Today’s weather forecast is predicting overcast skies with a high of 56 degrees and a low of 40 degrees.
Uncommitted National Movement voters splintered before election
A national movement aiming to hold the Democratic Party accountable for its compliance with the war in Gaza remained splintered before the election.
The Uncommitted National Movement is a protest campaign led by anti-war activists who initially pressured President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to support a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and an arms embargo in Israel. It advocated for voters to vote uncommitted in the Michigan Democratic Primaries to send a message to Biden and the Democratic Party.
The movement well surpassed its goal of 10,000 uncommitted votes in Michigan with over 100,000, making up over 13% of total votes cast.
In September, the Uncommitted National Movement announced it would not be endorsing Harris after she failed to meet the movement’s requests, while still urging uncommitted voters against supporting a Trump presidency in any way.
For those who participated in the Uncommitted National Movement’s campaign in Michigan, opinions on the presidential candidates are divided.
Many Arab American voters specifically, have taken a stance against supporting the Democratic party.
Thasin Sardar, trustee for the Islamic Center of East Lansing, proudly said he has worked for the Democratic Party in the past and still identifies as a Democrat.
“We feel disenfranchised, our voices are not being heard,” Thasin said.
When it came time for the Democratic primaries, Thasin said joining the Uncommitted National Movement was “a no-brainer” for him.
But the movement has split into many directions, he said, with some not supporting Harris and others believing her to be better than Republican candidate Donald Trump. Others have gone even further and embraced Trump, which Thasin said he disagrees with but understands.
Horticulture specialists discuss health benefits of houseplants
Houseplants can do much more than just add a touch of greenery to your space — they offer a range of health benefits, many of which are supported by research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and insight from local horticulturists.
One of the most significant advantages of indoor plants is their ability to enhance air quality. Research from the NIH indicates that houseplants can remove more than just carbon dioxide through photosynthesis, they can also filter out volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene, xylene and ammonia, contributing to a healthier indoor environment.
Beyond cleaner air, indoor plants are known to reduce stress and improve mental well-being. NIH research suggests that exposure to natural elements, even indoors, aids in stress recovery and supports positive emotions, behavior and overall health.
Houseplants are also beneficial in workspaces. The NIH emphasizes that regular interaction with plants can lead to a more relaxed state and improved cognitive function. Indicating that having plants nearby can enhance focus and contribute to greater academic and professional success.
For those new to caring for houseplants, horticulture experts recommend starting with drought-tolerant varieties that can thrive in low light and humidity conditions, like Pothos or Snake Plants. For more in-depth knowledge, there will be a class here offered on campus this spring, HRT 222, a course on houseplants.
Based on original reporting by Anish Topiwala and Jessica Pruitt.
