Oregon Daily Emerald

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	Leaving his (land)mark Michael Lamont developed the Bijou Art Cinemas into Eugene's only venue for independent films by Trevor Davis Michael Lamont's hobby of showing films on the University campus would eventually turn into a Eugene landmark. Lamont, who died Dec. 22 at age 62 of Lou Gehrig's disease, opened the Bijou Art Cinemas in 1980. Moviegoers can still watch indie films at the theater, which is housed in an 83-year-old chapel at 492 E.
	New plan offers students free tuition New financial aid program will allow qualifying low-income students to attend UO tuition-free by Allie Grasgreen The University jumped ahead of the financial aid pack this month when University President Dave Frohnmayer announced a new comprehensive financial aid program unheard of among Oregon public universities. PathwayOregon will allow low-income students who are Oregon residents and meet certain eligibility requirements to attend the University tuition-free.
	Resource fees to be added to tuition costs by 2011 Fees will be included in the 'sticker price,' letting students see the full cost of their education up front by Allie Grasgreen By 2011, Oregon university students will no longer be caught off-guard by resource fees not included in the cost of tuition. The state Board of Higher Education on Friday approved a plan to eliminate all resource fees in an effort to create more transparency for students.
	Arena could earn more than originally anticipated Independent audit shows arena could generate up to $15 million annually by Ryan Knutson A highly anticipated independent audit of the University's basketball arena project shows promising estimations about how much revenue the arena could generate. The research, conducted by consulting firm CSL International of Texas, says the arena could earn between $9.
	Civil unions halted after challenge from Arizona group Judge suspended the law after religious group challenged decision to dismiss signatures on a petition by Jason Reed Same-sex couples across the state had planned to celebrate the legalization of domestic partnerships on Jan. 2, but they were forced to change those plans after a judge suspended the ability to file for the partnerships, which grant them many of the same rights and legal protections as married couples.
	Budget hearings to begin this week Process expected to be smoother than in years past; few hearings to involve lengthy debate by Robert D'Andrea Every program, department and contracted service funded in part by student dollars will each spend at least 30 minutes before the Programs Finance Committee during the next six weeks when the panel holds annual budget hearings. Committee members said they expect the process to be smoother than in years past because of a clear model for determining budgets and only a couple of hearings expected to be contentious.
	Condon Hall closed due to ruptured steam coil In brief by Jason Reed Students scheduled for classes slated to meet in Condon Hall rooms 260 and 360 will have to relocate to new classrooms scattered around campus because of a ruptured steam coil. University maintenance decided to close the rooms for the first two weeks of the term, and will be finding "inventive places" to relocate students enrolled in the 35 classes affected, said Mike Jefferis, assistant registrar for classroom scheduling.
	Eugene reclaims title of Track Town USA In brief by Bryn Jansson Eugene's resurgence as Track Town, USA will continue through at least 2012. USA Track & Field chairman Craig Masback announced Dec. 12 that Hayward Field will be the host of the 2009 and 2011 U.S. Outdoor Championships and the 2012 Olympic Trials. The 2009 U.
	Hunter pleads not guilty in shooting of UO student In brief by Jill Aho The hunter accused of shooting 21-year-old University student Jesse Solomon McLaughlin pleaded not guilty to two charges related to the incident in Lane County District Court on Dec. 7. Derek Eli Madsen, 29, of Veneta, faces felony hunting from a vehicle and assault with a firearm charges in the Oct.