Region

State heat subsidy needed in schools

With the price of natural gas on the rise, many public schools are struggling to pay their heating bills. Heating costs have as much as quadrupled since last year, and many schools must dip into their budgets to finance this unprecedented expense. This means funds that would normally pay for textbooks, staff development and salaries are going to pay for heat. And it is the students who will suffer.

Alumnus targets White House

The gunman who fired shots at the White House Wednesday was an IU alumnus who neighbors described as a quiet man. Robert W. Pickett, 47, graduated in 1979 with a degree in history. Neighbors said they were surprised to hear that he was identified as the man who shot at the White House Wednesday morning. Surprised, but not shocked. Neighbors described Pickett as a recluse who lived alone after the death of his parents. They said his only companion was his dog. Read the text of Pickett's suicide letter.

White House gunman's suicide letter

Various

Bravo Maria

High school students whip up desserts for annual chocolate festival

Finding the way to say "I Love You"

This Valentine's Day, resist the temptation of red and pink picture frames, heart-shaped jewelry boxes, chocolates and a dozen roses -- items that clutter the mall throughout February. Instead, make your own present for loved ones and give them something they can't find anywhere else. "Although store-bought presents can be meaningful, nothing is as personal as a homemade gift," said The Latest Glaze co-owner Mary Jo Benedict. After 25 years of marriage, Benedict said she has made and received countless presents.

It's the end of the world as we know it LEFT BEHIND

• Directed by Victor Sarin • Starring Kirk Cameron, Brad Johnson • Rated PG-13 • Now playing at ShowPlace East 11

Skin, Sun and Sex appeal

SHE said

• Directed by Jamie Blanks • Starring Denise Richards, David Boreanaz, Marley Shelton • Rated R • Now playing at ShowPlace East 11

HE said

University considers smoke-free dorms

While IU students have the option of living on smoking floors in dorms, Purdue residence halls will become smoke-free this fall, making it one of seven Big Ten schools with a no-smoking policy for its campus residents. IU is entertaining a similar proposal, which could decide the fate of smoking in on-campus housing facilities. Robert Weith, director for Residential Operations, said there is a proposal for all of IU's residence halls to become smoke-free by 2003. "There are still students who would prefer a non-smoking environment who were not able to get one," Weith said.

Football team signs 22 recruits

Football Coach Cam Cameron has said IU's weak point last season was its defensive secondary. Wednesday, he announced his plans to fix the problem. Cameron and the Hoosiers officially signed 22 recruits Wednesday, the first day of the national signing period. Six are defensive backs. Two of them, Antonio Watson and Willie Northern, are Superprep magazine's first- and third-rated junior college defensive backs.

Doninger suspends Honegger

After saying a week ago that the athletics department properly dealt with senior Rachael Honegger's guilty plea to a felony, athletics director Clarence Doninger agreed Wednesday to suspend Honegger from playing basketball during an IU Athletics Committee investigation. Honegger can practice and travel with the team but cannot participate in regular season or postseason games until the inquiry is completed.

Hoosiers trying to break out of slump

Junior forward Erin McGinnis said the women's basketball team isn't looking to win -- just not to lose. Head coach Kathi Bennett said her Hoosiers need to get back to playing tough -- the same approach that jump-started them to a 13-3 start this season. Since then, IU has dropped five of its last seven games.

HE said

Tevin Cambell

It's the end of the world as we know it LEFT BEHIND

• Directed by Victor Sarin • Starring Kirk Cameron, Brad Johnson • Rated PG-13 • Now playing at ShowPlace East 11

Various

Incubus