Although bright lights illuminating Tucson streets and evening sporting events are helpful for students and residents alike, the light is also a curse for astronomers in Southern Arizona.

The International Dark-Sky Association came to the UA Mall yesterday to talk about the growing problem of light pollution to UA students for UA Earth Day.

John Polacheck, the vice president for the Southern Arizona chapter of the Dark-Sky Association, said light pollution affects the ability for astronomers to gaze at the stars with optical telescopes. [Read article]

The investigation of a reported rape at a fraternity house two weeks ago could continue for months, but police and university officials would not confirm or deny rumors that the suspects are university public figures.

A UA student contacted police in the early hours of April 13 and said a man sexually assaulted her at the Sigma Pi fraternity house, 1525 E. Drachman St., said Sgt. Eugene Mejia, University of Arizona Police Department spokesman. [Read article]

The Department of Multicultural Programs and Services will look for new directors in an effort to bring multicultural student retention and success up to the same figure as the rest of the university.

Josephine T. Gin, director of Asian Pacific American Student Association, and Alex M. Wright, director of African American Student Affairs, confirmed that their contracts would not be renewed for the 2005-2006 academic year ending June 30. [Read article]

Instead of being contained to only a month of awareness, some students and specialists hope to create a disability studies department on campus to increase awareness year round.

The Disability Resource Center is promoting the "disability studies movement," said David Corsi, a DRC disability specialist for 15 years. He said there has been an increase in awareness, but there has not yet been a department dedicated to educating people about the subject. [Read article]

Publicly deemed a "transitional pope," 78-year-old Benedict XVI is now responsible for narrowing the gap between John Paul II's reign and a newer, more progressive papacy.

Students at the St. Thomas More Catholic Newman Center expressed emotions ranging from disappointment to hopefulness to utter excitement about the new pope.

Ashley Roland, a media arts junior, said although she felt slightly disappointed by the cardinals' choice, she believes his election will ultimately serve an important purpose. [Read article]

Are you hot enough for Hollywood?

A model search reality show, "Hot Enough for Hollywood," will begin filming in Tucson tomorrow. Finalists who are selected will be eligible to win cash and a modeling contract.

Two UA graduates are currently involved with the show, and many more will have the opportunity tomorrow to enter the free event at the swimwear store Everything But Water in La Encantada Mall, 2905 E. Skyline Drive, starting at 3 p.m. [Read article]

A race car designed by students as well as other souped-up cars will be on display for all to see tomorrow here at the UA.

The Society of Automotive Engineers will showcase multiple cars in the parking lot of the Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering building, 1130 N. Mountain Ave., from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., said Gary Tang, president of SAE.

"As of now we have the Southern Arizona Corvette Club and the Porsche Club signed up," Tang said. [Read article]

Sylvia K. Griffin did not want to waste space when exhibiting her five-painting "Color Theory" in the College of Fine Arts' Fremont House.

Because Griffin's paintings take up only one room of the six-room, two-bathroom gallery space, she decided to extend her one-person show to a conglomeration of her peers whose work she has followed for four years in the School of Art.

Griffin said she asked her friend and fellow painting and sculpture senior Eleonor Leon, to help her selectively invite students whose work they admire to exhibit in the show as well. [Read article]