American Indian tribes compete on campus

Members of American Indian tribes from across the country are coming to Jenison Field House to compete against one another in traditional dancing, drumming and singing. The North American Indigenous Student Organization, or NAISO, is hosting the 24th annual MSU Pow-Wow of Love this weekend. "We love to have students of every background — it's not only fun, but it's educational," said Allie Sturk, a NAISO member and ASMSU's director of racial, ethnic and progressive student affairs. Any kind of event that advocates diversity and culture is important, she said, especially after the passing of Proposal 2, which banned affirmative action in the state. Don Lyons, another NAISO member, said many people's only knowledge of American Indian culture is connected to casinos. He said the powwow can serve as an introduction to tribes with rich histories and traditions. "Student have no idea that American Indians are still here," he said. The powwow dancing, drumming and singing ceremonies have traditional significance and purpose, said NAISO fundraising chairman Jeff Gargoshian. "We believe that the creator gave us this way of life," he said. Some ceremonies, for example, are done when "a feather drops," Gargoshian said.

Quenching the economy

While Michigan's $800 million deficit is thirsty for dollars, one nonprofit corporation is looking to dry the public's palette by raising a tax on beer. The Center for Michigan, a nonpartisan think-tank, has created "Eight Ideas to Structurally Change How Michigan Does the Public's Business in These Difficult Economic Times." The plan, which has been developed for months, gives ideas to alter both spending and taxation. Aside from an increase on the beer tax, the plan also calls for the creation of a soft drink tax. Executive director John Bebow said the current beer tax is "reaching irrelevance." The $6.30 tax per barrel of beer hasn't changed since 1966.

ASMSU to discuss Prop. 2, election in meeting today

At tonight's ASMSU Student Assembly meeting, the assembly will discuss the state's affirmative action ban with MSU administrators and elect its new vice chairperson for external affairs. ASMSU is MSU's undergraduate student government. Vice President for Student Affairs and Services Lee June and Director of the Office for Affirmative Action, Compliance and Monitoring Paulette Granberry Russell will attend the meeting at ASMSU's request to discuss the effects of Proposal 2 on the university. "It's a great idea," said Allie Sturk, director of racial, ethnic and progressive student affairs for ASMSU.

Police briefs 02/08/07

Serving a community for 20 years

Lansing — Planned Parenthood celebrated 20 years of service in the Lansing area Wednesday. A fondue dinner at the Michigan Women's Historical Center, 213 W.

State, MSU to develop alternative fuel plans

Lansing — MSU faculty gathered with the Michigan Senate Economic Development Committee on Wednesday to discuss how the university and state can become leaders in a post-petroleum economy. This is the first of many committee meetings throughout the next few months. The transition to a bioeconomy is crucial for Michigan to survive, which was made evident by the State of the Union and State of the State addresses, said Steve Webster, MSU's vice president of governmental affairs. "Those leaders identified the bioeconomy as an area of growth for our country and state," he said.

State of the State draws mixed reviews

Despite a combined $3 billion deficit looming over Michigan, Gov. Jennifer Granholm said the only way to get out of the state's economic crisis is by investing more in the economy. "If we are to revitalize Michigan, we … must invest in our people and diversify our economy," Granholm said Tuesday, during her State of the State address.

Garbage imports overcrowd landfills

Michigan is a desirable location for garbage exports from around the world. But the dirty habit of making cash from other people's trash has left the state with little capacity in its landfills. A report filed two weeks ago with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, or DEQ, estimated Michigan landfills have 18 years of space remaining in them. "It's certainly a concern for us," DEQ spokesman Bob McCann said.

Police briefs 02/07/07

Career fair features nontraditional jobs

For some students, the opportunity to solve the world's problems beats the allure of a typical 9-to-5 white-collar job. During the MSU Call to Serve Fair, such students will have a chance to explore their career options with nonprofit organizations and government and public service programs.

MSU celebrates Black History Month

The former president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, the Rev. Joseph Lowery, will speak about "Weapons of Mass Deception" on Thursday. Civil rights activists such as Lowery risked their lives, fortunes and families to better society, said Pat Grauer, a spokeswoman for the College of Osteopathic Medicine. Lowery, who co-founded the SCLC with Martin Luther King Jr., was the first recipient of Boston University's Martin Luther King Award and delivered eulogies at Rosa Parks' and Coretta Scott King's funerals. "It really says a lot about the way the civil right community holds him in esteem," Grauer said.

Homeless shelter could close

Lansing — Walk through the doors of the New Hope Day Center and you will hear plenty of conversations and some laughter, as well as feel warmth. On a day when the weather is just a few degrees above zero, anywhere with heat is comforting — something the clients of New Hope are looking for.

Police briefs 02/06/07

Council plans city's future

The final East Lansing Comprehensive Plan will be presented to City Council tonight — the culmination of five years of work. The plan establishes guidelines for how the city could develop more homes, businesses and apartments in the future.

Officials warn of possible fire, safety hazards when heating residences

Now that the cold weather has finally set in, Rachel Burke and her six roommates are working to minimize their hefty heating bill. "Right when we moved into this house in August, our heating bill would be around $10 per person.

Elections aim to fill 32 open ASMSU seats

This spring's ASMSU elections give students a chance to represent their colleges and fill more than 30 vacant seats. Any undergraduate can vie for a seat on ASMSU's assembly to represent his or her college for the one-year term.

Association to present views on war

The Muslim Students' Association will hold a discussion today about the situation in Iraq. At the meeting, speakers will present the perspectives of the Muslim world, President Bush and the anti-troop increase.

Bike clinic offers tune-up tips

By James Andersen For The State News Tim Potter has a simple piece of advice to all bike riders on campus: "Always keep your (bike) chain lubed." Potter, the marketing and sales coordinator for the MSU Bikes Service Center, put on a basic bicycle tune-up clinic Saturday. The session is the first in a spring series.

Green Week offers chance for collaboration

By Julie Baker The State News For one MSU student and an MSU alumnus, the gloom and doom predictions of global warming offer more than bad news — they offer a challenge. The MSU Bio Diesel Project will be producing fuel using products commonly found in the kitchen during a demonstration at 7:30 p.m.

Hall of fame honors MSU female journalism staff

It was the 1974 football season, the first year women were allowed in the press box at Notre Dame stadium. Then-reporter Sue Carter was sent to cover the game against MSU for a small Lansing radio station. But she wasn't allowed into the locker room. "I had brought a male friend with me, and I gave him my tape recorder and a list of questions and sent him in," said Carter, now an MSU journalism professor. Women have made strides for equality in journalism since then. This year, four women — including Carter and Cheryl Pell, another School of Journalism faculty member — and one man will be inducted into the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame. "Great progress has been made, but even greater progress is to come," Carter said.