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MSU

From class to computer

Sarah Harbison
January 18, 2007

In Fennville, Mich., three teenagers are learning a language not many high schools offer — Mandarin Chinese. So far, Sam Robinson, Michael Martin and Nicholas VanTil can introduce themselves and their families, and describe their bedrooms in the dialect. Though their traditional high school is in a small city just south of Holland, they take an online course taught by professors from the MSU Confucius Institute through Michigan Virtual High School. The course is designed to be studied five days a week, with four days of self study.

NEWS

Senators oppose more U.S. troops

By Renee Schoof McClatchy Newspapers Washington — Four leading senators — two Democrats and two Republicans — introduced a resolution Wednesday that says President Bush's plan to add 21,500 American troops in Iraq isn't in the United States' national interests. The resolution, effectively a vote of no confidence in Bush's plan, also calls for more regional and international pressure on Iraqi politicians to make compromises and end rampant killings. The resolution, sponsored by Sens.

NEWS

Law student charged with operating brothel

Promoting prostitution, money laundering and conspiracy seem like more apt charges for Tony Soprano than a second-year MSU College of Law student. Yet James Cortopassi, 27, pleaded not guilty to those same charges Friday at a New York courthouse. According to New York County district attorney's office, Cortopassi worked as a legal clerk for Paul Bergrin, a former New Jersey federal prosecutor.

MICHIGAN

Photo marks city's anniversary

Kristen Daum
January 18, 2007

Almost 700 people took to East Lansing's streets Wednesday afternoon — but it wasn't to cause trouble. An army of about 180 residents adorned with Spartan-green raincoats stood stationed on M.A.C.

NEWS

Finding faith

Gabrielle Russon
January 17, 2007

Whitney Harris-Linton stood under the Eiffel Tower as it shimmered at night in the city of love. She heard the deep chimes thundering from Big Ben.

NEWS

Early bids for 2008

A duo of Republican politicians with MSU ties joined the pool of potential presidential candidates this month for the 2008 election. U.S.

COMMENTARY

Combat hate by attending concert

Mason residents are letting their true ignorance and prejudice show. Last fall, Teri Yale, owner and manager of Mason record store Davey's Basement, towed the homecoming float for Mason High School's Gay-Straight Alliance.

MICHIGAN

Whitmer appointed to Senate groups

Alex Altman
January 17, 2007

State Sen. Gretchen Whitmer, D-East Lansing, was named lead Democrat on the Education and Judiciary committees in Michigan's Senate earlier this month, and she also will serve on the Agriculture and Finance committees. Whitmer will be responsible for developing policies related to her respective fields.

NEWS

Advocates speak out against ordinance

Kristen Daum
January 17, 2007

One MSU student and six residents spoke out during Tuesday's City Council meeting about a plan to ban homeless people from taking shelter in parking facilities. "This ordinance is not going to stop the homeless," said Jenny Wilson, an interdisciplinary studies in social science and health studies senior.

MSU

Boyogueno, MSU graduate student, dies after stroke

Joey Nowak
January 17, 2007

Fourth-year MSU doctoral student and Spanish department teaching assistant Simplice Boyogueno died Thursday after suffering from a stroke in December. Boyogueno, a native of Cameroon, was working on a dissertation about Africans and Afro-Caribbeans in Spain through literature and film.

MICHIGAN

Former trustee files against LCC board

Colleen Maxwell
January 17, 2007

A former Lansing Community College trustee filed a lawsuit Tuesday against the LCC Board of Trustees. Todd Heywood claims that during a 2006 meeting, the board violated Michigan's Open Meetings Act, which requires publicly elected boards to open meetings to the public. According to the lawsuit, trustees asked two LCC employees who were attending the meeting to leave, turning the meeting into a closed session. "When elected officials are willing to violate that sacred trust, it raises all kinds of questions of what the fundamental core of democracy is," Heywood said.

MICHIGAN

Partnership to draw businesses to Lansing area

Brendan Bouffard
January 17, 2007

MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon and other key community members announced Tuesday the creation of the Lansing Economic Area Partnership, an organization to foster business growth. "It is hoped that this organization will build avenues for economic development," said Joe Reid, chairman of Capitol Bancorp Ltd.