The State - A Podcast from The State News + Impact 89FM

In the news today: MSU to lift mask mandate for most indoor settings on March 6. Applications open for 2022 'SpartaHack' programming marathon. Spartans take down Boilermakers in 2nd round opener. 

In the news today: MSU names new VP of university advancement. How Biden's deputy secretary went from green-and-white to White House. MSU community shows support for Ukraine at 'Spartans Stand With Ukraine' rally. 

In the news today: The City of East Lansing may use stimulus funds to further sustainability efforts. African history museum offers opportunity to explore local, global Black history. New McLaren-MSU health campus opens doors. 

In the news today: MSU embraces virtual learning in online grad programs. How the pandemic sheds new light on MSU's supply chain program. Heart Healthy: Cardiovascular MRI imaging is now at Sparrow Hospital. 

In the news today: MSU men's basketball snaps losing streak with 68-65 over Purdue. Erica Simone Barnett takes the stage at Mean Girls at the Wharton Center. Michigan State hockey snaps 13-game losing streak with win over Penn State. 

In the news today: ASMSU pushes for free menstrual products around East Lansing. MSU-led research receives 750k USDA grant for soil health study. Biden says invasion of Ukraine is 'flagrant aggression,' vows U.S. will not join conflict.  

In the news today: Inside the DOE's $1.7 million investment into sustainable plastic research at MSU. 'Bringing together communities' MSU professors to open bookstore, cafe and wine bar. Final MSU Men's Basketball against Iowa. 

In the news today: IPF introduces new navigational app for employees. Renee Knake Jefferson running to keep Board of Trustees seat. MSU women's basketball final against Penn State. 

THIS IS THE STATE FOR TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22ND WHERE WE BRING YOU THE HEADLINES THAT MATTER.  I'M RACHEL FULTON.

On Feb. 19, the mandate requiring masks in educational institutions was lifted in Ingham county. 

According to Ingham county health officer Linda Vail more people in the county have received the vaccine, resulting in the reports of significant low numbers of COVID-19.

Cases have dropped by 78% in the last two weeks, and hospitalizations due to Covid-19 have declined by 34.2%. As of now, Michigan state's mask mandate will stay in place in classrooms and university-owned buildings.

Residents of Ingham county wonder if the community and students are ready for the updated mask mandate regarding their responsibilities on their safety. 

If cases continue to fall throughout spring semester, other COVID-19 mandates may end if masking continues.

Last weekend, students of Michigan State's Honors College left many starstruck with their out of this world fashion.

 The space-themed ball found students inspired by 50s housewives, HBO Max's "Euphoria" and their own cultures to turn out intergalactic looks.

Students such as, first year anthropology and economics student Emma Nicolaysen wore a powdered blue vintage dress borrowed from her roommate with a pair of converse wedges. 

Another first year student, defined his style aesthetic and simple. His outfit was inspired by themes of the hit show "Euphoria" as he wore esque-star based makeup, with subtle gold hoops and rings. 

Two freshmen students represented black history month by wearing a deep wine traditional Ghanian colored shirt and an African Kimono draped over a ruffled blouse.

The Honors College ball was full of fashion and they knew what dress for success meant.

Michigan State women's tennis won their fifth match in a row at a home-court match against Eastern Michigan over the weekend.

The in-state competitors were defending their own four-match streak which the Spartans easily defeated, 6-1. 

Coach Kim Bruno stated that it's not easy to win, no matter who they're playing and the girls have done their duty to win.

The doubles point was easily taken with new doubles pairing Junior Tia Mukherjee and grad student Mary Lewis who ended their match with 6-3.

Mukherjee competed in singles for her first dual match of the season. Mukherjee scored a 6-3 in the first set and 6-0 in the second against Eastern Michigan's sophomore Emma Lou Pommiers.

Even though the Spartans win looked so smooth, they will still need more improvements for their next match in order to stay focus with their winning streak as they go against Bowling Green on Saturday.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US FOR THE STATE... PRODUCED BY THE STATE NEWS AND IMPACT EIGHTY-NINE F-M. YOU CAN FIND US ONLINE AT STATE NEWS DOT COM AND IMPACT EIGHTY-NINE F-M DOT ORG. WE'LL BE BACK TOMORROW WITH MORE.

In the news today: CATA board of directors debate route expansion. How Maya Washington learned about her father's historic legacy. Michigan State Wrestling sneaks out a victory over Central Michigan.