Group raises poverty awareness

Armed with sleeping bags, blankets and layers of clothing, about 30 MSU students and faculty bared the cold temperatures Wednesday night to sleep at the rock on Farm Lane. The group wanted to increase awareness about worldwide poverty, housing and homelessness. The second annual event, known nationwide as HabiFest, was held by the MSU chapter of Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit organization that works to provide affordable housing in the Lansing area and worldwide. "Our goal is to open some eyes about the seriousness of homelessness around us," HabiFest co-coordinator Monica Glysson said. To achieve their goal of awareness, Glysson and other members of Habitat for Humanity spent the day passing out fliers and orange T-shirts to students interested in learning about poverty issues. Students gave small donations to help build the shed that would go toward a house in the Lansing area.

Businesses given deadline for taxes

Five East Lansing businesses owe the city nearly $10,000 in taxes and officials are ready to collect.

Closed meetings questioned

The ASMSU Academic Assembly's decision to close its meeting to the public Tuesday night has left some people wondering about the legality of the move, and whether it is considered a public body.The assembly, part of MSU's undergraduate student government, closed the meeting and asked about 10 people to leave so the representatives could discuss candidates for its executive board.Matt Weingarden, chairperson of ASMSU's Student Assembly, said the organization has a right to close the meeting because they aren't bound by the Michigan Open Meetings Act."We have done this for so long and it's never caused a major problem," Weingarden said.

Police briefs 04/10/03

'U' gives locks for love

"Let's do it," a red-faced and teary-eyed Amy Baker said.Her boyfriend clutched his face with both hands and looked away as the scissors clipped Baker's ponytail with a few swift motions.About 10 inches of Baker's hair is going to Locks of Love, an organization which makes wigs for children with hair loss caused by severe burns, radiation treatment or other medical reasons.Baker, a veterinary technology sophomore, began to cry as the hair she had been growing out since she was 15 years old fell.

'Yellow Ribbon' package to help military families

State House Republicans are planning to introduce a package of bills, titled the Yellow Ribbon package in an attempt to protect Michigan families of military personnel stationed overseas.Included in the package are bills involving tax credits, tax exemptions and compensation for state employees for wages lost during service.Matt Resch, spokesman for House Speaker Rick Johnson, R-LeRoy, said the package's impact on Michigan's budget will be examined throughout the processing of the bill when legislators weigh the priorities of the state."The feeling is that there are few priorities greater than helping our military families," he said.But Rep.

Day of silence voices LBGT concerns

Dressed in black with mouths bound by silver duct tape, students stood near Wells Hall and on the Farm Lane bridge in recognition of the National Day of Silence on Wednesday.Holding signs that read "MSU silences students" and "MSU discriminates on gender identity," students passed out literature on ways they believe the university is silencing students."It's important because it raises the visibility of voices that are silenced," said Joshua Boehme, treasurer of RING, a lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgender caucus group in the North Complex.

Plans for Kresge unveiled

Kresge Art Museum officials unveiled plans on Tuesday for an $11- to $12 million expansion that will begin in 2006.The museum plans to add 32,000 square feet for exhibitions, educational programming and a better visitor atmosphere by 2009, celebrating the museum's 50th anniversary.

Corridor reserves spot for research

Novi - MSU, along with four other research institutions in Michigan, teamed up to reserve their spot of "precious real estate" at the Michigan Life Sciences Corridor Conference on Tuesday. Faculty members from MSU, University of Michigan, Wayne State University, Van Andel Research Institute and officials from science companies gathered for the conference.

Sen. hopes for safer schools

Sen. Buzz Thomas, D-Detroit, knows what it's like to get picked on in school."When he was younger he used to weigh around 400 pounds," Thomas spokesman Dennis Denno said.

'U' vies to bring Rare Isotope Accelerator to campus

MSU is one step closer to studying rare isotopes previously found only in outer space.The Board of Trustees is expected to form a partnership with the California-based architectural firm Parsons, to help with the planning and construction of a Rare Isotope Accelerator."It's the forming of a partnership to work through the construction issues," MSU President M.

Minority graduate enrollment rises

Enrollment in MSU's graduate programs has increased by more than 100 students including across-the-board growth in all minority groups.MSU's Annual Progress Report on Affirmative Action and Diversity Within the Community, released Tuesday, reported an 8-percent increase to 1,690 for total graduate enrollment.This year there were 2,943 students admitted to the graduate school, but not everyone who is admitted ends up enrolling.

Identity policy questions arise

A proposal to add gender identity to MSU's anti-discrimination policy was sent back to the committee that developed it Tuesday after MSU President M.

Police briefs 04/09/03

ACLU discusses riot suspension policy at 'U'

Fifteen people, including 10 students, allegedly involved in the March 28-30 disturbances have now been arraigned in 54-B District Court. More than $40,000 in damage occurred to the city and campus during the weekend MSU bowed out of the NCAA tournament, and university and city officials vowed those who broke the law would be punished to the maximum extent. Twenty-one students were arrested during the disturbances but more arrests are expected as the university works with police departments and the public to find additional information to make further charges. But as university officials suspend students believed to be involved, the American Civil Liberties Union is questioning whether the university is acting responsibly. The university temporarily suspended two students for actions following two MSU basketball games.

Medicaid could see $60M cut

Medicaid could feel the blow of a $60 million cut if the state House's attempts to save the Michigan Merit Award Scholarship succeed.The Michigan Merit Award program gives $2,500 to students who successfully pass at least four out of the five portions of the Michigan Educational Assessment Program test.

Bar hoppers to get alcohol info

Bar patrons searching for a ride home could soon find themselves reading statistics on alcohol they just consumed.The Safe Ride Campaign is starting a new project which gives students a business card with a list of cabs they can use to get a ride home after a night on the town.

Squad cars' new computers speed up information checks

The East Lansing City Council will get their first look at the new computer information systems installed in 14 East Lansing police cars at 6 p.m.

U.S. News ranks 'U' highly

Four MSU colleges are among the top 25 schools in the nation according to the U.S. News & World Report released Friday. Seventeen MSU graduate programs were included in the rankings, which were published Monday. The College of Education's elementary and secondary education programs were ranked No.

Reception celebrates 25 years of service

The Office of Supportive Services will celebrate its 25th anniversary from 6-8 p.m. Thursday with an honors and appreciation reception in the Union ballroom.