Trustees approve expenditure of more than $5 million in 24 minutes

The MSU Board of Trustees on Friday approved the spending of more than $5 million of both public money and tuition dollars for universitywide projects — after about 24 total minutes of discussion. The board meets publicly about once a month to make decisions and hear presentations from faculty and staff. The State News reported Friday that the trustees meet in committees the day before the public meeting to discuss the issues they will decide the next day.

Policy could restrict downtown rentals

East Lansing doesn't need more student housing downtown, city officials say. City Council will consider adopting a policy today that makes student-geared developments its lowest priority when approving new housing projects, focusing instead on encouraging home ownership. The council will vote to approve the policy at today's meeting, which begins at 5 p.m.

Marcinkowski to visit MSU Democrats today

Democrat Jim Marcinkowski, who has announced his intention to run for the 8th Congressional District seat, will attend the MSU Democrats' first meeting of the semester tonight.

King honored

By Catharine Batsios Special for The State News Students, student groups, local activists and peace enthusiasts spilled into the courtyard of the Beaumont Tower on Monday as it chimed loudly and poetically, "We Shall Overcome." From there, the crowd began the frigid, but brief, trek to the rock on Farm Lane as a tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.

Robinson sues over ballot law

State Senate candidate Melissa Sue Robinson, who is a transgender person, filed suit yesterday against the state of Michigan, challenging a law which would require her former name to appear on the ballot. Robinson, who was born Charles Edward Staelens Jr., changed her name in May 1998.

Police briefs 01/13/06

Possible fall break proposal reconsidered

A little rest and relaxation for students and faculty during the fall semester might come in the form of a school break if university officials approve the proposal. The University Committee on Academic Policy created a subcommittee in 2000 to evaluate the fall break recommendation.

Ex-CIA agent to challenge Rogers

Former CIA agent Jim Marcinkowski launched his bid this week for the Democratic nomination in the 8th Congressional District to run against GOP incumbent Mike Rogers, R-Brighton.

Luncheon will honor Martin Luther King Jr.

The 21st annual luncheon honoring Martin Luther King Jr. will take place at the Lansing Center on Monday at 11 a.m.

Hall of fame contest deadline approaches

Today is the final day to apply for the fifth annual The Black History Month Multicultural Heroes Hall of Fame Case Competition, "Passing the Torch of Justice." The competition is sponsored by the Eli Broad College of Business and Multicultural Business Programs. In the competition, groups made up of at least three MSU undergraduate students must explain, within 10 minutes, why they believe their individual hero deserves a place in the Multicultural Heroes Hall of Fame. The application must be completed, along with a 250-word essay and a summary of the reason for competing by 5 p.m. The competition will take place Feb.

Local bars reject longer hours

Mike McNeely doesn't plan on keeping his Lansing bar open any later, despite a new law that allows Michigan bars to stay open after 2 a.m. "What would be the reason to stay open?" said McNeely, a co-owner of Trippers, 354 Frandor Ave.

MCRI march for today canceled indefinitely

A march in relation to the Michigan Civil Rights Initiative that was to be held in Lansing today has been canceled. Luke Massie, co-chairman of Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action, Integration & Immigrant Rights and Fight for Equality By Any Means Necessary, or BAMN, said the walk would have signified the filing of the case to the Michigan Supreme Court, but the date to file the paperwork was pushed back to next week. "It was just more of a timing thing," he said. Massie said the walk is probably won't be rescheduled.

In Flight Sports faces closing

By Darrell Hughes Special to The State News In Flight Sports might be grounded. The sporty, yet vintage, clothing and accessories store — which is known for its Grateful Dead merchandise — is on the brink of closing later this month or in early February if store owner Marvin Pridgeon doesn't find someone to purchase the business. "We've been trying to sell for months," Pridgeon said.

Rogers calls for lobbying legislation

Rep. Mike Rogers of Brighton announced yesterday his principles for lobbying reform legislation, aimed at holding lobbyists and officials accountable for the way money is raised. "The goal is to restore the accountability and the trust in government," said his spokeswoman, Sylvia Warner. Rogers called for the reform in a letter to his colleagues Monday when he announced his intention to run for the majority whip position, the House's No.

Experts pan earbud listening

Turn down the music. As iPod and MP3 player users nestle earbuds into their ears, each listen could increase the possibility of permanent hearing damage, audiologists say. The popular earbuds used with iPods and MP3 players could be even more damaging than headphones, they said. "Digital music players like the iPod and MP3 players are causing more damage than old players," said Eileen Bridges, an audiologist with Mid-Michigan Ear, Nose & Throat Professional Hearing Consultants.

Plan focuses on urbanizing E.L.

The hotly contested East Village Master Plan is a small-scale project compared to another master plan placed on the East Lansing Planning Commission's plate this week.

6 vying for Bernero's former seat

Six candidates are now in the race to fill an empty Michigan Senate seat representing most of Ingham County, including MSU. Three Democrats and three Republicans turned in the required paperwork by Tuesday's deadline to run in a special election for the 23rd Senate District opened by the departure of former Sen.

Bittersweet finish

Shifting and tilting a wine glass, Kirk Reedy evaluated the color of the small amount of liquid at the bottom. "Color is very important, especially in red wines," Reedy said. The 37-year-old student said he considers himself lucky to be one of the last people to participate in the MSU viticulture and enology program, which will no longer be offered after this semester due to low enrollment. "I'm disappointed the program is ending," Reedy said.

Police briefs 01/12/06

Lawmakers to focus on economy, environment

With state legislators returning to Lansing this week, both parties are laying out their top issues for 2006. Top Republican legislators said they want to cut the alternate small business tax and control state regulations that would hinder economic growth. Democrats said they want to focus on ending Canadian and out-of-state trash dumping, increasing minimum wage, preventing outsourcing and expanding preschools. Focusing on recovery To catch up with the recovery of other states, the state must cut costs and be more business-friendly for job providers, said House Speaker Craig DeRoche, R-Novi, who joined Senate Majority Leader Ken Sikkema, R-Wyoming, in announcing the Republicans' goals Tuesday. "This is the year to address small businesses and the vital role they play in Michigan's economy," Sikkema said. The party is trying to shift focus away from the state budget to examine the state's economic recovery, said Ari Adler, Sikkema's spokesperson.