The top 5 stories of the week for March 15-19, 2010

1. KSU student arrested after alleged assault; two injured

A Kent State student was arrested last weekend after allegedly assaulting two other Kent State students.

Freshman exploratory major Jordan T. Hall, 19, of Shaker Heights was charged with two counts of felonious assault. He allegedly assaulted freshman biotechnology major Max E. Druiz and junior theater studies major Ryan A. Pilz early last Friday morning.

According to court records, Hall “did knowingly cause or attempt to cause physical harm” to Druiz and Pilz “by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance.”

2. Men’s basketball beats Tulsa in NIT

Junior guard Rodriquez Sherman hit a runner with 20.8 seconds left to give the Kent State men’s basketball team a 75-74 win over Tulsa Wednesday in the first round of the National Invitational Tournament.

Six players scored in double figures for the Flashes (24-9), led by senior Chris Singletary’s 16 points.

Kent State will play at Illinois (20-14) Monday night in the second round of the NIT.

3. Trustees approve room and board increase

Kent State’s Board of Trustees voted Tuesday to increase room and board rates by 5.49 percent for the 2010-2011 school year.

The rate of a standard double room will increase 5.9 percent, while standard dining plans will increase by 4.85 percent.

In other business, the trustees discussed Kent State’s regional campus system and how to improve Ohio’s graduation rates.

4. Obama stumps for health care in Strongsville

President Barack Obama visited Strongsville Monday to discuss and promote the national health care bill proposal.

Speaking at the Walter F. Ehrnfelt Recreation and Senior Center, Obama told the crowd of 1,450 that national health care is a necessity.

“I don’t know about the politics, but I know what’s the right thing to do,” Obama said. “I’m calling on Congress to pass these reforms — and I’m going to sign them into law.”

5. Students celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Kent

Hundreds of Kent State students woke up early Wednesday morning to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in downtown Kent.

Several of the bars offered drink specials to people who came downtown as early as 5:30 a.m.

The warm weather — temperatures reached the 60s — and sunshine added to the festivities throughout the day.