer begins multiple-day holiday

The three-day Muslim holiday, Eid al-Adha, begins today. Eid acknowledges the Quran's account of Abraham's readiness to sacrifice his son to Allah. The Islamic Society of Greater Lansing will be recognizing the holiday today at the center, located at 920 S.

MICHIGAN

Police stress caution after local kidnapping

Melissa Domsic
January 10, 2006

The man charged with abducting a 21-year-old student on Thursday reportedly tried making the student think the incident was a prank and he wasn't actually kidnapping her, police said. "He was playing upon the security provided to students in East Lansing," said East Lansing police Lt.

FEATURES

Washed-up celebs don't need reality TV shows

We're living in a crazy world these days where Flavor Flav, formerly of Public Enemy fame, is the newest "Bachelor;" Ashley Parker Angel (who?) used-to-be heartthrob now washed-up boy band member, has his own reality show; and Hulk Hogan shows us how to raise a family.

FEATURES

Family band produces unique, enjoyable country-folk album

Ryan Mccormick
January 10, 2006

Potato Moon's third album "Carnival" is more fun than a line dance at the fair. The Grand Rapids-based band combines knee-slapping country riffs with sassy lyrics to kindle a wholesome enthusiastic sound. All of the band's core members are related by blood, which may be a reason for the uplifting demeanor the group gives off.

FEATURES

Five favorites

Every week, The State News presents five things going on in the world of pop culture that might make your life a little bit better.

MICHIGAN

Group to examine petition's wording

Ken Osborne
January 10, 2006

The Michigan Civil Rights Commission will conduct a hearing at 6 p.m. Wednesday in Detroit to investigate allegations that voters who signed the petition to place the proposal on the ballot were misled. Proposed language for the controversial Michigan Civil Rights Initiative ballot proposal, which would end affirmative action, was released on Friday. According to the Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action, Integration, & Immigrant Rights and Fight for Equality By Any Means Necessary, or BAMN, voters who actually support affirmative action signed the petition because they were misled, said Donna Stern, the group's national director. Stern said the Michigan Board of Canvassers provided a sample of 500 people who signed the petition. "We did not find a single black signer that had knowingly signed an anti-affirmative action petition," Stern said. However, state Rep.

COMMENTARY

ASMSU's 'repulsive' rushing not their job

On Dec. 8, ASMSU, the MSU undergraduate student government, did the most atrocious possible act that Spartans should find repulsive. ASMSU did not have the issue of the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative, or MCRI, on their agenda; however, it was abruptly put to vote by the council. The MCRI will be on the ballot in the next election and will ban affirmative action if it is passed. Our student council voted on the issue and ended up condemning it.

MSU

Accreditation at MSU first in state

Kristen Daum
January 9, 2006

MSU is one of six institutions in the nation — and the first in Michigan — to receive accreditation by the Association for the Accreditation of Human Research Protection Programs Inc. The university earned "qualified accreditation" status in 2005 for all research done involving human participants.

NEWS

Summit prompts Simon to go global

Josh Jarman
January 9, 2006

After returning from a summit on international education last week, MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon said the university will reinvest in programs to stay globally competitive. Simon spent Thursday and Friday in Washington, D.C., as part of the U.S.

NEWS

Mark your calendar!

It may look like winter out there, but spring semester is upon us. Even if you're not so excited about spending money on books and waking up early again, you have no reason to cry yourself to sleep.

MICHIGAN

New year brings fitness goals

Melanie Thomas
January 9, 2006

As the clock ticked down and 2005 ended, many Americans brought in the new year with resolutions to shrink their waistlines in 2006. But only 8 percent will fulfill them, according to a 2005 survey by Stephen Shapiro, a Boston-based author and former management education consultant. "This is the prime season to lose weight because of the new year and new beginnings," said Scott Schell, owner of Powerhouse Gym, 435 E.