Stamp price hike affects MSU
By Liz Kersjes Special for The State News Two extra pennies for a postage stamp might seem trivial, unless like MSU, you send out 4 million pieces of mail every year. The United States Postal Service raised the price of first-class stamps to 39 cents each last week, up from 37 cents for the first time in nearly four years.
ASMSU: Police 'shirked' duties during melee
Unsatisfied with the investigations of the April 2-3 disturbances, student leaders are calling for university officials to investigate the MSU police response to the melee. ASMSU, MSU's undergraduate student government, designed a bill requesting the Executive Committee of Academic Council hold the department responsible for its actions that night. "The students would like a simple apology," said Robert Murphy, ASMSU's Academic Assembly chairperson.
LGBT training session scheduled for tonight
A workshop will be held today at the Gone Wired Cafe, 2021 E. Michigan Ave. in Lansing, for anyone interested in being an ally to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.
Trustees approve expenditure of more than $5 million in 24 minutes
The MSU Board of Trustees on Friday approved the spending of more than $5 million of both public money and tuition dollars for universitywide projects — after about 24 total minutes of discussion. The board meets publicly about once a month to make decisions and hear presentations from faculty and staff. The State News reported Friday that the trustees meet in committees the day before the public meeting to discuss the issues they will decide the next day.
Policy could restrict downtown rentals
East Lansing doesn't need more student housing downtown, city officials say. City Council will consider adopting a policy today that makes student-geared developments its lowest priority when approving new housing projects, focusing instead on encouraging home ownership. The council will vote to approve the policy at today's meeting, which begins at 5 p.m.
Marcinkowski to visit MSU Democrats today
Democrat Jim Marcinkowski, who has announced his intention to run for the 8th Congressional District seat, will attend the MSU Democrats' first meeting of the semester tonight.
King honored
By Catharine Batsios Special for The State News Students, student groups, local activists and peace enthusiasts spilled into the courtyard of the Beaumont Tower on Monday as it chimed loudly and poetically, "We Shall Overcome." From there, the crowd began the frigid, but brief, trek to the rock on Farm Lane as a tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.
Robinson sues over ballot law
State Senate candidate Melissa Sue Robinson, who is a transgender person, filed suit yesterday against the state of Michigan, challenging a law which would require her former name to appear on the ballot. Robinson, who was born Charles Edward Staelens Jr., changed her name in May 1998.
Possible fall break proposal reconsidered
A little rest and relaxation for students and faculty during the fall semester might come in the form of a school break if university officials approve the proposal. The University Committee on Academic Policy created a subcommittee in 2000 to evaluate the fall break recommendation.
Ex-CIA agent to challenge Rogers
Former CIA agent Jim Marcinkowski launched his bid this week for the Democratic nomination in the 8th Congressional District to run against GOP incumbent Mike Rogers, R-Brighton.
Luncheon will honor Martin Luther King Jr.
The 21st annual luncheon honoring Martin Luther King Jr. will take place at the Lansing Center on Monday at 11 a.m.
Hall of fame contest deadline approaches
Today is the final day to apply for the fifth annual The Black History Month Multicultural Heroes Hall of Fame Case Competition, "Passing the Torch of Justice." The competition is sponsored by the Eli Broad College of Business and Multicultural Business Programs. In the competition, groups made up of at least three MSU undergraduate students must explain, within 10 minutes, why they believe their individual hero deserves a place in the Multicultural Heroes Hall of Fame. The application must be completed, along with a 250-word essay and a summary of the reason for competing by 5 p.m. The competition will take place Feb.
Local bars reject longer hours
Mike McNeely doesn't plan on keeping his Lansing bar open any later, despite a new law that allows Michigan bars to stay open after 2 a.m. "What would be the reason to stay open?" said McNeely, a co-owner of Trippers, 354 Frandor Ave.
MCRI march for today canceled indefinitely
A march in relation to the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative that was to be held in Lansing today has been canceled. Luke Massie, co-chairman of Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action, Integration & Immigrant Rights and Fight for Equality By Any Means Necessary, or BAMN, said the walk would have signified the filing of the case to the Michigan Supreme Court, but the date to file the paperwork was pushed back to next week. "It was just more of a timing thing," he said. Massie said the walk is probably won't be rescheduled.
In Flight Sports faces closing
By Darrell Hughes Special to The State News In Flight Sports might be grounded. The sporty, yet vintage, clothing and accessories store — which is known for its Grateful Dead merchandise — is on the brink of closing later this month or in early February if store owner Marvin Pridgeon doesn't find someone to purchase the business. "We've been trying to sell for months," Pridgeon said.
Rogers calls for lobbying legislation
Rep. Mike Rogers of Brighton announced yesterday his principles for lobbying reform legislation, aimed at holding lobbyists and officials accountable for the way money is raised. "The goal is to restore the accountability and the trust in government," said his spokeswoman, Sylvia Warner. Rogers called for the reform in a letter to his colleagues Monday when he announced his intention to run for the majority whip position, the House's No.
Experts pan earbud listening
Turn down the music. As iPod and MP3 player users nestle earbuds into their ears, each listen could increase the possibility of permanent hearing damage, audiologists say. The popular earbuds used with iPods and MP3 players could be even more damaging than headphones, they said. "Digital music players like the iPod and MP3 players are causing more damage than old players," said Eileen Bridges, an audiologist with Mid-Michigan Ear, Nose & Throat Professional Hearing Consultants.
Plan focuses on urbanizing E.L.
The hotly contested East Village Master Plan is a small-scale project compared to another master plan placed on the East Lansing Planning Commission's plate this week.