Tuesday, July 7, 2026

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NEWS

Ethics of unreleased research questioned

Researchers might think twice before using unreleased data for financial gain after a professor came under fire this week for trading stock based on special knowledge. University of Michigan business Professor Claes Fornell is accused of profiting on unreleased information obtained through his involvement in U-M's American Customer Satisfaction Index.

COMMENTARY

Nothing to fear

Well, it's time to dust off your Y2K kit and Cold War safety diagrams. Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge and his new department are expanding their budget as they move up their grade school-esque warning systems from colors to shapes. Ridge is advising us to "Make a kit!" and "Have a plan!" He has millions of dollars in his budget and his department is giving us diagrams that tell us, when trapped, head to an exit with a nice arrow leading the way. Ridge also informs us about what to put in our emergency kits: Duct tape, plastic sheeting and water, among other items. Thank you, Mr. Secretary.

MSU

Ball to raise money for Sparty

There's only one place where you can find Sparty the mascot and an ice sculpture of "The Spartan." And there's also only one place where students will be able to donate money to save the beloved statue. The Student Alumni Foundation will play host to the two MSU icons, students, alumni, administrators and the band Brush Fire as part of the Save Our Sparty campaign. The foundation's Winter Ball will be held at 8 p.m.

COMMENTARY

Call for preemptive strikes un-American

I would like to comment on Andrew Goetz's column, "War might be answer for peace, appeasement has failed before," (SN 2/20). I challenge the notion of preemptive strikes based on the possible threat of danger to the United States.

MSU

Student finalist for Truman Scholarship

International relations and finance senior Jared English was chosen as a finalist for the Truman Scholarship, a prestigious national award given to students for community and public service. English will go to Chicago for the final round of the interviewing during spring break before the winners of the scholarship are announced March 21. Winners attend a 10-week summer institute in Washington, D.C.

COMMENTARY

Korean subway tragedy hits close to second home

Some of you more avid State News readers might recognize my face as the soccer columnist who, last summer, trekked across the globe and wrote four stories about my experiences in South Korea and at the World Cup. While there, I encountered some of the friendliest people I have ever met. Frequently my two brothers, cousin and myself would be standing on a train or subway platform as we waited to return to Seoul from other cities all across Korea, often where we had just witnessed a World Cup soccer game. Sometimes we knew which line to take and sometimes we didn't, but no matter the case, a Korean citizen, recognizing we were foreigners, would approach us calmly and ask us if we needed directions or where we were going.

FEATURES

'Life of David Gale' a solid effort when it doesn't distract itself

"The Life of David Gale" could have easily been made into two films, one extremely good and one a bit silly. The story itself is an intriguing one, but for some reason it is bookended with a related story riddled with clichés to the point that it looks like it may have sprung a leak. Kevin Spacey is at his usual best as David Gale, a brilliant professor and capital punishment abolitionist ironically placed on death row for the rape and murder of a co-worker. Three days before his scheduled execution, Gale grants his first interview since being sentenced to hotshot reporter Bitsey Bloom (Kate Winslet), whose reputation for staunchly protecting her sources caught Gale's attention. Concerned with clearing his reputation in the eyes of his young son, Gale spins his depressing story to Bitsey while coercing her to uncover the truth about his case. Gale's downfall is a wholly upsetting chain of events.

MSU

Lecture touts black history

William Anderson began his lecture on Wednesday by proclaiming himself to be a liberal democrat, anti-war, for affirmative action, pro-choice, a card carrying member of the American Civil Liberties Union and a schizophrenic. "The reason that I say I am schizophrenic is because I have assumed many personalities in the times that I have lived," he said in his lecture in Kellogg Center.

MSU

Week to create eating disorder awareness

MSU will join more than 500 community organizations, schools and colleges for the 16th Annual National Eating Disorder Awareness Week starting this Sunday. Olin Health Center and MSU's student group, Respecting and Understanding Body Image, are sponsoring the events to promote body acceptance. "I would hope that people gain an awareness of eating disorders and knowledge of how to prevent them," the group's co-president Erin Ruth said.

BASKETBALL

Home court could remedy problems

When the Spartans are struggling, one medicine always seems to provide the cure - Breslin Center. It's no secret MSU has struggled on the road this year (1-6 in the Big Ten and 3-9 overall). But playing in front of the 14,759 home fans, including the boisterous Izzone has been the answer to the road woes. Aside from one home blemish - an 81-76 defeat to Toledo on Dec.

MSU

Speaker honors Malcolm X week, promotes culture

A cold forced him to speak in a softer-than-usual tone, but Na'im Akbar's message was still strong. "His voice isn't as powerful as it usually is," said Murray Edwards, senior coordinator in the Office of Racial Ethnic Student Affairs.

COMMENTARY

Policy must include gender identity

I am writing to voice my frustration with the continued discrimination at MSU. Currently, any student, faculty or staff member can be discriminated against because of one's real or perceived gender.

COMMENTARY

Safe students

Kudos to MSU's undergraduate student government and Residence Halls Association for joining the campus safety discussion that has risen since a Case Hall freshman was held at knife point last month. If there is an authority of campus safety issues, it is the student body who is affected by such measures.

NEWS

top 10 albums

1. "Get Rich or Die Tryin'," 50 Cent, Shady/Aftermath (Last week: N/A) 2. "Home," Dixie Chicks, Monument/Columbia (1) 3. "Cocky," Kid Rock, Lava/Atlantic (7) 4. "Come Away with Me," Norah Jones, Blue Note (2) 5. "Let Go," Avril Lavigne, Arista (4) 6. "Chicago," Soundtrack, Epic (6) 7. "This is Me

MSU

Applications due for ASMSU spots

Applications are now available for students interested in being a member of ASMSU. The MSU undergraduate student government's information packet can be picked up at 307 Student Services.

NEWS

Toad can't quite call quits

Breaking up is always hard to do - but staying broken up seems to be just as hard for some bands. Toad the Wet Sprocket's split in July 1998 seemed permanent at the time, and loyal fans seemed to think so too.

COMMENTARY

Northern lights

Let there be light, and it's about time. Three years into its existence, light is finally being shed on the pedestrian safety problems in the Northern Tier. While it's nice to see some work being done in the Northern Tier, it's quite overdue. The fact that the community is shared across two cities makes their slow efforts doubly disappointing. Much-needed street lights were turned on this past weekend in the community of condos and apartments just north of Lake Lansing Road. The Northern Tier community grew too fast for its own good and, as the flow of tenants increased, lighting remained stagnant. Currently, there are no sidewalks, crosswalks or pedestrian lights.