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MSU

Racist Halloween costumes gain community attention

April Jones
October 30, 2013

A viral social media posting showing two college-aged Florida men dressed as Trayvon Martin and his killer, George Zimmerman, has sparked a conversation about how race is portrayed in Halloween costumes. Costumes representing offensive stereotypes of ethnic groups such as American Indians or Mexicans might be found on the streets of East Lansing Thursday night, creating the question among students and faculty of when costumes are no longer fun and simply offensive.

NEWS

Alleged I-96 shooter pleads no contest but mentally ill in Oakland County case

Katie Abdilla
October 30, 2013

The alleged I-96 shooter, an MSU alumnus, pleaded no contest but mentally ill Wednesday afternoon for felony assault and weapons charges in Oakland County. Raulie Casteel, 44, will be sentenced in Oakland County on Jan. 30, according to the Detroit Free Press. He was arrested on Nov. 5 and charged with assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder, along with several felony firearms charges. Casteel allegedly went on a random shooting spree involving 24 people between Oct. 16-27 of last year on the I-96 corridor. Only one person was injured.

MSU

ASMSU bill calls for new higher-ed fund

Nolly Dakroury
October 30, 2013

ASMSU’s policy committee recently passed a bill calling for the state Legislature to pass a resolution related to an increase on the Michigan Sales Tax, with the goal of creating a post-secondary education fund.

MSU

U-M pres. to speak at MSU fall graduation

Justine McGuire
October 30, 2013

With a football showdown looming between MSU and the University of Michigan, it was announced on Tuesday that U-M President Mary Sue Coleman will become a Spartan — sort of — when she receives an honorary doctorate of laws degree at a December commencement.

MICHIGAN

New clothing company opens doors in E.L.

Irum Ibrahim
October 29, 2013

A new apparel store near the corner of Grand River Avenue and Abbot Road hopes to offer a unique twist on footwear to the East Lansing community and its visitors alike. Shoe and clothing chain VILLA had a soft opening Sunday, and will have its grand opening celebration this weekend. The East Lansing location is one of four new VILLA locations in the Midwest.

MICHIGAN

ROTC cadets test their skills with water training

Geoff Preston
October 29, 2013

The IM Sports-West swimming pool saw a team in a different uniform jumping from the diving board as several MSU ROTC cadets attempted to complete the Combat Water Survival Test on Tuesday. The test, which is required for cadets before they enter their final year of ROTC, consists of a three-meter blind jump from a diving board, a 10 minute continuous swim, five minutes of treading water, a 15-meter full equipment swim and an equipment ditch.

MSU

MSU reacts to Saudi Arabian driving protests

April Jones
October 29, 2013

An American 16-year-old’s right of passage has become a battle cry in Saudi Arabia as women demand the right to drive a car — a movement that’s captured the attention of people worldwide, including at MSU. Videos and pictures of the protest have circulated through Saudi women’s tactics of driving and then tweeting or posting Youtube videos of their unlawful actions.

MSU

Office of Campus Sustainability releases report highlighting university's efforts

Celeste Bott
October 29, 2013

The MSU Office of Campus Sustainability released a report highlighting the sustainability efforts made by students, faculty and researchers so far this year. The report evaluated both on-campus and global research, as well as academic and community outreach programs. The report stated MSU has experienced a 17 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions since 2010, 60 percent increase in recycling on campus since 2008 and 43 percent decrease in materials sent to landfills since 2008.

MSU

Earthquake in Japan draws attention on campus

April Jones
October 28, 2013

Mother Nature struck Japan again this past weekend, this time with a 7.1-magnitude earthquake rumbling the Pacific Ocean about 200 miles from the coast of Fukushima, Japan — a situation that caught the attention of MSU students and experts. Around 2:10 a.m.

MICHIGAN

MSU police officer trains, works with double the dogs

Katie Abdilla
October 28, 2013

By the time MSU police Officer Gary Heckman brought in Clyde, one of his two German Shepherds in the K-9 unit, the abandoned building located slightly north of Mason, Mich., was littered with carefully-hidden narcotics and detonation-free explosives. Clyde, 6, is specially trained in tracking, aggression and sniffing out explosives. Every other Wednesday afternoon, officers in the unit travel to both indoor and outdoor locations to train their dogs, aiming to strengthen their specialties.

MICHIGAN

WKAR-TV content usable on Xbox 360

Simon Schuster
October 28, 2013

A new app from PBS will connect Xbox 360 owners to content from MSU and Mid-Michigan’s public television station, WKAR-TV.? WKAR-TV broadcasts localized content as well as popular programs from PBS, for whom they are the local affiliate.?

MSU

Possible next dean of ISP talks future, ideas

Cayden Royce
October 28, 2013

L. Van Crowder, one of the three finalists for the International Studies and Programs, or ISP, dean position discussed his goals and plans for the department during a presentation on campus Monday. Crowder, senior director of education, health and community development in the Millennium Challenge Corporation, which is part of the U.S. State Department, discussed the importance of exploring the many international options offered through MSU and other potential future programs.

MICHIGAN

Wilder will go straight to trial in assault case

Katie Abdilla
October 28, 2013

The man who admitted to committing four sexual assaults in East Lansing earlier this year will go straight to trial, according to his attorney. Oswald Scott Wilder, 26, was expected to appear for his pretrial Monday afternoon in Ingham County Circuit Court before Judge Rosemarie Aquilina.

MSU

ASMSU looking to create research grant program for students

Nolly Dakroury
October 28, 2013

The ASMSU Finance Committee approved an allocation of $5,000 from the undergraduate student government’s Special Projects fund to go toward a research grant for undergraduate students at its most recent meeting. The grant would help students fund their trip to a conference , educational workshop or scholarly competition.

MICHIGAN

Family and friends remember MSU student as loyal, genuine

Katie Abdilla
October 27, 2013

Ever since he met his group of friends while living in Bryan Hall nearly three years ago, applied engineering sciences senior Jared Kavinsky has remained the glue that held them all together. Psychology senior Michelle Rizor, who remained friends with Kavinsky after meeting him in Bryan Hall, said he immediately drew people in with his positive attitude and loyalty in friendship. “A lot of times in college, you meet people and form relationships with them, but they’re not very deep,” Rizor said.

MSU

University to consider future of complex

Justine McGuire
October 27, 2013

The future of Spartan Village seems somewhat shaky after MSU’s Board of Trustees passed a resolution authorizing the start of a planning process for the complex’s future, including possible alternative housing options for residents.

MICHIGAN

Lansing City Market Harvest Fest draws crowds

Geoff Preston
October 27, 2013

Featuring miniature horses or llamas and face painting, the Lansing City Market was an interesting scene Saturday. The festivities were a part of the sixth-annual Harvest Festival at the city market. The goal of the event is to engage the public and teach them about different farms in the area, as well as introduce people who aren’t regular market customers to what the market has to offer, Lansing City Market Manager Heather Hymes said.