Thursday, March 5, 2026

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News | Multimedia

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.

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.