New state legislation looks to minimize distractions to drivers

A host of bills aimed to limit distractions to Michigan drivers currently is before the state Legislature. Motorists who drive with an animal in their laps might face penalties if one bill in the Legislature becomes law. Another bill, before a state House committee, would make it illegal to breast-feed while operating a vehicle, and a third seeks to add points to a motorist's license if cell phone use is found to be the cause of an accident. Although each piece of legislation limits different activities, legislators say the underlying purpose is clear: to cut down on the amount of distracting activities people can perform while driving. "The only thing behind this bill is safety," said Arika Pearlman, an aide to Rep.

Memorial honors community 'can man'

Humble. Smart. Outgoing. Different. Those are the words family and friends used to describe Ernst Lucas at a Saturday memorial service held in the Union. Lucas, better known to the MSU community as "Ernie the Can Man," died in January at the age of 68. Lucas' brothers, Jack Lucas of West Hartford, Conn., and Alexander Lucas of Rochester, Minn., began organizing the memorial service following the outpouring of memories and support they received regarding their brother.

Ann Arbor officially opposes gay-marriage ban

The Ann Arbor City Council passed a resolution on March 15 opposing the proposed state constitutional amendment to define marriage as a union between one man and one woman.

Powwow showcases culture

When the drums started, people moved toward the sound. Some held tape recorders while others held small children.

Family, friends remember slain Grand Ledge man

Jeffrey Friedlis, a man said to have made his family proud and taught his students to believe in themselves, was honored on Saturday in a memorial service. Friedlis, of Grand Ledge, 29, was found shot to death March 11 at the Institute of Traditional Asian Martial Arts, 130 W.

'Witty' computer virus attacking computers with popular firewall software, effect on 'U' unknown

A new computer virus known as Witty is attacking computers thought to be protected with the firewall software program BlackICE. The Academic Computing and Network Services, formerly the MSU Computer Center, has encouraged this protective software for personal computers, and many students might be at risk, senior information technologist Richard Wiggins said. It is not known how many MSU computers might be infected, Wiggins said. "The ironic thing is, this has occurred where a product to protect your computer has a flaw and if you're running it, people can attack your computer," he said. The Witty worm disperses itself to other computers by scanning infected computers for Internet-protocol addresses.

Webmail switch deadline nears

The deadline has come for MSU e-mail users to upgrade to the university's new mail system and leave Pilot behind. At 6 a.m.

'Bad driver' bill awaits governor's signature

Michigan residents who have paid fines for failure to provide proof of insurance to police officers might soon have the opportunity to receive reimbursement. Legislation was passed Wednesday that would amend laws passed last year intended to punish people who drive without having car insurance. Under current laws, referred to as "bad driver" laws, drivers could pay fees reaching up to $435 over a two-year period in addition to $300 in assessments for failure to provide proof of insurance. The amendment would allow Michigan residents who can prove before the court that they had insurance at the time of citation to only pay a $25 administrative fee, which was charged before "bad driver" laws were put in place.

City seeks talent for 'Veggie' variety show

The City of East Lansing is asking for individuals or groups to participate in the second annual Vegetable Soup Variety Show. Last year's show included comedy, music and theater routines. Applications are due by April 9 and can be picked up at the Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbott Road, or found online at cityofeastlansing.com. The East Lansing Prime Time Seniors' Program and the Hot Spot Teen Club will host the event at 6 p.m.

RHA adds new representatives

A new position created within the Residence Halls Association earlier this semester has been filled. Current RHA Secretary Kevin Newman will act as chief of staff for the organization after a unanimous confirmation by the General Assembly on Wednesday.

WEB ONLY: File sharing class scheduled for weekend

MSU's Department of Telecommunication, Information Studies and Media is offering a class on peer-to-peer file sharing this weekend. The class, "Peer-to-Peer Filesharing: From Download Nation to Collaborative Technology," will meet Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m.

'U' Republicans endorse civil rights initiative

The MSU College Republicans unanimously passed a resolution supporting the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative on Wednesday night. The passage comes during the same week Ward Connerly, chairman of the Sacramento-based American Civil Rights Initiative, will visit East Lansing. The event is Saturday at 1 p.m.

WEB ONLY: Council passes efforts to rename schools, change structures

The Executive Committee of Academic Council passed most items of its agenda concerning university structures and policies without additional consultation during its Tuesday meeting.

Dunnings to run again

Ingham County Prosecutor Stuart Dunnings III has announced his plans to run for re-election as the county's head lawyer. The position is a four-year term and pays about $100,000 a year.

Police briefs 03/19/04

MSU-DCL to get tech upgrades

TV screens big and small filled the courtroom Wednesday as MSU-DCL College of Law students caught a glimpse of new technological gadgets that soon will be coming to campus. MSU-DCL student Deb Davis-Korpi said she was more that just a little nervous when she stepped up to use the equipment for the first time as her class visited the federal courtroom in Lansing on Thursday evening. For more than a month, the technology has been housed in Judge David McKeague's courtroom.

Elementary students get brainy with help from 'U'

At the front of teacher Dennis McCarthy's fifth-grade classroom, a group of students gathered excitedly around a table, eyes wide, whispering to each other. They weren't staring at the latest toy - they were touching real human and animal brains. As a part of Brain Awareness Week, sponsored by the Society for Neuroscience, MSU faculty and graduate students traveled this week to more than 10 local elementary, middle and high schools with hands-on presentations about the organ. McCarthy's class attends the Grand River Elementary Magnet School, 1107 E.

Arrest tally normal for Irish holiday

While many people flocked to downtown bars or held parties of their own to celebrate St. Patrick's Day on Wednesday, police said arrests and incidents were normal for the holiday. "There was nothing out of the ordinary," said East Lansing police Capt.

Area students' request for 'coaching' lesson granted

"What are wolverines good for?" "Roadkill!" This chant might seem odd coming from a group of kindergartners, but considering their guest visitors, it doesn't seem all that strange.

Cafeterias offer low-carb options

MSU cafeterias might not label its food "Atkins-friendly" in the midst of a nationwide low-carbohydrate dieting craze, but officials say they offer plenty of options. "Given what we offer, people can pick and choose," said Bruce Haskell, food service coordinator for the Division of Housing and Food Services.