On this edition of Focal Point, we take a look at how the new epidemic order is affecting local businesses, what spring semester housing could look like, and the cancellation of Saturday’s football game. All those stories and more on Focal Point
Environment
The secret savior of US and Canada’s shared waters isn’t one person
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A new book traces the history of the International Joint Commission, created in 1909 to protect all bodies of water along the U.S.-Canada border and to resolve disputes between the two countries over transboundary waters. We talk to the authors and a Michigan State expert. By Cassidy Hough.
Campus News
‘It was so sad’: How coronavirus pandemic impacts students studying abroad
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“The whole reason why I went to MSU was solely based on the Korean program.”
Yvonne Phillips felt lucky. She was one of four students accepted to a study abroad program in South Korea. She planned to finish her undergraduate minor in Korean.
Phillips couldn’t take enough pictures or videos during her first week in Korea. She figured it was going to be a great 4 months. And then…
“It was so sad,” said Phillips.
Health
Small colleges, big problems, with study abroad cancellations
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Small colleges and universities in Michigan are dealing with big problems caused by cancellation of current and planned study abroad programs for their students. We hear about Albion, Cornerstone, Hope and Kalamazoo. By Joe Dandron.
Campus News
International Women’s Day doesn’t get its due in the U.S.
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International Women’s Day, March 8, does not get the same level of attention in the United States as it does in other countries. Hear the perspectives of people from Russia, South Korea, Bolivia and the United States.
Arts & Entertainment
Watch Focal Point: Governor Whitmer proposes education budget, Kathie Klages found guilty, new football coaching staff takes shape
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This week on Focal Point, a look at Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s new education budget. The verdict is in on former MSU gymnastics coach Kathie Klages. We go live to Munn Ice Arena for a look at this week in sports. All this and more on Focal Point,
Arts & Entertainment
WATCH: Nancy Pelosi’s Response to President Trumps Budget Proposal, Michigan State Gymnastic Trial, and a History Making Film
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Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer have responded to President Donald Trump’s budget proposal. Former Michigan State Gymnastic Coach Kathie Klages is on trial for two counts of lying to authorities in connection with Larry Nassar. The film Parasite made history at the Oscars on Sunday Night. Parasite was the first non-English speaking film to ever win best motion picture.
Ballot Issues
WATCH: President Trump’s Impeachment Acquittal, Turkey Plane Crash, and the Super Bowl Parade
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President Trump spoke at the White House following his impeachment acquittal. He stated it was hard to like those who voted to impeach him and praised his supporters. House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi expressed her concerns on the President. In Turkey, a plane crash took the lives of three people and injured 180 more. The crash is being investigated and new information has yet to be released.
Governor & Executive Branch
WATCH: Cruise ship passengers detained for coronavirus, Kobe Bryant’s wife breaks silence, Super Bowl halftime updates
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Thousands of passengers aboard cruise ship Costa Smeralda may have been inflected with the coronavirus. The cruise line is taking necessary sanitary precautions, and passengers are expected to be quarantined for the next several weeks. Meanwhile, Vanessa Bryant has broken her silence following the unexpected death of her husband, former NBA player Kobe Bryant, and their 13-year-old daughter Gianna. She posted family photos on Instagram and announced a fund that will go to the families of the victims.
Super Bowl LIV kicks off on Sunday. Shakira and Jennifer Lopez are scheduled to perform at the halftime show.
Elections & Politics
WATCH: Coronavirus outbreak, Weinstein trial and Antonio Brown case
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A deadly virus is sweeping China and has made its way into the United States. Chinese researchers have identified the virus as the coronavirus. Many airlines have halted their flights into China to assure safety. Meanwhile, Harvey Weinstein is facing many allegations for sexual misconduct and rape. Weinstein says he has proof that he is innocent.
Congress
WATCH: Trump impeachment trial opens; Delta flight dumps fuel mid-air
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Chief Justice John Roberts was sworn in to preside over the impeachment trial of President Trump that officially opened today in the Senate, almost a month after the House voted to impeach the President. The Senate will look to determine if the President acted in obstruction of Congress and in abuse of his power. A flight heading to Shanghai dumps fuel on heavily populated school district in Los Angeles as it stopped for engine problems.