WEB EXTRA: Candidates for Ingham County state Senate seat speak on economy, education at public forum

Most of the candidates for Ingham County's state Senate seat agreed that the most important issues facing the position are jobs and the economy, as well as education. About 30 people gathered at the Trinity African Methodist Episcopal Church, 3500 West Holmes Road in Lansing, to hear the candidates speak in a public forum where audience members could ask questions on Thursday night. A candidate from each party will be chosen in a Feb.

WEB EXTRA: Murder suspect gives conflicting responses during police interview

Claude McCollum was questioned two days after Lansing Community College professor Carolyn Kronenberg was murdered in her classroom Jan.

1 hit wonder band produces decent 3rd album

Wheatus' new album won't change the world, but it will put some smiles on teenage faces. The Long Island-based band is best known for the 2001 catchy hit "Teenage Dirtbag" and has stayed true to its poppy garage rock sound on "TooSoonMonsoon." The new album is the band's third full length — "Suck Fony" was released in 2005, but that was just a reissue of the second album "Hand Over Your Loved Ones" with two new tracks. The most striking aspect of the band always has been, and still is, the high-pitched voice of Brendan B.

Turin bound

Most MSU students can only watch the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin from the comfort of their nearest TV set.

Sorry, MSU my heart bleeds orange

Now that I'm stuck in Spartans Country, I try to ignore the "ILL!" "INI!" chants when it creeps up into my eardrums. But sometimes I can't help it.

Individuals different; needs to be choice

In regards to the recent abortion issue letters, I feel the need to express my opinion on the topic. As a man, I believe the only people who should decide whether or not abortions are legal or morally right should be the women it affects.

Big point margins help team earn wins

Keeping it close isn't that much fun. Blowout wins are boring. For the No. 15 MSU women's basketball team, it takes a deficit to really get its motor running. The Spartans seem to be at their very best when they're down by 10 points or more.

Get what you pay for

When you think about paying thousands of dollars for college every semester, $3 is not going to make or break a student's financial status. But how that extra $3 is used is still important. The MSU Residence Halls Association, or RHA, and ASMSU are each requesting a $3 student tax increase.

Vision for a village

It's just a plan. It doesn't make anything happen. There will be no bulldozers massing on the outskirts of Cedar Village next week. Hoping to reassure property owners worried about potential redevelopment in the East Village, city officials have repeated that mantra for months. It's just a plan. But when the East Lansing Planning Commission unanimously adopted the East Village Master Plan on Wednesday night, they took the first in a series of steps that could reshape 35 acres of some of East Lansing's most valuable land — and most notorious student housing — in the next 10-20 years. "I'm relieved," Commissioner Richard Hill-Rowley said afterward.

Weekend roundup

The happenings on MSU sports. FRIDAY • Gymnastics vs. Ball State and Bowling Green MSU is 6-4-0 and competes in Muncie, Ind., in the Cardinal Classic at 7 p.m. • Wrestling at Northwestern Records: MSU: (4-5-0 overall, 2-2-0 Big Ten), Northwestern: (8-4-0, 3-2-0) Senior captain R.J.

WEB EXTRA: Lerg's controversial goal lifts MSU past Ohio State, 4-3

The No. 10 MSU hockey team extended its unbeaten streak to five games Thursday night beating Ohio State, 4-3, in Columbus, Ohio. "It's a big win obviously," MSU head coach Rick Comley said in a radio interview after the game.

Bernero asks city for budget tips

By Amy Oprean For The State News Lansing — Mayor Virg Bernero is asking the public for help with next year's budget. As part of a four-stop tour of Lansing, Bernero met with residents at Letts Community Center, 1220 W.

Knowles as student gives him great edge

It is time for the 69th District to elect a new voice to the Michigan House, and John Knowles is right guy for the job. Knowles wants to fight for East Lansing's economy, protect our property rights specifically the East Village and, most important, revive the educational system.

Boiler-breakers

MSU head coach Tom Izzo wanted his team to play better defense. Check. He wanted them to do it without falling prey to foul trouble that has plagued it at times this season.

Actors Ford, Bettany discuss new movie, roles, future plans

"Firewall" stars Harrison Ford and Paul Bettany took some time to talk with The State News and other college newspapers about their recent movie.

Police briefs 02/09/06

The Bartender: Hot Sugar Rum

February is a frightful month in Michigan. It's cold, and usually involves a lot of ice and snow.

Happenings

Arts Tonight: Peppermint Creek Theatre presents "Assassins" the musical, Feb.

ASMSU is selling out its constituents with Mobile Campus service

ASMSU's Student Assembly, a student government body elected by and serving the students of MSU, has voted to head down a new path: corporate advocacy. Bill 42-60 allows Student Assembly to pursue a contract with Mobile Campus Inc., a private, for profit, campus text-messaging service.

Feminist, pro-choice views incompatible

I found Sarah E. Hunko's letter "Women need choice over their bodies" (SN 2/06) about abortion to be hypocritical.