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Democrats divided on issues of faith, family

INDIANAPOLIS -- At the Democratic Leadership Council's fifth national convention last week, the pro-business centrist group focused on how to bring socially conservative voters into the fold. While the 650 or so in attendance harped on the liberal wing of the party for alienating constituents, they had few kind words for those across the aisle. Many speakers -- including Terry McAuliffe, chairman of the Democratic National Committee -- delivered stem-winding speeches to the party faithful at the Westin Hotel in downtown Indianapolis June 16.

IUPD Blotter

Mouse pads and Heismans

On the road to the Heisman Trophy, Oregon's Joey Harrington has a $250,000 10-story high billboard in Times Square. Antwaan Randle El has mouse pads. Hey, they're neat mouse pads. Colorful and bright, they boast IU's quarterback-turned-receiver as a "Heisman Trophy Frontrunner." So does the 2001 IU football media guide, front and center. In fact, Randle El's figure, some red flowers and the Sample Gates cover the cover. Six other Hoosiers got to share the back cover.

Bad weather blessing

Everyone just loves to complain about Indiana's weather. Whether it's seeing your breath in May, enduring freezing nights in June, sixty-degree days in January or latent winter snows, no one ever seems to be satisfied. Criticisms ring through the countryside louder than Hoosier Basketball.

Homecourt advantage?

Coach Mike Davis is happy he had to endure just a 45-minute bus ride for the Big Ten Tournament. Senior Dane Fife and Tom Coverdale hope for high Hoosier fan turnout, and Jared Jeffries' family won't have to fly, something the sophomore fears. For IU, there are plenty of positives regarding the Big Ten Tournament moving to Indianapolis for the first time in its five-year history.

Jackson lashes out

NEW YORK -- Multiplatinum singer Michael Jackson, already feuding with his record company, charged Saturday that the recording industry was a racist conspiracy that turns profits at the expense of performers -- particularly minority artists. "The recording companies really, really do conspire against the artists -- they steal, they cheat, they do everything they can,'' Jackson said in a rare public appearance. "(Especially) against the black artists."

Singer R. Kelly pleads not guilty to charges

Singer R. Kelly pleaded innocent on Wednesday to child pornography charges stemming from a videotape authorities say shows Kelly having sex with an underage girl. Kelly made no other statement at his arraignment.

'Talk Talk Talk' about the '80s

Drugged out disco decadence

Council OKs funds to seek grant

Plans to convert the McDoel switchyard into part of the city's alternative transportation plan were kept on track last night. The Bloomington City Council gave final approval for the appropriation of $200,000 to help seek federal grants to aid in the development of the project. The McDoel switchyard is currently owned by CSX and has been deemed a "key project" in the city's alternative transportation plan that was passed two weeks ago by the council. The city would like to convert the railyard into a 2.25 mile long bike and pedestrian pathway which would provide a route into the downtown area.

Benson's campaign comes to an end

For former IU basketball star Kent Benson, swishing a jump shot was far easier than being away from his family. Benson put an end to his pursuit of Indiana's Secretary of State office last week, saying he wants to spend more time with his family.

Saying 'aloha' to a leader

The Hawaiian word "aloha" can be used as a greeting, a farewell or to express love. When IDS publisher Dave Adams first came to IU 13 years ago to teach journalism courses and supervise the IDS and the Arbutus yearbook, students and staffers said "aloha" to a man with a strong journalism background. After graduating cum laude in English with a journalism concentration from Washburn University in Topeka, Kan., Adams became a high school teacher and student press adviser to award-winning publications.

Around The Campus

Debate cancelled The debate between the College Democrats and Republicans scheduled for 7 p.m. today in Alumni Hall is postponed indefinitely. Chancellor to sponsor campus forum Chancellor Sharon Brehm will sponsor the third forum in an ongoing series exploring methods of prosecution for terrorists in the wake of Sept. 11. The forum, "Bringing the Terrorists to Justice: Where and How Should the Prosecutions Proceed?" will be held at 7 p.m. Feb. 6 in the School of Law Moot Courtroom.

Police conclude investigation of cause of Korona's death

The freshman who died last month of head trauma struck his head on a metal door frame minutes after performing a keg stand at Theta Chi fraternity, police said. The prosecutor said charges will not be filed. Seth Korona, 19, died Feb. 4 of bleeding in the brain caused by the trauma, Monroe County Coroner David Toumey said. Korona attended a Jan. 27-28 party at Theta Chi, was hospitalized Jan. 29 and was in a coma until his death.

Responsibility, not illegalization

Caffeine, nicotine, THC, ecstasy: Have you had your dose today? It seems like each generation is accused of delving into extreme drug use. But the highest rate of drug consumption was in 1979, according to the Drug Enforcement Agency. Regardless of statistics, there is no escaping the debate over alcohol and drug abuse, with the dividing line resting on responsibility. Most blame the sellers, but much lies at the steps of our capital. By labeling certain substances legal (alcohol or prescription drugs), the government implies a false sense of security for their use, while preventing helpful drugs like marijuana.

Investors prepare for warnings

This week, investors will look at the National Association of Purchasing Management Index and the Labor Department's unemployment number for March. The NAPM number is scheduled for release Monday and is considered one of the best indicators of the condition in the factory sector. A reading above 50 is considered a sign of expansion, while a number below 50 signals economic contraction. The unemployment figure is scheduled for release Friday. Economists are calling for the unemployment rate to rise slightly to 4.3 percent.

Senior Mack redshirts

It was just a friendly soccer pickup game. On a warm summer night senior midfielder, then National Player of the Year candidate, Ryan Mack was on staff at IU's annual summer camp for high school soccer players.

Jessica

Heading to lay-offs on a good note

The IU men's track and field team was victorious this weekend. The Hoosiers defeated Big Ten foes Ohio State and Penn State at home Saturday. IU is 3-0 heading into a two-week lay-off. The meet had good performances including three more NCAA provisional marks.

Friends remember student at service

A memorial service was held this past Saturday at Whittenberger Auditorium for Helen Walker, who died after being struck by a drunk driver in May. "Don't stop thinking about Helen, or talking about her. If we all do this, the memory of her will live on," said Townsend Teague, close friend and theatrical colleague of the late student.