Granholm signs waste dumping legislation
Michigan residents, environmentalists and lawmakers said they're tired of waiting for the federal government to stop international trash invasion. "Michigan cannot sit back and wait on Congress," Gov.
Senate OKs pay increase
The Senate passed a bill last week which would incrementally increase Michigan's minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.40 per hour by July 2008. Senate Bill 318 was passed March 9 by a unanimous vote.
WEB EXTRA: LCC president declines labor department position
Paula Cunningham, who left her post as president of Lansing Community College last month, said she will not pursue a position as the director of Michigan's Department of Labor and Economic Growth.
Graduate examination to change in length, cost
In October 2007, the Educational Testing Service will launch the new Graduate Record Examinations to better prepare the 500,000 students around the world who take the test annually for graduate school. Students preparing for the exam, commonly known as the GRE, can expect it to be longer and more expensive and include updated content involving critical analysis, real-life scenarios and data interpretation. Changes to the GRE, which is mandatory for entry into several graduate studies programs, were expected to go into effect in October but were pushed back to accommodate an adjustment to a new Internet-based English as a foreign language test. For many, the change simply means students will have more time to take the old version — something some experts say is an advantage. The content of the three standard GRE sections — verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and analytical writing — will be revised to better focus on skills necessary for success in graduate school, said Dawn Piacentino, associate director in client relations of the higher education division for the Educational Testing Service. "We are looking forward (to the changes), and the board of graduate deans from around the country are as well," Piacentino said.
RHA responds to students' e-mail queries
Got a question? Residence Halls Association officials believe they have the answer. The Residence Halls Association, or RHA, has created an e-mail system called Helpdesk for students to send in questions, comments and concerns about living at MSU. Kathryn Cross, a premedical and business freshman, is the RHA official who answers all of the e-mails and said she has received about 75 e-mails since the system was created at the beginning of the semester.
Warrant issued for MSU rape
Ingham County prosecutors signed a warrant Monday for the arrest of a 19-year-old MSU student accused of sexually assaulting another 19-year-old MSU student, MSU police Sgt.
Fallen tree halts train Monday afternoon
A fallen tree blocked the railroad tracks east of Farm Lane and north of Mount Hope Road for less than an hour Monday, MSU police Sgt.
New market boasts old goods
By Andrea Byl For The State News Okemos Flea Market has brought a whole new experience to shopping. The grand opening March 3 brought in nearly 15,000 curious shoppers to the old Frank's Nursery & Crafts warehouse, across from Meridian Mall.
Students hold book drive for local school
Lyman Briggs Freshman Class Council is accepting new or used children's books to donate to Riddle Elementary in Lansing. "Since this our first fundraiser, we don't have a set goal," Vice President Jeremy Phan said.
WEB EXTRA: This week's E.L. council work session canceled
The East Lansing City Council work session scheduled for Tuesday has been canceled. The council's next regular meeting will be held March 21. Last Tuesday, the council took care of some spring cleaning, approving licenses for Lou & Harry's Five Star Deli, The Post and Cosi Inc. to open their sidewalk seating. The Meijer store at 1350 W.
WEB EXTRA: State Senate OKs minimum wage hike proposal
The Michigan Senate passed a bill on Thursday that would raise the state's minimum wage in three increments to $7.40 per hour in 2008 from its current rate of $5.15 per hour. If the bill becomes law, the minimum wage would be $6.95, beginning on Oct.
Goat display caps off agriculture week
By Tevye Sussman For The State News It's nearly noon on Saturday and two volunteers are feverishly putting the final touches on a potluck table.
WEB EXTRA: 2 ordered to stand trial in cold case murder; computer hacker court appearance adjourned
Gary A. Mason and Kumbi Salim, also known as Stanley A. Price, were ordered March 3 to go to trial for the 1973 murder of Martin V.
Students aid Katrina victims
It's hard to get a tan in environmental suits and dust masks, but the MSU students who headed to the Gulf Coast for spring break last week didn't seem to mind. The students did community service work in storm-ravaged New Orleans as part of an alternative spring break program.
Circus comes to Breslin
Daredevil motorcyclists, cotton candy, elephant rides, wide-eyed children and a human cannonball — Breslin Center came alive this weekend with the sights, sounds and smells of the Royal Hanneford Circus. Lansing's Caravan Youth Center brought the circus to campus for the 15th-straight year for five weekend performances.
Officials offer spring break travelers advice
By Melanie Thomas, Melissa Domsic, and Cori Devries The State News With the relaxed party atmosphere that tends to go along with spring break, officials want to make sure students don't leave their common sense back home. "A lot of times on vacation (students) want to get away; they want to relax," said Jodi Roberto Hancock, educational program coordinator for the MSU Women's Resource Center.
Investors sought for East Village
East Lansing officials are lining up the necessary pieces to encourage high-rise, mixed-use, urban construction projects in the 35-acre East Village, located adjacent to MSU between Bogue Street and Hagadorn Road.