'U' reacts to clearing of death row

A recent decision by former Illinois Gov. George Ryan to commute the death sentences of 167 inmates has members of the MSU community talking. Ryan, who left office Monday, said the move was necessary because of errors in "trials, sentencing, the appeals process and the state's failure to reform the system." Bryan Crowe said he agrees with Ryan's decision. The engineering arts senior said the state was better off being cautious than wrongfully executing inmates. "My immediate reaction was 'that's ridiculous,' but he did the right thing in not allowing the state to execute innocent people," he said.

Film series to feature German documentary

The Friday Night Film Series continues at 7 p.m. Friday in W449 Main Library. The movie featured is "Germany in Autumn," a documentary about terrorism in Germany in 1977.

Hollister confirmed by Senate committee

Lansing Mayor David Hollister was the first of Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm's appointments to go in front of the Senate Government Operations Committee in a series of hearings to examine candidates for top spots in the governor's cabinet Tuesday. A state Senate committee unanimously confirmed Hollister as the director of a new state department on labor and economic growth. "He will represent Granholm very well," said Mary Dettloff, spokeswoman for Jennifer Granholm.

RHA offers free tickets for Ja Rule, Eve concert

MSU's Residence Halls Association is sponsoring a visit from R &B artists Ja Rule and Eve - and students can win tickets to the event. The concert, held in cooperation with the University Activities Board, will take place at 7:30 p.m.

Council to see revised graduate student document

The University Graduate Council presented three years worth of revisions to the Graduate Students Rights and Responsibilities to the executive committee of Academic Council.The document sets academic regulations governing MSU graduate students.The graduate council will again present a list of the proposed changes at next month's Academic Council meeting.

Continental animal contest to be hosted by 'U'

MSU will host the North American Animal Welfare Judging Contest on Feb. 28 during its annual Agriculture and Natural Resources Week. Participants will evaluate animal welfare in given situations.

Extension programs look for 'creative way' to balance budget

Two of MSU's educational programs for state residents are looking for creative solutions to upcoming funding problems - and hoping to avoid layoffs that may be inevitable. The Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory, MSU Extension and the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station were counting on nearly $4 million in state money to make up for a 2 percent cut to higher-education funding.

City, LCC combine to build education

Delta Twp. - With a combined cost of $43 million and a slow economy, Lansing Community College has reached out to local businesses and community partners to help pay for its new technical centers.As an extension of LCC, Michigan Technical Education Center (M-TEC) and Technical Training Center are scheduled to open next year.The M-TEC cost the city nearly $34 million and the training center close to $9 million.

Police briefs 01/15/03

Council to see revised graduate student document

The University Graduate Council presented three years worth of revisions to the Graduate Students Rights and Responsibilities to the executive committee of Academic Council. The document sets academic regulations governing MSU graduate students. The graduate council will again present a list of the proposed changes at next month's Academic Council meeting.

Survey reports average starting salaries

When education freshman Amanda McNutt decided to be a teacher, her thoughts were not about how much money she would make after graduation, but instead of her love for children and helping others. "I don't need to have the top car and biggest house," McNutt said.

Students target of RHA cancer pamphlet campaign

MSU Residence Halls Association will distribute cancer self-exam cards in on-campus resident mailboxes Jan.

Experts discuss state tax revenue

With Michigan's top three budget experts meeting today to estimate Michigan's tax revenue, Gov.

Rogers chosen to be on energy committee

Mike Rogers, R-Brighton, has been appointed to serve on the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce in the 108th Congress. Rogers' subcommittee assignments will be announced in the next few weeks. The committee, which was formed in 1795, provides principal legislative oversight related to telecommunications, consumer protection and food and drug safety. The committee also oversees public health, air quality and environmental health and the supply and delivery of energy, as well as interstate and foreign commerce.

Police briefs 01/14/03

Michigan writers, books featured in series

MSU students and faculty are invited to meet several authors and discuss their work for free on campus.

Senator tours state promoting security

U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., met with police and firefighters in Marquette Monday to address their concerns regarding homeland security. Stabenow spokesman Dave Lemmon said the round-table discussion was her sixth such visit to Michigan municipalities.

Budget woes force cut backs in TA positions

Aaron Naumann has seen the number of teaching assistants in his Integrative Studies for Social Science office cut in half.Last semester eight graduate students worked in his Berkey Hall office.

Union, school board square off in lawsuit

The bickering over the budget crisis in East Lansing Public Schools reached the legal level Monday.The East Lansing Education Association, the union representing East Lansing teachers, filed unfair labor practice charges against the East Lansing School Board - accusing them of breaking a state labor law.Union officials have pointed fingers at the school board, saying Superintendent Tom Giblin broke state labor laws by releasing budget plans publicly before they were presented to the teachers' union.

E.L. promotes recycling with new drop site

East Lansing residents again have an opportunity to turn their trash into reusable goods.The city reopened the Valley Court recycling drop-off site on Friday, located at Valley Court and Hillside Court.