School board decides to grant field trips on case-by-case basis

Students looking to end the East Lansing School District’s ban on travel received a promising sign.But the green light could still turn red depending on Superintendent Tom Giblin’s decision.“We are still going to ban trips out of the United States, but the other trips are going to be reviewed on a case-by-case basis,” Giblin said.The reversal came during Monday night’s school board work session, and in response to East Lansing High School students’ concerns.

State figures gather to raise consciousness

In an effort to raise awareness about education, health care, civil rights and the state of the economy in the black community, a group of Michigan’s most notable figures gathered Monday night during two panel discussions.The 2nd Dialogue for Action, titled the “State of Black Americans in Michigan” was held at Lansing’s Bethlehem Temple Church, 1500 S.

Residents help E.L. see the Big Picture

Bruce Veltema took time away from seminars to sit down and have a snack.The East Lansing resident had attended a seminar on commercial development during Saturday’s Big Picture event.The Big Picture was held at Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbott Road, and gave East Lansing residents the chance to get involved in the city’s comprehensive plan for the future.Veltema attended the event so he could see what his neighbors had to say about the issues in the community, he said.“They wanted input from the people, what we’d like to see in the future,” Veltema said.

Super Bowl party features more cucumbers, less dip

When Super Bowl XXXVI kicks off at 6 p.m. Sunday, some will sit on a salon chair instead of a couch. Steven L.

ASMSU fills Human Resource positions

ASMSU’s Student Assembly applauded its new director and assistant director of Human Resources after they were appointed to the positions last week.

Candidates use Web for voter-outreach

The Internet is one of the fastest ways to get information these days, and this year’s gubernatorial candidates are taking advantage of voters’ need for speed. “It certainly makes us more accessible and more approachable,” said Democratic contender Alma Wheeler Smith, state senator from Salem Township.

U students try to keep healthy despite tough months of winter

Jesse Bookless rarely gets sick. But when the history and philosophy junior does, his life turns upside down.“I have a sore throat, I get dizzy if I stand up too quick and yesterday I had the ‘dog cough,’” Bookless said.But he is trying to beat the normal seven-to-10-day virus that affects college students each year.

U offers free virus-protection software

As a new computer virus makes its way through computers on campus, Computer Center officials are preparing to release the latest virus protection to MSU students. Beginning today, MSU students will be able to download the 2002 version of Norton AntiVirus Professional Edition from the Computer Center’s Web site - for free. The software was obtained through a deal negotiated by Symantec, makers of Norton AntiVirus, and an academic group comprised of the Big Ten universities and the University of Chicago.

Police briefs 01/29/02

Police briefs 01/29/02

Pesticide concerns slow apple industry growth

Apple season is over across Michigan but Bernie Tennes still has work to do in his orchard.The owner of The Country Mill, 4648 Otto Road in Charlotte, continues to tend his trees in January to keep up with an industry that already has passed up many of his colleagues.“I’ve talked with a lot of people, and they are looking at down the road and they don’t see a future,” he said.

Court gives college police authority

Hope College police officers can enforce laws off campus, the Michigan State Court of Appeals ruled this month. MSU’s Department of Police and Public Safety officers already can make arrests in some off-campus areas - but they don’t do it often, said MSU police Assistant Chief Jim Dunlap. Dunlap said MSU police can make arrests in any county where MSU has land, but typically they stay in the campus jurisdiction. Holland-based Hope College is a private institution that does not have a public law enforcement agency, so deputized officers are hired to work in Hope’s department, Dunlap said. “MSU police gain authority through the Legislature,” he said.

Malcolm Xs daughter to speak on campus

As part of the Black History Month Kickoff Program, Malikah Shabazz, daughter of slain militant activist Malcolm X, will speak on campus Thursday. With Black History Month approaching, various events have been organized throughout February to celebrate the month. Shabazz organized the National Organization of African Studies in America, which mentors high school and college students.

Police briefs 01/29/02

Program asks volunteers to watch court

A new domestic violence court watch program, organized by the Capital Area Family Violence Coordinating Council and MSU Safe Place, will observe people involved in both circuit and district court cases. “Our goal is to get a better response and awareness about domestic violence within the court system,” said Alyssa Baumann, volunteer and advocacy coordinator at MSU Safe Place.

Federal bill establishes stable interest rate for students loans

After a long conversation with her family this weekend, Betsy Newman decided she needed help paying for college. The interior design junior said she receives half of her college money from her parents and works three jobs to pay the rest. “I was going insane,” Newman said.

Senate to look into securing U.S. border

In response to pressure from Michigan’s two U.S. senators, the U.S. Customs Service announced Thursday that it supports a reverse inspection program along the northern border and southeast Michigan as a way to alleviate cross-border congestion and security concerns.

Study abroad fair Wednesday

MSU students interested in running with bulls in Pamplona, watching the change of the guard in London or riding giant tortoises in the Galapagos Islands have another chance this semester to learn about it from people who already have. The second MSU Study Abroad Fair of the year will be held Wednesday.

Lansing, GM given excellence award

Lansing School Board President Jack Davis traveled to New York on Friday to accept an Excellence in Pubic/Private Partnership Award at the U.S.

Beer Belly Syndrome weighs down 1-in-5, leads to health problems

A recent study says that having a “beer belly” could be a more serious problem than just people not being able to see the shoes on their feet.Metabolic syndrome, also known as “Beer Belly Syndrome,” is a condition often associated with a cluster of health problems ,including a beer belly, high blood pressure, poor cholesterol readings and high blood sugar.