Election task force calls for better training

The Michigan Task Force on Voting Reform, led by state Sen. Dianne Byrum, released a report Wednesday saying elections can be improved by increasing training and accessibility.After more than 30 hours of testimony were given at six meetings in the last six months, the 18-member, bipartisan task force released the report, “Voting Reform: A Report of the People,” which included recommendations for the state on how to reform elections.“I am very excited about these findings,” Byrum said.

Faculty members serve governor, environment

Two MSU staff members will once again be voicing their opinions on Michigan’s environment.David Long, professor of aqueous and environmental geo-chemistry, and Lawrence Fischer, director of the Institute for Environmental Toxicology, were reappointed to positions on the Michigan Environmental Science Board by Gov.

Students pack Union forum to learn more on Muslim faith

Paulette Granberry Russell knows the events of the last week have affected almost everyone she knows.She knew it had affected her 6-year-old son when he woke up one night with nightmares about being lost on a plane.And the senior adviser to the president for diversity knows it has negatively affected the MSU campus when she reads e-mail from Muslim students who are being harassed because of a perceived connection between the Islamic religion and Osama bin Laden, the man suspected of engineering the terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington.In an effort to educate students about Islam and break stereotypes about Muslim students, the Muslim Students’ Association hosted an Open Unity Forum Wednesday night.“I can’t express the extent of the (impact of the) events in my life,” Granberry Russell said.

Councilmember plans benefit breakfast for United Way fund

When East Lansing City Councilmember Bev Baten saw a group of children on the news come out of their school to cheer the firefighters in the station across the street, she realized it was important for East Lansing to honor its emergency workers. Planning is underway for “Breakfast for America,” a pancake breakfast to benefit the New York City United Way September 11 Fund and to showcase local rescue workers. The event will be held from 9 a.m.

Police briefs 09/20/01

State Senate brings U closer to tax credit refund

The state Senate voted Wednesday to repeal Michigan’s Tuition Tax Credit, bringing MSU students a step closer to rebates, refunds and reductions of tuition.The Senate voted 21-14 in favor of eliminating the tax credit, which served as an incentive for institutions to keep tuition increases below the rate of inflation.

Fraternity blood drive surpasses expectations

Sigma Sigma Phi, a medical fraternity in the College of Osteopathic Medicine, is sponsoring a blood drive from noon to 5:45 p.m.

Excutive business center prepares for opening

Amid the hum and dust of construction, four MSU students rubbed shoulders with professionals in their field Wednesday while getting a sneak peak at the James B.

3-D products show rise in customer satisfaction

E-commerce sites may not collect commission, but virtual sales agents may be more effective in selling products than their real-life counterparts. MSU researchers have found adding electronic salespersons and 3-D product images to e-commerce sites creates better customer satisfaction.

Womens Recruitment hopes for success

Women interested in becoming a part of the MSU greek system are encouraged to participate in women’s Recruitment, which begins today.Despite the terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington Sept.

Volunteers cleanup endeavor to focus on Grand, Red Cedar rivers

The Red Cedar and Grand rivers will be so fresh and so clean after Saturday.The MSU Sportfishing Club, the Mid-Michigan Environmental Action Council and the Lansing Board of Water and Light, 1232 Haco Drive in Lansing, are inviting residents to help clean the banks of both rivers.The project is part of the Adopt-A-River program, which has been working to clean the area rivers since 1994.Volunteers wishing to help the club’s cleanup of the Red Cedar River should meet at Sparty at 10 a.m.

Cycler goes coast-to-coast for pets

Driving across the country in a car can be a challenge in itself. But imagine riding a bicycle all the way from Santa Monica, Calif., to Washington, D.C. Lutrell Christian, a 1973 MSU graduate, is doing just than in an effort to raise $1 million for Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation in San Francisco.

State leaders raise funds

Lansing - State leaders stood on the Capitol steps Tuesday afternoon to lend support for breast cancer fund-raising efforts.Lee National Denim Day is an annual event by the Susan G.

U seeks students advice on energy problem

MSU administrators are asking for students’ help to solve energy problems facing campus. The Office of Campus Sustainability is seeking 60 students to participate in a Campus Energy Summit to be held in November. Terry Link, director for the Office of Campus Sustainability, said energy usage must be addressed. “We waste energy here left and right,” he said.

Discussion series clarifies meaning of on Alert for U

As the nation’s leaders continue to proclaim a “war on terrorism,” many students are wondering how they could be affected. Some of them received answers to their questions Tuesday during an informative session, “What Does It Mean for the Country to be on Alert?” presented by Lt.

McPherson to speak at RHA meeting

MSU President M. Peter McPherson will speak at an open forum today during the Residence Halls Association’s meeting.McPherson is expected to arrive at the meeting at around 8 p.m., and the forum will last about an hour.

Caf-II-Go choices garner criticism

University Housing has been receiving complaints from students about changes made to Caf-II-Go this fall, and officials say they are working to solve the problems.Bruce Haskell, residence halls food service coordinator, said students began to complain when Caf-II-Go reduced its vegetarian selection and changed its deli and salad bars to pre-made sandwiches and salads to make the experience faster and more convenient.

Study finds interaction differences

While black students have more contact with their professors, white students find faculty members more approachable, understanding and encouraging, a nationwide study found.The study, which was conducted in 1997, surveyed 1,755 students at universities across the country.

Rogers answers questions on attacks

Lansing - Veterans, young people and other concerned citizens turned out to ask questions and get reassurance.U.S.

Provost returns from travel limbo

MSU Provost Lou Anna Simon ended her stint as a “refugee” administrator and returned to MSU early Saturday morning. “I was at the airport for four hours on Friday trying to get a flight back,” she said. Simon was stuck in California after her Tuesday flight back from an American Association of Universities meeting was canceled due to the grounding of all domestic flights following last week’s terrorist attacks. She spent her extended stay chatting with colleagues from across the country. “There is no doubt that the security at the airport is dramatically different,” she said.