New rental design unveiled

The Taco Bell on Grand River Avenue might be getting a new neighbor - an updated building design for the Bailey Street site was discussed Wednesday at East Lansing's planning commission meeting. "We have unit designs that are not found in this rental area," said David Krause, one of the plan's developers. Corey Partnership, the project's developer, had similar plans for the same area turned down by the East Lansing City Council last November.

Snowshoeing, hiking, at area nature center

Bundle up for the Winter Wonderland event at Harris Nature Center, 3998 Van Atta Road. The center will host winter hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on Saturday from 10 a.m.

Chemistry classes at Impression 5 museum

Impression 5 will host the Saturday Chemistry Series beginning Feb. 5 until May 7. Middle school students will gain hands-on experience in a real chemistry lab setting.

Tax plan could help some businesses

Gov. Jennifer Granholm released her business tax restructuring plan today, aiming to help businesses in Michigan.

MSU investment group visits NYC to mingle on Wall Street

Rubbing shoulders with Wall Street's finest are 16 members of MSU's Student Investment Association, or SIA.

MTV cast member to address black issues

The Black Student Alliance, or BSA, is presenting a program to address the importance of Black History Month at 6 p.m.

Guide helps prepare citizens for natural disaster, terrorism

Duct tape, batteries and non-perishable food are just some of the things people should have in their homes in case of an emergency. The Emergency Preparedness Guide was released Wednesday by the U.S.

Local restaurant to open doors, offer 'retro' atmosphere in February

A new retro-style restaurant is moving in on Grand River Avenue in an effort to break the streak of failed businesses in that location. The Jukebox Grill, 1017 E.

Simon asked to aid Lansing commission

MSU President Lou Anna Simon is working to increase MSU's presence locally and nationally. In response to budget cuts and a reduced population in schools, Lansing Mayor Tony Benavides appointed Simon and another co-chairperson to create the Special Commission on Schools and Neighborhoods. Benavides appointed Simon during his 2005 State of the City address Monday. The group will be composed of Lansing-area leaders and administrators from local schools.

Speaker series addresses United States, Israel relations

When MSU President Lou Anna Simon introduced former U.S. Ambassador to Israel Dennis Ross at Kellogg Center Monday, it was one of two firsts. It was the first time Simon introduced a speaker as president of the university, and Ross was the first speaker in the "Conversations on U.S.-Israel Relations" series. His visit kicked off the series of speakers sponsored by the Hillel Jewish Student Center and the Greater Lansing Jewish Welfare Federation.

Students: N. Tier bus rides too long

It's slow going from the Northern Tier to campus - problems with crowded buses and traffic conditions have concerned some residents. "A lot of times it takes 40 minutes to get to class when it should take 10," English junior Amanda Gardiner said.

Students to participate in robotics competition

Okemos High School senior George Karagoulis said he's fortunate because he already knows what he wants to do with his life - he wants to be an engineer. Which is why Karagoulis, 18, is excited to be a member of Team 1504-Spartan Robotics, an engineering-inspired club that is gearing up to build a 120-pound robot capable of moving 9-pound weights to a designated goal. "It's a major undertaking," Karagoulis said of the group challenge.

ASMSU officials focus on budget concerns

ASMSU's programming and funding boards received additional money this year, some student government officials are concerned about the two committees' financial stability. In past years, both undergraduate student government boards used up their budgets before the end of the spring semester. In fact, in 2004, the groups spent their entire funds before March and requested an additional $10,000 from the Student Assembly because they ran out of money. To ensure that student groups have money to hold events, and to give to student organizations in 2005, the boards have been given about $30,000 more, and officials say they are confident they won't run out of money. The programming board funds specific student events on campus, and the funding board provides money to registered student organizations. On the programming board, about 20 students represent various campus groups or organizations, such as the University Activities Board.

Supplement safety debated

The Institute of Medicine called for tougher regulations of dietary supplements this month, and local residents and business owners have mixed feelings on tightening the guidelines. Under The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act signed in 1994, The Food and Drug Administration currently does not regulate supplements on shelves unless they are proven to have adverse consumer complications.

Profs discuss tsunami issues, implications

MSU faculty from multiple areas of study discussed the Dec. 26 tsunami and its impact at an educational forum on Tuesday. At the event, students and the general public asked questions, and faculty addressed misconceptions concerning the disaster.

Changes to writing, integrated studies programs suggested

The task forces on Integrated Studies, writing and quantitative literacy presented Academic Council with their final reports at Tuesday's meeting. The task forces were created to make recommendations to improve programs in the three areas. "MSU is already strong in all these areas, but we have to keep moving forward," acting Provost John Hudzik said. Jim Porter, chairman of the Writing Task Force committee, outlined the committee's findings and recommendations about the Tier I and Tier II writing programs. In the Tier I program, the task force committee recommended extending the writing requirement from one semester to a year-long course.

Physicist teaches origami

Laser physicist turned origami master Robert J. Lang taught the basics of the ancient paper-folding art to a crowd on Tuesday night in the Main Library. The group learned to make a duck out of a single piece of paper. "For a beginner workshop, you have to start with something simple," Lang said.

Simon gives talk to local women's club

In one of her first speeches as the president of MSU, Lou Anna Simon told local businesswomen about her goals to make the university an integral part of the community. "We're going to try and chart a different course," she said.

Lansing Center to host vet conference

MSU's College of Veterinary Medicine and the Michigan Veterinary Medical Association will sponsor this year's Michigan Veterinary Conference on Friday through Sunday at the Lansing Center, 333 E.

Police briefs 01/26/05