Nader sues Mich. to get spot on Nov. ballot

The Ralph Nader campaign filed a lawsuit Tuesday against the State of Michigan in a Detroit federal court. The suit claims the state violated Nader's First Amendment right to be placed on Michigan's ballot as the presidential candidate from the Reform Party, according to Nader spokesperson Kevin Zeese. Zeese said the decision by Michigan Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land to prevent Nader from being added to Michigan's ballot as a Reform candidate didn't make any sense. "(The Nader Campaign) was endorsed by the National Reform Party and the only recognized affiliate in the state," Zeese said.

'U' students win step show contest

As part of a combined team of several Michigan chapters of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, MSU students landed first place at the 2004 Grand Conclave March Down biannual step-show competition Saturday in St.

Quilts benefit charity

The multi-purpose room of the Hope Borbas Okemos Library is home to a charitable cause during the summer Wednesday afternoons. Once a week, area preteens and teens come out to the library from 1-3 p.m.

Police briefs 07/29/04

Police briefs 07/29/04

Event focuses on safety

Many neighborhoods in the Lansing area will lock their doors, turn on their lights and gather to learn how to prevent local crime on August 3rd for the 21st Annual "National Night Out". Area police departments are planning a variety of activities for the day.

Stadium project on budget, schedule

So far, the biggest challenge facing the renovation crew at Spartan Stadium hasn't been the weather, late supply deliveries or unexpected soil conditions.

Increased funding, training aids in boost of drunken driving arrests

Local officials and law enforcement officers said police are more vigilant about drunken driving, based on the results of a report released Monday showing arrests for alcohol-related offenses were up from a previous crackdown. Arrests increased during this year's "You Drink & Drive.

'U', federal agency to promote food temps

MSU and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have partnered in a joint public health education campaign, directed at stemming food-borne illnesses in the United States. The campaign, which focuses on the use of thermometers when cooking meat, will be launched Wednesday on a trial basis in Ingham, Kent and Washtenaw counties.

Report: Crash cause unclear

An autopsy report released Monday revealed that the late Crunchy's owner David Milligan had a blood alcohol content level of .17, more than twice the legal limit, when he died in a traffic accident on June 10. Milligan died when his vehicle struck a tractor-trailer as he traveled the wrong way on U.S.

Welcome Week to host Mraz concert

Nestled in-between the speeches introducing freshmen to their respective majors and a massive pep rally reinforcing the importance of being a Spartan is a major headlining musical act hitting campus during Welcome Week. ASMSU recently added a concert to the onslaught of Welcome Week 2004 activities, featuring Jason Mraz at 9 p.m.

Retired Mid-Michigan firefighter gets award

Retired Lansing firefighter Robert D. McAlvey received the Muscular Dystrophy Association's 2004 Personal Achievement Award for Michigan on July 16. McAlvey, who was once the captain of the Meridian Township Fire Department, had been a firefighter for 22 years before retiring in January 2004 after being diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. As the state finalist, McAlvey will be eligible to receive the MDA's 2005 National Personal Achievement Award.

Police briefs 07/27/04

Private college tuition to rise

Students at private colleges and universities throughout the state will see an average tuition increase of 6.1 percent for the fall. But some say the increase remains consistent with nationwide averages and simply represents a continuation of a trend in increases from the past 10 years. The state's 47 private colleges and universities in Michigan announced tuition will be raising an average of 6.1 percent to $15,859 this fall.

Police briefs 07/26/04

Family stops in Mich. as part of nationwide fund-raising tour

There were about 70 people and 20 puppies waiting on the steps of the Capitol Friday morning for Blaine and Janet Parks and their two golden retrievers, Max and Bailey.

Graphic design exhibit opens in E.L. art gallery

It can be seen in magazine advertisements for every product from shampoo to clothing, as well as the clearance sale signs of storefront windows on Grand River.

ELPD riot lecture featured at speaker series

Tear gas, one of the most uncomfortable tactics police use to control rioters, has become a rite of passage for MSU students. At least that's what East Lansing Deputy Police Chief Tom Wibert said. "It's something they can brag about to their friends and a story they will have to tell their kids," Wibert said. For 19 years, Wibert has watched the history of riots unfold in East Lansing.

Bills designate expansion of Mich. drug courts

Some corrections officers say Gov. Jennifer Granholm's decision to sign a package of bills to increase the number of Michigan drug courts represents a progressive approach to dealing with the state's nonviolent drug offenders. Drug courts oversee the treatment of people who abuse or are addicted to drugs or alcohol.

Application for new E.L. housing revoked

An application from Campus Village Properties to renovate part of the Ramada Inn property, 1100 Trowbridge Road, was revoked at an East Lansing City Council meeting on Tuesday, city officials said. "I believe the developer felt it was unlikely to be approved," planning and zoning administrator Bob Owen said. Community members were strongly opposed to the plans, which proposed a three-story building containing 65 student-rented apartments housing 204 students.