Prominent professor speaks about evolution

A prestigious Harvard professor will be on campus tonight to discuss the importance of evolution. Stephen Palumbi, a professor of biology, will be discussing the dramatic acceleration of evolution of pest and disease organisms and why it’s necessary for people to be alerted. The lecture, “The Social and Economic Impact of Rapid Evolution: Why Ignoring Evolution is Educational Malpractice,” is the second in a series coordinated by the Lyman Briggs School.

Land grant institution program chooses Bethel as new director

A new set of hands will be leading MSU’s effort to reach out to the state.Margaret Bethel was named director of MSU Extension, part of a national land grant institution program that attempts to apply research done on university campuses to the lives of citizens across that school’s state.

Environmental groups respond to quality report

Clean Water Action and Clean Water Fund are disclosing information on sewage overflows not reported by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. The environmental groups released a report Tuesday claiming the DEQ’s Web site fails to report 29 billion gallons of sewage overflows in the state. By law, the size of the overflow and all surrounding waters near it are required to be reported to the DEQ and local health departments. The law also requires the DEQ to post the information on its Web site. Bethany Renfer, program coordinator for Clean Water Action and Clean Water Fund, said the state total for sewage overflows is far more than what has been reported and communication between the health departments and the DEQ needs to improve. “We (filed Freedom of Information Act requests) with county environmental health departments and compared that to what is on the DEQ Web site,” she said.

City Council plans payment for lights

The East Lansing City Council will hold its final formal meeting tonight before the Nov. 6 council elections. The meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m.

Police briefs 10/16/01

Food Day panel discusses hunger

MSU will participate in the 18th Annual World Food Day today by showing a worldwide live teleconference and holding a panel discussion to address hunger and nutrition issues. “Any graduate or undergraduate student who has an interest in learning about what they could do to help fight hunger and end hunger would benefit from this event,” said Robert Glew, assistant director of the Center for Advanced Study of International Development.

American pride coming to car license plates

Secretary of State Candice Miller will begin accepting orders for the new “Proud To Be American” license plate today.Miller joined state Sen.

Rescuers get warm welcome from U

Several hugs were shared with New York City rescue workers among thousands of U.S. paper flags that consumed the stands of Spartan Stadium on Saturday. Rescue workers from New York’s fire and police departments were honored guests at MSU’s Homecoming parade and football game this past weekend and were the recipients of more than $100,000 in donations. At the football game against Iowa, marketing junior Ted Edginton watched as the New York firefighters and police officers left their seats by the side of the field and went up into the stands to give students hugs. “Students reacted so positively to the visiting New York City rescue workers,” he said.

Radio personalities discuss media role during crisis

The role the media should and does play in a national crisis, how media coverage shapes views of history and other standpoints on the situation following the Sept.

Sundae allots fans Homecoming feast

Friday’s issue of The State News lay covered in melted ice cream as community members celebrated the fourth annual Super Bowl Sundae on Farm Lane and Wilson Road.MSU Dairy Store and Dairy Plant employees filled a sanitized pond liner at 2:05 p.m.

McPherson to Legislature: Recent allocations unreasonable

Despite expected lower state revenues, MSU is asking the state to take a closer look at next year’s funding for the university.The MSU Board of Trustees approved Friday MSU President M.

Students often affected by domestic violence

Helen Dalton was a 36-year-old mother of two.But instead of watching over her children, a “silent silhouette” memorial to her watches over students entering Mason Hall.Dalton, a Grand Rapids resident, was shot and killed by her boyfriend last year.

Plover population shows slight rise

The number of piping plovers may not be plummeting.The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reported a slight rise in 2001 with 32 new nesting areas spotted in the Great Lakes area.Last year only 30 nesting pairs were counted.Jack Dingledine, Great Lakes regional piping plover coordinator for the U.S.

Gas price downward spiral gives relief

Okemos resident and MSU professor of family child ecology, Harriette McAdoo, said the $18 she spent on gas would give her almost a full tank. “I purchased gas I think it was the 12th and it was $30 to fill my tank, it was all I could do,” she said while pumping gas into her car Sunday at the Speedway, 6323 W.

Program offers alternative to typical weekend

Tailgating and football are typical events that occur during fall weekends on campuses across the nation.

Walk raises more than $5,000 for attack survivors

Thomas Rachman has been racing since he was a born - and Sunday was no exception.Thomas, 3, placed second in the Unity Walk and Run 5K and his dad placed an extremely close third.That’s because Steve Rachman pushed Thomas in a red racer stroller throughout the twisting 3.1 mile Pinecrest neighborhood course.“This is a way for us to be together,” Rachman said.

Inaugural safe schools week stresses precaution

Today kicks off the first Michigan Safe Schools Week with speakers, presentations and a “Best In Show” poster and project judging contest at the Capitol Rotunda from 10 to 11 a.m.As facilitator of Michigan Safe Schools Initiative workshops in the School of Criminal Justice, Audrey Martini said the purpose of the week is to have schools reassess safety measures and precautions.“It is to raise awareness of creating a safe learning environment, not just physical but mentally as well,” she said.A bulletin was sent to all Michigan school districts requesting they participate in the week by holding a contest where students create posters and projects that emphasize keeping schools safe.

New faces on RHA board reach out to U

MSU’s Residence Halls Association has recently added two new officers to its executive board.At its general assembly meeting Wednesday, Amy Sa’id was elected external vice president and Renisha George was elected community service chairperson.An external vice president’s job is to work with other residence hall organizations outside RHA, such as hall governments and caucuses.

Retailers ponder holiday shopping

Michigan retailers may need a crystal ball to determine whether to stock more merchandise or cut back from last year’s levels.The Michigan Retailers Association released a recent report saying 41 percent of stores are buying more, while 44 percent are buying less and 15 percent are staying at the same level.Tom Scott, spokesman for the association, said the expectations for this year are low.“(The economy) has been slow all year long, and the events of Sept.

ASMSU backs acts with ribbons for U

In an effort to spread awareness to the masses coming in for Homecoming weekend, members of ASMSU, MSU’s undergraduate student government, will pass out 60,000 purple ribbons in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.Last Thursday, Student Assembly passed a bill to allocate up to $1,000 from a Special Projects Account to support a rape awareness campaign.ASMSU’s Student and Academic assemblies last month passed a joint resolution to work to keep the campus safe and free of rape.Melanie Olmsted, College of Social Science representative for Student Assembly, created the bill and thought this would be a good way to show support.“The ASMSU community took a stand against rape and violence and this is an opportunity to put their words into action,” Olmsted said.Olmsted said the cost wouldn’t reach $1,000 and that her idea is separate from the other events occurring to support domestic violence awareness.