Thursday, April 9, 2026

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MICHIGAN

Deficit reduction might call for sacrifices

Whether the federal government is forced to default or a deficit-reducing plan allows for the raising of the nation’s debt ceiling, citizens ­— from students to the retired — could be forced to make sacrifices because of the federal government’s financial woes.

MSU

Study abroad continues to operate

University officials said today MSU’s study abroad program in Japan continues to operate smoothly despite a 7.0-magnitude earthquake that hit off the country’s northeast shore last week.

FEATURES

Alumnus up for ESPY as Best Male Athlete with a Disability

At 29 years old, Aaron Scheidies, the reigning world paratriathlete champion and MSU alumnus, has competed in more than 150 triathlons and often travels the country telling people about how he overcame adversity. His success in the world of triathlons has positioned him for a 2011 ESPY Award nomination — which will air on ESPN at 9 p.m. Wednesday — in the Best Male Athlete with a Disability category.

COMMENTARY

Tenure reform lacks effective metrics

Lawmakers and the governor are attempting to send ineffective teachers to the principal’s office, but it’s the legislators who need the time-out. Four separate bills, all approved by the state Legislature June 30, would change the tenure process for teachers in an attempt to retain more quality teachers.

NEWS

Fresh Experience

Lansing resident Sean Dunham sat beneath a tree in Valley Court Park yesterday watching his son Barron, 3, practice twirling a hula hoop around his arm, stopping occasionally to grab a handful of fresh-picked blueberries from the carton his father just purchased. Dunham, his wife Jennifer and their two children, Barron and Caroline, 17, spent the afternoon resting in the shade after a morning of shopping at the East Lansing Farmers Market, as they often do on Sundays during the summer. “It’s always interesting to see what (the vendors) have in the stalls,” Sean Dunham said.

NEWS

Innovation act looks to energize Mich. research

U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., thinks Michigan soon could be the advanced battery capital of the world, and she came to MSU Friday to announce an initiative that would help the state realize this potential. Stabenow chose MSU’s Energy and Automotive Research Laboratories as the site to unveil her Battery Innovation Act — legislation focusing on creating advanced battery development opportunities and jobs throughout Michigan and the U.S. “What’s exciting is we’re taking what we’ve always done very well, which is make things, and combining that with the research and development of new technologies,” Stabenow said. The Battery Innovation Act would work to spur the nation’s research and development and increase the production of advanced batteries.

NEWS

Medical school plans U.P. expansion

Students attending MSU’s College of Human Medicine, or CHM, could have additional opportunities to train in communities across the state after college officials announced their plans to expand the college’s Upper Peninsula campus last week. The college is examining the possibility of partnering with three additional hospitals across the state’s northern region, in the process training more medical students. Currently, most students — about 10 per year — complete most of the third year of their rotational training at Marquette General Hospital, 580 W.

MICHIGAN

Former MSU instructor held hostage

For about four hours, former MSU instructor Steve Helderman was held hostage Thursday by a Grand Rapids man who shot and killed seven people the same day. The whole time, Rodrick Dantzler never took his finger off the .40-caliber handgun he used to kill his wife, child and eventually himself, Helderman’s brother Tom Helderman said.

FOOTBALL

Devoted Spartan remembered by friends, family

To those who knew him, no one was as devoted to MSU as William Faunce. Simply called Bill by his friends and family, the former MSU sociology professor and chairperson had a connection with the school from a young age, something he carried with him until his death from liver cancer July 3 at the age of 83.

BASEBALL

Boike makes debut with Lugnuts

Through his first week with the Lansing Lugnuts, former Spartan Eli Boike has put up a .250 batting average in three games, hitting 3-for-12 from the plate. The former Spartan has added two RBIs and walked once while going without an error in the field.

NEWS

Bill looks at effectiveness prior to layoffs

Most college graduates looking to enter the field of teaching don’t worry about finding a job. There are so many schools and so many students that teachers always are in demand, Lauren Blakely said. But holding on to that teaching job is a graduate’s biggest concern, the history senior said.