Civil rights initiative forum to be held Wed.

A forum will be held at 8 p.m. Wednesday in the McDonel Hall Kiva to discuss the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative, or MCRI. The program will include a panel of speakers that will discuss the impact the MCRI would have, if passed, on MSU and the state. MCRI is a proposal to amend the state constitution to ban affirmative action programs that give preferential treatment to groups or individuals based on their race, gender, color, ethnicity or national origin for public employment, education or contracting purposes. The event is hosted by the Briggs Multiracial Alliance, Holmes Hall Black Caucus and McDonel Hall Residence Life staff.

Police: Negligence leads to theft

More than $20,000 in personal belongings have been reported stolen on campus since the semester began in January. Most of these thefts were "crimes of opportunity" because the items were left unattended, said MSU police Sgt.

WEB EXTRA: Group hosts rally, speaker in campaign against Coke

Students for Economic Justice, or SEJ, will hold a rally on campus at noon today in support of removing Coca-Cola products from MSU's campus.

Details announced in New Orleans program

Nine committees that will handle everything from fundraising to food preparation for an MSU summer volunteer program in New Orleans were introduced Monday at an organizational meeting. Joyce Grant, an associate professor of teacher education, told the 15 potential volunteers present that she wanted to make fundraising a priority. The projected cost of the trip is about $800 per person, she said. "I have every faith that we'll have the money to go," she said. Grant has been organizing the four-week MSU New Orleans Summer Project trip for the past several months. For the project, faculty, staff and student volunteers will assist with summer school programs in four school districts — St.

Radio program holds sexuality discussion

The Impact (88.9-FM) will host a healthy sexuality discussion tonight from 7 to 8 p.m. to discuss various issues surrounding sexuality and students' concerns. The discussion is part of Olin Health Center's Healthy Sexuality Week 2006.

Sensual touches help partners

Expressing feelings and emotions through touch can strengthen communication and intensify sensuality in a relationship, Tina Kahn, Center 4 Yoga massage therapist said. As part of Olin Health Center's Healthy Sexuality Week 2006, Kahn demonstrates to students how massage doesn't necessarily have to lead to sex. "Between loving, consensual adults, massage can definitely increase communication and understanding and sensitivity," Kahn said.

Afternoon crash stalls commuters

A four-car accident blocked traffic on Lake Lansing Road east of Abbott Road for about 40 minutes Monday. One car rear-ended another at about 2:20 p.m., which caused two more cars in front of it to also get hit, East Lansing police Sgt.

Police briefs 02/21/06

City Hall closed today for national holiday

East Lansing's City Hall, 54-B District Court, public library, Hannah Community Center and Department of Public Works are all closed today in observance of Presidents Day.

Green says he brings fresh ideas for economy and businesses

Okemos attorney Vince Green's interest in politics dates back to his time as an administrator at Western Michigan University in the late '80s and early '90s. However, Green, a Republican, has not been personally involved in politics until this race. "I am not a politician," said Green, who while at Western was an assistant to the vice president of legislative affairs.

Legislators discuss Democrat issues

Hundreds of Democrats from across Michigan gathered Saturday in Lansing to listen to some of their party's biggest names lay out the issues important to them and rally their supporters for elections in the coming year. Attendees had the opportunity to hear from U.S.

Business background anchors Robinson's platform

Melissa Sue Robinson considers herself a businesswoman. She has 25 years of business experience that she believes will help her if she wins the special Senate election. "With my background in business, I understand how laws really affect actual businesses," said Robinson, who is running as a Democrat. Reducing taxes and reforming the regulatory environment in the state are the keys to attracting new businesses to Michigan, Robinson said. Most of her experience is in the construction business.

Runners paint Lansing red for cause, drinks

By Katie LaLonde For The State News Jonathon Doherty and his friends used to be known as runners.

No political experience can help failing system, Benavides contends

Anthony Benavides admits he doesn't have much experience as a politician. However, the 35-year-old lifelong Ingham County resident, believes that's a good thing. "Our governmental system has failed, and we need a change," said Benavides, who now lives in Dansville.

WEB EXTRA: Emmons/Bailey halls pulls win over Akers Hall in tug-of-war competition

By John Hudson For The State News With one final pull, the Emmons/Bailey halls' team of nearly 20 tuggers yanked an overmatched Akers Hall team across center ice on Saturday. After nearly four months of competition, both teams had survived to the championship round of the residence hall tug-of-war competition.

Whitmer hopes to piggyback House work by winning Senate seat

State Rep. Gretchen Whitmer said she believes her experience as a lawmaker will be an asset for voters as she has represented the East Lansing area in the House since 2000. "This being the middle of the term, it's going to be critical that we have someone that can hit the ground running," Whitmer said.

Olin offers massage for healthy sex week

Olin Health Center will teach massage tonight to kick off Healthy Sexuality Week 2006. Healthy Sexuality Week, themed "Stimulate Your Senses," is attempting to raise awareness of sexually transmitted infections, contraception and sexuality.

Findlay would focus on relationships with constituents

John Findlay is tired of hearing from his state representatives only during election time. "Once we elect them, we never see them," said Findlay, a Republican.

WEB EXTRA: Teams dance, cheer to raise funds for breast cancer research projects

By Tara Thoel For The State News High school and adult cheerleading, pompon and dance teams competed for more than a trophy on Sunday when they traveled to MSU for the Pink Ribbon Cheer Classic. Cheer Classic supports breast cancer research, education and awareness.

Transportation transformation

Major road reconstruction is in the works for MSU's campus throughout the next several years. The removal of angled parking from West Circle Drive and the elimination of two traffic circles are among plans university officials are considering to help improve pedestrian safety and reduce accidents on campus beginning this summer. "A lot of the layout hasn't been touched since the '60s," MSU police Deputy Chief Mike Rice said. "It isn't fit for today's demands." Tentative plans for West Circle Drive and finalized plans for Wilson Road were revealed Monday at a public feedback session held by the All-University Traffic and Transportation Committee, an advisory committee to Fred Poston, MSU's vice president for finance and operations. But committee members and representatives were the only ones who attended the session. "We would certainly like to hear more from the community," said Paul Mantica, the committee's chairman.