Michigan State University students walk near Chittenden Hall, the home of graduate school.

With relief stalled, debate continues over tuition costs

While the Biden administration continues a legal fight to save its student debt forgiveness plan, public policy attention is beginning to focus on the causes of rising college tuition.

The average student loan debt for recent college graduates is nearly $30,000, according to U.S News data. That amount has been rising as tuition-driven schools raise fees to keep up with their own costs.

Abe Frank and Grace Cannon working with other students and looking at satellite imagery during a Human Rights Lab meeting. The meeting took place on Nov. 4, with students discussing progress on their Libya project for the International Criminal Court.

James Madison student aids efforts to battle human rights crimes  

Abe Frank — nose and forehead scrunched with one eyebrow slightly raised — looked at his computer screen. He was searching through satellite imagery, looking for locations he wouldn’t talk about. Frank, a lab leader for James Madison College’s Human Rights Lab, is working with other students in the program to assist the International Criminal Court on a project.

A "vote here today" sign outside a polling place in Lansing for the November 2021 election.

Michiganders prepare for Election Day

Michigan’s 2022 election entered its final hours as voters and local officials prepared for in-person voting on Election Day. Polls across Michigan open at 7 a.m. Tuesday and close at 8 p.m.

Michigan voters will make choices in a variety of local and statewide races — including governor, attorney general, secretary of state, the state’s 13 congressional seats, and the 148 members of the Michigan Legislature. There also are three statewide ballot proposals up for vote.

Merchandise at Coyote Wisdom Bookstore 

Astrology, crystals, and Tarot Cards: East Lansing teens’ pandemic revolution 

In East Lansing, increased spirituality may be a side effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. This past year, two local metaphysical hubs, Triple Goddess Bookstore and Coyote Wisdom bookstore, have experienced an influx of new customers. 

Metaphysical experts and the influx of business 

Triple Goddess Bookstore, 2019 E. Michigan Ave., is filled with everything from tarot decks and spellbooks to bulk self-serve herbs and candles. Owners Dawne Botke-Coe and Alan Coe provide tarot, astrology, palmistry and rune readings by appointment, as well. “Lansing is a very liberal town. And we all kind of know each other.

Michiganders speak out at criminal justice reform rally

Katie ParrAdam Grant Ashley Goldon Lakeisha TureaudPictured is a short story written by Troy Chapman, currently incarcerated. Courtesy of Katie Parr. On Oct. 14, The National Lifers of America, Inc. hosted a rally at the Lansing Capitol in support of “Second Look” legislation. The organization works to create changes in state laws impacting individuals serving life and long, indeterminate sentences in prisons.

East Lansing Schools’ community councils face funding difficulties, COVID-19 challenges

East Lansing elementary, middle and high schools are each represented by a community or parent council/school association. Three are the Marble Community Council, Robert L. Green Parent Council and the Donley School Association, 

Marble Elementary

Tali Hylen, president of Marble Elementary’s Community Council, said the council recently changed its name from “parent council” to “community council.”

“We wanted to make it more inclusive of all caregivers, not just parents. A lot of kids are being raised by different caregivers. Our big goal with our council is to make it more inclusive and welcoming,” she said. 

Due to COVID-19, the council hasn’t met in person for almost two years and won’t be meeting in person soon. 

“It’s just going to be virtual for now.  We’re hearing district recommendations for safety. It’s just nobody wants to risk anything,” Hylen said.

Schools’ actions on COVID-19 please East Lansing School community councils

Graph showing COVID-19 cases in the East Lansing School District, created through Floruish. As of Oct. 6, the East Lansing School District has had 24 in-person students and/or staff in quarantine for COVID-19. Eleven have been from MacDonald Middle School and nine have been from Glencairn Elementary. Emily Ostrowski, treasurer of Donley Elementary’s Student Association, said the East Lansing School Board remains transparent with COVID-19 policies.