Library creates new lab spaces

A new digital presentation room and Intel Mac Lab opened at the Main Library last month, giving students and faculty another resource when developing multimedia group projects. The first-floor presentation room features a camera built in to the ceiling, which records speeches and presentations, and an Interactive Smart Board computer screen that uses touch navigation in place of a mouse. On the second floor, the new computer lab contains two Intel Macs with multimedia software, including 3-D animation, video editing programs and Web content tools.

Serving her community

Her friends call her an inspiration to the Hispanic community. "Every day, she is doing something to help someone," Maria Theresa Penman said.

Research help fight brain disease

Tremors, rigidity, loss of balance. More than one million Americans suffer from Parkinson's disease. There are drugs to treat some of the symptoms during the disease's early stages of development, but once it progresses, little can be done. John Goudreau, an associate professor in the departments of neurology and pharmacology and toxicology, is conducting a study that might help slow the progression of the disease. "If you can find patients early, and keep them in the early stages of development, that's as close to a cure as we can get," he said. The study will look at the effect creatine has on the disease. "I don't want people to go out and start taking creatine for their Parkinson's disease," Goudreau said.

Lansing officials cancel parade

There will be plenty of music and confetti this summer in downtown Lansing, but for the first time in 16 years, it won't be because of the Michigan Parade. "The skinny on the parade this year is that we decided to cancel it," said Calvin L.

Weather changes, prompt precautions

The sunshine and warmer than 60-degree weather that has blanketed Mid-Michigan during the past several days doesn't just mean spring is here. It also means the possibility of severe weather. This week marks Michigan's Severe Weather Awareness Week, which has been recognized since 1991 as a way to help the public prepare for natural emergency situations. "We can't stop the weather, but we can mitigate the impact it has on our lives," said Sgt.

Chipotle gives free burritos to advertise

With all the burrito joints on Grand River Avenue, one restaurant believes giving away thousands of meals is the key to winning brand-loyal customers. Chipotle Mexican Grill, 539 E.

Bill could halt trash import

With approval from the federal government, the state of Michigan could put a halt on importing Canadian trash. New legislation sponsored by Michigan Reps.

Opera to further Brazil, MSU relations

Florencia Grimaldi is a famous opera singer traveling on the Amazon River in search of her long-lost lover. As she journeys down the world's largest river to the Brazilian city of Manaus, she encounters fantasy and mysticism along with the other travelers. The College of Music will perform Grimaldi's tale in the opera "Florencia en el Amazonas," or "Florencia in the Amazon." The opera's first performance will be held at 8 p.m.

WEB EXTRA: MSU to hold horticultural event with competitions, workshops

MSU horticultural students can put their skills to the test Thursday through Sunday during the 31st annual Professional Landcare Network's Student Career Days. The event will feature students from 55 universities competing in a wide range of competitive challenges, from tree climbing to sales presentations.

WEB EXTRA: Student organization to host prayer

University Christian Outreach, an MSU student organization, will host a healing prayer meeting today. The meeting will consist of singing, worship and a short presentation.

WEB EXTRA: Film festival to bring short videos of outdoor activities to MSU

Have you ever experienced intense rock climbing, exhilarating skydiving, rip-roaring skiing and heart-pumping mountain-biking all in a two-hour period? Probably not. However, the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour that comes to MSU on Thursday will feature a set of short videos that capture the background details of many outdoor activities. The MSU Outdoors Club has brought this event to campus for more than 10 years, guiding both beginners and veterans who are interested in outdoor activities to the proper destinations. This year's festival will show eight films, ranging from 3-25 minutes long.

Party links women, environment, health

Pink and green condoms. A 12-hour, washable alternative to tampons and sanitary napkins. Homemade soap and lip gloss. Student groups hope a discussion tonight about these health options will explain the correlation between women's rights, health and the environment. The Pink and Green Party, sponsored by Eco and Women's Council, takes place at 8 p.m.

Police briefs 03/28/07

6 new students elected to COGS

A young starting lineup hits the executive board next month for the start of a brand-new season with the Council of Graduate Students, or COGS.

Lifelong education

Aside from being a member of the East Lansing City Council, Kevin Beard spends about 10 hours each week on MSU's campus — as a student.

Meeting will cover new, unfinished plans

An ordinance that would make it illegal for homeless people to reside in public parking structures once again is up for discussion by the East Lansing City Council. Council members also will discuss possible changes to Hagadorn Road and the progress of an ongoing and over-budget development on Virginia Avenue.

Tax replacement proposed

Local business owners are hoping they won't have pay up when the Single Business Tax expires in December. Halfway through the fiscal year, the state will lose $1.2 billion in revenue. State officials have been developing proposals and restructuring the tax system to make up for the loss.

Missing minutes cause friction

With the records still missing from ASMSU's Feb. 8 meeting, some members of the organization are questioning the undergraduate student government's accountability. The minutes from Student Assembly's meeting when it removed the group Great Issues from ASMSU's Programming Board disappeared from the personal computer of Brandon Hicks, vice chairperson for internal affairs. Since then, Hicks had his computer looked at by MSU's Academic Computing & Network Services.

Police briefs 03/27/07

City receives grant to assess environment

East Lansing selected a Michigan-based environmental consulting firm last week to use a $300,000 federal grant the city earned in October. The grant, awarded by the U.S.