Pi Kappa Phi leaders look to reopen chapter

National representatives of an MSU fraternity that was shut down in May were met with skepticism Wednesday when they pitched the reopening of the chapter to the Residence Halls Association.After being closed last spring by its national council for breaking anti-hazing and anti-discrimination codes, Pi Kappa Phi has started a five-week campaign to recruit new members and reopen its 131 Bogue St.

City trying to push students out of E.L.

If it’s not one thing, it’s another with the city these days. This summer, the mission was to “curb” binge drinking in the downtown area.

Business wisdom tops Wards list

During a year of economic instability, Larry Ward says the state needs someone with a knowledge of business and politics. Ward, a Williamston resident, hopes to win the state House seat in the 69th district when he faces state Rep.

City official: Noise might lead to riots

A day after city officials and MSU students faced-off at a council work session, one member maintained that noisy parties could ignite a riot this fall in East Lansing. “It could happen in a heartbeat,” councilmember Bill Sharp said Wednesday.

Blues guitarist to play Jambalayas today

Blues guitarist and singer Long John Hunter will perform at 8:30 p.m. today at Jambalaya’s Restaurant, 5942 Round Lake Road in Laingsburg. The event is part of Jambalaya’s Thursday’s National Blues Series. Hunter, a Texas native, began his career more than 40 years ago, but only remained regional until he released his first full-length album in 1996 with his Alligator Records debut “Border Town Legend.” With the added success of his follow-up “Swinging From The Rafters” in 1997, Hunter went from the Lone Star state’s best kept secret to the international blues most wanted list. His made-for-dancing Texas shuffles, fueled by searing single-note solos and melodic, drawling vocals have made Hunter a favorite at clubs, concert stages and festivals around the world. Jambalaya’s provides an elegant lakeside view as Hunter rips into his foot-pounding brand of original, hard-driving roadhouse blues.

Spartan offense not up to last seasons standards

The Spartan offense, one of the nation’s more potent attacks last season, has fallen on hard times.In 2001, MSU’s offense ranked 18th in the nation with 436.6 yards per game, which topped the Big Ten.

Voters to decide on straight-party proposal

Michiganians looking to vote a straight-party ticket could be in for a surprise when they enter the voting booth next year.A proposal on November’s ballot asks voters to decide whether to continue the 110-year-old tradition of allowing people to choose all candidates of a single party with one swift ballot punch.

Iraq policy has turned 180 degrees as U.S. prepares for war

We’re going to set the world on fire. Our government is not edging toward the brink of war with Iraq - it’s running at full tilt, saber drawn.

Outlined speech

MSU is steadily making gains and working toward a prosperous future for its students, but there is more work to be done.

RHA officer quits to pursue goals

For the second time this month, the Residence Halls Association is losing a member of its executive board.History junior Charles Russman announced his decision to withdraw from the position of director of public relations and advertising Monday to RHA president Tim Liss.The resignation will become official on Friday, but RHA officials will open up the position tonight at the organization’s general assembly meeting.Russman said being in RHA was no longer a top priority for him.“I want to put more time and effort in school work and being a mentor,” he said.“I just don’t have enough time to take 20 credits, be a mentor and continue to do a good job at the position.”Russman handled RHA’s publicity and advertising and was the media contact and official spokesman for the organization.

Council discusses noise, alcohol

A discussion at Tuesday’s East Lansing City Council meeting about an increase in noise violations quickly turned into a debate about alcohol issues - with MSU students at the root of the controversy.City police reported a 32-percent increase in noise violations from last year, leaving council members, residents and MSU students debating the cause of the problem and possible solutions.

Police briefs 09/25/02

Whitmer hopes to serve hometown, alma mater

A lot has changed in East Lansing since state Rep. Gretchen Whitmer was a child trick-or-treating on the front porches of MSU fraternities and sororities.

Watch your bets

The probable opening of a new casino in Port Huron is yet another hint that Michigan is well on its way to becoming the next Nevada. After Gov.

Its up to doctors to recruit more nurses

I read last week’s State News series of stories “Career in crisis” (SN 9/18 to SN 9/20) and the editorial “Nursing ills” (SN 9/23) about nursing shortages in Michigan and how lawmakers need to lure more students into nursing.

U should take steps to keep out spam

There is nothing legislators can do to stop spam e-mail. These advertisements are bounced off of many unguarded e-mail servers around the world in countries that won’t recognize our laws. This makes it impossible to track down and punish the spammers.

U.S. has history of hunting for witches

This is a letter to the persecuted State News columnist Rishi Kundi (“Opinions don’t make traitor, know someone before criticizing” SN 9/18). One of the greatest writers all time is Arthur Miller.

Stanley Climbfall gives Lifehouse new direction

On Lifehouse’s sophomore album, “Stanley Climbfall,” the band has opted to throw aside the somber acoustic ambiance of its 2000 debut album and smash single “Hanging By a Moment” and spur forward with harder guitar-driven tracks, which thrust the band into a new direction. Lifehouse’s double-platinum debut album “No Name Face” was about self-discovery.

Young kids become junior Picassos

Okemos - MSU alumna Julie Rose stood in front of a table of young children and their parents, waiting for the right moment to begin the day’s lesson. “OK,” she said as the group of children finally settled into their seats, “today we’re going to talk about people and art.” Rose teaches Preschool Picassos, a nature art class for 3- to 6-year-olds at Harris Nature Center in Okemos.

Sisters offers semi-entertaining groupies

Yes, “The Banger Sisters” is a chick flick, so let’s get that out of the way. In the streets of Los Angeles, there is a part of history that time forgot about.