Student group to defend ballot initiative with counterprotest

In an effort to defend affirmative action, members of a national activist group will head down to the Capitol today to rally for the second time this summer, but one campus group will attempt to counteract their protests. The MSU College Republicans are getting involved to oppose the protest headed by the Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action, Integration & Immigrant Rights and Fight for Equality By Any Means Necessary, or BAMN. The Michigan Board of Canvassers are holding a meeting today to decide if the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative, or MCRI, proposal will be on the 2006 ballot. MCRI is a proposal to amend the Michigan Constitution by adding a new section that would prohibit state and local governments from discriminating against or granting preferential treatment to any individual or group based on race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin.

Player pleads guilty to drunken driving

Senior wide receiver Aaron Alexander pleaded guilty to drunken driving charges and faces an Aug. 12 sentencing, a clerk from the 54-B District Court said. Alexander is still a member of the football team, said John Lewandowski, assistant athletics director and director of Sports Information. However, Lewandowski wouldn't comment on whether MSU football head coach John L.

Study: Accidents 4 times more likely with cell phone use

Driving while chatting on the phone can increase the likelihood of a crash resulting in injury by about four times, according to a recent study. The study from the University of Sydney, Australia, which was published July 12 in the British Medical Journal, or BMJ, also said that hands-free phones are not any safer, said Suzanne McEvoy, who helped conduct the study. Researchers interviewed 456 drivers who were in the hospital for crashes and owned a cell phone.

Program helps freshmen adjust to college living

A group of incoming freshmen performed skits on college life on Friday in the McDonel Hall Kiva to wrap-up the one-week program Maximizing Academic Growth in College, or MAGIC. For nine years, the program's aim has been to provide incoming racial and ethnic minority students with information about transitioning to college through workshops and other activities.

Officials warn against illegal use of wireless

Today's technology lets people use wireless connections to access the Internet, and the illegal use of wireless networks is an issue with some officials. Some use their neighbor's wireless Internet networks without giving it much thought, said Rich Wiggins, MSU's Academic Network & Computer Services senior information technologist.

Supreme Court seat might sway abortion laws

The issue of abortion could be affected by whom President Bush nominates for the U.S. Supreme Court seat vacated by Sandra Day O'Connor's retirement. O'Connor, the first woman to serve as a justice on the Supreme Court, announced her resignation July 1.

Harry Potter release inspires celebration

When 7-year-old Will Miklavcic dons a black cape and pair of glasses repaired with tape, he said he resembles Harry Potter, even though he's blond. "I like Harry Potter; I've read all the books," the Haslett resident said.

Police use fliers to aid search for missing boy

The search for a missing Williamston boy advanced today when officials from the U.S. Post Office agreed to distribute 65,000 fliers containing his picture and description. As part of the Deliver Me Home Network, the fliers aim to make residents aware of disappearances.

Scholars assess Scientology

The religion Scientology has been around for more than 50 years, yet recently it has become the center of media and public attention. Some relate the rise in popularity to actor Tom Cruise for being outspoken in the media about his views of Scientology and psychiatry. But Mary Anne Ahmad, director of public affairs of Midwest Churches of Scientology said this is not a new religion. "It's always been here," she said.

Graffiti artist paints Flats Grille

Artist Joseph Houghton paints graffiti that people will pay to have on their walls. In an effort to beautify a vacant wall, Flats Grille owner Paul O'Connor commissioned Houghton to paint a large mural on the side of his restaurant at 551 E.

Mozilla browser gains popularity on campuses

For years, Web browsing has been dominated by a single application, but one newcomer is starting to garner more attention at several universities. Microsoft's Internet Explorer has led the field of Internet-browser applications, according to statistics from WebSideStory Inc., a San Diego-based company providing Web marketing applications and Web analysis.

Weekly bell concerts featured at Beaumont

His loosely clasped fists striking the batons and his black shoes dancing on the pedals, French carillonneur Stefano Colletti filled the air with the sounds of the bells of Beaumont Tower. Colletti's recital, which included the music of Bach, Satie and his own improvisations, was one in the Muelder International Summer Carillon Recital Series. A carillon is a musical instrument with at least two octaves of bells played from a clavier, a series of batons arranged like a keyboard that one plays with both hands and feet.

City streets: How do you feel about the terrorist attack in London?

"They responded a lot better than the U.S. after 9/11. London citizens did the exact opposite of what the terrorists wanted." Elizabeth Bennett family community services senior "It seemed like the U.K.

Fair weather, fair season

The Ferris wheel and cotton candy season has arrived. Officials hope that local county fairs will have increased admissions this summer with carnival attractions and local exhibitors. Surrounding county fairs have already started.

Dairy training

A little before 2 p.m. on Monday, veterinarian Jill Brester was elbow deep in a cow. Brester, an intern with the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, was performing a routine abdominal surgery on the cow at the MSU Training Center for Dairy Professionals, a new university facility which officially opens today.

Focal Point wins award for 'Best College News'

In the six and a half years MSU's television news magazine, Focal Point, has operated, it has given students a head start at a career in broadcasting.

300 volunteers to flush Spartan Stadium toilets

In the middle of August, 300 volunteers will enter every bathroom in the new Spartan Stadium to simultaneously flush every toilet and turn on every faucet. This test, called a "super flush," is to make sure the plumbing can handle an entire stadium full of spectators using the facilities. It has been standard practice to test new structures ever since Notre Dame's newly renovated stadium flooded during its first game in 1997, MSU Associate Director for Media Relations John Lewandowski said. During Notre Dame's home opener against Georgia Tech, the plumbing could not take the overwhelming needs of the crowd, causing the stadium's concourses to flood; thus the concession stands could no longer sell beverages, he said. It occurred during a television time-out as fans flocked to the bathrooms. The stadium's plumbing and the super flush are being coordinated by Keebler Plumbing & Heating in Lansing. The super flush will make sure the new plumbing can handle the demands of the new stadium, Lewandowski said. "They're trying to simulate a halftime," he said.

West Village developer awaits state approval

Redevelopment plans for the West Village project are still underway, but city officials said the developer needs approval from state officials before the overhaul begins. Michigan officials are previewing the site plans and other paperwork before they give the project's developer the OK, said Tim Dempsey, East Lansing's community and economic development administrator. The developer Jerome Abood of Abood Properties, 603 E.

2 Mich. bills could force coverage of contraceptives

Contraceptives could be covered by more Michigan health-insurance agencies, if a new initiative is passed that is currently in the state Senate. Senate Bills 431 and 432 were introduced in April and could require Michigan-based health-care providers who already cover Food and Drug Administration-approved prescription medications to also cover approved contraceptives. "Right now insurers are not required to insure (contraceptives)," said T.J.

Police briefs 07/12/05