DCL, Cooley expand to Grand Rapids area

Two area law schools are expanding west. Lansing-based Thomas M. Cooley Law School will offer classes at Western Michigan University's downtown Grand Rapids Graduate Center beginning in May. In addition, MSU-Detroit College of Law is offering a third-year advanced securities regulation course at Grand Valley State University in Allendale. Both schools also plan to develop more classes in the future. "Grand Rapids has been a steady supplier of students in the Lansing area since we have opened," said Don LeDuc, Cooley president and dean. Until recently, LeDuc said he didn't think Grand Rapids had a large enough population to support a Cooley program.

Recently-elected lawmakers ready to get work done

Like a typical first day of class in a new semester, the first session of the Michigan Legislature will include lawmakers getting acquainted and picking out their seats for the rest of the term. And while many of those legislators bring years of experience to the Capitol today, members of the House will be seeing several new faces - including some who are in their 20s. At 22, state Rep.

Having a cow

Amid the nasal sounds of cows voicing an occasional "moo" and herdsman coaxing preoccupied heifers into the milking parlor, Mina struggled through a difficult, nearly four-hour labor, finally giving birth to a baby boy - or male calf - at MSU's Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center.

Granholm holds retreat

In her first Cabinet retreat Tuesday, Gov. Jennifer Granholm intended to tackle the state's biggest crisis - the budget - and still emerge with new programs. By the end of the daylong retreat, Granholm hoped to emerge with 10 ideas from her 79-page plan that she could implement without making the budget crisis worse. Before her election, Granholm and running mate John Cherry drafted the document, entitled "Securing Michigan's Future," detailing their plan. "Our main goal is to identify low-cost or no-cost programs," Granholm spokeswoman Mary Dettloff said.

Trustees may switch to election

MSU trustees will decide at Friday's meeting whether they can elect their next leader. Under a proposal by Trustee David Porteous, board members would elect a trustee to serve a two-year term as chairperson.

Police offer academy for interested citizens

People interested in learning more about police work can do so from 7-8:30 p.m. every Tuesday at the MSU police department. Each Tuesday until March 25, the department will hold a citizen's police academy, said MSU police Sgt.

Chorale needs voices

MSU students and East Lansing residents have a chance to test their octaves and vocal chords today. Auditions and interviews for the MSU Choral Union's spring season will be held at 6 p.m.

Debate over neon signage nears last call

Michigan's Liquor Control Commission remains in the middle of a battle for equal rights over the use of neon signs within the state's bars.The commission is expected to move on the issue following its Wednesday meeting.The Michigan Licensed Beverage Association and bar owners from across the state presented their arguments to the commission in early December for the right to hang neon signs advertising beer.The current regulation, supported by the Michigan Beer and Wine Wholesalers Association, prevents businesses serving alcohol in the state of Michigan from advertising the beers they serve via illuminated neon signs.

ASMSU still lacking top director

A candidate being considered for a top position within ASMSU has withdrawn his name from consideration.Andrew Schepers, a candidate for association director of the student organization, said Sunday that he would rather commit his time to his other responsibilities as a member of MSU's undergraduate student government."I have no wanting to continue.

Police briefs 01/07/03

Bernero: Dems will have stronger voice

With a new position as state senator and a new Democratic governor, Jennifer Granholm, state Sen.

E.L. council to discuss fees

The East Lansing City Council will hold a public hearing today to decide if the city should implement a maintenance fee on telecommunication companies - bringing $50,000 into the city annually.Residents will receive a chance to voice their opinion for the Metropolitan Extension Telecommunications Rights-of-Way Oversight Act at 7:30 p.m.

Black caucus fund-raiser to benefit group retreat

Case Hall Black Caucus will shake up the MSU party scene with their third annual fund-raising event "Shakefest 2003," at 10 p.m.

Students, AAA concerned over rising gasoline prices

With gas prices on the rise in the state, some students are fuming. "I'd drive a lot less.

Consultants to assist Pi Kappa Phi

Two consultants from the national council of Pi Kappa Phi will travel to East Lansing this month to assist with ongoing development of the embattled MSU chapter.The consultants will work with the group from Jan.

Cafs wants students to eat healthier

Health programs promoting moderation when piling hamburgers and chicken nuggets on cafeteria dinner plates this semester have undergone slight changes.

RHA ups awareness, improves its image

MSU's Residence Halls Association wants students' attention. The association is toying with the idea of distributing flyers, placing more ads and creating events that will draw the public and also benefit charities.

4 students nominated for Truman Scholarship

Kevin Glandon said he surprised himself when he knew what to say at his interview for the Truman Scholarship. "I realized when they asked me all these questions, I have answers," the international relations and political theory and constitutional democracy senior said. He must have answered correctly. Glandon, along with three other MSU students, were nominated based on their public and community service achievements - and could each win $30,000 for their continued education. General business administration and pre-law senior Kelly Averbeck, international relations and finance senior Jared English, international relations and chemistry senior Andrew Goetz and Glandon applied for the scholarship in November and will revise their applications in late January before they enter into the Harry S.

Myers, Hughes to speak at fund-raiser

Dee Dee Myers and Karen Hughes, two political opponents from the White House, will speak at two fund-raising events for MSU's Michigan Political Leadership Program Feb.

DCL students improve success on bar

The MSU-Detroit College of Law had 87 percent of their first-time applicants pass the Michigan Bar exam in July, the second highest passing rate in the state. The score is six percent above the state average and is second only to the University of Michigan Law School, which had a 94-percent passing rate.