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MICHIGAN

Debate on MI min. wage continues with new report

As concerns over the livability of a minimum wage income mount, a new Labor Day report from the Michigan League for Public Policy, or MLPP, showed that while wages have gone up for “higher earners,” the majority in the state earn less than they did 40 years ago as a result of inflation.

MICHIGAN

Seven-bedroom apartment plan approved by East Lansing City Council

One off-campus apartment proposal in downtown East Lansing was given the go-ahead by city officials Tuesday, while another, larger housing plan still awaits further discussion. Although some city officials questioned the suitability of apartment units containing five or more bedrooms in East Lansing, a proposal for a seven-bedroom apartment in the second floor of 547 E. Grand River Ave. was approved Tuesday evening by the East Lansing City Council.

MSU

Harvest season: East Lansing offers organic options

Although the new Whole Foods grocery store is not scheduled to arrive in East Lansing until 2015, students interested in organic food still have opportunities to grow, eat and buy a variety of fruits and vegetables close to home. Some on-campus students already are enjoying locally grown produce in their dining halls, such as students at Brody Complex, who can eat dishes flavored with herbs grown at the Bailey GREENhouse and Urban Farm.

MSU

Vice President for Strategic Infrastructure Planning and Facilities finalists named

Every building, field, road, tree and tunnel on MSU’s campus is under the control of the Vice President for Strategic Infrastructure Planning and Facilities, or the VP for SIPF — a position that will change hands by the end of September.? “This position touches everybody on campus,” said Bill Latta, assistant vice president for operations and chair of the search committee for VP for SIFP.? Dennis Bailey, Kemel Dawkins and Doug Wise were named as the final three candidates for the position on Tuesday.

MICHIGAN

Marijuana makes Lansing ballot for Nov.

Lansing residents will see a new ballot initiative to decriminalize recreational marijuana use in November, but it remains unclear whether visiting MSU students will be able to light up without fear.

MSU

Library Bootcamp helps grad students get comfortable

The Main Library is one of the largest buildings on MSU’s campus, but on Friday afternoon, librarians Ben Oberdick and Rachel Minkin tried to make it feel a little smaller. The inaugural Library Bootcamp aimed to showcase resources for graduate students and highlight interesting parts of MSU’s library system. Oberdick and Minkin spent an hour giving a tutorial-style lecture focusing on search engines, the library call system and other unique aspects of the library.

MICHIGAN

EL Council to discuss rental housing development proposals

East Lansing could have more student housing options in the near future if city officials approve two development proposals up for discussion Tuesday. The East Lansing City Council is planning to discuss whether to allow construction of a seven-bedroom apartment and a five-story mixed-use building at its Tuesday meeting.

MSU

Olin officials recommend pre-college immunizations

There are no immunization requirements to attend MSU, but with students returning to campus this past week, the University Physician’s Office still recommends certain vaccinations for the sake of students’ health. Many students have received immunizations before attending college, but they should know what vaccinations are available at the Olin Health Center, said Kathi Braunlich, communications manager for MSU Student Health Services. “Most immunizations are available by appointment at the Allergy and Immunizations Clinic at Olin,” Braunlich said.

MICHIGAN

Firehouse Subs set to spice up business downtown

A fiery, fresh sub shop with a mission to help local police and firefighters is rolling into East Lansing’s business landscape Friday. Jacksonville, Fla.-based Firehouse Subs is set to open a new location Friday at 245 Ann St. to welcome the new students. Franchised by brothers Steven and Anthony Karmo and cousin Marius Essak, the East Lansing Firehouse Subs will be the eleventh to open in Michigan.

MSU

New study shows professors ignore textbook costs

Hundreds of dollars were replaced by hundreds of pages of reading material with the swipe of a card when MSU students bought textbooks for the fall semester this week. Textbook prices rise about 3-5 percent each year, and this year is no different, said Tom Muth, manager of Collegeville Textbook Company, 321 E. Grand River Ave. Although they are more aware of prices than they used to be, according to a study by the U.S. Government Accountability Office, or GAO, nationally, most professors are more concerned about the appropriateness of course materials than the price of them.

MSU

Freshmen engineering class largest in decade

The College of Engineering welcomed its largest freshmen class in more than a decade. The class is estimated at 1,284 students, an increase of more than 100 from last year. The number of incoming freshman has more than doubled since 2006, when the class was 640. Thomas Wolff, the college’s associate dean of undergraduate studies, said this year’s class is the largest in more than a decade.

MICHIGAN

Agriculture Hall rededicated in Morrill's name

Agriculture Hall was rededicated Thursday afternoon as the Justin S. Morrill Hall of Agriculture in an event that brought together members of the MSU community and the Morrill family. In a ceremony complete with hors d’oeuvres, a harpist and a ribbon cutting, the hall was renamed following approval from the Board of Trustees in April.

MICHIGAN

Putting in hours

With the start of the fall, students are moving across East Lansing focused on attending classes, making new friends, and most importantly, finding their niche in Spartan society.