Refugee life relived at event

A Liberian refugee woman was terrified when she was confronted by police after leaving her camp to collect fire wood. Although the situation was staged and the gun pointed at her was a toy, she and other women expressed fear as they acted out scenes common to life at a Liberian refugee camp. The skit was part of "The Changing Faces of Lansing: Walking in Their Shoes" a simulated refugee camp event held Thursday evening at The Peoples Church, 200 W.

Fair offers latest technology

The latest in computer technology was on display in the Union ballroom Wednesday at the 2005 Microfest Technology Fair.

Mich. Supreme Court to rule on beachfront-property case

What started as an argument between two neighbors has blossomed into a Michigan Supreme Court lawsuit that some say will affect the future of the entire state. The court heard opening arguments last week to decide where beachfront owners' properties ends and where public property begins.

E.L. group to host walk-a-thon at mall

The East Lansing Active Living for Adults program will host a walk-a-thon from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Chevrolet Blazer highest driver death rate in last 4 years

When drivers sit down in their Chevrolet Blazers, they might want to make an extra effort to drive carefully. According to a study released Tuesday by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in Arlington, Va., the Blazer had the highest driver death rate from 2000 through 2003 of all vehicles. There were 308 driver deaths for every 1 million registered Blazers on the road built between 1999 and 2002.

Author's visit creates controversy, students say book poorly depicts Islam

Controversial author Salman Rushdie will speak at 7:30 p.m. today in the Wharton Center. Rushdie first gained fame after the publication of his novel "The Satanic Verses" in 1988.

Marathon of majors today in Bessey Hall

Students looking for help pinpointing a major, clearing up graduation requirements or locating job opportunities can find assistance at the Marathon of Majors today from 5 p.m.

Vodou event focuses on Haitian culture

Musician and dancer Erol Josué's melodic voice filled a room decorated with lit candles and a colorful drum on Wednesday.

Courts review security following Ga. shooting

Ninety-two weapons - including box cutters, a sharpened broom handle and two guns - were collected in January and February at the entrance to the Lansing City Hall. The City Hall screening has been in place for about five years, said Murray Britton, City Hall conflict security administrator. "The screening is considered a necessary part of what we're doing," Britton said. Lansing 54-A District Court is on the sixth floor of City Hall. Courthouses have been reviewing their security measures after Friday's courthouse shootings in Atlanta, Ga.

Police briefs 03/17/05

ASMSU Programming Board short on funds

After having budget problems last school year and asking the Student Assembly for additional funding halfway through 2004, ASMSU's Programming Board has returned this year with similar financial problems. Programming Board officials had said the group would be more fiscally responsible this year with budgeted funds than it was last year, but the board still ran out of money.

Marathon of Majors today in Bessey Hall

The Undergraduate University Division is sponsoring a Marathon of Majors from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday on the first floor of Bessey Hall. Representatives from all of MSU's academic colleges will be present for students to meet with and ask questions.

Guest speaker focuses on Hawaii

For Paul Neves, the island of Hawaii is much more than leis and Hawaiian T-shirts. It's about preserving his heritage and family - things he said he believes strongly in.

Capitol showcases Ten Commandments today

The Ten Commandments monument that cost Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore his job in 2003 will be on display today in front of the Capitol.

Week celebrates open government

Today marks day four of the nation's first Sunshine Week - a time dedicated to shedding light on the significance of open government for citizens and journalists. "The idea of public access to government information, documents, meetings and knowing how their tax dollars are being spent is a fundamental tenant of democracy," Sunshine Week Coordinator Debra Gersh Hernandez said.

MSU, E.L. police: Stun guns helpful, but not used often

Since recently receiving stun guns, officers in the East Lansing and MSU police departments say they aren't often used but are a good tool. Stun guns are weapons that look like guns but shoot prongs instead of bullets.

Mathematics, biochemistry profs receive 45K for research

Two MSU assistant professors proved to be on the same level as those from Harvard, Yale and Johns Hopkins Universities. Michael Feig, from the department of biochemistry and molecular biology, and Fengbo Hang, from the mathematics department, were awarded Sloan Research Fellowship grants this month. Hang is the only current mathematics faculty member at MSU to have won the award, and Feig is the first member of the biochemistry and molecular biology department to win. "I knew I was nominated for it, but I didn't expect it because it's a very competitive award," Feig said.

Impact No. 1 Mich. college station

MSU's campus radio station is staying at the top of the charts. For the fifth time in six years, WDBM (88.9-FM), also known as the Impact, was named the college radio station of the year by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters and Broadcast Music Inc. The station beat out about 350 other high school and college stations across the state for the award. Students on staff said they were excited to be recognized. "It feels good to know that you're working with the best in college radio - hands down," said John Fournier, the channel's information director.

Police briefs 03/16/05

Club hockey team wins championship

For the first time in its history, the MSU Club Hockey team won the American Collegiate Hockey Association Division II Championships held on March 5.