Randy of 'Real World' to speak on traveling

Randy from MTV's "Real World San Diego" cast will speak at STA Travel's Europe Night at 7:30 p.m.

International Pajama Day set for April 5

On April 5, International Pajama Day, people are encouraged to wear their PJs all day and donate money or pajamas to children's hospitals, homeless children, women's shelters or any community organization in need.

Sale to benefit area seniors' community

Residents of the Burcham Hills Retirement Community will hold their annual rummage sale from 9:30 a.m.

Press freedom focus of Gardner lecture

Joel Simon, deputy director of the Committee to Protect Journalists, will speak today as a part of the annual Gardner Lecture. Simon, who worked in Mexico City for the San Francisco Chronicle and wrote the book "Endangered Mexico: An Environment on the Edge," will discuss the state of press freedom in Latin and Central America.

'U' chews on organic food

A sickening scenario spoiled business for a cluster of supermarkets across Japan in January: Some store shelves carried a number of eggs that were six months old. "Many consumers were shocked," said Julia Yamaguchi, an independent organic inspector and consultant involved with the Japan External Trade Organization.

Day honors Chavez

The first official Cesar Chavez Day will be celebrated on Wednesday, with events scheduled at the MSU Main Library and a dinner at the Lansing Center. Cesar Chavez was best known for his civil rights work with farm laborers and founding the United Farm Workers Union. "This is kind of a celebration to get the community together," said Santiago Rios, chairperson emeritus for the Capitol Area Cesar E.

Habifest activities to be held on campus

Kevin Campbell, director of programs for Habitat for Humanity International, will speak about poverty awareness Wednesday at MSU's Habifest, a day aimed at advocating affordable housing. An MSU social science professor and a Habitat for Humanity homeowner from the Lansing area also will speak at the event.

Bus driver brightens students days

By Jessica Gershel Special for The State News At the station next to the Shaw parking ramp, exhaust fumes linger in the air, buses crowd the road and students rush to catch their ride.

Prof to lecture about Islam at E.L. church

A lecture and discussion series highlighting the various facets of Islam will be held every weekend for the next four weeks.

State, E.L. officials debate increasing speed limits on two local roads

A private meeting Friday between Michigan transportation officials and East Lansing Mayor Mark Meadows about increased speed limits on two city thoroughfares yielded no decision on the fate of the roads. The meeting was scheduled to provide city officials an opportunity to voice concerns to Michigan Department of Transportation officials concerning the change, which would increase the speed limit on sections of Saginaw Street and Grand River Avenue by 10 mph. Although no decisions were made, Meadows said the meeting was informative and productive. "There was a lot of dialogue about the decision-making process involved," he said.

Police briefs 03/30/04

Group rallies against online alcohol purchases in Mich.

The purchase of alcohol via the Internet, something available in many states, will never be allowed in Michigan if one recently formed group has its way. The Coalition for a Safe and Responsible Michigan, made up of about 13 organizations, formed earlier this month to advocate Michigan's system of alcohol distribution.

Home & Away

The MSU Department of Anthropology took six of the 10 prestigious Fulbright Fellowship awards given to university students this year.

Group seeks hugs, debate over views

Standing at the bridge to the north of Wells Hall, anthropology senior Jason Munford drew quite a few odd looks from students walking to class.

Near & Far

More than 40 dissertations and 12 finalists, but only one winner: Eli Broad Graduate School of Management doctoral student Linda Shi.

Approved RHA tax to benefit campus movie channel, Office of Programs

Voters solidly supported the increase in the Residence Halls Association's tax from $21 to $22 during student elections held Wednesday and Thursday. Results from the vote, held at www.student-elections.msu.edu, showed about 67 percent of students voting in favor of the tax, while about 30 percent voted against it.

U.S. Supreme Court debates, state Senate endorses pledge's 'under God' phrase

The Michigan Senate voted Wednesday to approve two resolutions endorsing the use of the phrase "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance. In a 32-2 vote, the state Senate passed the resolutions urging the U.S.

Group's petition seeks abortion bill override

A petition initiative seeking to ban partial-birth abortions in Michigan is anticipated to be successful before the Legislature breaks for summer recess. The drive, launched by Right To Life of Michigan in January, gathered more than 325,000 signatures within two months of announcing its goal.

COGS chooses new leaders

The Council of Graduate Students elected Carl Newman as its new president and appointed a new executive board to serve for one-year terms on March 17. Newman, former COGS treasurer, said he plans to expand the council's presence at MSU. "In general, I would like to make COGS more visible on campus and try to differentiate between graduate students and undergraduates," Newman said.

Bill could mean jail time for multiple MIPs

Minors caught in possession of alcohol more than once who don't follow court orders could face jail time if a bill passed Thursday by the state House is signed into law. Under the bill, minors who drink could face up to 30 days in jail on their second offense, but only if they fail to pay the $200 fine and comply with probation.