Groups rally at Club X-Cel for election issues

Lansing — Election volunteers and special interest group members took a serious tone on Tuesday under the spotlights and disco ball at Lansing's Club X-Cel. At a "Get Out the Vote Rally," speakers from Michigan Equality, the Human Rights Campaign and the National Organization for Women talked to a crowd of 45 people about Proposal 2, HIV-AIDS and some Michigan politicians' inaction on legislation for equality. Despite some somber topics, there were positive rallying and cheers on Tuesday night. Penny Gardner, an MSU women, gender and social justice professor, was invited to speak at the rally about second parent adoption. "Voters need to be informed and also perked-up in a rally," she said.

University Africa-related programs show growth

Throughout the last 20 years, MSU has seen an increasing interest in researching and learning in Africa, and MSU's Office of Study Abroad reported a significant rise in students who want to study in Africa. Cindy Chalou, the assistant director of the study abroad program, said since she has been involved with the program, students, staff and faculty have participated even more. "Quite honestly, I don't know why the interest has grown so much," said Chalou. "Right now, Ghana is receiving the most attention and already has a waiting list put out for it, which is usually held by the ones in England." The program in Ghana offers students the opportunity to travel and study health care and mass media. Jeanne Gazel, a consultant in the student affairs and services branch, said she participates in a study abroad in South Africa focused on race relations and said this year's interest in the class is a big surprise. "There are way more applicants than I have seats," Gazel said.

Vigil spreads awareness of domestic abuse

In remembrance of domestic violence victims, words of empowerment, survival and forgiveness were spoken as flames flickered before people's eyes during a candlelight vigil on Tuesday night. The event featured Amy Krause, Lansing District Court judge, and a group of three domestic violence survivors, called Surviving and Thriving, who recited poetry about their experiences. "Raising community awareness helps people think about domestic violence," Krause said She added that many people are not targets of it but still encouraged people to help. The candlelight vigil was held this month because it is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Speaker to discuss sustainable development

Susan Davis, chairperson for the Board of the Grameen Foundation USA, will be speaking at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct.

Campus Sustainability Day celebrated today

The Michigan Students for Sustainability Coalition, or MSSC, will be hosting the fourth annual National Campus Sustainability Day from 12:30-9 p.m.

MSU to help teach Chinese in schools

MSU's U.S.-China Center for Research on Educational Excellence is searching for two more Michigan school districts to participate as free partners in its Education for Global Citizenship Schools Project. The program, also known as EGC, teaches English for half of the day and Chinese for the other half. "The world is flattening and the global economy is globalizing, and in the future, you may not just be able to work in Michigan," said Nicole Ellefson, senior project director for Education for Global Citizenship Schools.

Spooky supplies to dwindle for shoppers

Sparkly pink eyelashes for drag queens. Oversized elf ears. Bushy mustaches so realistic they look like they were ripped from someone's upper lip. These are just some of the items for sale as the scramble for Halloween costumes ramps up this week during the busiest shopping time of the holiday, local businesses said Tuesday. "People go crazy — it's last minute shopping," said April Rose, a supervisor at Halloween USA in Frandor Shopping Center.

Students split on awareness of proposals

The big day is almost here — 15 days and counting until the Nov. 7 elections. Do you know who you are voting for?

The MSU vote

If you watched the gubernatorial debates, you may still be wondering why you did. We didnt learn much about Democratic Gov.

Virginia Avenue project may advance

Projects to revamp East Lansing's downtown and the 600 block of Virginia Avenue could gain some speed if the City Council moves them forward at its work session tonight. Three homes on Virginia Avenue could be purchased by the city.

Sorority hosting Halloween costume party

Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority will host its Skee-Ween costume party at 10:08 p.m. Friday at Demonstration Hall. Doors close at 11:45 p.m., and the party lasts until 2 a.m. Tickets are $7 per person and $10 for two.

Police continue search for alleged fire-starter

Police are asking for help finding a man in his early 20s who is wanted for setting a large trash container on fire Sept.

City Council to hear about gallery relocation

The building that houses (SCENE) Metrospace art gallery is slated for demolition to make way for a newer development. Sharon Radtke, East Lansing's arts coordinator, said she is going before the East Lansing City Council to seek possible locations to house the gallery.

Annual black power rally to be held today

Black Student Alliance and ASMSU will be holding the 34th Annual Black Power Rally at 7 p.m. today at the Pasant Theatre. Omar Tyree is a New York Times best-selling author who received the 2001 NAACP Image Award, will be speaking.

ASMSU: Academic dishonesty could be marked on transcript

Students who cheat could receive a scarlet letter of sorts on their academic transcripts if university officials decide to permanently record academic dishonesty.

Class teaches technology skills through real-world projects

As the demand for students with technology management skills increases in the job market, prospective employers are looking for college graduates who possess some experience. To help students gain that necessary job experience, a class offered at MSU provides students with an opportunity to work one-on-one with clients. "It's good to know about information technology.

Police briefs 10/23/06

Information leak leads to staff suspension

A Democratic staffer was suspended by the Republican chairman of the House Intelligence Committee last week under suspicion of leaking classified information. Chairman Pete Hoekstra, a Representative from Holland, said Friday that the staff's suspension was a precaution until the committee investigates. Concern centers around a leak to The New York Times last month regarding a National Intelligence Estimate on global terror trends.

Student-housing search starts early

Come and get it. The race to find housing for the 2007-08 school year is on, with students flocking to leasing offices across East Lansing, scrambling to get a house or apartment that's close to campus, yet still affordable. Having already signed a lease for a house this year, Scott Dunn, a political science and pre-law junior, said Sunday afternoon that he and his roommates began looking for another place to live as soon as school started because they wanted their own bedrooms.

23rd District senate debate to be held Tuesday

Democratic state Sen. Gretchen Whitmer and Republican challenger Frank Lambert will debate live at 7 p.m.