Bright idea

More than 3 million Mexicans now live in the United States illegally. This is a problem, but it doesn’t have to be under President Bush’s new plan. The president’s plan involves giving permanent legal residency to those Mexican immigrants currently residing in the country. Most likely, immigrants would be considered for legal residency based upon family ties and the amount of time they have lived in the United States. The plan will have to face Congress before taking effect and influential Republicans in the House and Senate aren’t thrilled about the idea.

Poetic Bilal, guests cut strong album

Bilal 1st Born Second (Interscope Records) Members of the SoulQuarian movement, such as D’Angelo, Erykah Badu and Common, can usually be recognized by their unique sound - a mixture of neo-soul and hip-hop.

Student filmmaker cries foul in police bust of staged rave

Behind the lens of his camera, Tyler Blair, a marketing junior and an amateur filmmaker, watched police intervene in his newest film, “E-tards,” on Friday in Grand Rapids. The tragic comedy, with a title slang for users of the drug ecstasy, documented the rave scene. And Blair said he contacted the special events city coordinator, police and the traffic safety commission to request permission to film a party scene. But Grand Rapids police came to the staged rave, which was held at the home of one of Blair’s friends, making three drug-related arrests and charging the filmmaker and two other people with operating an illegal business.

Indianapolis forward to join U in 2002

Jackie Greenwood is the principal of Arlington High in Indianapolis and it’s there that she’s seen senior-to-be Delco Rowley grow in height, but more importantly, as a man.

SN writer receives Big Ten award

State News sports writer Krista Latham is still surprised about being named the Big Ten’s collegiate sports writer of the year.

Students try life in ROTC

The heat was beating down, the enemies were closing in and the troops had to navigate across a river using only a rope bridge.This wasn’t real combat; it was a simulation used by MSU’s Army ROTC to help students from different organizations define the meaning of teamwork.Forty-five high school students from all over Michigan, decked out in camouflage shirts and dog tags, gathered to take part in the Future Farmers of America Leadership Camp on Monday.The camp consists of high school students who have just been elected as FFA regional officers.“We help stress the importance of teamwork and we also get a chance to give our input,” Capt.

Election process should still be a concern

It’s been nine months since we elected a president. It’s been seven months since we decided who should be president.

Activists hope Olympics bring change to China

On Friday, then-International Olympic Committee President Juan Antonio Samaranch announced Beijing will be the site of the 2008 Summer Games.

Activist sentenced to community service

The 1997 MSU graduate accused of assaulting a Philadelphia police lieutenant will not be serving any jail time.Steve Swart was given a misdemeanor and sentenced to community service Monday, said Catyie Abookire, spokeswoman for the Philadelphia district attorney.“During jury selection, the defendant pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 23 months in jail and immediately paroled with a $146.50 fine,” she said.

Concert series going strong

The Common Ground Music Festival has kicked off its second year, and features more stages and a more diverse lineup.

Forum introduces candidates to E.L.

Students and residents will have a chance to listen to all of the candidates vying for East Lansing City Council in one place tonight. The Greater Lansing Area League of Women Voters will host a forum for the eight city council candidates at 7 p.m.

U examines graduation race gap

Tamiko Jones, a 2001 MSU graduate, considered dropping out when her financial aid fell through.Because of her son, though, she claimed herself as an independent and finished her degree.But Jones said many black students are set up to fail.“It’s not fair for students who start 10 steps back or don’t have the money to afford school,” said Jones, who is black.

Police briefs 07/18/01

Institute urges responsibility

One hundred years ago, Petoskey, Mich., was home to a cement plant and limestone quarry a stone’s throw from Lake Michigan. Today, the 1,200-acre “brownfield” area is known as Bay Harbor, and is home to restaurants, hotels, shops and an extravagant golf course - still just a stone’s throw from the Great Lake. While the development - or redevelopment - wasn’t cheap or easy, it’s exactly the type of development Phil Davis likes to see. As the director of MSU Extension’s Victor Institute for Responsible Land Development and Use, Davis said Bay Harbor serves as a shining example of the institute’s mission: Increasing redevelopment of previously developed but currently abandoned areas - brownfields - while still preserving areas that haven’t been developed - greenfields. “We’re looking at doing best practices in Michigan that are research-based,” said Davis, an MSU alumnus.

Fast pace of life doesnt mesh with politeness

“Move it - move it! Damn you, can’t you get that piece of junk moving?” “*%’ you!

Council votes to build skate park near Frandor

LANSING - The council chambers at City Hall were packed with young teens wearing shorts and T-shirts awaiting word Monday night.Clutching skateboards and inline skates, they were there in support of the skate park, which the council voted unanimously to build near the Frandor Shopping Center at Ranney Park in Lansing.“I told the rest of the committee last night I needed to go home and pinch myself,” George Leichtweis, finance chairman for the Lansing Area Skate, Bike & Recreation Foundation, said Tuesday.Leichtweis, who also owns Modern Skate and Surf, 1393 E.

Hockey to play 11 of first 13 at home

It’s mid-July, but area hockey fans can already start planning out their winter months.The Spartan hockey team’s 2001-02 season schedule was released Monday and is highlighted by the team’s Oct.

Blonde smarter than it looks

With a title like “Legally Blonde,” most people would expect a movie as dumb as the jokes blondes are constantly ridiculed with. But the new movie, starring Reese Witherspoon, manages to tread the fine line between pandering stupidity and comedic entertainment.

Celebrities assist opening of new lab

MSU students in the Department of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine anticipated the arrival of Out of Sync, Britney Shears and Christina Posterior Angulara on Thursday afternoon at East Fee Hall.Those aren’t typos.

Supporters to gather at U activists trial today

A 1997 MSU graduate will stand trial today in Philadelphia for allegedly assaulting a police officer. But Steve Swart won’t be without support. Many friends will make the trip to stand by Swart, who was arrested last August in the city while protesting the Republican National Convention. Authorities accuse Swart of assaulting a Philadelphia police lieutenant in his police car while protesting the prison industry and police brutality.