Business & Economy

How to Stay out of Default Paying Back Student Loans

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The massive expenses behind higher education in America have been a hot button issue for many years. Every year, thousands of students graduate with thousands of dollars of student loan debt to their name. It may seem like an unbearable vicious cycle to most, but Michigan State University’s Office of Financial Aid stresses that there are options available that will keep students from going into default. Reaching default haunts credit scores for years, affecting what purchases a person can make. Graduates today are using plans that tie loan payments to income. These income-based programs are built to make loan repayment manageable and make life easier for those who struggle to find a job, although the Financial Aid staff does warn about interest collecting when you miss payments.

Campus News

MSU Graduate Student Experiences Boston Marathon Firsthand

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The whole country was on high alert when two explosions rocked the Boston Marathon. Details have emerged pitting brothers Tamerlan and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev as the suspects behind the bombs planted near the race’s finish line. The case has been quickly unwinding, as Tamerlan Tsarnaev was killed in shootout with police and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev is in custody with charges filed against him. The whole incident hasn’t been unwinding so quickly, however, for Michigan State University Human Resources and Labor Relations graduate student Cody Harlacher, who was a participant in the marathon. “I actually kind of shut down completely,” Harlacher said.

News

Focal Point Spring 2013 [Show 6]

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The East Lansing School Board has decided to close its doors to one of its Elementary Schools. A push for bikers to wear reflective gear in the State of Michigan should help prevent major accidents and death on the roads. And, graduating seniors may face a hard road ahead, having to pay off student loans. Focal Point is an Emmy awarding winning, student produced newscast from the School of Journalism at Michigan State University.

Greater Lansing Community News

Lansing School District Braces for Possible Major Changes

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March was a big month for education in Michigan, and April is poised to be even bigger. The Education Achievement Authority (EAA), currently in place at 15 Detroit schools, is a program that allows a state-run committee to take control of struggling schools. Once in place, the EAA can create a new curriculum and hire new faculty. The Michigan House of Representatives recently passed an expansion bill that would give the EAA control of the bottom five percent of schools in terms of achievement standards. The bill includes a limit of 50 schools.

Army

Sequestration Effects on MSU’s Campus

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Sequester has become a word that strikes fear into many Americans. The automatic spending cuts took effect in March when the federal government could not reach a deal on the debt ceiling. Half of the cuts affected national defense and half affected domestic programs, so everyone has had to tighten their belts. With all of the decision-making taking place in D.C., sometimes it seems easy to forget that communities near and far are recipients of these budget cuts; East Lansing is no exception, so what is happening in regards to sequestration here on MSU’s campus? From the Office of Financial Aid to the ROTC program, these stories break down what Spartan students and their parents can expect from sequestration.

News

Focal Point Spring 2013 [Show 4]

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New legislation at the Capitol could effect one Lansing area High School. A new law banning young drivers from texting behind the wheel in Michigan is making for a safer commute. And, go behind the scenes of a nationally recognized MSU campaign promoting social norms.

Focal Point is an Emmy awarding winning, student produced newscast from the School of Journalism at Michigan State University.

News

Focal Point Spring 2013 [Show 3]

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Construction in East Lansing could mean trouble for commuters and local businesses. Local Venezuelans react to the death of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. And, the Government sequester may impact financial aide for incoming cadets to MSU’s ROTC program. Focal Point is an Emmy awarding winning, student produced newscast from the School of Journalism at Michigan State University.

Business & Economy

Family Matters at Roma Bakery

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Lansing’s Roma Bakery is a constantly buzzing place on Fat Tuesday, but it’s not the business impact that means the most to Mena and Sostine Castriciano, the couple that runs the bakery. The impact of family and friends is what means the most to them. Roma needs extra help on hectic days like Fat Tuesday, and that’s where the impact is felt. As the customers flock to Roma to get their paczki fill before Lenten season begins, family and friends flock to Roma to help bake them. “Last night we probably had 25 family and friends here packaging, and coating, and filling, and, you know, frying and baking the paczki,” said John Dann, who is a nephew of Mena and Sostine that was there to help out. Dann typically works as an insurance agent in Okemos.

News

Focal Point Spring 2013 [Show 2]

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This season of Lent feels a little different for some area Catholics as people are reacting to news that Pope Benedict XVI will step down from the Papacy. A new ban on Smoke shops entering East Lansing has some residents and owners concerned for the future of existing Hookah Bars. And, MSU Video Producer Dave Ellis wins big on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. Focal Point is an Emmy awarding winning, student produced newscast from the School of Journalism at Michigan State University.

Business & Economy

Gun Control Back on National, Local Stage

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The future of gun control in America is currently a blurry picture. Proponents of new legislation are pushing for a reinstatement of the assault weapons ban, as well as a ban on high capacity ammunition magazines. There is also a push for universal background checks. Meanwhile, gun rights advocates are pushing back and insisting that no new gun legislation will stop criminals from committing crimes. The only thing both sides can seem to agree on is the need for further mental health studies for a potential gun purchaser.