A political science symposium featuring Detroit Free Press columnist and reporter Dawson Bell will be held in the Reynolds Recital Hall in the Hedgcock Building this Friday, Oct. 5. Bell covers state politics and policy in Lansing for the Free Press. He is an alumnus of Northern Michigan University and earned his bachelor’s degree in 1977. Bell will talk about current state issues such as higher education taxes, budget bills for universities, tax bills, the recent government shut-down and the future of the state, said David Haynes, a political science professor and coordinator of the symposiums.. This symposium is one in a continuing series hosted by President Les Wong and the department of political science, Haynes said.”The symposium will cover a broad range of issues,” Haynes said. “We will have some on international affairs and federal issues.” Right now the symposium is focusing on state and fiscal issues and things that are currently affecting the lives of people in Michigan, he added. The symposium is scheduled to be held from 3 to 5 p.m.