GOP, Dem. parties work to recruit new voters

As the presidential race draws closer to its finale, both parties are working nonstop to prepare for the November election. The Democratic and Republican parties are using new strategies this year, some of which are borrowed from each other. Jeff Stormo, director of communications for the Michigan Republican Party, said this year, for the first time, they are focusing a lot of attention on registering voters. "We have been going to immigration naturalization ceremonies throughout the state, these are people who are just now American citizens," he said.

Police briefs 04/08/04

'U' cafeterias see increase in customer satisfaction

The MSU community is increasingly satisfied with the cafeteria system, a national survey reports. The National Association of College and University Food Services annually conducts a Customer Satisfaction Benchmarking Survey.

Higher costs come with companies' new birth control options

The recent price jumps in birth control products for women are probably due to a new wave of those products hitting pharmacy shelves, experts say. "The company that develops those products is trying to recoup their costs for research and development," said Lori Lamerand, vice president of the Planned Parenthood Mid-Michigan Alliance.

Credit cards accepted at local fast food restaurants

A credit card might seem like an odd way to pay for fast food, but more fast food restaurants in the Lansing area now are accepting plastic.

Freshman Class Council chair resigns after concerns arise

After repeated warnings to improve his performance as chair of the Freshman Class Council, Brandon Gualdoni resigned Monday evening. The computer science freshman, who also is an Eagle Scout and member of Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity, was replaced by James Madison freshman Karissa Chabot. Freshman Class Council is a part of ASMSU, MSU's undergraduate student government. "Some members of the council brought forward their concerns about Brandon's participation in events this year and his leadership position," Chabot said.

Mich. bill, businesses aim to ban camera phones

Camera phones have emerged lately as both a vehicle to commit crime as well as a valuable tool for solving crime. The phones, which give their owners the ability to take snapshots and even shoot video with the touch of a button, are gaining popularity among college students and adults alike.

Bills emphasize marriage counseling

When Stephanie Posner gets married in a couple of years, she and her fiance don't plan on seeking professional consultation before the big day.

ASMSU passes committee bill

ASMSU services will undergo scrutiny next fall by a new committee formed Tuesday night. A bill to form a committee to evaluate the effectiveness of ASMSU's services was proposed to Academic Assembly for the second time this semester at the Tuesday meeting. MSU's undergraduate student government provides legal services, blue books and funding for campus events.

Fair-labor activists upset by meeting

A student group supporting fair labor is upset with the university after MSU President M. Peter McPherson met with the executive director of a labor-monitoring organization without notifying them. Members of Students for Economic Justice, or SEJ, said they have been campaigning for four years to get McPherson to consider joining the Worker Rights Consortium and were disappointed to find out that the meeting took place earlier last month without their input or presence. "That's unprofessional," said economics senior Dave Mitchell, a member of SEJ.

'U' systems possibly infected with virus

University computers might be infected with a program that can track personal information entered into machines. Merit, the university's Internet provider, notified Academic Computing and Network Services on Tuesday that about 15 computers are thought to be infected with a keystroke logger.

CATA extends weekend hours of Northern Tier bus route

Students living in apartments a few miles north of campus and in downtown East Lansing have another option when the question arises of how they'll get home after 10 p.m. Capital Area Transportation Authority, or CATA, has recently extended its hours of operation on Route 26, which services Abbott to Chandler roads, and is home to numerous businesses and apartment complexes. The route now runs on 35-minute intervals until 2:30 a.m.

Police briefs 04/07/04

Forum to focus on Haitian ex-president

The Night of Solidarity with the People of Haiti is holding a forum Thursday in Detroit about the United States' involvement with exiled Haitian president Jean-Bertrand Aristide. The forum begins at 6 p.m.

Cooley Law School to sue bar association over school's approval process

Lansing - The Thomas M. Cooley Law School is suing the American Bar Association to end what school administrators are calling a lengthy approval process for its new satellite campuses, Don LeDuc, president and dean of the school, said. The Cooley Law School is stating that the association instructed the school to follow one set of rules governing new satellite campuses during their approval process and then "switched" the interpretations of those standards during review. In September 2002, Cooley opened the first of two new campuses in conjunction with Oakland University, and then with Western Michigan University in May 2003. The schools have been waiting to receive approval by the ABA for more than a year.

Scientists refine apple-quality tests

Don't judge an apple by its cover - shiny red skin and a plump appearance might just be masking a squishy texture or sour taste. Renfu Lu, an adjunct associate professor at MSU and agricultural engineer with the U.S.

Council to discuss summer plans

With less than two months until the summer solstice and a slew of downtown fairs and festivals in the works, the East Lansing City Council has begun gearing up for warmer weather. City staff and local business owners are seeking approvals for summertime requests from increased outdoor restaurant seating to outdoor concert events at tonight's council meeting, to be held at 7:30 p.m.

Study: Wireless Internet gaining momentum

Wireless Internet is spreading faster in Southeast Michigan than any other metropolitan area across the country, according to a new national study. Detroit made the biggest jump in the rankings of Intel Corp.'s America's "most unwired cities," leaping from 48th last year to 28th.

Sweet bill to promote elections, activities

Two weeks ago, the ASMSU Candy Initiative passed through Student Assembly, but until today, the offices of MSU's undergraduate student government were sweet-free. The bill, which passed with one dissension, allocates $150 to buy candy for the business office on the third floor of Student Services.

Student's health work rewarded

Within the offices of the Health Education Services at Olin Health Center, MSU senior Deanna DeHaven has been working for two years to help bring some MSU students peace of mind.