Today’s weather forecast is predicting overcast skies with a high of 49 degrees and a low of 19 degrees. For the weekend it looks like partly cloudy skies so we’ll see some sun peaking there with temps in the high 20s and low 30s.
MSU student in custody following social media threat against university
An individual is in custody after making a social media threat against Michigan State University on Wednesday. According to MSU’s Department of Police and Public Safety, the threat appeared around 2 p.m. on Snapchat, posted to the MSU 2028 page. The post referenced the tragic 2023 campus shooting and included a disturbing message: ‘There’s going to be another shooting at Michigan State. I’m so glad, this school definitely deserves it and everyone here should die.’
MSU police acted quickly to identify and contact the person responsible. They’ve now confirmed that an 18-year-old MSU student is in custody, located at Case Hall, and transported to the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities are pursuing felony charges for the misuse of electronic communications.
MSU’s police department emphasized their commitment to investigating these threats seriously, ensuring the safety of the campus community. Fortunately, they’ve confirmed there is no current threat to students or staff.
MSU researchers study possible benefits of new AI tutoring software
Michigan State University is exploring the impact of AI on learning through the Khanmigo program, a new generative AI tool sponsored by the Office of Undergraduate Education. MSU researchers are examining how Khanmigo is being used in various programs, including college algebra, STEM scholarships, and support programs for first-generation students.
Unlike programs like ChatGPT, Khanmigo helps students learn by asking questions and guiding them through subjects like math, science, and writing. Caitlin Kirby, a project researcher, is studying how integrating Khanmigo into courses affects student performance. Instructors are testing different methods, like offering it passively versus actively encouraging its use, to see which approach yields the best results.
MSU’s Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities is also involved, offering Khanmigo to support students with varying learning needs. The goal is to provide personalized, accessible learning experiences, especially in large classes. Researchers are hopeful that Khanmigo can help students improve their learning outcomes and engage more effectively with their coursework.
MSU professors, international food security programs in limbo amid USAID freeze
Michigan State University professors are feeling the impact of a federal freeze on USAID funding. Mywish Maredia, a professor in the Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics, was en route to Myanmar for a USAID project when she learned the program had been suspended. Like Maredia, many MSU researchers now face uncertainty as a 90-day freeze on foreign aid, implemented by President Trump’s executive order, halts critical projects aimed at improving food security and education abroad.
Maredia’s project, Sera Bora, focuses on boosting food security in countries like Kenya and Myanmar by improving agricultural policies. But now, she and others are unsure whether they’ll receive clearance to continue their work after the freeze ends in March.
MSU’s College of Education faces similar challenges with its USAID grant aimed at improving higher education in Malawi. The suspension has brought operations to a standstill, but project leaders are staying prepared to resume once the review period ends.
Despite the disruptions, MSU faculty are optimistic that these international collaborations benefit not just the countries they serve but the U.S. economy as well, through stronger global trade and partnerships.
Based on original reporting by Demonte Thomas and Hannah Locke.
To end our last episode of the week, here are a few announcements!
Here is the MSU Athletic line-up for the weekend…
Tomorrow
- Women’s Basketball will take on Minnesota at 2 P.M. at the Breslin Center.
Sunday
- Men’s Basketball will play Wisconsin at 1:30 P.M. at the Breslin Center.
Finishing up our episode, here’s the MSU weekend events line-up…
Tomorrow
- From 11 A.M. to 3 P.M. the NOURISH Family Day will take place at the Broad Art Museum where you can make creative connections with hands-on and interactive family fun.
For our final announcement, there won’t be any episodes next week due to spring break.
