Granholm guarantees funding for higher ed

Michigan's universities and colleges will receive at least $3,650 per student under the fiscal year 2006 budget passed by Gov.

Burning Bush

Terrorism. War. Scandal. Hurricane disasters. What's next, Mr. President? Blow up the moon?

Restricting MI gas prices won't help

I enjoyed reading Kris Turner's article, "Proposal could restrict raising gas prices," (SN 9/26) and the corresponding editorial "Pumped up" (SN 9/27). Both pieces were well-written and make great points that I don't need to restate. However, the issue that I have yet to see addressed is that this legislation to make Mondays the only legal days to change gas prices will not eliminate the madness at the pump, but instead add to it. When prices are not free to change as market conditions dictate, the result is higher overall prices.

MSU splits weekend games on the road

After falling to Minnesota on Friday the MSU women's volleyball team bounced back on Saturday, defeating Iowa, 3-2. The Spartans (9-5 overall, 2-2 Big Ten) were led by senior setter Mickey Davis who posted a floor-high 74 assists against Iowa.

Spartans pick up win at end of trip

After suffering a 5-1 loss to Purdue on Friday, the MSU women's soccer team knocked off Indiana 1-0 on Sunday to salvage a split on their weekend road trip. Sophomore forward Breana Ballard provided all the offense the Spartans (5-3-3 overall, 1-1-0 Big Ten) would need on Sunday, beating Hoosier goalkeeper Lauren Fabbro low into the left corner just moments before halftime to net her first career goal. "It's real exciting to finally get one, especially today," Ballard said in a written statement.

Jazz renewed

Herlin Riley misses his home. The New Orleans born-and-raised resident's house was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina and now, in the aftermath, his extended family is spread out across the country, all waiting to return home together. Riley, along with two other New Orleans artists, Don Vappie and Peter Martin, paid homage to their home and the music they love in "A Tribute to New Orleans," a classical and jazz concert held by the MSU School of Music on Sunday at the Wharton Center. "For the last month, my life has been turned upside down," said Riley, a New Orleans musician who took refuge with his sons in northern Louisiana.

Racial harmony is taught through unlikely source: 'Desperate Housewives'

Anyone who knows me knows I'm an unabashed fan of ABC's "Desperate Housewives." I didn't jump on the bandwagon after the first episode - I knew this show was going to be good when last fall's new season was announced. My love for the show increased tenfold when it was announced Alfre Woodard would be joining the cast.

Spartans' fast start was slowed by their rivals to the Southeast

They seemed invincible. Minus the criticism that came from the planting of a Spartans flag in the middle of Notre Dame Stadium, the act itself showed the Spartans making a statement.

Teams will keep fans interested during playoffs

The baseball playoffs are finally upon us after a long and grueling season that came down to the final day for four different teams. The Boston Red Sox knew they were going to have a shot at the playoffs; they just didn't know whether it would come after Sunday or after a one-game playoff against the Cleveland Indians today. But after the Chicago White Sox successfully knocked off the Indians early Sunday, the Red Sox knew they were in the playoffs and it didn't matter if they won their game or not. The Indians' loss guaranteed the Red Sox the wild card for the third straight season, the same wild card they won last year before winning the World Series. For the Indians, the season ends in disappointment.

Christian hell warning not form of terrorism

Etienne Fields went too far in the letter "Threat of being sent to hell is terrorism" (SN 9/23). Christians who try to share their faith (and thus, the belief that Jesus is the only way to heaven) are not terrorists.

News coverage of disasters bent to hit home, loses humanity

I'm ashamed to admit my first reaction after hearing about Hurricane Rita. "Oh, man," I said to a few friends as we sat around a bar table.

Morgan gives verbal commitment to MSU

Raymar Morgan, one of the premier basketball prospects in the class of 2006, verbally committed to play at MSU.

America needs leaders who care about world

What is being overlooked in the recent rash of hurricane activity and subsequent disasters in the Gulf Coast is not who is to blame now, but who is to blame in the past.

Wolverines kicker gets second chance and puts away Spartans

After Garrett Rivas let a 27-yard field goal sail wide right that would have given the Wolverines a late fourth-quarter lead, head coach Lloyd Carr asked him what he did. "He said, 'I just pushed it,' Carr said.

Monday musings

• Texas Tech has given Pat Knight, son of current men's basketball coach Bob Knight, a five-year contract to replace his dad once he retires. No word yet if MSU has made a similar promise to Tom Izzo's 5-year-old son, Steven. • You could say the Tigers limped to the finish line of another disappointing season this weekend.

Police briefs 10/03/05

Crime rate consistent with rivalry weekends

With 36 people in the East Lansing jail Sunday morning, officials from both the city and campus police are saying the game against the University of Michigan on Saturday was busy - as usual. "There was a lot of foot traffic, a lot of alcohol violations," East Lansing police Sgt.

MIDDAY UPDATE: Bush nominates Miers to Supreme Court

President Bush nominated White House counsel Harriet Miers on Monday to take the place of retiring Justice Sandra Day O'Connor on the Supreme Court. Because Miers never served as a judge, her political record is somewhat unclear.

Lack of kicking game looms large after loss to U-M

The Spartans looked far from an undefeated, No. 11-ranked team Saturday when they fell to Michigan, 34-31 in overtime, amid a number of mistakes that were absent in their previous four contests. The offense, defense, and special teams all played a rollercoaster of a game that sophomore linebacker Kaleb Thornhill called a "team loss". "The defense made mistakes, the offense made mistakes, we all made mistakes," Thornhill said.

Stunning loss

Everything seemed to be falling into place for the MSU community as Saturday's game against Michigan approached. The Spartans came in riding high, ranked No.