Word on the street

"As it's continued on, I've probably gotten more anti-war. It seemed like a good idea at the time." Ainsley Elder linguistics freshman "I probably have stronger feelings against it than I did when it started." Ella Rakowski microbiology senior "I'm more against it as things have become more clear about the intent, and the actual carrying on of the war." Scott Dombrowski international studies junior "My opposition to the war hasn't changed a whole lot.

Council looks for student speakers

The deadline for seniors to apply to speak at the May 4 undergraduate commencement is 5 p.m. Friday. To apply, submit five copies of your proposed speech and application to the Senior Class Council in 101 Student Services. For more information, visit www.commencement.msu.edu.

Athletic training may become major

When Lindsey Coleman graduates in May, she may be one of the last MSU students to graduate with a bachelor's degree in kinesiology with a specialization in athletic training. That's because the 27-credit specialization may be disbanded and become a major. "So many people are into physical therapy, and physician assistants and various medical professions," Coleman said.

Act might boost trips abroad

MSU could be at the forefront of a rush to grab federal dollars that would help send students overseas. Legislation to get one million U.S.

State Republicans worry Granholm's budget plan to release prisoners threatens safety

A get-out-of-jail-free card could be handed to about 5,000 "low-risk" prisoners by the end of the year if legislation proposed by Gov.

Columnist John Bice discusses new book

If you read The State News, you're probably familiar with the name John Bice. The freelance writer and MSU alumnus writes columns for The State News that often provoke a mix of praise and criticism from his readers.

WEB EXTRA: Gender identity proposal moves to board

A proposal to add gender identity to the university's anti-discrimination policy was unanimously approved by Academic Council Tuesday.

MSU hires new college spokesman

MSU College of Human Medicine's expansion into Grand Rapids is becoming more evident as university officials hired a former state representative as spokesman. Jerry Kooiman, a Republican who represented Grand Rapids from 2004-06, began working on an interim basis as The Secchia Center's director for community affairs in February. His position was cemented in the college earlier this month. Denise Holmes, associate dean for the college, said Kooiman's extensive connections in Grand Rapids made him the prime candidate for the job, which will involve briefing community leaders about the status of the project and representing MSU in West Michigan. "We thought he'd be an effective spokesperson for the medical school," Holmes said.

Mortgage plan saves green

The idea of buying their own homes may seem daunting to new college graduates. But there is a little-utilized mortgage program that can make the decision easier for anyone looking to get started building home equity right away. It also can help green-leaning homeowners limit their impact on the environment. An Energy Efficient Mortgage, or EEM, allows homeowners to borrow up to 15 percent more on their mortgage than the home's appraised value.

MSU responds to group's criticism

Critics of an MSU's disciplinary program said they're confused by the university's response in reviewing the program. In February, MSU officials said the seminar was an optional punishment for students found violating a university regulation. The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, or FIRE, said the Student Accountability in Community Seminar stifles students' constitutional rights and demanded the program's termination, prompting the university review. The accountability seminar was presented by officials from Student Life and MSU Safe Place at a 2002 Association of Student Judicial Affairs' International Conference, which FIRE's president, Greg Lukianoff, attended. "Every day they run the SAC (Student Accountability in Community) program, they're violating the Constitution of the United States," Lukianoff said. In a March 7 letter to the foundation, Lee June, MSU's vice president for Student Affairs and Services, responded to the criticism by saying "For those students who have been sanctioned through the judicial process, we see no problem in their participating in the SAC program." "Students will not be required to enter this program as the only sanction for a violation, but it will be offered as an option," he wrote. But Lukianoff said his organization is "trying to figure out what the letter actually meant." "It wasn't very clear," he said.

WEB EXTRA: 'Mr. East Lansing' John Patriarche dies at 89

Former East Lansing City Manager John M. Patriarche, a man known to the city as "Mr. East Lansing," died Sunday.

WEB EXTRA: MSU College of Law wins moot court competition for 2nd consecutive year

Knowing how to think quickly, maintain clear body language and face adversity are three main components in becoming a well-prepared lawyer. Just ask third-year law students Sean Caruthers and Susan Lumetta, MSU's Moot Court & Advocacy Board representatives who took first place at the 2007 Robert F.

Service tax: TV ads speak out against Granholm's proposal

To prompt opposition to Gov. Jennifer Granholm's proposed 2 percent tax on services, a duo of Michigan business groups launched a campaign to attack her initiative. The Michigan Chamber of Commerce and the Michigan Association of Realtors, or MAR, launched the 30-second commercials, which have aired across the Lansing area since last week. The theme of the campaign is "Give Governor Granholm Your 2 cents." People don't understand how great of an effect this excise tax would have on them, said Brad Ward, director of public policy and legal affairs for MAR. "We would like the state government's restructuring policy to save the citizens money, rather than balance its problems on their back," Ward said, adding that the companies have discussed broadening the base of the ads. The proposed service tax is part of Granholm's plan to eliminate the state's combined $3 billion budget deficit. According to the Michigan Department of Treasury, the proposed tax would generate almost $1.5 billion in revenue by taxing about 132 services — many associated with transportation, business and finance. Implementation of the tax would cost a middle-class family of four about $69 a year, according to Terry Stanton, director for the Michigan Department of Treasury. If the service tax were adopted, Michigan would have a tax system that's not in step with the rest of the country, according to a study by the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and Anderson Economic Group. "Many of the negative features of the governor's plan could be remedied if the 'excise tax' on business-to-business service purchases and the asset tax were eliminated from her plan," the study said. But Granholm's proposed taxes and budget cuts would allow Michigan to continue investing in education, health care and other import programs for the future, Stanton said. "This proposal was put forth by the governor ... because it combines government restructuring and some pretty significant budget cuts that would provide the state with the revenue that it needs to invest in itself," he said. Granholm has encouraged other ideas for solving the budget crisis, but no one has put anything on the table, said Liz Boyd, Granholm's spokeswoman.

Tobacco tax: May increase revenue later this year

The tax on cigarettes and other tobacco products may be reduced significantly when the next fiscal year begins Oct.

Police briefs 03/20/07

Posh pups dazzle Lansing

Lansing — Gallivanting to MC Hammer's "U Can't Touch This" and shining in this season's sharpest fashions, the canines in Old Town's Studio 1210 had a moment to sparkle Sunday during the second annual Gone 2 the Dogs Spring Fashion Show. About 20 dogs donned handmade designs by Gone 2 the Dogs owner Jana Nicol, who organized the show last year for something to do. "I was just looking for fun things to do for people to enjoy and to laugh," she said. A $5 admission helps finance the Robert P.

Hockey club wins national championship

Not being recognized by the university doesn't keep the 25 players who make up the Spartans' club hockey team from playing with green-and- white pride. The MSU club hockey team beat Davenport University, 5-4, on March 11 after defenseman Jeff Marley's overtime goal to win its second American Collegiate Hockey Association Division II national championship in the last three years. After splitting with Davenport in the regular season, but losing 7-3 in the Great Midwest Hockey League final, the Spartans knew they would be playing the role of the underdog. "We knew we would have to jump on them early and quickly," said John Perkovich, food industry management junior and team captain.

Students discuss Asian American stereotypes, culture

By Summi Gambhir For The State News Asian American students at MSU know the stereotypes: They speak with broken English.

Event marks start of war, local opposition

Tuesday marks the fourth anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq. A "Peace Chain Against the War" will be formed from 5-7 p.m.

Vigil protests Iraq war, honors activist

By Lauren Talley For The State News Lansing — Anti-war posters, upside-down American flags and rainbow-striped banners covered a fenced-in portion of the sidewalk outside the state Capitol on Friday to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the Iraq war and to remember Rachel Corrie, an American activist who died working for peace in the Middle East. The vigil, hosted by The Greater Lansing Network Against War and Injustice, was held in concurrence with Friday's Christian Peace Witness for Iraq events, which are held across the country and in Washington to bring people of Christian faith together in opposition to the war. Roughly 40 citizens gathered for the vigil, one of the weekly nonviolent Iraq war protests the network holds.