Holly Tiret's cats Sophie (left) and Luna (right)
News

Reaching out during the pandemic; the benefits of fostering an animal and helping local shelters

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The effects of isolation in a time of crisis can be overpowering, but many have found companionship in their family and pets. Others have reached out a hand to foster an animal. 

Michigan State University student Kelly Leary noticed shelters and nonprofits had lost their volunteers due to the shutdown. 

Kelly LearyKelly Leary’s foster cat, Flash

Leary found herself lonely after her apartment roommates had left for their permanent residences, so she decided to foster Flash, a 20-pound, 8-year-old cat. “My mental health has improved. Before fostering I was very lonely and had cabin fever,” Kelly said. “I am an extroverted person, so it has been hard being in my apartment by myself.”

Flash, nicknamed Thickcums, had surgery recently after being rescued on the side of a road, Kelly said, describing him as a dog-cat; chill, talkative, outgoing and super affectionate.

Campus News
Line of students inside hallway

Biden wins Michigan primary; state’s new voting laws get test

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Former Vice President Joe Biden was projected to win today’s Michigan Democratic primary as the state tried out its new voting rules. Sen. Bernie Sanders, whose campaign got a lift in the 2016 Michigan primary, found 2020 to be deflating.

East Lansing, including MSU students who were registered on campus, also faced questions about renewing property taxes that support the Capital Area Transportation Authority, Ingham County parks and trails, Potter Park Zoo, special education services and county health care services.

Elections & Politics
Matt Grossmann, director of the Institute for Public Policy and Social Research, explains the role media plays in elections during his Five Things to Know About the 2020 Primaries event.

Social media have changed political discourse

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Google was created in 1998. Eight years later Facebook was launched. Fast forward to 2006 and Twitter. In 2010, Instagram was created. 

In the past two decades, the number of social media platforms has expanded significantly. All of these and the many other forms of media have allowed news to move across the world in seconds.

Jayson Waller, CEO and co-founder of Power Home Solar testifies in support of the bills presented.
News

Advocates of green energy push to power Michigan forward

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On Feb. 11, Michigan Senate Committee on Energy and Technology held its first hearing for testimonials on a set of three bills collectively called Powering Michigan Forward.

This bipartisan package of bills would remove the 1% cap limiting the amount of renewable energy utilities are allowed to purchase from private entities.

News

No-excuse absentee voting faces its first primary election

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On March 10, 15 Democrats and four Republicans will be on the presidential primary election ballot. With Michigan’s new voting laws approved in November 2018, it is easier than ever to vote. Michigan now allows registered voters to request  absentee ballots from their local or city clerks’ office without giving an excuse. According to the Secretary of State’s office, applications for an absentee ballot must be filled out in writing. The deadline to request a mailed absentee ballot is 5 p.m. March 6.