Michigan groups to fight for transgender causes

Lansing - The National Association for the Advancement of Transgendered People will with high hope for change, founder and president Melissa Sue Robinson says.The nonprofit association, which will act as a political activist group, union and support organization for transgender people, is beginning with a 25-person membership but Robinson said she expects that number to increase as more people learn about the association.The association will hold monthly support meetings on the third Saturday of every month."We will help transgendered people if they run into problems," she said.

Comedians keep 'U' warm with laughter, jokes at show

The lights were dim and the seats cold, but the icy weather didn't keep MSU students from piling into Anthony Hall on Saturday night for the Black Comedy Tour, sponsored by the University Activities Board.As the first chords of "Brick House" crackled over the speakers, the DJ hollered at the crowd, "Put your hands together for Shawnnnnn C!"The crowd gave a warm round of applause as comedian Shawn Cornelius took the stage.

Icers get sweep, 4 points, make ground in conference standings

Minutes after the MSU hockey team completed its most dominating weekend of the season, some Spartans said they felt like they had turned the corner on their turbulent season.In beating Alaska-Fairbanks 5-2 on Friday and 6-2 on Saturday, MSU claimed its first series sweep since taking out Lake Superior State on Oct.

Spartans breeze past Detroit-Mercy

MSU junior forward Julie Pagel showed her old high school teammates who was boss from the tip-off to the final horn Sunday as MSU downed Detroit-Mercy 72-49 at Breslin Center.Titan forward Lori Wild and guard Lindsey Pasquinzo both played with Pagel at Utica High School, leading the team to a 27-0 record and Class A State Championship in 2000.Once the starting lineups were introduced and hugs and smiles were exchanged Pagel put on her game face.She tallied season highs with 15 points and eight boards for the Spartans (8-6 overall, 1-2 Big Ten).Pagel said the matchup with Wild and Pasquinzo provided inspiration by reminding her how she had dominated the court in the past.Back injuries had limited her success this year."They got me back to where I know how I can play, they always bring out the best in me," Pagel said.

Legacy of a leader: Martin Luther King, Jr. timeline

1929 - Born Jan. 15. Michael Luther King, Jr., later renamed Martin, born to school teacher Alberta King and Baptist minister Michael Luther King.1944 - Sept.

Police briefs 01/13/03

Top Indiana offensive lineman visits campus, commits to 'U'

MSU landed another recruit Sunday - John Masters, an offensive lineman from Indiana.His commitment comes a week after offensive lineman Peter Clifford from Maine and quarterback Sean Clayton from Ohio both agreed to join the Spartan program.Masters told his decision to MSU head football coach John L.

Concerns rise over prospect of war

Ann Arbor - Madhi Bray spoke of the poverty many Iraqi children have faced since the end of the Gulf War.

Financial experts fight embezzlement

MSU Controller David Brower says he is ready to join the fight to rebuild the United Way's reputation while the local chapter attempts to recover nearly $1 million in missing money.Brower was appointed by the Capital Area United Way blue-ribbon panel of experts which will analyze the chapter's financial safeguards.

War abroad ignores problems at home

I wonder what this world will look like a year from now. As I look at what is on the horizon, I am concerned.

Williams hired as Lions running backs coach

Former MSU head football coach Bobby Williams found a new job with the Detroit Lions as running backs coach over the weekend. Williams, who was fired Nov.

Open the doors

It seems members of the MSU Board of Trustees have forgotten how they landed their honorable political positions.

Students scare off intruder

An MSU student sleeping in her East Lansing home awoke Friday morning as an intruder covered her mouth with his hand to keep her from screaming. The woman, a communication senior, told The State News she reached for a knife the intruder had taken from her kitchen as the two struggled to her floor.

Basketball team has to improve to meet hype

The fall was a miserable season if you were a fan of Spartan football. Not much detail is needed because everyone knows the story: high expectations, embarrassing blowout losses, suspensions and terminations.

Spartans question claim of human clone

Some MSU students and faculty aren't fully convinced a group claiming responsibility for the birth of the first human clone is telling the truth. And they are not alone. On Saturday, a Florida attorney subpoenaed a vice president of the cloning organization, Clonaid, to testify in court.

'U' avoids budget slashing for now

Increased enrollment and health care savings will help MSU offset $6.5 million in budget cuts this year.

Izzo doing well with what he has

As I read "Izzo needs to bring back elite program" (SN 1/10), I was shocked by the audacity of the writer to even hint that in some way, shape or form the basketball program is falling by the wayside.

Sports briefs

Commodores smash tennis team in opener In its first match of the 2003 season, the MSU women's tennis team was completely outplayed, failing to win a match - or a set - in singles play. The Spartans (0-1) were defeated 7-0 by Vanderbilt in Nashville, Tenn.

Crazy eights

Early rising isn't a potion for success in college for everyone. But it is for some. And even though a 2002 National Collegiate Health Assessment study said early classes hurt students' grades, Penn State University officials should reconsider their decision to eliminate all 8 a.m.

Ann Arbor anti-war conference draws large, diverse crowd

Ann Arbor