MSU Today with Russ White

Russ White
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MSU Today with Russ White

MSU Today is a lively look at Michigan State University-related people, places, events and attitudes put into focus by Russ White. The show airs Saturdays at 5 P.M. and Sundays at 5 A.M. on 102.3 FM and AM 870 WKAR, and 8 P.M. on AM 760 WJR.

  1. Spartan Bus Tour highlights MSU’s impact in Detroit

    MAY 7

    Spartan Bus Tour highlights MSU’s impact in Detroit

    For decades, Michigan State University has been working with partners in Detroit to support the city’s economic development, advance the arts, transform schools, improve health and protect the environment. And, after a successful and illuminating trip with visits along the western Lower Peninsula of Michigan in the fall of 2024, this May, the Spartan Bus Tour headed to Detroit. Just as the inaugural Spartan Bus Tour demonstrated how Spartans are making a difference across the state, a tour of metro Detroit illustrated how the partnerships between the city and Michigan State are changing our state for the better. Taking place May 5 and 6 with stops at 12 locations in the Detroit area, the tour was led by MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz, and included a delegation of 50 faculty and administrators who explored the breadth and depth of the university’s research, outreach and education impact in a city that, like MSU, values resilience, hard work and a commitment to solving problems and empowering people for better lives. Conversation Highlights: (1:20) - President Guskiewicz sets the scene.  (2:00) - The Zekelman Holocaust Center opened its doors in 1984 in West Bloomfield and relocated to the current Farmington Hills location in 2004. It was the first stop on the tour. The center is home to the Holocaust Museum exhibit and an extensive research library, archives and special exhibit galleries. Each year, more than 150,000 people visit the center, whose mission is to engage, educate and empower by remembering the Holocaust. Eli Mayerfeld is CEO of the Holocaust Museum. (6:35) - The second stop on Day 1 was at the Detroit Partnership for Food, Learning and Innovation, or DPFLI: The DPFLI was founded in 2017 and is MSU’s first urban agriculture center. Housed within MSU Extension, the partnership in northwest Detroit focuses on research and education to improve the lives of Detroiters and serves as a community space for residents. Naim Edwards directs DPFLI, George Smith directs MSU AgBioResearch and Dave Ivan directs the Community Food and Environment Institute. (16:07) - The third stop on Day 1 was at The Shepherd and LANTERN, which are part of Library Street Collective’s ongoing artistic commitment to Detroit’s Little Village neighborhood. Anthony Curis is co-founder of The Shepherd and Library Street Collective.  (21:30) - The fourth stop on Day 1 was a visit to Magna International: Magna International is the largest automobile parts manufacturer in North America with its U.S. headquarters in Troy. Heather Holm is talent attraction and employer brand manager. (23:44) - Stop five on Day 1 was at the Apple Developer Academy: Partnering with MSU, Apple’s first U.S.-based academy was launched in 2021 in Detroit where participants learn the essentials of coding, design and business with Apple tools. The academy offers free programs of 10 months and four weeks, and, to date, has graduated more than 1,000 learners from the metro Detroit area. Sarah Gretter is director of the academy, and Anny Staten is assistant director. (27:10) - The final stop...

    53 min
  2. MSU IPPSR State of the State podcast focuses on trade and tariffs

    MAY 1

    MSU IPPSR State of the State podcast focuses on trade and tariffs

    State of the State is the monthly round up of policy and research for the state of Michigan from Michigan State University’s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR). Matt Grossmann and Arnold Weinfeld from IPPSR are joined by economist Charley Ballard to discuss the latest in politics and the economy. MSU Supply Chain Professor Jason Miller joins the trio to discuss the trade and tariff issues dominating the news. Conversation Highlights: (1:14) – Ballard unpacks the latest numbers showing a shrinking national economy. And he talks about Michigan’s unemployment numbers showing an increase in labor participation in the state despite an uptick in Michigan’s unemployment numbers. (4:32) - Grossmann on the political implications of the economic numbers. (7:32) – What about immigration? What are the political implications of the court rulings mostly going against the Trump administration? (9:34) – Is a lot of the American electorate in the middle of the extremes shown by the Biden and Trump positions on immigration? (10:40) – Are the court defeats for the Trump administration helping to inform the Democrats strategy to restrict Trump? (12:15) – What’s the status of Republican budget and tax proposals? “It’s difficult to have high spending, low taxes, and a balanced budget.” (14:34) – Miller weighs in on the latest trade and tariff news. “The United States will not win a trade war with China. U.S. consumers do not like to find empty shelves in stores.” (18:43) – Is there long-term isolation ahead for the United States when it comes to trade? (22:37) – How will Michigan’s economy be impacted as the trade war continues. Will Trump back down? (25:43) – How will Americans react to empty shelves in the stores? How do these tariffs compare to the tariffs in the first Trump term? There are more consumer goods impacted this time. What is the worst-case scenario? Do bigger tariffs mean bigger problems for Trump? Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

    33 min
  3. Shawn Turner on the power of public media, the work WKAR does, and how you can help shape its future

    APR 30

    Shawn Turner on the power of public media, the work WKAR does, and how you can help shape its future

    The next few weeks are critical, says WKAR Public Media General Manager Shawn Turner. As Congress prepares to vote on the issue of federal funding for public media, the most important voices that will influence the decisions of lawmakers are yours. Approximately $1.60 is the amount each taxpayer contributes to federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. That $1.60 is seed money for a national system of local public television and radio stations.  Shawn Turner joins me now to expound on the value of public media. Americans receive a lot of public services in communities across the country for $1.60. Conversation Highlights: (1:08) - Public media provides an essential universal service. Together, public media broadcasters reach up to 99 percent of the American populations, regardless of zip code or income level, including in communities where commercial television can’t succeed. The value extends well beyond radio and television.   (2:42) - Public media is the only free, national media resource that operates with a public service mission, not commercial interest. At WKAR Public Media from Michigan State University, we serve our mission to inform, educate, and inspire through sharing exceptional original content, connecting with community, fostering learning, and much more.   (3:43) - The noncommercial model is particularly important and unique in the children’s media space. PBS stations reach more parents of young children than any other children’s TV networks. 63 percent of parents surveyed named PBS KIDS® the most educational media brand for children, substantially outscoring the second-most highly rated brand, YouTube, at 13 percent.   (5:04) - Public media stations are locally operated and locally controlled, providing unique, local, essential services. They make their own programming decisions reflecting the unique needs of those living within their broadcast area. For WKAR, that local control means the ability to serve audiences across a region that includes a state capital, a Big Ten University, manufacturing facilities and family-owned farms.  (6:24) – WKAR is committed to providing locally focused, balanced content that serves the needs and broad range of viewpoints across this varied community. Michigan hunting and fishing, DIY and travel shows, classical music, performing arts, drama, politics and government. There truly is something for everyone.  (7:28) - The work and impact of any local public media station goes far beyond the broadcast. Stations engage in community events that celebrate local cultures and foster open discussion. Many have educational outreach efforts that connect educators and caregivers with free educational broadcast, streaming and gaming resources available from PBS KIDS.   (9:03) – How can listeners and viewers make their voices heard in support of WKAR and all public media? Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

    11 min
  4. MSU USAID projects terminated by the Trump administration

    APR 30

    MSU USAID projects terminated by the Trump administration

    All MSU USAID programs have been cut as the federal government seeks to reshape higher education and cut what it sees as wasteful spending. At MSU, nine direct and five flow-through USAID projects were terminated, amounting to more than $20 million in funding lost.  USAID is a government agency that provides international humanitarian assistance. The agency provides an array of programs and aid, some of which is done through grants given to universities for projects that provide help to countries in need. (State News – April 17, 2025). Feed the Global Resource Lead for the Future Biotech Potato Partnership Communications Manager Janet Fierro and professor and director of MSU Potato Breeding and Genetics David Douches join me to discuss the impact of the funding cuts. Douches’ Feed the Future Global Biotech Potato Partnership was one of the cancelled USAID programs. Conversation Highlights: (1:08) - Describe your background and role at MSU. (2:53) - What is the mission of USAID? Has President Trump painted a misguided view of USAID? (5:23) - What projects will end due to the termination of funding? What will the impact be as these projects end? (7:45) - This work is consistent with MSU’s land grant and world grant mission. Generational progress will stop. The long-term institutional vision of higher education differs from the short-term vision of corporations. Higher education is the place for this work. Decades of taxpayer money will be wasted. Investment becomes waste. (11:39) - This work is not about building up foreign competition. America first is not America only. Everything is global. “You can’t build a peaceful world on empty stomachs and human misery.” (13:53) - What’s next? Is there any hope of having the funding restored? What would you like listeners of this conversation to know and take away? And how can they help? (16:13) – More on advances in potato research using biotechnology. (21:27) – Michigan is a national leader in bean production and the number one state in the country for producing potatoes used to make potato chips. MSU research performed passionately around the world helps make American agriculture better too. And MSU has an outstanding reputation around the world. Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

    28 min
  5. Tom Izzo on the “unprecedented crazy times” in college athletics

    APR 17

    Tom Izzo on the “unprecedented crazy times” in college athletics

    Michigan State University Spartans Basketball Coach Tom Izzo met with the media on April 16 to discuss the state of the sport he loves and all of college athletics. Conversation Highlights: (0:00) – Tom’s opening remarks. “We’ve created a bad system, and it’s not specific to MSU. My biggest concern is that people are in the ears of the players all year. The portal is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. I’m worried about the kids; the pressure on them is enormous.” (10:24) – How do you manage the outside money? – “I’d love to have more transparency.” (16:44) – What keeps you doing this? – “I’m still living the dream.” (20:49) – Are these issues seeping down to the high schools? (25:06) – Talk about the departures of Gehrig Normand, Xavier Booker, and Tre Holloman. (31:48) – Are there conversations going on to try to change the system? (34:50) – Talk more about Jase Richardson. (39:26) – Is there an appetite among the players for more structure? – “There will be more unintended consequences.” (47:31) – What solutions would you suggest? And if nothing changes, where are we headed? – “I wish there was total transparency. And I wish coaches would respect each other more than I think we do.” (54:09) – How do you go about retaining your current players? (58:48) – Closing thoughts and Jud-isms. Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

    1h 3m
  6. Sixth annual Izzo Run, Walk and Roll is April 27 on the MSU campus

    APR 7

    Sixth annual Izzo Run, Walk and Roll is April 27 on the MSU campus

    The Izzo family has partnered with Playmakers to host this premium experience on the campus of Michigan State University. The mission is to connect alumni and the MSU and Mid-Michigan communities in a positive celebration of Coach Izzo's legacy.  The events include a 5K run/walk, 5K roll, 1/2 K walk/roll, kids' races and a virtual 5K. All events will focus on fitness, fun, family, Spartan spirit and charitable giving. Proceeds from the 2025 Izzo Run/Walk/Roll will continue to support an endowment for The Izzo Legacy that will ensure charitable giving for years to come.  Lupe Izzo and Marcy Gillespie Kinzer join me on this episode of MSU Today to discuss the history and mission of The Izzo Legacy and the details of the 2025 Izzo Run/Walk/Roll. Lupe is the founder and president of The Izzo Legacy, and Marcy is the Legacy’s executive director. Conversation Highlights: (0:40) – Lupe, where does your ethos of community, altruism and giving back come from? (1:34) – What led you and Tom to create The Izzo Legacy? (4:52) – What is the mission of The Izzo Legacy? (5:22) – Marcy, what’s your background, and what motivated you to become executive director of The Izzo Legacy? (6:59) – What are the details of the Izzo Run Walk and Roll potential participants should know? Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

    10 min
  7. National Registry of Exonerations Releases Annual Report

    APR 3

    National Registry of Exonerations Releases Annual Report

    Barbara O’Brien is a Professor of Law at the MSU College of Law at Michigan State University. And she’s editor of the National Registry of Exonerations.  The National Registry of Exonerations records exonerations won by exonerators such as Innocence Organizations, Conviction Integrity Units, and law school clinics.  The registry captures statistics and analyzes trends, which are used by social justice advocates, legislative policymakers, legal scholars and researchers, and the media. The second week or April is National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. Conversation Highlights: (0:53) - What’s your background? How long have you been at MSU Law, and what attracted you here? (1:33) - What is an exoneration? (3:19) - How did you get interested and involved in tracking exonerations? (4:41) - Why was the National Registry of Exonerations formed and why is it important to document annual exoneration cases? How many cases have you tracked to date? (7:33) - How much work goes intro tracking exonerations? Can you walk us through that process? (9:47) - Every year, you release a report. What were some of the key findings from the 2024 report? (11:59) - Why should people care about this work? How has it helped lead to justice for wrongly convicted Americans? (15:43) - Has our criminal justice and legal system gotten better at investigating and bringing justice for wrongly convicted Americans? (19:54) - Are you able to share any of the applications of the report? Or in other words, are law firms, policy makers, or advocacy organizations using the registry? (21:46) - Where can people connect with the registry? Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

    25 min
  8. State of the State podcast examines Michiganders’ attitudes toward recycling

    APR 3

    State of the State podcast examines Michiganders’ attitudes toward recycling

    State of the State is the monthly round up of policy and research for the state of Michigan from Michigan State University’s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR). Matt Grossmann and Arnold Weinfeld from IPPSR are joined by economist Charley Ballard to discuss the latest in politics and the economy. Matt is away this month. Arnold and Charley welcome MSU ecological economist Robert Richardson to this month’s episode. Richardson is interested in the study of the environment and development. He recently led a team at MSU to study attitudes towards recycling in Michigan, especially as it relates to increasing what is known as the tipping fee. That’s a disposal surcharge placed on garbage haulers. Conversation Highlights: (2:25) – Charley comments on the “stunning, shocking, and astonishing” tariffs President Trump has put in place. (10:19) - Is there any indication from prior history on the use of tariffs as to their efficacy in balancing trade or creating new jobs?  (16:10) – Richardson describes his team’s research. (19:25) – What did your survey find? (24:47) – “There’s a great deal of logic if you’re a landfill owner.” (27:46) – How do we encourage more recycling? And are citizens willing to pay more if they could recycle more products? (29:53) – “If you make recycling easy, you get a lot more recycling.” (31:29) – How does Michigan’s bottle bill impact the state’s recycling rate? Listen to “MSU Today with Russ White” on the radio and through Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your shows.

    33 min
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About

MSU Today is a lively look at Michigan State University-related people, places, events and attitudes put into focus by Russ White. The show airs Saturdays at 5 P.M. and Sundays at 5 A.M. on 102.3 FM and AM 870 WKAR, and 8 P.M. on AM 760 WJR.

Information

  • Creator
    Russ White
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    412
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Russ White
  • Show Website
    MSU Today with Russ White

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