This is The State for Friday, March 28th where we bring you the headlines that matter. I'm Rachel Fulton.
For our first story of the day focusing on campus news,
Michigan State University is reassuring its international community that it will continue to provide support and accurate information as immigration policies under the Trump administration evolve. The Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) is closely monitoring these changes and working with other universities to keep students and scholars informed.
Director Krista McCallum Beatty emphasized that OISS will maintain its strong support for international students, scholars, and staff, regardless of policy changes. OISS offers after-hours support, designated advisers, and an updated FAQ page to guide students through potential challenges, including visa processing delays and questions about their rights when dealing with immigration officials.
Recent changes to U.S. visa rules may lead to longer wait times for appointments, so students are advised to plan ahead. OISS also encourages international students to carry essential documents and stay connected with their advisers for the most current advice.
While some federal actions have already impacted international students, such as disruptions to funding, MSU remains committed to helping students navigate these uncertain times. OISS, alongside the International Students Association, is working to ensure that the MSU international community continues to feel supported during this challenging period.
The university reassures students that despite these uncertain times, MSU remains dedicated to welcoming and supporting its international community.
For our final story of the week focusing on community news,
In Lansing's Eastside, The Fledge has become a vibrant cornerstone of the community, offering a mix of art, innovation, and social change. Once a church, the building is now home to programs that empower individuals through creativity, entrepreneurship, and support.
Founded by Jerry Norris, a computer scientist, The Fledge provides essential resources to help under-resourced people discover purpose. Norris describes the center's approach as "radically inclusive," inviting individuals from all backgrounds to contribute ideas and grow together.
One key aspect of The Fledge's mission is its focus on community safety and well-being. In partnership with groups like Punks with Lunch, the center helps meet basic needs, including providing food and harm reduction supplies for individuals facing substance abuse challenges.
Beyond basic support, The Fledge encourages "leveling up" -- offering opportunities to build trust and earn Fledgecoin, a virtual currency, which can be used to access resources like music studios and screen printing tools.
The Fledge is also a hub for entrepreneurial spirit, helping locals like Jeremy Hurt launch ventures such as Red Bike Delivery and Recab, a recovery-focused transportation service.
With over 100 community groups and regular events, The Fledge is a space for advocacy and action. The Fledge's doors are always open to those eager to make a difference.
To end our last episode of the week, here are a few announcements!
Today's weather forecast is predicting showers early then scattered thunderstorms developing later in the day with a high of 68 degrees and a low of 60 degrees. For the weekend, it looks like a good amount of rain for both Saturday and Sunday with temps in the mid 60s.
Here is the MSU Athletic line-up for the weekend...
Today, Baseball will kick off a 3-day weekend series against Illinois starting at 3:30 P.M. Tomorrow, they play at 3:30 P.M. and Sunday will be at 1:05 P.M. Also today, Women's Tennis will vs. Northwestern at 5 P.M. at the MSU Indoor Tennis Center.
Tomorrow, Men's Tennis will go against Penn State at 11 A.M. and Women's Tennis will play Illinois at 10 A.M., both games at the MSU Indoor Tennis Center.
Finishing off the weekend on Sunday, Women's Tennis will vs. Illinois at 10 A.M. and Men's Tennis will go against Ohio State at 2 P.M., both at the MSU Indoor Center.
Next, here is the MSU weekend events line-up...
Tomorrow, at 1 P.M. Grow Green with Sustainable Spartans and UAB will take place at the Union East Lawn where you can kick off Earth Month and celebrate Spring with a terrarium-building workshop. Finally, the 2025 MFA Exhibition Opening Reception will happen at the Broad Art Museum at 6 P.M. This event will celebrate the creative and scholarly research of the MSU Department of Art, Art History, and Design Master of Fine Arts degree candidates.
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.