Senators debate airline

security legislation
WASHINGTON (KRT) — Applying pressure to the Bush administration Tuesday, a bipartisan group of senators urged the federal government to take over security at the nation’s 140 largest airports.
“I, for one, don’t think we should contract out our national security,” said Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, one of several senators to dismiss the competence of current airport security workers.
Lawmakers in the House and Senate have tried for the last week to work out a deal on legislation to step up airline security following the Sept. 11 terrorist hijackings.
By Tuesday night, however, an agreement had not been reached, and the heads of several airline security companies were lobbying members of Congress not to take their contracts away.
The most difficult and controversial issue is whether to federalize the airport security force responsible for screening passengers and baggage. A bipartisan group in the Senate favors that solution as a way to restore public confidence in the safety of air travel.

— Jill Zuckman

Chicago Tribune

‘Coming Out’ to celebrate
Beginning today, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Educational and Support Services Program will sponsor a week of events leading up to National Coming Out Day on Oct. 11.
The first event of the week, the “Make Your Voice Heard” postcard campaign will run through today. From 11 to 1 p.m. in the EMU Amphitheater, students can stop by the LGBT booth to write a postcard about the issues that matter to them. LGBT will mail the postcards to legislative representatives so they are received during the week of National Coming Out Day.
A full list of upcoming events will be provided next week.

— Compiled from Emerald staff