Activists Uncaged

Notorious eco-warrior Rodney Coronado is warning animal researchers at MSU and elsewhere that they are being watched and targeted by the radical environmental movement. But don't expect Coronado to be the one lighting the fire. Rather, the 37-year-old who spent 57 months in prison for firebombing MSU research laboratories is traveling the country and inciting a new generation of militant environmentalists to carry the torch. "Our direct action is more necessary now more than ever," Coronado said during a phone interview last week from his home in Tucson, Ariz.

10-year-old Young Spartan program aides local elementary schools

When the students of Forest View Elementary wanted a new mascot, they looked to their student council, made up of fourth- through sixth-graders who meet and organize charity drives through the school.

Gov. looks at $1.3B deficit

Michigan legislators have returned from a two-week recess to a state budget deficit still reaching the $1 billion mark.

Faculty conflict policy proposed

The University Committee on Faculty Affairs is working to establish a policy to hold faculty members accountable for interests that could interfere with university business. A faculty conflict of interest policy was drafted and presented to the Faculty Council last week, but was deferred until fall semester to allow more faculty input. At the meeting, faculty members expressed concern about the language of the policy and a requirement to sign a letter of compliance each year. The university currently does not have a conflict of interest policy.

Peru economist to speak at ceremony

One of Time magazine's 100 most powerful and influential people in the world will speak at 7 p.m.

Rock, religion attract teens

It's Christianity for another generation. At least that's the goal of Teen Mania Ministries, a national Christian organization seeking to promote Jesus Christ to young people around the country. The organization's Acquire the Fire festival spent the weekend in Breslin Center, drawing middle school and high school students from all over the state. "It's a radical punch in the face of Jesus," said Richee Parks, a conversation series manager for the ministries, which puts on about 30 similar festivals around the nation. The organization realizes that young people are wary of organized religion but in search of spirituality, Parks said. Facial piercings, oversized or loose jeans and casual T-shirts were no problem for teens at this religious event. The festival featured speakers who hope to inspire teens to live out Christian ideals in their lives and live bands with Christian messages played to rock tunes.

Assembly announces new student center plans

In his election speech last week, new ASMSU Student Assembly Chair Andrew Schepers announced that he planned to work toward a new student center on campus, working with a current plan for a free-standing multicultural center. "With plans for restructuring the Union and the 2020 Vision plan, it's time for a new student center on campus," he said. The 2020 Vision plan discusses possible new buildings on campus.

Police briefs 04/27/04

Unicyling pastor returns

The unicycling pastor is back in town. Lars Clausen, a former pastor at East Lansing's University Lutheran Church, was at Hannah Community Center on Saturday to talk about his experiences unicycling across the country and back. One of the major lessons Clausen said he learned on his trip was the importance of hospitality among strangers. "When you're on a unicycle or bike, you can't get away from anywhere quickly," he said.

Study rates fear of terrorism

A statewide study compiled by MSU researches found that racial and social minorities in Michigan more likely are to be concerned about another terrorist attack than non-minorities. A report of nine compiled State of the State Surveys, quarterly studies by MSU's Institute for Public Policy and Social Research, found that blacks, Latinos and women were more likely to be "somewhat" or "very" concerned about the possibility of another terrorist attack than their white male counterparts. Darren Davis, co-principal investigator of the study and a political science professor, said the researchers had not expected race to be a determining factor in any of the study's findings. "We didn't set out to find race, and so we were very surprised to see it had such high affects," he said. The nine surveys took place over a two-year period in the wake of the Sept.

Organic growing topic of new online network

A new network now is available as a reference tool for organic farmers and those considering a transition to organic-growing practices. The New Agriculture Network, available at www.ipm.msu.edu/new-ag.htm, will feature advice from MSU Extension staff members, crop updates and a newsletter throughout the growing season.

RHA honored

The East Lansing City Council recently commended the Residence Halls Association for providing alcohol-free programs on campus to MSU students. RHA's on-campus programs include Campus Center Movies shown at Wells Hall, special events including concerts and lectures and various Health and Safety programs. "I believe it's important to show that this university is more than just getting drunk and partying," RHA President Ernest Drake said. Drake said the commendation is a pat on the back for the organization.

ASMSU seeks representative appointments to fill empty seats

The number of representatives sitting around the table at Academic Assembly meetings could increase on Tuesday. Assembly Chairperson Dan Weber announced late last week that appointments for empty seats, generally conducted at the beginning of the fall semester, would be done at Tuesday's meeting. "If there are people who want to be on the assembly now and they're willing to do it, there's no reason to wait four months for them to get on and get to work," Weber said. Only nine seats were filled during the March election, leaving about 20 seats open.

Expo displays women's products, businesses

Lansing - In a corner of the Lansing Center banquet hall on Sunday, two women put up their feet to receive pedicures, while in another area, a group of people watched a woman cook vegetables. More than 200 booths and exhibits were set up at the Mid-Michigan Women's Expo that took place Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

'U' attracted by 'extravaganza'

Light streamed through the greenhouse ceiling, warming the visiting students and community members who looked over the array of flowers at the MSU Horticulture Club's 16th annual Spring Show this weekend. The show highlighted different gardens from around the world with its "International Garden Extravaganza"-themed show.

Coalition tries to unite E.L. residents

More than 150 residents, business owners and East Lansing officials gathered Saturday night at the Wharton Center as part of a fund-raiser to help improve relations between students and the city's permanent residents. The East Lansing Community Relations Coalition, a nonprofit organization, raised more than $4,000 during its second annual "A Taste of East Lansing" fund-raiser.

Assembly elects final leaders

Now that Student Assembly members have spent time changing ASMSU internally, new Student Assembly Chairperson Andrew Schepers said he is looking toward a "horizon" of university changes. "Some of these are long-term goals, but you won't get anywhere if you don't start right there on the front lines," he said. Schepers spoke Thursday night, when he ran unopposed for a chair position of MSU's undergraduate student government.

Math department to hold award ceremony

The Department of Mathematics will hold its 2004 awards ceremony on Tuesday from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Faculty Folk luncheon to be held on Friday

The Faculty Folk Spring Luncheon will be held on Friday from noon to 1 p.m. in the University Club, 3435 Forest Road.

Past protests discussed

On Saturday, former Vietnam War and civil rights protesters, administrators and police officers gathered to talk about their experiences with previous social unrest at MSU. The East Lansing Historical Society sponsored the event, which drew community members of all ages to the Hannah Community Center to relive the era. Tom Wibert, East Lansing police deputy chief and member of the Historical Society, put together the event on civil disobedience.