Increased tension overseas causes gas hikes at home

Gasoline prices in the Lansing area have soared to some of the highest levels recorded in nearly two years, and a AAA spokesperson said it "seems unjustified." On Tuesday, a gallon of regular unleaded, self-serve gasoline sold for $1.79 in some area stations - one of the highest prices seen in 18 months, AAA Michigan spokesman Jim Rink said. The AAA Daily Fuel Gauge Index said the statewide average gas price rose to $1.67 this week. The index, which surveys 300 gas stations across the state, also reported the average price per gallon for self-serve, regular unleaded gasoline last February was $1.21. "Typically, this is the time of year when gasoline prices are at their lowest," Rink said.

Group warns about telemarketing scams

Telephone scam artists are taking advantage of telephone customers and illegally obtaining credit card information and Social Security numbers, AARP officials say.The AARP, formerly called the American Association of Retired Persons, is warning people about scam artists targeting those who wish to be put on a list to stop getting solicitation calls.A law passed in December by then-Gov.

Speaker encourages hope in pursuit of equality

The Rev. W. Franklyn Richardson said African Americans have a long way to go.The second speaker in the College of Osteopathic Medicine's Visiting Minority Faculty Lecture Series delivered the message of acknowledging all aspects of black culture and increasing opportunities for all disadvantaged people in the United States."We are a long way from where we should be," he said.

Trustees approve split of department

The breakup of the Department of Romance and Classical Languages was approved 7-1 at the MSU Board of Trustees meeting Wednesday.Trustee Donald Nugent voted against the proposal saying the project should be delayed for one year until the proposed $5-million state-funding cut can be resolved.The split restructures the current program into two new departments: one comprised of Spanish and Portuguese and the other of French, Italian and classical languages.MSU President M.

Police briefs 02/13/03

Crime down in Lansing

Violent crime in Lansing decreased overall from 2001-02, Lansing police Lt. Bruce Ferguson said. Crimes including murder, rape and robberies were down 6.4 percentage points and other crimes were down by 7 percentage points. The department has paid attention to getting to know individuals in the city to cut down on crime, Ferguson said. Ferguson said this year the city has seen several shootings, however, and it's working to decrease crime even further. Chad Previch

Granholm kicks off budget tour in Jackson

Gov. Jennifer Granholm wants to hear Michigan residents' solutions for the budget crisis.Her first stop on her statewide budget tour is today in Jackson.

Seminar focuses on interviewing

Dick Gaither travels the country conducting seminars for students to improve their interviewing skills, and on Wednesday, he came to the MSU-Detroit College of Law.Gaither said he gets all sorts of questions."They will come and ask me 'I got that tattoo with the tongue of the snake going into my ear, will this stop me from finding work?'" Gaither, president of Job Search Training Systems Inc. "You're not going to be as valuable a candidate as opposed to someone without the tattoo."Gaither gives students advice on how to go into an interview prepared, confident and ready to answer tough questions.He explained if someone asks, "Why should I hire you?" a person answering they will be asset to the company is not enough.

Gay rights activist says gender identity 'got left behind'

Riki Wilchins says gender identity has been left behind.The executive director of the Gender Public Advocacy Coalition, spoke on the importance of gender identity education Tuesday in Wells Hall.Wilchins, a gay rights activist, helped establish the Gender Identity Program of New York City's Lesbian & Gay Community Services Center in 1991 and authored many books, including "Read My Lips: Sexual Subversion and the End of Gender," on gender identity."No one should be punished because of how they act," she said in her speech.

'U' to review dorm security

MSU has formed a group to review residence hall security measures on campus. Director of University Housing Angela Brown, Residence Halls Association President Tim Liss and MSU police Capt.

Iraq tensions topic of forum

The MSU Office of the President, the Office of the Provost and ASMSU, MSU's undergraduate student government, are sponsoring a "Presidential Forum on Iraq" at 7 p.m.

African dancers celebrate history

Lansing - The sound of pounding drums filled the air as an audience of more than 100 sat transfixed, watching African dancers dressed in brightly colored cloth moving. A couple of men and women, clothed in vivid orange, crimson and dark green patterned outfits and brightly colored beads floated through the gymnasium doors, assembled themselves in front of the crowd. The began an array of lively circular swaying movements along with the rhythm of the drum.

New program to hold lecture

MSU's new Peace and Justice Studies program will sponsor a lecture at 3 p.m. Friday in B-104 Wells Hall. The keynote speaker is Hans Joas, director of the Max Weber Center for Advanced Cultural and Social Studies, at the University of Erfurt in Germany. Joas also is a sociology professor at the University of Chicago and will speak on his book, "War and Modernity." "We hope to have an important scholar come every year," philosophy Professor Richard Peterson said.

Crime Stoppers investigates 'U' knife assault

The MSU Department of Police and Public Safety will hit the airwaves tonight to help solve last month's assault of an MSU student held at knife point.On Jan.

Student breaks arm in fall from second floor

From staff reports A 20-year-old female was transported to Lansing's Sparrow Hospital, 1215 E.

Bernero looks at tobacco money to reduce deficit

State Sen. Virg Bernero said it's time to look at the state's revenue for solutions to Michigan's $1.7-billion deficit - particularly tobacco settlement money."There's no question expenditures are on the table," the Lansing Democrat said.

McPherson says 'U' should focus on long-term goals

MSU needs to make long-term decisions that will help future students, rather than patching up small holes with short-term fixes, MSU President M.

ASMSU fires Web site developer

The ASMSU director of technology has been fired in the middle of a redesign of the organization's Web site. Officials for MSU's undergraduate student government said David Wilson was let go because he failed to show up for work at the beginning of the semester. Wilson was hired as the director of technology in October.

State News takes first in general excellence

The State News took first place in general excellence in Division I of the Michigan Collegiate Press Association's College Newspaper Contest. It's the second year the newspaper competed in the contest.

Energy house hosts students

East Lansing's most energy efficient house had its first group of fifth-graders check out its new solar energy display Tuesday.Students from Haslett's Murphy Elementary School left the Urban Options Energy and Environmental Demonstration House, 405 Grove St., with a better understanding of the importance of renewable resources.