Students take day to honor dead

Although it falls the day after Halloween, Day of the Dead isn't about candy, ghosts or pumpkins.

Election education

With a bundle of rubber-banded Democratic leaflets and brochures in hand, Eric Burton, dressed in blue jeans and a green MSU track T-shirt knocks on East Holden Hall doors as students stream by wearing garb more appropriate for the Halloween night. "Hi, I'm just dropping off some literature about next week's election," Burton says, who by now has knocked on 10 doors in 25 minutes. The student at the door responds with a thank you.

Magic gives back to community

Lansing — David Demyers waited in anticipation as he practiced his color guard routine. Working on it for close to three weeks now, he was almost bursting at the seams with excitement at the prospect of performing for a favorite celebrity. Demyers was one of many children who got to meet Earvin "Magic" Johnson Wednesday night at a charity event in Lansing. "It's a time in my life when I get to meet someone famous," Demyers said.

Faculty, staff rank university's working conditions among best in the nation

MSU staff and faculty are happy to be working for the university, according to one magazine's online research. Last year, the university ranked 41st on The Scientist's "Best Places to Work 2006: Academia" survey.

Police briefs 11/01/06

Students voice opinions on voting for, against MCRI

When Brittney McCullers turns 18 in January, it will be too late for her to vote in the November election. The accounting freshman will be affected by the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative, or MCRI, if passed Nov.

Whitmer runs for state Senate twice in a year, now against Lambert

Democratic state Sen. Gretchen Whitmer is readying herself for her second election in less than a year. Because she technically filled the vacant Senate position left by now-Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero in March, she's running again this November for a second term. This time she's up against Republican challenger Frank Lambert. Both candidates agree that educational funding is an important issue facing Michigan residents.

Nontraditional students honor faculty for assistance

The people who make it possible for nontraditional students to attend class, study for exams and work for rent money or groceries are being rewarded. As National Nontraditional Student Recognition Week begins next week, the MSU Family Resource Center is honoring faculty and staff members who have helped married students, commuters, military service members or those who have other unusual circumstances maintain their busy schedules.

Granholm, Stabenow lead in latest poll

A poll released Tuesday shows Democratic incumbents leading their Republican challengers in the Michigan gubernatorial and U.S.

Local coaches: No on Prop 2

Okemos — MSU basketball coaches Tom Izzo and Joanne P. McCallie denounced Proposal 2 Monday afternoon, saying the ballot initiative would harm diversity in the state. They were joined by several other collegiate basketball coaches, including Tommy Amaker from University of Michigan and Ernie Zeigler from Central Michigan University. Izzo urged Michigan voters to oppose Proposal 2. "We should be trying to take steps forward," Izzo said.

Police briefs 10/31/06

Events to honor Day of the Dead, hunger strike

MSU students can participate in a Day of the Dead project from 4-6 p.m. Wednesday in room 200 in South Kedzie Hall.

Master plan to frame campus layout for coming years

MSU is going to update the campus' master plan, which will detail building and construction plans for the next five years. Campus planner Stephen Troost said the department of Campus Planning and Administration has brainstormed ideas for the plan since the beginning of the year.

Investigative team, news reporting focus for new State News editor in chief

Margaret Harding, a 20-year-old journalist, waited in a graveyard at midnight for an escaped cop killer.

Doctoral student's survey to examine dorms' racial distribution, climate

An MSU researcher is planning a survey to study the racial distribution, climate and attitudes in residence halls. Jessica Mills, a sociology doctoral student, will compose the survey and compile the results, with support from the Residence Halls Association, or RHA, as part of her dissertation and possibly for the university's use. "She is interested in where students are placed to live in residence halls," said Martina Egerer, Holden Hall's RHA representative. The survey will examine students' beliefs about why they are placed in dorms, she said.

MSU to hold creative arts career forum

The MSU Career Services Network will provide a creative arts forum for students interested in learning more about careers in writing, publishing graphic design, advertising, curation and art management and freelancing.

MSU-Penn State blood challenge to help patients

For the 13th consecutive year, hospitalized patients in Michigan and Pennsylvania will receive blood from the MSU-Penn State Blood Challenge. Students at MSU and Penn State University will have the opportunity to help their respective schools win the challenge by donating blood until Nov.

Potential development may offer housing close to campus

Construction on a Louis Street apartment building that will house 96 people could begin by June, giving students more housing options close to campus. Joe Goodsir, president of Community Resource Management Co., said he hopes this project mirrors the success of an apartment building he opened in 2001 on Louis Street. "That has been a very successful building for us," Goodsir said. The plans for the new apartment building will go before the East Lansing City Council at its Nov.

Author to have book signing, discussion

U.S. News & World Report writer Jeffery Sheler will sign and discuss his book, "Believers: A Journey into Evangelical America," at 7:30 p.m.

Proposal 2 debate to be held on Wednesday

Correction: The brief should have stated that Jeff Wiggins, chairman of the MSU College Republicans, will not be debating in Wonders Hall on Wednesday night because of a prior commitment.