CMU reporters forced to turn over cameras

What was supposed to be a small feature story in a college newspaper has escalated into an internal police investigation about photographers' rights and officer actions. Two photographers from CM Life, Central Michigan University's student newspaper, had their cameras taken and later returned by Meridian Township police Thursday night after they photographed a protest at the Victoria's Secret store in Meridian Mall. The store manager told the photographers they had to erase the photos of the protest, and when they refused, the police were called, CM Life Editor in Chief Chad Livengood said. The photographers were told by police to delete the images themselves, which they refused to do, or turn over the cameras and head to the police station, Livengood said. "It was a cop saying, 'Give me the cameras,' and two upstanding citizens not wanting to defy the cop anymore," Livengood said.

Simon aids discussion on higher education

MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon served as the presiding officer of a panel discussion today in Detroit at an annual session on the state of public universities. The discussion, held at Cobo Hall and sponsored by the Detroit Economic Club, featured University of Michigan President Mary Sue Coleman, as well as business and government leaders. As presiding officer, Simon introduced the panelists and handled the question-and-answer session. The program focused on the role of universities in helping promote growth in the state's economy. Other panelists included state Lt.

Police briefs 11/08/05

Event celebrates Diwali

By Jason Chapman Special to The State News About 200 people attended Sargam, an event to celebrate the Indian holiday Diwali on Saturday with lights, traditional dance, raffle prizes, food and music. "It has been the best experience to bring our people together in this celebration," said doctorate student Deep Bandyopadhyay, president of MSU India Club.

Women's leadership topic of annual event

When the committee organizing Sunday's MSU Women's Leadership Conference was thinking of a theme for the third annual event, it came from an unusual source. "We looked at bumper stickers," said Jodi Roberto Hancock.

Charity Bowl breaks even

Less than $700 was raised for the Make-A-Wish Foundation on Saturday at the Green and White Charity Bowl — about as much as it cost to host the event. The Senior Class Council spent about $700 on a disc jockey and intramural referees for the eighth annual football tournament which offered a fun way for students to raise money, said human biology senior Jesseca Raak, a philanthropy committee co-chairperson for the Senior Class Council. Each of the 12 participating teams — made up of IM football teams, college associations, fraternities and other groups — donated $50 to play in the tournament.

MSU professor remembered by colleagues

Faculty in MSU's Department of Computer Science and Engineering remember their colleague, Moon Jung Chung, as a quiet but well-spoken thinker. "He might have actually passed you while he was thinking and not even noticed," said George Stockman, a professor in the department who worked with Chung.

Michigan military past on display

Lonnie Freiburger Jr. maneuvered his 4-inch tall, vehicle-inspecting robot within feet of army memorabilia 200 years old on Sunday afternoon, peering with its camera at veterans and others standing at Michigan Historical Museum.

University joins with medical facilities

Sparrow Hospital, the Ingham Regional Medical Center and MSU have formed a partnership to improve MSU's medical residency program and patient care in the Lansing area.

Events exhibit African culture

By Kathleen Polesnak Special to The State News Colored lights and a map of Africa splashed a quaint stage in the Wharton Center on Saturday, awaiting the start of the African Student Union's Gala Night, the finale of the group's annual African Culture Week. When the lights dimmed, beating drums reverberated throughout the theater, and an evening of African culture commenced before an audience of more than 200 people.

Mayoral hopefuls urge voter turnout

With the election only a day away, both Lansing mayoral candidates are scrambling to persuade voters to show up at the polls. "People have already made a determination on the issues, it's going to come down to turnout," John Moralez, Mayor Tony Benavides' campaign manager said. Both candidates have been working long hours this past weekend, one of the busiest weekends of the campaign season.

Lansing City Council member to leave post

Lansing City Councilmember Larry Meyer resigned during Thursday's council meeting. Meyer's said he had to resign because he no longer lives in Lansing. "I have received new information," Meyer wrote in his letter of resignation Thursday.

Tryouts scheduled for Black Power Rally

The Black Student Alliance will be holding auditions this weekend for the 33rd Annual Black Power Rally. Black Student Alliance, or BSA, is calling dancers, singers, actors and poets to come out and show their skills for a chance to perform during the rally. Auditions will take place from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

RHA survey seeks input on smoking

Student responses could lead to discussions in changing housing options in the residence halls because of an online smoking survey. The Residence Halls Association, or RHA, wants students, along with faculty and staff, to take part in the survey which focuses on smoking in the residence halls. "It's really hard to gauge, without a broad-based survey like this, what students want," said Tom Wolf, director of technology for RHA.

Wellness fair to have free yoga, massages

The Creative Wellness Holistic Health Center is holding an open house and health fair celebration on Sunday. The fair is from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Citizen expresses concern about traffic speed

Concern with an increase in traffic speeds throughout East Lansing has one resident looking for help from city officials.

World Usability Day promotes innovative design

Michael Hudson is very attached to the washer and dryer in his home. Not only does he use them often, but Hudson — who is blind — helped modify the appliances to be more accessible to his needs. "I don't benefit from things that are only visual, I need audio," said Hudson, who is also the director of the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities, or RCPD.

Meeting to focus on transgender issues

Issues members of the transgender community face everyday will be discussed at a town hall meeting from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Groups help students beat the winter blues

With cold and flu season approaching, Olin Health Center, the Residence Halls Association and Healthy U collaborated to provide students with "Cold and Flu Survival Packs." The packs include items such as a disposable thermometer, sanitary hand wipes, instant hand sanitizer, cough drops and a tea bag.

Ride to Detroit prompts reflection

Nearly 50 years after a quiet, black seamstress refused to give up her seat to a white man on a public bus in Montgomery, Ala., Mary Hubbard quietly sat on a different bus, in a different place, at a far different time, scrawling slogans on sheets of poster board. Hubbard's seat was near the back — in fact, one of the last rows — but she sat there by choice, not by restriction. She was traveling to Detroit from East Lansing to pay her last respects to the seamstress.