DeHaan improves from tough competition

It's been an important few weeks in the development of freshman center Allyssa DeHaan. First, she had the task on Dec.

Prognosticators

MSU men vs. Illinois 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Breslin Center, CBS TK — The Spartans looked like a much different team Wednesday at Breslin Center than the one that got bounced at Iowa and Indiana.

Stores benefit from rebate, warranty offers

Millions of people braved weather conditions, waited in long lines and potential financial ruin this holiday season to search for the perfect gift for their loved ones. Chances are that many found themselves wandering the miles of aisles at one of several major electronics retailers and facing important questions about their purchases at the check-out line. Holiday retailing mainstays such as Best Buy, Circuit City, Target, Staples, Wal-Mart and Meijer make a lot of money during the heavy consumer season, convincing customers to commit to a few of their proverbial favorite things: warranties and rebates. Although the two items are pretty prominent for sellers and consumers alike, little is really known about the nature of each.

Calendar of events

Martin Luther King Jr. and Black History Month Exhibit • January-February • Main Library, west wing, third floor • In conjunction with the MSU Museum, the library is hosting an exhibit focusing on literacy as a step toward empowerment. ShowTyme at MSU • 8 p.m.

Ground covered since King's time

One thing Martin Luther King Jr. didn't mention in his "I Have a Dream" speech was a deadline. He never said he wanted his dream accomplished in an hour, a year, or even by 2007.

MSU horticulture group helps clean up New Orleans City Park

Sixteen months after New Orleans was devastated by Hurricane Katrina, a group of MSU horticulture students and faculty made what they thought was going to be a small difference. For some, it turned out to be much more. In August, MSU horticulture Professor Art Cameron returned to campus after a national horticulture meeting in New Orleans. His description of disaster and sadness inspired more than 40 students and faculty to make the trip to New Orleans in December to lend a hand to a city in need. The group spent about a week collecting and sorting the hundreds of pots that had scattered everywhere and cleaning up a greenhouse at New Orleans City Park that was under more than 10 feet of standing saltwater. Students also helped clear brush and wood, install benches and fixed greenhouse fans.

Football player gets jail time

Through tears, former MSU football player Bobby Jones learned he'll be spending the next four weekends in jail Thursday for throwing an empty bottle of Captain Morgan on a 20-year-old woman. The incident happened at the Chandler Crossings apartments on Oct.

Embrace classes in many fields to expand your mental horizons

What are we doing in college? It seems most students would answer they are here for one reason: to get a career.

Resident recalls E.L.'s past

The year is 1921. John Patriarche steps outside his 525 M.A.C. Ave. house and sees nothing but swamps and woodlands.

China's pollution levels severe

Six of the 10 most polluted cities in the world are in China, one MSU researcher said. This is a problem for Jack Liu, who was born there and now studies the impact of economic growth on the environment. "Now, more and more people are realizing the importance of the environment to humans," said Liu, the director for MSU's Center for Systems Integration and Sustainability. Liu said economic development is important, but comes at the expense of the environment.

Will of people must not be ignored by university

The voters approved Proposal 2, a ban on some affirmative action programs, in November. I fail to see why Michigan's universities and major cities continue to ignore the will of the people and waste even more of our ridiculously high taxes on legal challenges rather than using it to reduce our tuition.

Bush: 21,500 more troops to Iraq

President Bush's announcement that he is sending more troops to Iraq sets up the first major test of wills between his Republican administration and the new Democratic-controlled Congress.

Police briefs 01/11/07

Gray's big day

For the first four minutes of Wednesday night's Big Ten home opener against Northwestern, it appeared MSU would continue the same poor play it exhibited in road losses to Iowa and Indiana. Lazy passing and offensive fouls caused the Spartans to turn the ball over six times in the game's first four minutes, allowing the Wildcats to jump out to a 5-0 lead. But the Spartans soon shook off the cobwebs and coasted to a 66-45 victory. Sophomore forward Marquise Gray finally put MSU (14-4 overall, 1-2 Big Ten) on the board with 15:35 left in the half, sticking his hand into a passing lane for a deflection, then chasing down the loose ball to finish with a dunk. "When (Northwestern guard Craig Moore) threw the ball, something in my head said, 'Go!' and I went," Gray said.

MSU law school should have anticipated protest

As an MSU College of Law student, I am embarrassed by what happened during Rep. Tom Tancredo's visit.

New Mich. law bans traditional blue license plate

The retirement of the standard Michigan license plate has some Michigan motorists feeling blue. "It's the Michigan tradition," said Lauren Still, a no-preference freshman.

Minimum wage to increase nationwide

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill Wednesday that would increase minimum wage in the United States for the first time in 10 years. But the proposed act may have little effect on Michigan businesses because state jurisdiction covers smaller businesses, while the federal covers businesses that gross more than $500,000, said Georgia Harris, with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth. Harris added that when the state minimum wage is higher than the national level, it then covers all businesses, including those that gross more than $500,000. U.S.

Push limits this semester; don't give up when things get tough

Welcome back, Spartans! It's a new year and a new semester, which means a fresh start for us all.

Homeless pose threat inside parking structures

The casual observer just does not fully understand the problem the homeless of East Lansing pose to guests of the city's parking structures.

No. 20 MSU looks to stay perfect in Big Ten against No. 13 Purdue

Despite all its recent success, the MSU women's basketball team has never opened the Big Ten season 4-0 under head coach Joanne P.