So much about this year is different because of COVID-19. There are no classrooms to walk to, no tailgates on campus, no Homecoming parade. 

The MSU Dairy Store closing is uniquely troubling on its own. 

The pandemic has changed our college experience and our State News experience. While we don’t have the opportunity for an in-person Cookie Day, we have weekly wellness hangouts over Zoom. 

Pandemic or no pandemic, our student journalists are keeping The State News spirit alive. 

We don’t have a football game scheduled with The Michigan Daily this fall, but we are still writing our dueling columns ahead of the Michigan game. 

All of us are continuing to push ourselves to publish our best work while trying to stay on top of classes. 

I am constantly amazed at the determination and perseverance of The State News because of the sheer quantity of news to cover. 

These strange times are indeed overwhelming, but we see it as simply another challenge to tackle. 

This week we published our print election issue and our housing guide together. 

Every election is labeled as “the most important in our lifetime” but this one really feels like it’s the most important.   

It’s difficult to adjust to remote work, no doubt. It feels like doing a lot more work with a lot less productivity. 

I’m extremely proud that our efforts were recognized with national awards with our latest Pacemaker, and we’ll be back for another next year. 

It’s difficult, but not impossible. Even though we aren’t bouncing ideas off each other in person, I feel as though our staff communicates more than it ever has. 

Every day I grapple with the responsibility of my position. I understand the need to uphold this newsroom’s historic legacy while ensuring that this generation of S’Newsers gain valuable experience that prepares them for fulfilling future careers. 

Alums, I can’t thank you enough for laying the groundwork for us. I hope to continue building on that foundation so that you can always look to The State News with pride. 

Sincerely, 

Evan Jones, 

Editor-in-Chief