Arizona Immigration Bill stirs up controversy

Representatives Raul Grijalva of Arizona and Luis Gutierrez of Illinois are calling for Republican Governor Jan Brewer to veto a bill that passed in the Arizona state senate yesterday.  According to CNN, the new bill will allow police to decide whether or not people are in the United States legally or not.  Under current Arizona state law, policemen are only allowed to verify someone’s immigration status if they are being investigated for a crime.

Opponents of the bill like Grijalva and Gutierrez say that the law promotes racial profiling.  “I was born in Chicago, and my family has been U.S. citizens for generations,” said Gutierrez, who is Puerto Rican.  “But look at my face, listen to my voice.  I’d probably get picked up in Arizona and questioned.  Is that what we want in America?”

Governor Brewer has not taken a public stance on the issue yet.

Le Moyne celebrates Dolphy Day

The Post-Standard reports that today is Dolphy Day at nearby Le Moyne College.  Students knew it was Dolphy Day this morning when they woke up to a fireworks display.  Dolphy Day is a spontaneous annual event.  Each year a student or “wizard” selects the day of the event, usually one of the first warm days of April.  Today the students celebrated at by gathering on the school quad to play sports, throw around Frisbees and listen to music.

Dolphy Day, named after jazz musician Eric Dolphy, began in the spring of 1971.  The school unveiled a statue of the musician as part of this year’s Dolphy Day festivities.

Howard wins Defensive Player of the Year again

Dwight Howard collected his second Defensive Player of the Year award today according to ESPN.  The Orlando Magic center dominated voting, receiving 110 of 122 possible first place votes. Hawks forward Josh Smith finished second in the voting.

The 6-foot-11 center led the NBA in rebounding this year, averaging an impressive 13.2 rebounds.  He also blocked 2.8 blocks per game, which also led the league.  It was the second year in a row he led the league in these categories.

“I think it’s a well deserved honor,” Howard’s coach Stan Van Gundy said of Howard's award.

The number one overall pick in 2004’s NBA Draft, Howard led his team to 59 wins and the second best record in the NBA this season.  Orlando is currently in the first round of the playoffs, holding a one game to none lead over Charlotte.