New bill would protect employee actions

When Cara Stiffler learned she would lose her job in fall 2003 for smoking, she never imagined she would wind up in the Michigan Legislature.

RHA looks for options to keep Channel 12 afloat

Almost two months after the university's surprise decision to shut down Channel 12 at the end of the semester, university officials and student-produced programs are looking for ways to salvage the channel but also prepare for life without it. The channel broadcasts free movies and student-produced programming to MSU's campus and surrounding cities. Residence Halls Association and University Housing have been looking into options to keep the channel afloat, but RHA President Kevin Newman said nothing has developed enough for him to be optimistic about the channel's short-term future. "At this point, I wouldn't expect anything next year to be different from the decisions the university has already made," Newman said. RHA pays about $15,000 a semester for the movies that air on the channel. One option being evaluated is a digital media player system that would substantially cut the channel's labor costs by enabling a month of its programming to be done in 30 minutes. But RHA Campus Center Director James Henderson said evaluations of the program are very preliminary, and he will meet next week with representatives of the company that makes the system to see if it is a feasible option. "We're looking at possibilities, but that's it," Henderson said.

Court denies patent for Smucker's Uncrustables

At the Mason Hall Totally Takeout, Uncrustables have to be restocked quickly to keep up with the demand.

Hip-hop mock rock arrives at Breslin

Destiny's Child, 50 Cent and Usher will shake their stuff at the Breslin Center in a funky battle for hip-hop fame.

E.L. officials discuss budget cuts, removing $1M deficit

Replacing a $1 million deficit in the city budget was the topic of the East Lansing City Council meeting Tuesday. The 2006 budget, which was released last week, is about $55 million, roughly 2.3 percent less than last year.

E.L. library to host sale of used books

The Friends of the East Lansing Public Library, 950 Abbott Road, will hold its spring used book sale from 10 a.m.

Student employees awarded for work

About 150 people attended the 2005 Student Employee of the Year recognition program on Tuesday, hosted by the Student Employment Office in the Union ballroom.

Police briefs 04/13/05

Faculty introduce possible increase in salary

Faculty want a salary increase of 4.25 percent next year, and they are willing to pay more for their health care to get it. At Tuesday's Faculty Council meeting, the University Committee on Faculty Affairs presented the proposed increase as part of a five-year plan begun three years ago by MSU President Lou Anna K.

E.L. extends ban on fires

With unseasonably dry weather this spring, the East Lansing Fire Department is extending a ban on all fires in East Lansing indefinitely.

New E.L. cafe offers crepes

Donning red berets and black aprons, servers prepare European delicacies in a small French-style cafe. Complete with international music, murals and an outdoor patio - students and residents can now find a little taste of France nestled between a pizzeria, ice cream parlor and dozens of other fast-food chains on Grand River Avenue. Ooh la la Crepes, 1133 E.

Duct tape, bruises part of protest

Some students will go through the day with duct tape on their mouths. They will stand in front of buildings on campus today with fake bruises on their faces.

MSU resurrects 'Water Carnival' for fall event

Four MSU officials stood atop a wooden raft Tuesday, wearing orange life jackets as it floated down the Red Cedar River. As it drifted along, someone walking along the banks called out, "Which one's Tom Sawyer and which one's Huck Finn?" The tiny wooden raft was launched in the river to see if it could float.

Word on the street: What do you think still needs to be addressed about the April 2-3 disturbances?

"What the plan was before the police took action. Were they going to teargas and pepper spray everybody?" Ashley Jenkins journalism and sociology freshman "I feel the biggest thing that needs to be looked into is the film that students may have taken.

Organ donation event to be held at Capitol

Thursday is Donate Life Advocacy Day in Michigan. It will be celebrated at the Anderson House Office Building, 124 N.

Student employees receive awards today

Students who received nominations for Student Employee of the Year will be honored during a reception at 4 p.m.

Marshall man to make appearance in court

A 19-year-old Marshall man who is being charged with murder, stealing a motor vehicle and drunken driving will appear in court this week. Alexander Hamil is accused of stealing an MSU service vehicle from the Physical Plant parking lot at about 5:30 a.m.

MSU values to be reflected at commencement

A national health official will speak at graduate commencement ceremonies next month. Elias Zerhouni, director of the National Institutes of Health, or NIH, will speak at 7 p.m.

Bush fire contained by Akers residents

A fire in bushes outside of East Akers Hall was extinguished at about 5:20 p.m. Monday by the East Lansing Fire Department and a few residents who grabbed fire extinguishers after smelling smoke. There they said they saw fire on the underside of a patch of bushes.

Botanical club to host spring wildflower tour

The Michigan Botanical Club is sponsoring a spring wildflower walk at 10 a.m. Saturday in Scott Woods. The club will be meeting to tour the woods, located behind the Ingham Regional Medical Center Pennsylvania Campus, 2727 S.