MICHIGAN

Fiscal cliff negotiations hit home for local businesses, student workers

Michael Koury

January 7, 2013

Small businesses were saved from most automatic tax increases from the fiscal cliff thanks to a last minute deal from Congress, but some local stores and working students still might face increased taxes. If no deal had been made by the midnight deadline on Jan. 1, 97 percent of small businesses would have been hit with the tax increases. MSU economics professor Charles Ballard said most economists believe that without the deal, the economy would have plummeted further into a recession.

MSU

Private agencies, presentations help international students choose MSU

Lilly Keyes

January 7, 2013

While high school students in the U.S. attended college fairs and opened letters from interested universities, Winnie Huang, now a psychology senior, was listening to presentations about U.S. colleges from across the globe in China when she did her college hunt.

MSU

Study shows brief interruptions can cause errors in work

Darcie Moran

January 7, 2013

MSU researchers found brief interruptions of even three seconds, such as the time to silence a ringing cellphone, can increase the potential for errors when completing a task. In the study led by Erik Altmann, associate professor of psychology at MSU, 300 people were asked to perform tasks on a computer, according to a university press release.

MSU

Wilcox, MSU’s second-in-command, steps down

Samantha Radecki

January 6, 2013

What is a provost? Despite being second-in-command at MSU, many students are unaware of the impact of the role on their college education.

MICHIGAN

Political, economic issues linger after fiscal cliff bill passes

Kellie Rowe

January 6, 2013

Although lawmakers managed to avoid the so-called fiscal cliff, MSU experts say there’s still more to be done to prevent cuts to financial aid and federal grant money currently in jeopardy.

MICHIGAN

30 break-ins, larcenies during MSU winter break

Darcie Moran

January 6, 2013

When kinesiology senior Kaylee Finney left for her East Lansing apartment late Christmas night, she hoped to gun down enemies in her new Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 video game.

MSU

Students to receive free laundry service on campus

Robert Bondy

January 6, 2013

MSU will offer another incentive for students to stay on campus — unlimited, free access to laundry machines.

MICHIGAN

Experts predict mild winter, local businesses face effects

Lindsay Spagnuolo

January 6, 2013

After a mild start to the season, local winter sports businesses are finding ways to keep snow lovers on the slopes and spending money. This winter has been significantly milder than previous years, according to the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids. In December 2012, Lansing experienced an average temperature of 33.5 degrees — 5.2 degrees above the normal of 28.3 degrees.

MICHIGAN

Community members look forward to new goals for 2013

Isabella Shaya

January 6, 2013

As the new year begins, East Lansing and MSU community members are reflecting on new goals for 2013. Many are skeptical about resolutions, and whether they can actually be accomplished. Still, most agree high hopes and new dreams give a fresh start and purpose to the new year.

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MSU ranked 46th for in-state education value

Alex McClung

January 6, 2013

Kiplinger’s Personal Finance Magazine recently released a list of the top 100 best values in public colleges. MSU placed 46th for in-state value and 66th for out-of-state value.

MICHIGAN

East Lansing City Council to discuss banning additional hookah lounges

Michael Koury

January 6, 2013

The East Lansing City Council will kick off the new year discussing a potential ban on more hookah lounges downtown and the future of the boarded-up site for the failed City Center II project during Tuesday’s work session. One of the hot topics that might drum up conversation at the regularly scheduled work session at City Hall, 410 Abbot Rd., is a proposed public ordinance to ban any additional hookah lounges from opening in East Lansing.

MSU

Board of Trustees approves plans for FRIB, renovations

Sam Radecki

January 6, 2013

At the last MSU Board of Trustees meeting on Dec. 14, 2012, an array of issues were discussed and either approved to plan or proceed.

MSU

Sexuality exhibit comes to museum

Alex McClung

January 6, 2013

A new exhibit soon will be on display at the MSU Museum highlighting a transgender community of individuals living in transition in Istanbul, Turkey. The exhibit will open on Jan. 21 and will be on display until April 14 in the museum’s Heritage Gallery.

MSU

Community music school relocates facility

Kyna Garrett

January 6, 2013

The MSU Community Music School, or CMS, known for its music education and music therapy classes, has relocated to a newly renovated facility at 4930 S. Hagadorn Rd. and begins its classes Monday.

MSU

Union to hold grand reopening

Michael Koury

January 6, 2013

The MSU Union will hold a grand reopening from 4-7 p.m. next Tuesday, Jan. 15, on the first floor of the building. The Union has been under construction since the end of last school year. The first floor then reopened in mid-December during the holiday break.

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Students celebrate New Year's abroad

While thousands of college students across America popped champagne and watched the ball drop in New York City at midnight, biosystems engineering junior Rob Kraemer celebrated 2013’s arrival in a completely different way — sitting on a beach with about 30 strangers in Costa Rica.

MICHIGAN

Cash machines stolen from E.L. library

Darcie Moran

December 21, 2012

East Lansing Police are investigating two reported break-ins and the thefts of two electronic cash machines from the East Lansing Public Library, according to a department release.

MICHIGAN

MSU alumnus faces terrorism charges after shooting spree

Darcie Moran

December 21, 2012

Alleged I-96 corridor shooter Raulie Casteel, an MSU alumnus, will face terrorism charges, Michigan’s Attorney General Bill Schuette announced Dec. 20.

MICHIGAN

Bistro approved, restrictive rule for bars still in place

Lilly Keyes

December 18, 2012

The East Lansing City Council approved the Black Cat Bistro but held fast on the 50/50 rule requiring bars to have at least half their revenue from food during its Tuesday meeting.

MICHIGAN

After more than a decade, D'Annunzio's death brings new law

Kellie Rowe

December 14, 2012

More than a decade after his death, Brandon D’Annunzio’s law officially was passed today after months of deliberation in the Michigan Legislature.