Minorities underrepresented in state advising positions, study says

Minorities remain underrepresented as top advisors to the nation's governors, according to a new study at the State University of New York at Albany. Findings in "Democracy Unrealized," a report by the Center for Women in Government & Civil Society at the university showed that, in 2004, minorities made up 32 percent of the nation's population, but held just 16 percent of key appointed policy positions in state governments. Nationwide, Chicano and Latino appointees held the lowest share of executive positions, only 4.3 percent, relative to their share of the U.S.

Student pulled over for drunken driving

An MSU student in his early 20s is being held in the Ingham County Jail after being pulled over Thursday by Ingham County Sheriff's deputies for drunk driving, police officials said. After the student was pulled over, a breath test revealed his blood alcohol level was .23, Ingham County Sheriff Gene Wriggelsworth said. Wriggelsworth was traveling southbound on US 127, when he noticed a blue S10 Chevy pickup, traveling in the same direction, driving "erratically" at about 1 p.m. The student was wearing a green plastic derby hat and had green lips, Wriggelsworth said.

Activists: WRC debate reaching final stages

Nearly 200 student group representatives and community members are expected to rally at 2 p.m. today in front of the Administration Building in the final stages of a five-year effort for MSU to join the Worker Rights Consortium, or WRC. "It's to show that we have a lot of support from campus and community members for joining the WRC," said Maggie Ryan, member of Students for Economic Justice, or SEJ. The WRC is a group of students and university administrators who work to make sure no university clothing is produced by companies that have violated human rights. Student groups met with MSU President Lou Anna K.

Asian identities, talent showcased

Student groups will showcase their talents in the bi-annual "Cultural Vogue" event sponsored by the Asian Pacific American Student Organization, or APASO, at 6:30 p.m.

Students discover new major options

With representation from every college, along with booths from Study Abroad, the Air Force ROTC, the Learning Resource Center and other groups, the Marathon of Majors offered advice and counseling for students confused about their majors. "Many students question their major," said Ron Gibbs, an academic adviser in Student Academic Affairs.

Area group to host 5K run for food bank

The annual Lansing Dietetic Association Food-N-Fitness 5K Run/Walk will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Hawk Island County Park, 1601 E.

Student to lead Big Ten assembly

The Association of Big Ten Schools operated for several months without a leader, but Vinay Prasad, ASMSU's Academic Assembly external vice chairperson, will head the group through the summer. ASMSU officials said Prasad is the first delegate elected from MSU to lead the association, and this position will help bring MSU issues to the board's attention. "I was really thrilled I got it," Prasad said.

Local high school paper censored

Distribution of an independent East Lansing High School student newspaper was halted this week after school officials said the student writers did not conform to East Lansing School Board's policies. But students involved in the production of the paper, the Right Way, feel their freedom of speech is being infringed upon. "I thought the school would respect our First Amendment rights, but they didn't," co-editor Tyler Whitney, 16, said.

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.