The Upstart

All hail the emporer!

Logan Smith is the 2025 MIPA Prank Wars champion. Smith got the last laugh at the 2025 MIPA Variety Talent Show tonight as his fantasy world of Mipans had rival Jeremy Steele bowing down and admitting defeat by reciting “Logan is smarter than Jeremy.”

Read about the origin of the war in the article titled “Prank Wars: Where it all started” posted on The Upstart website.

The evening of July 22, political reporters Dave Clark, Jordyn Hermani and Ian Kullgren came to MIPA to speak on their experiences as journalists in the political field and take questions from students.


Photo credit: Ashe Watson

Beyond the Basics, the beginner photography class here at MIPA, took a leap with their photography at the political journalist panel last night, July 22. Students practiced the skill of taking photos at a conference using different angles, settings and positions.

Sports broadcasting had the opportunity to tour Breslin Center, Spartan Stadium and Munn Ice Arena yesterday, July 21.

On Monday, July 21, Sports Broadcaster Jesse Goldberg-Strassler gave a press conference to MIPA campers. Students from various classes could ask questions about his career in media. Goldberg-Strassler is the voice of the Lansing Lugnuts and has been since 2009. A day in his life consists of interviewing athletes and coaches, gathering statistics and organizing social graphics of each game. Thank you Jesse Goldberg-Strassler for your time, experience and dedication to helping young journalists!

Photo and Graphic Credits: Reena Natla and Taylor Gabrielson