Senate birth-control bill draws support

The Planned Parenthood Affiliates of Michigan called on state legislators Tuesday at the Capitol Building to join them in fighting the country's problems with unintended pregnancies. The "Prevention First" initiative was established to expand access to birth control and accurate sex education on both national and statewide levels, said Sarah Scranton, executive director for Planned Parenthood affiliates of Michigan. "Improving access to preventative health care, supporting healthy families, should be a shared statewide goal that we all can agree upon," Scranton said.

WEB EXTRA: Recycling available to apartment complexes

The curbside recycling program allows some residents to do their part in protecting the environment — if the East Lansing City Council approves a new ordinance, more people could be eligible for the service. Apartment buildings with more than four units are not able to receive the curbside service.

Play addresses violence

In the 11 years that "The Vagina Monologues" has been a sensation, its focus has never changed — to educate audiences on violence against women. "Women are often taught to think that words relating to the vagina are offense and they shouldn't say them out loud," said Julia Dillard, the play's co-director.

Student organizations embrace multiculturalism

They grew up in tight-knit families with strong ethnic and cultural traditions from countries such as India, Iraq and Vietnam. When freshman year at MSU arrived, it was their first time away from home, and the students had to decide how to incorporate their culture into their new surroundings. To cope with the changes, some students join multicultural greek organizations on campus that are focused on easing this transition. "We wanted to be part of an organization that fit us, our personalities and personal beliefs," said Bethanie Akins, a member of Delta Xi Phi. One way her sorority attempts to address multicultural issues is by sponsoring events such as panel discussions about interracial dating, which also allow members to meet. "It will help to educate and to make interracial dating more acceptable in society," said Sharon Khousakoun, who also is a member of Delta Xi Phi and an advertising senior.

Retired faculty regains voice

Retired faculty still active at MSU now have the chance to get their voice heard within the university.

Community fundraising event to benefit American Cancer Society

MSU's greek community will work together to raise money for the American Cancer Society during a Relay For Life event this weekend. The greeks are aim to beat the $152,000 in donations they raised last year, which contributed to MSU's third-place standing among college and university donors nationwide. Being home to not one, but two student-organized Relay For Life fundraising events sets MSU apart — it's the only college or university with more than one. "MSU is a pacesetter in the fight against cancer," said Kate Follet, American Cancer Society community development director for the Lansing area. "There is a motivated student body that realizes something needs to be done." A combined total of $235,000 was raised last year during the Greek Week's relay and MSU's second student-organized relay event. The Relay for Life of Michigan State University-General event will take place April 20-21. This weekend's event serves as the kickoff to the Greek Week celebration at MSU. Relay For Life is a nonprofit, fundraising event whose proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.

MSU office to link business, science

For MSU researchers, entrepreneurial endeavors may not be as far from their grasp as before. The Office of Intellectual Property has been revamped into MSU Technologies, an office designed to facilitate the development of researchers' patents and discoveries into licensed products for the marketplace. MSU President Lou Anna K.

Free tuition could be available for veterans

A proposed bill in the state House could provide Michigan residents with a little bit more incentive to serve their country. The legislation, titled "Veterans Tuition Waiver Act," would grant free tuition for certain qualified veterans of the U.S.

City manager honored for service

East Lansing City Manager Ted Staton earned the Excellence in Local Government award from the Michigan Local Government Management Association during the association's winter conference. "It's always nice to be recognized by your peers in your profession," Staton said.

New master's program to teach game design

When Brian Winn was 11 years old, his father bought him an Apple II computer — but he refused to buy him any video games for it. What his father did buy was design software.

Road project to finish in late 2007

Meridian Township — Sarah Christensen cuts through Birch Row Drive when traveling to the grocery store from her apartment, north of East Lake Lansing Road. But massive construction of Birch Row Drive and its adjoining streets, beginning last year has extended Christensen's would-be two minute commute to the store. "It just seemed like it took way too long to pave a silly road," the human resource management junior said.

Family game day helps children, local charity

The first annual Family Fun Game Day and Card Tournament will be held Sunday at the Holiday Inn West Conference and Convention Center.

MSU students host party, buy beaded jewelry in support of Ugandan families

By Yusuf Begg For The State News With its mountainous terrain and fertile land, the country of Uganda is known as the "Pearl of Africa." However, two decades of tribal warfare under the dictatorship of Idi Amin sent the country into a downward spiral of intense civil strife and economic devastation.

Development permit rejected for environmental concerns

The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality rejected a permit for an office park that would have affected part of East Lansing's wetlands. The project, being developed by Okemos-based TMN Builders Inc., would have "significant adverse impacts" on a wetland, according to the department, or DEQ. The East Lansing City Council will take this into account, among other factors, when deciding on a city permit for the developer during its work session at 6 p.m.

Midday snow storm could drop more than 6 inches

The subzero temperatures might have passed, but Old Man Winter isn't done yet. Snowfall might exceed 6 inches today, possibly meriting a winter storm warning, said WILX Channel 10 meteorologist Andy Provenzano. "They start with a watch to heighten awareness," he said.

Lansing Area AIDS Network to offer free HIV testing every Monday until March 5

Lansing — In conjunction with Black History Month, members of the Greater Lansing community are spreading awareness about HIV and AIDS. The Lansing Area AIDS Network, or LAAN, is offering free HIV testing from noon until 3 p.m., Mondays through March 5 at the South Side Community Coalition, 2101 W.

New initiative aims to embrace diversity

For John Herbst, the "I" in his "I Stop Hate: MSU United" initiative really should be a "we." Herbst introduced the initiative to the Residence Halls Association, or RHA, at its meeting Feb.

Police briefs 02/13/07

Body image talk at Union tonight

The MSU Women's Resource Center will be presenting "Love Your Body; Love Yourself: A Discussion on Body Image" from 7-8:30 p.m.

Author to discuss U.S. race relations

The author of "Lies My Teacher Told Me: Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong" will speak at 2:30 p.m.