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MICHIGAN

Austin declares secretary of state bid

Lansing - The newest Democratic candidate in the secretary of state race announced his intentions to run Friday. State Board of Education member John Austin announced his intention to run for secretary of state - for the second time.

MSU

Olin Health Center to distribute exercise safety pamphlets on campus

When Matt Kenney tore his anterior cruciate ligament playing intramural basketball during his sophomore year, he didn’t know what he could have done to prevent it. Kenney, an Olin Health Advocate, is trying to make sure it doesn’t happen to anyone else. He will be helping distribute pamphlets for students describing how to stay healthy while exercising.

MICHIGAN

Small businesses may see sales increase

Small businesses can expect a business boom according to the Small Business Association of Michigan. The report, released last week, cited optimism in owners and a decreasing amount of good help as signs that businesses can expect more sales.“Sounds good to me,” said Ray Walsh, owner of Curious Book Shop, 307 E.

MICHIGAN

Bill to deter student solicitations

Rep. Tony Stamas, R-Midland, would like to see a bill he sponsored concerning the right to deny Freedom of Information Act requests for student information reach the governor’s desk before the Legislature leaves on recess. The bill, which passed out of both chambers but returns to the House for approval of Senate changes, would attempt to decrease the mounds of unwanted solicitation that high school students have to sift through. “Parents and students need protection from that bombardment,” said Sen.

MSU

Store removes controversial shirts

Customers shopping at Abercrombie & Fitch clothing stores last week saw smiling men with slanted eyes positioned next to slogans such as “Wok-N-Bowl - Let the Good Times Roll - Chinese Food & Bowling” and “Wong Brothers Laundry Service - Two Wongs Can Make It White.”The New Albany, Ohio-based company distributed four T-shirt designs related to Asian culture for $24.50 to cater to young Asian Americans.

MSU

Chemistry professor named Guggenheim fellow

Chemistry Professor Mercouri Kanatzidis, has been awarded a John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation fellowship for his scholarly achievement in the area of solid-state chemistry. Guggenheim fellowships are given annually to provide individuals with times to creatively work in their field of study.

MSU

Engineering students float their way to national canoe contest

Concrete that floats doesn’t seem possible, right? Wrong.A team of MSU students conquered that feat and will travel to Madison, Wis., to show off its concrete boat at the MBT/ASCE National Concrete Canoe Competition.The group defeated teams from Michigan, Ohio and Canada at the North Central Region competition, held at Lansing’s Grand River Park on April 13 and 14.

MSU

Weingarden elected ASMSU Student Assembly leader

The ASMSU Student Assembly leader who holds the gavel and conducts meetings was elected to the assembly’s 39th session, but it wasn’t a unanimous decision.Matt Weingarden immediately took over the duties of Student Assembly chairperson last week after the majority of the assembly voted in his favor.

MICHIGAN

Earth Day Fest brings speakers, bands

Earth Day Fest invaded Ann Street Plaza on Sunday to raise environmental consciousness in the East Lansing community. E-day, in its ninth year, was sponsored by the East Lansing PRIDE Team and East Lansing merchants. It raised an awareness of environmental concerns that generally are overlooked, showcased gadgets to improve health and materials on the proper way to recycle. Teri Parks, owner of Bohemian Barber, 223 M.A.C.

MSU

Service group surprises

It was still dark when Julie Ziobro’s roommate and a friend got her out of bed and led her to Beaumont Tower around 6 a.m.

MSU

Cancer survivors relay for victory

Emily Gelbaugh laughed, sang and draped her arms over her friends’ shoulders Saturday night, while proudly displaying the words “Had it, fought it, survived it” on the back of her T-shirt.Gelbaugh was one of 17 cancer survivors who took a victory lap around the concourse area of Munn Ice Arena on Saturday night to the song “I Will Survive” as part of the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.Gelbaugh, co-coordinator of MSU’s Cancer Support Network, underwent 17 rounds of chemotherapy, 27 radiation treatments and surgeries to battle a type of cancer called Ewing’s sarcoma.

MSU

Student prepares for diversity job

Posters of Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali and Tupac Shakur will grace the desk of ASMSU’s new director of racial, ethnic and progressive student affairs when he begins work in the fall.Economics sophomore Jamein Cunningham said he is excited to be a resource for diverse student groups on campus as he sat in his soon-to-be undergraduate student government office, considering how he is going to decorate the wall behind his computer.“I felt this was a very good way to get involved with ASMSU, and to serve a diverse community at Michigan State University,” said Cunningham, who was one of six applicants for the position.