Group holds date auction for wish

Eleven-year-old Rachel Wing said she wants to learn to do the hula and see the black sand beaches of Hawaii that her nurse told her about. With her Lansing room painted in beach scenes, her mother Chris Dennings said she tells Rachel every night to "dream of Hawaii." As Rachel enters the final phase of chemotherapy for acute lymphatic leukemia, her wish to go to her favorite island might come true as early as June this year.

Conference focuses on Sudan conditions

Students went to Washington, D.C., this weekend to learn about violence in Sudan's Darfur region. The 12 students took part in a national conference at the U.S.

Free AIDS tests offered

To participate in the fifth annual National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness and Information Day, the Black Student Alliance and the Lansing Area AIDS Network, or LAAN, are offering free testing in the Union's Multicultural Center today from 6-9 p.m. The day was created to urge blacks to "get educated, get tested and get involved" with HIV/AIDS activities in their communities said Philip Hilton, senior vice president of fund development and communication affairs at the National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS. Hilton said statistics show that blacks have been disproportionately infected and affected by HIV/AIDS since the epidemic's beginning. "African Africans comprise 12 percent of the nation's total population and 54 percent of all newly reported HIV or AIDS cases," Hilton said.

Readers cram to 'Midnight'

This weekend, James Madison College students turned cramming into a collaborative art form. The MADhouse at James Madison College sponsored a marathon book reading of Salman Rushdie's "Midnight's Children" on Saturday.

U-M affirmative action lawyers call for refunds

The firm that led the affirmative action battle at the University of Michigan is demanding non-minority students rejected under the race-based admission policy receive application fee refunds. In June 2003, the U.S.

UAB, Pink Floyd tribute band bring 'Moon' to Oz

By Daniel Thai Special for The State News On Saturday night, munchkins marched to the beat of Pink Floyd. More than 500 students came to the International Center as the sounds of Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" meshed with the sights of Victor Fleming's "The Wizard of Oz" to create the "Dark Side of the Rainbow." Urban legends have been floating around for years about the coincidental occurrences of events when the album and movie are played simultaneously.

City, developers discuss ideas

A plan to construct a hotel in the redevelopment of the East Village is among many ideas being tossed around by city officials and the project's potential developers. Proposals submitted by four developers were discussed during a meeting last week, but a final decision was not rendered. The East Village area is bounded on the west and east by Bogue Street and Hagadorn Road, and on the north and south by Grand River Avenue and the Red Cedar River.

Bill drafted to create undergraduate minors

After more than four months of debate, ASMSU's Academic Assembly passed a bill Tuesday night to support academic minors. Academic Assembly Chairperson Dan Weber said having minors will provide undergraduate students with an incentive to work outside of their field of study. "Most specializations are too limited," he said.

Survey results could change TV channels

Students who aren't satisfied with what they see on their dorm room TV usually reach for the remote control.

Evaluations postpone 2 area trials

Two cases scheduled for preliminary exams today have been waived so the defendants can undergo forensic evaluations, court officials said. Forensic evaluations involve psychological exams. Claude McCollum, 27, is charged with open murder and criminal sexual conduct in the first degree in the Jan.

Terrorism conference to focus on crime law

Experts from across the nation and world are convening at the MSU College of Law for a conference on terrorism and international criminal law. The Journal of International Law is hosting the day-long conference, which begins at 9 a.m.

Police briefs 02/04/05

Muslim dinner offers music, comedy

Laughter, song and the aroma of Middle Eastern cuisine will fill the Hannah Community Center today. The Muslim Students' Association, or MSA, will host its fifth annual Eid dinner at 7 p.m.

Phone use slows reactions

Students who talk on their cell phones while driving react just as slowly as elderly citizens and increase their risk of accidents, according to a recently released report from the University of Utah. David Strayer, author of the study and University of Utah psychology professor, said a 20-year-old on a cell phone tends to have the same reaction time as a 70-year-old who is not on the phone. "In fact, younger people are more at risk because they drive too close to others," Strayer said.

MSU lacks comprehensive tailgate recycling program

With about 400 cubic yards of waste left on campus after every football Saturday, there is enough to completely cover the field at Spartan Stadium in 3 feet of trash in less than two seasons. While some universities have tailgating recycling programs, MSU has limited abilities to create a program. Only 1-2 percent of all waste from tailgating is recycled, said Pete Pasterz, MSU Recycling and Waste Reduction manager. The only recycling that occurs on game day is for vendor's boxes inside the stadium, Pasterz said.

Stolen lion-dog statue returned to gardens

A Shi Shi statue stolen from the entrance of the Kathleen D. and Milton E. Muelder Japanese Garden over winter break has been returned, MSU police Sgt.

Lansing hosts expo catered to women

Local women have the chance to do everything from talk with financial advisers to learn home decorating tips at the Mid-Michigan Women's Expo today through Sunday at the Lansing Center. "It's a winter break for women," said Denise Kolesar, president of Kohler Expos, the company that runs the Women's Expo.

More smokers utilizing help line

More Michigan smokers have been seeking help with quitting through the Michigan Tobacco Quit Line since the tobacco tax increased last July. During the six months prior to the tax increase, 550 people called the line for help to quit smoking.

Police briefs 02/03/05

Speaker to address success for women

MSU's Women in the Community program will host a lecture titled, "Tools to Work With: Making a Change," featuring speaker Keturah Jones at 7 p.m.