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In the news today: For our first story of the day focusing on campus news, MSU faculty join call for Big Ten 'mutual defense compact' against Trump administration. For our second story focusing on campus-related news, MSU student suing Trump administration to restore visa record. For our final story of the day focusing on more campus news, Pepsi products to replace Coca-Cola on campus at all fountain drink locations.
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What is The State - A Podcast from The State News + Impact 89FM?
The State is a daily rundown of the headlines that matter to the East Lansing, MI community.
This is The State for Friday, April 18th where we bring you the headlines that matter. I'm Rachel Fulton.
For our first story of the day focusing on campus news,
Faculty at Michigan State University are the latest in the Big Ten to push back against the Trump administration's growing influence over higher education. On Tuesday, MSU's Faculty Senate passed a non-binding resolution urging university leaders to help create a "mutual defense compact" -- a formal alliance among Big Ten schools to stand together against what they call political, legal, and financial overreach from the administration.
The resolution calls for shared funding for legal support, public communication, and legislative advocacy if any member institution comes under attack. Rutgers first introduced the idea last month, and faculty at Nebraska, Indiana, and even UMass Amherst have followed suit.
While MSU leadership hasn't committed to action yet, the faculty's move reflects increasing anxiety as the Trump administration targets universities -- especially those promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion -- and freezes funding, as it recently did to Northwestern.
With faculty at Ohio State and Minnesota preparing to vote soon, the question now is: Will the Big Ten unite and fight back?
For our second story focusing on campus-related news,
An international student at Michigan State University is suing the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, claiming his student visa record was wrongfully terminated -- and he's not alone.
The 27-year-old engineering PhD student from China is one of ten international students across the U.S. who filed a federal lawsuit this week, accusing Homeland Security and ICE of deleting their visa records without explanation or due process. The students argue this violates established policy, which says visa revocation alone shouldn't trigger SEVIS termination -- the federal system that tracks international student status.
MSU says it's aware of at least 12 student records that have been terminated, but often doesn't find out unless the student reaches out directly.
The lawsuit stems partly from a 2024 campus altercation where the MSU student was charged, later cleared, and ultimately reinstated. Just days after he requested his record transfer, DHS terminated it -- citing a revoked visa and a flagged criminal background, despite the charges being dropped.
The case, which also alleges politically motivated cost-cutting under the Trump administration's "Department of Government Efficiency," will be heard in Grand Rapids on April 22.
For our final story of the day focusing on more campus news,
After 23 years, Coca-Cola is losing its grip on Michigan State University's dining halls. Starting in Fall 2025, PepsiCo will take over as the university's fountain drink provider.
MSU's Chief Communications Officer Kat Cooper says the switch comes after a long-overdue vendor review -- delayed by the pandemic -- and Pepsi came out on top with a more attractive bid. That includes a revenue-sharing model, better service agreements, and easier product distribution. The extra funds will be reinvested into MSU's dining facilities.
Pepsi's arrival means changes like Mountain Dew on tap and increased access to Poppi, a trendy wellness drink. But not everyone's thrilled. Students have taken to social media mourning the loss of favorites -- like Coca-Cola's signature blue Gatorade -- with hashtags like #bluepow popping up.
Some students say they weren't consulted and feel blindsided. Others are excited for more variety. Regardless of opinion, the Pepsi contract will last at least three years -- with options to extend -- before the university reevaluates.
To end our last episode of the week, here are a few announcements!
Today's weather forecast is predicting cloudy and possible rain or thunderstorms with a high of 75 degrees and a low of 52 degrees. For the weekend, it looks like mainly cloudy skies throughout with temps in the higher 50s.
Here is the MSU Athletic line-up for the weekend...
Today, Baseball will kick off a 3-day weekend series against Ohio State, today at 6 P.M., tomorrow at 3:30 P.M., and Sunday at 1 P.M., all at Jeff Ishbia Field at McLane Stadium.
Softball will also kick off a 3-day weekend series against Washington, today at 5 P.M., tomorrow at 1 P.M., and Sunday at 1 P.M., all at Secchia Stadium.
Men's Tennis will also play this weekend, tomorrow vs. Michigan at 12 P.M. at the MSU Indoor Tennis Center.
Next, here is the MSU weekend events line-up...
Tonight, at the Broad Art Museum, Night at the Museum will take place from 6 P.M. to 8 P.M. where you can find out where your food comes from. It's a journey of your food through hands-on and science activities.
Thank you for joining us for The State... Produced by The State News and Impact eighty-nine F-M. You can find us online at State News dot com and Impact eight-nine F-M dot org. We'll be back next week with more.