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Michigan State’s Independent Voice
BUSINESSES SEE INFLUX AFTER CAMPUSWIDE POWER OUTAGE SEE PAGE 7
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Grand River Ave businesses continue to have power after a campuswide power outage affecting all Michigan State students in East Lansing, Mich., on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026. Photo by Fatih Gorkem Imamoglu.
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2026
Vol. 117 | No. 4
EDITORIAL TEAM
CONTACT THE STATE NEWS
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Lily Cole
(517) 295-1680 NEWSROOM/CORRECTIONS (517) 295-5149 feedback@statenews.com
EDITORS Isabella Cucchetti Lucas Gentilia Ria Gupta Katelyn Holsten Melody Meyer Cooper Schwartz Anna Williams
GENERAL MANAGER Christopher Richert ADVERTISING M-F, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The State News is published by the students of Michigan State University every other Tuesday during the academic year. News is updated seven days a week at statenews.com. State News Inc. is a private, nonprofit corporation. Its current 990 tax form is available for review upon request at 435 E. Grand River Ave. during business hours.
REPORTERS Emma Bowman Tyler Gaylord Delayna Jade Isabell Ku MULTIMEDIA Sydney Gaietto Brendan Mullin Ever Pratt-Hart Ari Saperstein
One copy of this newspaper is available free of charge to any member of the MSU community. Additional copies available at The State News office for a fee.
DESIGN Julia Bugar Lila Tuell Ella Yip
Copyright © 2026 State News Inc., East Lansing, Michigan
X Michigan State sophomore setter Malayah Long (7) reaches for the ball during a match at Breslin Center in East Lansing, Mich., on Friday, Sept. 25, 2026. Photo by Brendan Mullin.
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SPORTS Michigan State safety Devin Vaught (2) and linebacker Jordan Hall (5) run down a Nebraska player in Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Mich., on Saturday, Sept. 26. 2026. Photo by Ever Pratt-Hart.
NEBRASKA ROLLS PAST MSU 31-13 IN BIG TEN OPENER By Tyler Gaylord tgaylord@statenews.com The student section migrated toward the exits, and scattered boos filled Spartan Stadium at halftime. Michigan State football’s manageable seven-point deficit ballooned to 14 in the closing minutes of the first half, sucking the belief out of the building. The Spartans lost 31-13 to Nebraska in their first conference matchup under MSU head coach Pat Fitzgerald, a disappointing performance that killed most of the buzz built up over the opening three weeks. At the end of the second half, it was fans dressed in Cornhusker red who filled the sparse stands. “We played so poorly,” Fitzgerald said. “We need to play cleaner, play better. It’s on (the coaches). It’s on me.” An 8-yard run on the first play of the game followed by a first down on the next promised offensive consistency, but the drive soon fizzled out. Just four plays later, the Spartans punting after a sack on third-and-7 foiled any chance of moving the chains. Though MSU’s offense failed to find a rhythm, its defense set the tone from Nebraska’s first offensive snap. The Cornhuskers gained 5 yards on their opening drive as the Spartans got to the quarterback on first and third down, 4
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forcing two throwaways. MSU’s offense took the field again with zeros on the scoreboard, and this time, walked away with points. Two penalties for 20 yards against Nebraska and a 23-yard reception off a screen from graduate running back Cam Edwards got the Spartans to Nebraska’s 35 yard line in six plays. Edwards left the game with a right knee injury after his reception and was carted from the medical tent to the locker room. Graduate running back Jaziun Patterson mainly filled Edwards’ role. He finished the game with 54 yards on 16 carries and a touchdown. MSU picked up one more first down before stalling at Nebraska’s 30-yard line after backto-back sacks, two of Nebraska’s six sacks on the day. The Spartans settled for a 48-yard field goal, taking the game’s first lead, 3-0. The Spartan defense continued to shut down the Cornhuskers’ offense on its second drive, forcing a punt after four plays. MSU blocked and recovered the punt at Nebraska’s 32-yard line, but the play was erased by a holding call on the Spartans. Nebraska made the most of its second chance, as quarterback Anthony Colandrea launched a 44-yard pass to the end zone three plays later to take a 7-3 lead. It was a play that sparked an offense that finished the game with 369 total yards.
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Colandrea led the way, throwing for a second touchdown and finishing 15 of 26 for 212 yards through the air, adding 66 yards on the ground. The Spartans held Nebraska to just 157 rushing yards, well below the 263 yards per game the Cornhuskers came in averaging. It was a sequence of plays that killed all the momentum MSU’s defense had built in the first quarter. The Cornhuskers’ lead grew to 11 after they scored another touchdown after a Spartan three-and-out. MSU needed to respond, it did the opposite. Graduate quarterback Cam Fancher trotted out for the Spartans’ next drive and threw an interception on the second play, setting up the Cornhuskers’ offense at MSU’s 29 yard line. It was Fancher’s last appearance of the game, and one of three turnovers for Nebraska. Though it was just the second quarter, the game appeared sealed; a 14-3 lead looked poised to evolve to 21-3 in the following plays. MSU held Nebraska to a field goal despite favorable field position, keeping the deficit manageable. The Spartans then cut the lead to seven, riding the momentum from the stand to a 10-play, 79-yard drive lasting 3:49, capped by a 2-yard touchdown run from Patterson. It seemed that MSU had fought its way back into a one-score game before halftime, but the Cornhuskers finished a 14-play, 74-yard drive
with a touchdown, extending the lead to 24-10 with two seconds on the clock before halftime. The Spartans consistently built momentum throughout the first half, only to have it come crashing down on one play, whether it was the turnovers or penalties that kept Nebraska’s offense on the field. “We turn the ball over; we have untimely penalties,” Fitzgerald said. “We block a punt. We get called for holding. I mean, those things you can’t do and expect to win games.”
NEBRASKA
MSU
Total Yards 369
257
Passing Yards 212
218
Rushing Yards 157
39
Sacks 6
0
Penalties (Yards) 7 (60)
5 (60) Graphic by Lila Tuell.
‘Falling’ in love with Hayride fashion: How to create the perfect autumn look By Emma Bowman ebowman@statenews.com The fall semester at Michigan State University is full of rich traditions that connect students and alumni alike. One of the most treasured events that all students aim to attend in their undergraduate years is hayride. Each week, groups of students pile onto a bus and head to a local farm, where they gather around a bonfire, explore corn mazes and take tractor rides around the property. This uniquely Midwestern tradition is about more than just the activities that the students partake in; it’s also an opportunity to embrace the classic autumn aesthetics. Figuring out an outfit that is both practical for a cold October night and on-theme with fall trends is tricky, but not impossible. A good starting point for picking the perfect hayride outfit is denim. Denim fabric is typically a little thicker and can retain heat, ultimately keeping you warmer than many other materials. Denim on denim, better
known as “Canadian tuxedos,” has become increasingly popular and a fall fashion staple in recent years. With the versatility of being able to wear either a cute sweater or a comfy sweatshirt underneath the jacket, this is a great way to stay on trend without letting the cold get to you. A dark jean jacket or mini skirt paired with a white chunky sweater and a pair of tan boots is perfect for this occasion. One of the most popular items year after year is flannel jackets. Fall is a major season for all things plaid, so students gravitate towards it for hayride. It is a great alternative to a jean jacket and can be paired with any kind of plain bottoms. Most commonly, these are seen with lighter jeans and are layered on top of a sweatshirt. An easy way to dress trendy is by wearing the season’s hottest colors, patterns and designs; the autumn months are known for muted, earthy tones. Incorporating pieces in these shades is an effortless way to embrace the fall aesthetic. Whether it’s a burgundy sweater, brown boots or an
olive colored jacket, these little pops of color will ensure you have the perfect hayride outfit. As for patterns, stripes, zebra print and deer print are being seen on all different types of clothing and accessories. Some other, more traditional fall designs that are fun to include in your outfit are hunting cameo and, of course, plaid. As long as it’s not overdone in the outfit, these timeless yet trendy designs will keep you looking stylish. With Hayrides happening at dusk in mid-to-late October, temperatures drop extremely fast. One of the most important tricks to understand in order to keep yourself warm is layering. This can become tricky when wanting to have the perfect outfit, but comfort is the most important factor in enjoying your hayride. When it comes to pants, putting on leggings or even fleece pajama pants underneath a loose pair of jeans or sweats will work wonders. As for tops, wearing bodysuits or another long-sleeved top will help retain heat
A&C beneath the top layer. Incorporating a jacket or a vest into the look is also never a bad idea. Perhaps the biggest part of Hayride fashion is the accessories. One of the most beloved parts of this fall farm tradition is the iconic water jugs, which give each student the opportunity to customize them to their liking. Each jug gets painted to match certain superheroes, cartoon characters, Halloween themes, etc. Often, a group of friends or dates will throw mini jug painting parties to ensure they match a certain character or theme. Customizable jugs have become a staple in the hayride experience because of the creativity it allows from each student. Aside from the jugs, other accessories that put the finishing touches on the perfect hayride outfit include chunky jewelry, scarves, headbands and gloves. These small details can elevate a simple look while adding personality and warmth. Pairing a burgundy sweat set with chunky gold jewelry, a black puffer vest and a matching black headband creates a comfortable yet trendy look that is perfect for an October night. Hayride fashion is so much more than putting together the perfect
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autumn outfit. It is a chance for students to show off their personality while enjoying one of Michigan State’s most beloved autumn traditions. Regardless of the weather, being both stylish and comfortable will make the experience that much more memorable. By the time everyone piles back onto the bus heading back to East Lansing, the outfits might be covered in a bit of dirt and sporting the smell of campfire. But after all, Hayride only comes once a year, so why not dress the part?
Illustrations by Ella Yip.
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OPINION
YOU DON’T NEED SUBSTANCES TO BE SOCIAL By Isabell Ku iku@statenews.com Year after year, September predictably welcomes eager hoards of students to their college campuses. That’s a sure thing. Everyone is raring to see their friends again, haunting the downtown streets and crowding backyard concerts. East Lansing is no different. Bar lines stretch down the street and joyous hoots and hollering echo through the trees. Newer students test out the frat parties with trepidation before discovering house parties and a reliable friend group, while returning students show up in droves to friends’ houses to rekindle bonds. In this quest for finding and re-establishing friendships, one thing remains constant from frequent ventures to parties of all kinds: the plethora of emotional support joints and mixed drinks. Almost every student clutches a bottle like a lifeline or sucks at a cigarette aggressively. The interesting thing is that these temporary floaties used to survive choppy social waters are also an indication of a deeper problem in these students’ lives. This is not an anti-substances letter, nor is this meant to place blame on anyone. There’s nothing wrong with indulging on a night out, I love an occasional cheeky drink at the end of the week too. Rather, I’m imploring folks to take a second and reconsider using drinks or a quick smoke as a coping mechanism in stressful social situations. After all, walking into a room of strangers and into an atmosphere which you aren’t sure is willing to hold you is no simple job. Now you have to step out there and try not to make a fool of yourself. What if you make the wrong joke? You think that person just looked at you weirdly. Maybe you laughed too loud. Oh, did you insert yourself too aggressively into someone else’s conversation? But, right, none of that matters if you’re not overthinking anymore because you’ve had a few drinks, and the next morning you can’t remember your blunders from last night. Though, don’t you think it’d be nice to remember names and conversations the next day? 6
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Making friends and maintaining relationships might be easier if you could remember the people you meet each weekend. Besides, I find it challenging to believe that you can get to know your homegirl at a function if you only repeat the same polite ‘how are you?’ every time you happen to run into each other again.
“Here’s the thing. Good social and conversational skills don’t appear magically” Isabell Ku State News Opinion reporter
Let me give you some credit, however. Being a good conversationalist is a lost art. It’s just particularly noticeable at a party because it’s the one space that is designed entirely to have strangers speak to one another. At a party, there’s nothing to hide behind, and it quickly becomes clear that people have no idea how to interact without a social crutch. Thus, the overreliance on substances. Inhibitions are lowered, and hearts can be worn on sleeves without worry. It can be easy to let it serve as a shield, a haze to hide behind. Nothing you say really matters because the blame can be placed on something other than yourself. There’s no accountability, and it’s easier to explain it away when the sun rises. Instead of properly learning how to navigate and create good conversation, people turn to substances to survive a new encounter. I think it’s a shame that this is what human interaction has been reduced to. Young people are lucky to walk away with a genuine connection nowadays. Here’s the thing. Good social and conversational skills don’t appear magically. I’m afraid that’s not how it works even though many of us wish they did. It’s not a small feat. It can be demoralizing, and somewhat of a humiliation ritual to make friends. Trying to make friends can make you feel
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Roxy Riot performs at Dublin Square in East Lansing, Mich., on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026. Photo by Ari Saperstein.
like Meredith Grey from Grey’s Anatomy when she says “Pick me, choose me, love me.” It turns out, making friends is one of the most vulnerable acts you can commit yourself to. Doing it sober means being brave. And the thing about life is that you’re going to have to do a lot of brave things in order to grow. I promise, it’s easier to try and fail now than it is to unlearn being reliant on something you might not always be able to rely on. I’ve had multiple acquaintances and friends tell me that it’s “easier” to socialize with something in their system. Or, that they’re able to do karaoke as long as they’re weaving on their feet. No inhibitions feels good. Like I said, approaching strangers as a bid for connection can be scary sometimes; the words you want to say just shrivel up in your mouth. To that, I say: do it scared. Do it scared until your heart only flutters sometimes and no longer palpitates. No, I’m not claiming that this is easy when you’re first giving it a shot. You’re going to feel off-kilter, a little unsteady, but that’s part of the process. Do it scared until you’re not faking it anymore, and it becomes second nature. I, too, used to be horrified when I knew I had to go socialize with strangers. I didn’t have anyone give me a heart-to-heart like this, so I had to take
that leap alone, but I can assure you the other side is worth it. Embrace the nerves and trust that you’re welcome in the room you’ve walked into. And if for whatever reason you aren’t, then you’ve discovered that these people aren’t meant for you. I’m going to let you in on a secret, though: it’s all about curiosity. You have to want to know this person. Anything else is only going to land you back to square one. Stop worrying about how you’re being perceived for one minute and be present in the moment. You’re going to want to remember the people meant for you. You’ll want to remember that you do want to invite them and their friends to play soccer with you on Sunday afternoons. You’ll want to remember that you meant to ask them if they’d grab a coffee with you so you can properly discuss what you really think about Deftones. At the end of the day, you have to sit with that fear, with that excitement. Dulling it with alcohol or whatever else doesn’t make you better at conversation. Sure, you don’t fall and embarrass yourself, but you also don’t train yourself to be better. It’s more that you found a temporary fix to your problem. The long-term solution is to face the music. Initiate that friendship without help, bring good vibes to everyone you meet and put your best foot forward. You’ll be better off for it. Isabell Ku is a senior studying English.
NEWS
FROM COVER:
GRAND RIVER BUSINESSES EXPERIENCE INFLUX OF STUDENTS WITH CAMPUS OUTAGES impact89fm.org By Delayna Jade djade@statenews.com Businesses on Grand River Avenue saw a wave of Michigan State University students looking for a place to stay during the campuswide power outage on Saturday. “We were at max capacity for a couple of hours,” said Mikala Meads, a barista at Foxtail Coffee. “Throughout the entire week, students were here just to find a place to hang out, get school work done and try to maintain a normal life.” A failure at the T.B. Simon Power Plant, which produces electricity and steam power for campus, led to multiple dining hall closures over the weekend. Dining halls served adapted menus to cater to the lack of gas, but limited options led many students to Grand River Avenue businesses instead. Psychology freshman Moriah Campbell waited over an hour on Saturday night for a DoorDash delivery from Firehouse Subs. Afterwards, she and her friends went for a walk to get out of the dorms. “The dining halls were closed and they didn’t announce the limited menus until later, after
Sparty’s was closed and our microwave wasn’t working,” Campbell said. Auntie Anne’s employee Matt Wagdmann said the outage was “helpful” for their business. It was “a positive thing” since it brought in so many customers. Wagdmann said Auntie Anne’s had to tell people to come in early to adjust for the unexpected rush and the influx of orders. “We had a new person training that day,” Wagdmann said. Some businesses were already prepared for a dinner rush, even with the unexpected outage. “We didn’t have to call anybody in,” Cottage Inn worker Joe Grove said. “Everyone we needed was already here.” “It wasn’t really packed,” Grove said. “Students would wander in, but then the phones kept ringing and ringing and online orders kept coming through.” During the power outage, Cottage Inn received more online orders than usual, Grove said. Many of the students at Cottage Inn took their food elsewhere, but others were “sitting and chilling” because “they had issues getting back into their dorms, and they were looking for a place to hang out and charge their phones.”
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Michigan State University students eat dinner in booths at Raising Cane’s in East Lansing, Mich., on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2026. Photo by Sydney Gaietto.
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