Thursday, April 23, 2026

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PODCASTS

The 1909: MSU professors on research hit-list

Academics reporter Hannah Locke joins the show to discuss federal threats to MSU research from U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, who spearheaded a database in October 2024, which flagged more than 3,400 grants funded by the NSF that "promoted Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) or advanced neo-Marxist class warfare propaganda."  

COMMUNITY

The Fledge: How one Lansing community center is helping break the cycle of poverty

Founded by computer scientist Jerry Norris, The Fledge operates as a system designed to support under-resourced individuals by providing essential resources and a launchpad for opportunity. His model — involving the blockchain, punk shows and advocacy — has received attention from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the federal government for helping tens of thousands across the state.

PODCASTS

All Shades of Chocolate: Representation in literature

Host Jada Vasser and guest Reiel Ghiglia discuss the importance of seeing yourself in different book genres, along with highlighting the importance of Black authors in the space of literature. They also discuss the pertinence of staying up to date with the news, and how book bans target authors of marginalized identities. 

EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT

MSU alumni return to perform at the Wharton Center

On Tuesday, March 25, the Jazz at Lincoln Center’s “New Orleans Songbook” will make an appearance at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts’ Cobb Great Hall. The “New Orleans Songbook” will be led by music director, arranger and pianist Luther S. Allison, who received his Master of Music in jazz studies from MSU in 2019, and will also feature bass player Liany Mateo, who received her bachelor's degree in jazz studies, majoring in bass performance, in 2020.