This is The State for Tuesday, March 18th where we bring you the headlines that matter. I'm Rachel Fulton.
For our first story of the week focusing on environmental news,
Michigan State University's Infrastructure Planning and Facilities (IPF) recently issued a public notice addressing issues with water quality testing. According to the notice, IPF failed to collect all required water samples in July 2023, and a sample from March 2023 was delayed. Additionally, some tests for water quality parameters, including pH, sulfate, chloride, and orthophosphate, were incomplete between February 14 and March 4, 2023.
While IPF assured the public that these issues did not pose an emergency or threat to water safety, they have since made changes to improve their procedures, including retraining staff and updating their sampling cycles to comply with Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) requirements.
Despite reassurances, students continue to express concerns over water quality. Some report discolored or metallic-tasting water, particularly in dorms and at IM West. Complaints have also surfaced about water affecting students' hair and skin.
In response, IPF spokesperson Erica Venton noted several infrastructure improvements aimed at enhancing water quality, including updates to the water distribution system and the installation of meters to better track water usage. She emphasized that IPF is committed to continuous improvement to ensure MSU's water is safe, even if it's not always perfect.
For our second story focusing on campus news,
At their general assembly meeting, the Associated Students of Michigan State University (ASMSU) passed two significant bills focused on campus safety and sustainability.
First, Chief Mike Yankowski of MSU Police addressed concerns regarding a recent social media threat made by a student. Despite over 100 tips received that day, the decision was made not to issue a campus-wide alert because the threat wasn't deemed an immediate emergency. Yankowski explained that while serious threats prompt emergency alerts, non-urgent situations only lead to timely warnings as part of legal guidelines. This sparked further discussion about the university's communication on such matters, leading College of Social Science Rep. Pavithra Elavarasan to introduce Bill 61-99. The bill calls for improved communication on campus safety and demands MSU address the lack of official communication following the threat. The bill passed with a voice majority.
In addition, Elavarasan introduced Bill 61-91, which advocates for MSU to adopt a Green New Deal. This bill highlights the university's continued investments in fossil fuels, despite an abandoned plan for carbon neutrality by 2030. The bill calls for MSU to update and enforce the Energy Transition Plan, halt fossil fuel investments, and be more transparent about its financial decisions. Supporters, including the Sunrise Movement, expressed frustration over the university's lack of accountability on climate issues. The bill passed with strong support from the assembly.
Both bills reflect student efforts to hold MSU accountable on safety and sustainability issues, pushing the university toward greater transparency and action.
For our final story of the day focusing on events and entertainment,
Every year, the Breslin Center, typically home to basketball games and the iconic dancing jumbotron lady, transforms for the highly anticipated Spring Concert. And after months of mystery, the headliner for the 2025 concert has finally been revealed.
Back on February 17, four campus organizations teased the announcement with a quirky Instagram post: "March 27th" spelled out in mustard on a hotdog. Students were left wondering--could it be Mustard as the artist? But as Impact 89FM Station Manager, Ashley Land, explained, "It was just a fun idea for the video, not connected to the artist."
On March 15, the wait ended with the announcement that Canadian rapper and singer bbno$ would headline. Known for his viral 2019 hit "Lalala" with Y2K, bbno$ boasts over a billion Spotify streams and 14.1 million monthly listeners.
The Spring Concert is a completely student-run event, organized by Impact 89FM, the Residence Halls Association (RHA), the University Activities Board (UAB), and the Associated Students of Michigan State University (ASMSU). The committee has been planning the concert since the beginning of the school year, with everything from artist selection to merchandise coordination.
The concert kicks off at 7 p.m. on March 27 with two openers--one national and one local--before bbno$ takes the stage. Tickets are available on the Spartan Athletic Ticket Office website.
Plus, there will be ticket giveaways leading up to the event, including an Instagram contest where students can win a chance to meet bbno$.
As RHA's Lauren Pelon said, "It's a great opportunity for students to enjoy live music and take a break from academics."
This annual event is more than just a concert; it's a fun, affordable experience brought to you by students, for students.
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 tomorrow with more.
