Environmentalists criticize state

The Michigan Environmental Council released its second report Thursday criticizing the work of the state Department of Environmental Quality.The report, “Continuing Dereliction of Duty: How Michigan’s Environmental Agency Defies the Law and the Public,” was released by a coalition of 20 environmental agencies that say the department is not doing a good enough job protecting the environment.The 20-page report is the second released by the council.

Rogers named majority deputy whip

U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers R-Brighton, has been named the majority deputy whip in the U.S. House of Representatives.Rogers, who started his term in January, noted in written statement that it is rare for a freshman to be named to the leadership position.He will be responsible for representing the upper-Midwest and the freshman class among Republican leadership.Rogers also submitted testimony Wednesday to the House Budget Committee, urging consideration of his proposal for a federal tax-free college and technical education savings accounts.

Software allows U to access information offline

A new type of free Internet software may make it easier for students and faculty to research online. The software, called “q,” allows Web browsers to save Internet links in groups and refer back to them even after connection to the net has been terminated.

Alumni visit inspires students, bridges gap

Three successful alumni retraced their paths from college to career while visiting campus last week.Jack Epps Jr., Juli Betwee and John Scott presented a panel discussion for students and faculty Friday morning as part of the second annual College of Arts and Letters Alumni Leaders Program.“The thing that impresses me is how inspiring the leaders are and how they related their experiences with students,” said Patrick McConeghy, associate dean of the College of Arts and Letters.Epps, who co-wrote several movie scripts, including “Top Gun” with the late MSU Professor Jim Cash, said he hoped to show students there are no limits to success.“It’s important to see people with experience so you can gauge where you want to go,” he said.

Date auction breeds cash, fun

As the price of one date with William Griffin mounted from $50 to $80 to $100, LaTorsha Hill repeatedly threw her hand in the air, bidding more and more money Friday evening at National Pan-Hellenic Council’s Spring Date Auction.

Healthy U helps asthma sufferers manage disease

Although asthma can be a serious disease, doctors know it’s manageable.MSU’s health promotion program, Healthy U, sponsored Breathing For Life on Friday at the Union.

Poetry ignites pride, honors black history

LANSING - Congas, bongos and poetry echoed through a downtown coffee shop Friday during a poetry slam to honor Black History Month.

LCC panel questioned over programs

LANSING - A four-person panel at Lansing Community College was bombarded Friday by questions and objections about the possible elimination of six programs from the college curriculum.

Graduate employees hope to bargain collectively

A petition bearing the signatures of more than 900 graduate employees was filed with the Michigan Employment Relations Commission on behalf of the newly formed Graduate Employees Union at MSU.

U.S. representative joins list of governor hopefuls

U.S. Rep. David Bonior has added his name to the growing list of Democratic candidates likely to run for governor. Bonior, D-Mount Clemens, said Saturday he was “more than 90 percent sure” of a run while meeting with delegates from the Macomb County district he has represented since 1976. “After 10 years, the Republicans are short of ideas, they’re low on gas and, thank God, they are almost out of time,” Bonior told the Associated Press. Bonior said his potential gubernatorial campaign would focus on improvements to the environment and schools. The congressman’s name brings the list of potential Democratic candidates to five.

Rainy weather causes flood conditions

Sparty needs more than a helmet and gown to protect him - he needs waders and an umbrella. After a period of unseasonably warm weather and rain, the largest freestanding ceramic statue in the world is battling a lake of rain and melted snow creeping up Red Cedar Road. Other areas surrounding campus aren’t faring much better.

Senate approves amendment to change pay raises

With a 34-0 vote, the state Senate passed a proposed constitutional amendment Thursday that would change the way Michigan lawmakers receive pay raises.With the amendment, lawmakers would have to approve pay raises or increases in expense allowances.

ASMSU strives to alter tuition guarantee

After last year’s attempt to alter the MSU tuition guarantee, ASMSU plans on taking a different approach for changing the policy in 2001.ASMSU’s Academic Assembly unanimously passed a measure Tuesday suggesting a change to the guarantee.

Diverse music acts will make up National Folk Festival

The sound of music will be alive in East Lansing with fiddlers, whistlers and bongo and guitar players.MSU Museum and city officials have selected the first seven performing groups to be part of the grand finale for the National Folk Festival’s three-year run in the city.

Bell pledges to be spokesman

In an effort to defeat the University of Michigan in a one-on-one competition, the MSU Senior Class Council has called on Charlie Bell to sink the game-winning shot.Bell, a senior guard on the men’s basketball team, agreed to become the official spokesman for the council’s annual Senior Class Giving Campaign this week.

Mentors volunteer to assist community

LANSING - Jacqueline Coleman is taking the first step at giving back to a volunteer program that gave her so much. “I’ve had mentors in the past,” said Coleman, an MSU graduate.

Dinner with McPherson up for grabs in auction

Dinner with MSU President M. Peter McPherson may be an option for students attending the School of Hospitality Business’ Big Ten Auction on Saturday.

Olin tells U what causes colds

While doing everything you can to avoid catching sick germs, escape to the cold and snow outside. Yes, that’s right.

Police briefs 02/09/01

Writers to be honored

The names of four successful journalists have come a long way from the published page. Their names will be added to a list of 98 others who have been inducted into the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame since its inception in 1985.Former Detroit Free Press journalists Barbara Stanton and the late Bob Talbert will be inducted April 21, along with Ben Burns, formerly of The Detroit News and the late Charles Cain III of The Associated Press.Stephen Lacy, chairman of the Hall of Fame committee and director of MSU’s School of Journalism, said the committee had little difficulty selecting this year’s inductees.“Most nominees aren’t inducted the first time they’re nominated, but in this case, all four of these were in their first year,” he said.