Board hears homosexual discrimination case

MSU's Anti-Discrimination Judicial Board heard comments Wednesday in a case involving former Mason Hall assistant director Carolyn O'Laughlin.O'Laughlin filed a grievance against Residence Life after officials said her domestic partner, Rebecca Linz, was not allowed to live in the residence hall.O'Laughlin's job required her to live on campus and officials said she would be disciplined and eventually terminated if Linz didn't move out.

Forum discusses Iraq reconstruction

A forum on Iraq almost went bust when the expert panel of MSU professors practically outnumbered the audience.But Tuesday's presidential forum went ahead as planned, addressing issues relating to the reconstruction of Iraq."You basically have to build an economy from nothing," economics professor Max Kreinin said.

Fraternity, sorority to hold scholarship ball

Phi Beta Sigma fraternity and Zeta Phi Beta sorority will be collaborating for their annual Blue & White Scholarship Ball from 9 p.m.-2 a.m.

Students balance books, work

For Casey Chapin, attending college is about more than keeping up with classes.The zoology junior works at Denny's Restaurant, 2701 E.

Last-minute crammers pack library during finals week

By Ayranna Wheeler For The State News Students who plan on studying in the Main Library during finals week might want to bring their own chairs. The nonstop cramming sessions for finals in the library has already begun.

Health care rally to be held on Capitol steps

MSU medical students and health-care professionals will rally for health insurance equality from 1-4 p.m.

Police briefs 04/24/03

City officials consider noise policy revisions

The East Lansing City Council accepted a list of noise recommendations Tuesday to push city staff to implement policies that might raise noise penalties.After gathering information from student and city groups and local commissions, council members instructed staff to continue combating noise in an attempt to tame problems in the fall."What we have now is a real product that achieves a working practice for the city," Deputy City Manager Jean Golden said.The issue arose last fall when noise violations increased 36 percent from the previous fall.

Study: Michigan mental health care fails

After Michigan was the only state to receive all failing grades in a recent national study of mental health care, state officials are saying improvements are in the works.The National Mental Health Association report, which was released Wednesday, examined parity in services provided by private insurance plans and government programs, access to medications and protection against declining services that may result from managed care.

Professor dies after battle with cancer

One of Jacob Joseph Climo's favorite things to do was take long walks on the beach in Haifa, Israel, and appreciate the beauty of the Mediterranean.Climo, an MSU anthropology professor, died Tuesday after a yearlong fight with cancer.

Students cope with credit debt

By Jason Worthy For The State News For Jamael Williams, credit cards are a way of life. Receiving his first credit card at 16, the now 20-year-old mathematics sophomore was already depending on the card as one would depend on a job salary. "I used it about once every other day," Williams said.

Council discusses environmental issues

The East Lansing City Council's Earth Day work session on Tuesday resulted in the designation of May 4-10 as Water Quality Awareness Week.The council considered two issues: the effort to stencil, "No Dumping, Drains to River" on the city's storm drains and the inventory of local wetlands.

8 chapters unite for Black Greek Week

There's been a lot of divine intervention on campus lately."Divine Nine" is the nickname for the nine national historically black fraternities and sororities.

Common bacteria deadly

A study conducted by an MSU physician pinpoints those at risk for a deadly bacterial infection.Dele Davies, chairperson of MSU's Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, led the Calgary-based team which found the risk of death from Invasive Staphylococcus aureus, or ISA, is greater in dialysis, transplant and HIV-positive patients than the general population.Staphylococcus aureus, often referred to as "staph," is a bacteria commonly found on the skin and in the noses of healthy people.

'U' to up parking fees

The short walk from the car to the dorm will cost students parking near the Brody Complex and Owen Hall an extra $33 next year.The All-University Traffic Committee has finalized parking fees for the next academic year.The changes include a 23 percent increase in the price of a parking permit for the Brody Complex and Owen Hall.

E.L. denies spring block party requests, citing 'bad timing'

As spring rolls into East Lansing, thoughts of burgers roasting on the barbecue and bands pumping out music down the street come into many students' minds.

Police briefs 04/23/03

Officials plan to suspend 6th student for alleged rioting

Officials are pushing for the suspension of a sixth MSU student for alleged involvement in the March 28-30 disturbances, said Lee June, vice president for student affairs and services.

Landscape art adorns the rock

More than 30 brightly painted, people-shaped pieces of cardboard, and their shadows, are celebrating all week at the rock on Farm Lane.Monday marked the beginning of National Landscape Architecture Week, and students from Professor Paul Nieratko's applied design fundamentals class met at the rock on Tuesday morning to show passers-by about temporary art in landscapes."They're abstract versions of ourselves," said William Kockler, a landscape architecture sophomore.

James Madison freshman dies near Holly train tracks

A 19-year-old MSU freshman was found dead Tuesday morning next to train tracks in Holly, about 20 miles south of Flint. The body of Michael Randolph, a James Madison freshman from Owosso, was found several hours after being struck by a train, Michigan State Police trooper Mark Pravato said. Police believe the death was a suicide.